AU PAIR CRASH COURSE

AU PAIR

CRASH COURSE

Start

INDEX

HOST FAMILY

HANDLING EMERGENCIES

CHILD CARE

FOLLOW ROUTINES

HOUSEHOLD CHORES

MOVING ABROAD

HELPING WITH SCHOOLWORK

MEALTIMES

HOST FAMILY

FAMILY MEMBERS

Put the correct family relationship to complete the sentences.

We

are

Siblings

My

and my

are

Brothers-in-law

Daughter-in-law

My

is my

's

Son

Niece

My

is my

's

My

is my

's

CHILDHOOD STAGES

NEWBORN (0-3 MONTHS)

INFANT (3-12 MONTHS)

TODDLER (1-3 YEARS)

SCHOOL AGE (6-12 YEARS)

PRESCHOOL AGE (3-5 YEARS)

PEOPLE AGING STAGES

Put the stages in the correct order.

ADULT

CHILD

TEEN

ELDERLY

LISTENING

Listen to the audio and choose the correct answer.

A. 3

B. 4

1. How many families were featured in the audio?

C. 2

YES!

GOOD JOB!

continue

OH NO!

TRY AGAIN!

Volver

3. How many children does the Robson family have?

2. Where do Ellen and Ryan live?

A. Orlando

A. 5

B. Owio

B. 3

C. Ohio

C. 6

YES!

GOOD JOB!

continue

OH NO!

TRY AGAIN!

Volver

YES!

GOOD JOB!

continue

5. Which family loves music and theater?

4. How old is Sophie?

A. 16

A. Piper family

B. 6

B. Robson family

C. 3

C. Smith family

YES!

GOOD JOB!

continue

OH NO!

TRY AGAIN!

Volver

YES!

GOOD JOB!

continue

6. Is Ellen a single parent?

7. Are Sophie and Dani mother and son?

A. Yes

A. Yes, they are.

B. No, they are siblings

B. No

C. They don't mention it

C. No, they are spouses.

YES!

GOOD JOB!

continue

OH NO!

TRY AGAIN!

Volver

YES!

GOOD JOB!

continue

TALKING WITH YOUR HOST FAMILY

1. Could you please give me a complete tour of the house and yard? Are there any house keys hidden outside or with a neighbor that I should know about?

"Absolutely! Let me take you on a tour of the house and yard. Starting with the house, we have a living room, dining room, kitchen, four bedrooms, and two bathrooms. Our kitchen is fully equipped with everything you need to cook. As for the yard, we have a beautiful garden with a variety of plants and flowers. We also have a patio area with outdoor furniture, perfect for enjoying meals or just relaxing outside. Additionally, we have a swimming pool that you are welcome to use during the summer months.Regarding the keys, we do not have any house keys hidden outside or with a neighbor. You will be given a set of keys upon your arrival, and we ask that you keep them safe and secure during your stay with us."

2. Are there certain rooms which are off limits to me or the children?

"As an au pair, we consider you a part of our family, and we want you to feel comfortable in our home. Therefore, there are no rooms that are off-limits. However, we do have a few areas that we would prefer the children not to enter without adult supervision, such as the garage and storage rooms, as these areas may contain hazardous materials."

3. Could you please show me how to operate some of the appliances (the washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, stove, microwave etc)?

"Of course! If you need help with the stove, it has four burners and an oven. To use the stove, simply turn the knob to the desired heat level, and the burner will ignite. Similarly, to use the oven, set the temperature and time, and it will start heating up. For the dishwasher, you can load the dirty dishes, add detergent to the dispenser, and then select the appropriate cycle based on the type and amount of dishes you have.The washing machine is located in the laundry room. To use it, add detergent and clothes, select the desired wash cycle, and press start. If you have any other appliances you need assistance with, just let me know and I'll be happy to help!

4. Do I have permission to use the car anytime or are there only certain times when I can use it?

"Generally, we ask that you only use the car during the day when the kids are at school. However, if you need to use it in the evenings or on weekends let us know and we'll do our best to arrange something."

CHILDCARE

CHILDCARE VOCABULARY

PACIFIER

BOTTLE

DIAPER

CRIB

BABY MONITOR

BURP CLOTH

CHILDCARE VOCABULARY

NAPTIME

HIGH CHAIR

TEETHING

BABY SLING

BABY CARRIER

PLAYPEN

Match the word with its correct definition.

• A garment worn by babies to catch and contain waste.

NAPTIME

• A container used to feed infants formula or milk.

CRIB

• A bed designed for babies and young children.

