What Every Host Parent Needs to Know About Au Pairs & Culture Shock

FAQs from Host Parents:

1. What is Culture Shock?

Culture Shock is a phenomenon that occurs when a foreigner enters a new culture and experiences unpleasant adjustment symptoms that can range from problems sleeping, mental fatigue, a delay or refusal to speak the new culture’s language, a desire to return home and feelings of hopelessness. All au pairs experience some form of Culture Shock when they first arrive in your home.

Your counselor should have explained this phenomenon and what to expect and how to recognize the symptoms. However, many au pair agencies do not address this critical issue!

2. What should I expect when my new au pair arrives?

Au pairs experience culture shock in varying degrees when they arrive.

Most au pairs adjust quickly and are excited to meet the challenges of her new culture and all that is has to offer.

A significant number of au pairs never adjust and they usually return home soon after their arrival due to a number of reasons.

Culture Shock can disrupt the entire family's schedule and can result in a broken match. Protect your family's well-being and secure your match by knowing the facts behind Culture Shock & Au Pairs. Avoid costly rematches and time away from work.

3. How do I know my au pair is suffering from Culture Shock?

Recognizing Cultural Shock in your Au Pair

You will need to recognize the symptoms of cultural shock before you can help reduce the problems that may arise between your au pair and your family. If you understand how difficult it is for these young girls to adjust to a new country and a strange and different culture, you can be proactive in minimizing the disruption it can have on your family and for your au pair.

4. What happens if the problem doesn't get resolved?

Depression Can Set In

If left unchecked, Culture Shock can result in a clinical depression in your au pair. Some of the warning signs of depression are: homesickness that does not go away in 2-3 weeks, lethargy and sadness. If your au pair develops depression, she will be sent home in order to receive the proper medication and psychological intervention.

5. What should I do if I am a new host parent? How can I be prepared?

Educate yourself! Know as much as you can about Culture Shock so you can deal with it before it results in poor communication, childcare mistakes and/or rematch!

Do Not Hire an Au Pair Before you Read Our Comprehensive Report on Culture Shock and how it can affect your au pair and her relationship with your family and, most of all, your children!