CHILDPROOFING

• A child between the ages of 1 and 3 years old.

PLAYPEN

• A cloth carrier that allows a parent to carry a baby hands-free.

BOTTLE

• The act of making an environment safe for young children to prevent accidents and injuries.

BURP CLOTH

BINKY

• A period of time during the day when a child sleeps.

TODDLER

• Another name for a pacifier.

DIAPER

• A portable enclosure for a baby to play in.

BABY SLING

• A cloth or towel used to clean up baby's spit up or drool.

LISTENING

Listen to a conversation between an Au pair and a child. Choose the correct answer.

Listen again and complete the conversation.

cross the street yet!

Au pair: Stop! Jhon,

Child: Why not?

hold my hand, remember?

Au pair: You're

you have that rule. I don't

Child: I

YOU CAN'T

need help crossing the street.

GET SEPARATED

Au pair: I know you don't need help. But there are a lot of people around. What if we

DON'T KNOW WHY

and I

couldn't find you?

WORRIED

Child: Oh, I didn't think of that.

I'D BE SCARED

Au pair: I would be really scared and

if you were lost. How would you feel?

SUPPOSED

Child:

too.

WRITING

Write 5 rules that you consider every Au Pair should have with the children she takes care of

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

SOLVING COMMON SITUATIONS

Talk with a partner about how you would handle the different situations presented below:

Situation 1: The au pair has been assigned to take care of a newborn baby, in addition to her other duties of taking care of older children and doing light housekeeping. The baby has been crying constantly for several days, and the au pair is feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.

solution

Situation 2: It's a weekday morning and the au pair goes to wake up the 8-year-old child for school. However, the child doesn't want to get up and starts throwing a tantrum, crying and saying they don't want to go to school.

solution

CHORES

CHORES

sweep the floor

cook

make the bed

mop the foor

dust

walk the dog

CHORES

do the laundry

vacuum

iron

fold the laundry

wipe

set the table

CHORES

polish

scrub

put away

drop the children off at school

pick up the kids

feed

Choose the correct verb.

Which household chores do each situation imply?

Which household chores do each situation imply?

Which household chores do each situation imply?

Which household chores do each situation imply?

Read the following story and answer the questions.

My name is Maria, and I am an Au Pair from Mexico. I work for a family in Canada, taking care of their two young children. In addition to caring for the children, I also help out with some of the household chores.Every morning, I wake up early to prepare breakfast for the children. I make sure they eat a healthy meal before starting their day. After breakfast, I help them get dressed and ready for school, brushing their teeth and combing their hair. Once they are off to school, I clean up the kitchen, washing the dishes and wiping down the counters. I then start on the laundry, sorting the clothes, putting them to wash, hanging them to dry, and folding them neatly.

The family I work for has a large house, so there is always plenty of cleaning to do. They also have a maid that helps them out with cooking and keeping the house clean. She vacuums the floors, sweeps the entryway, and dusts the furniture every day. She also cleans the bathrooms, scrubbing the toilet, sink, and shower, while I tidy up the children's bedrooms, making their beds, putting away their toys, and organizing their clothes. In the afternoons, I pick up the children from school and take them to their after-school activities, packing their snacks and water bottles. When we get home, I just need to warm the dinner the maid left in the oven. After dinner, I help the children with their homework, checking their math problems and spelling words, and then get them ready for bed, brushing their teeth and reading them a story. Being an Au Pair is hard work, but I enjoy taking care of the children and helping the family with their household chores.

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN BEING INTERVIEWED BY THE FAMILY?

1. Tell me a little bit about yourself and why you would like to spend a year as an au pair? Have you ever been to the United States before?

“My name is Natalia and I am from Manizales which is located in the coffee region in Colombia. I'm 23 years old and I am studying graphic design. I decided to become an Au Pair because I love working with children and I enjoy being a part of a family. I think it is a great way to learn about new cultures and to experience life in another country for the first time.”

2. Tell me about a typical day for you. What do you do in your time off?

"I usually wake up early in the morning to have breakfast and prepare for the day ahead. I attend classes throughout the day and take breaks in between to grab a quick meal or catch up on any pending work. After classes, I spend some time studying and completing assignments, either alone or with my study group. In my free time, I enjoy reading books, watching movies, or hanging out with my friends."

3. Have you ever driven with children in the car and did you use a car seat?

"I have driven with children in the car and I always ensure that they are properly secured in a car seat. Safety is of utmost importance when driving with children and I understand the importance of using car seats that are appropriate for the child's age, weight, and height. I have experience in installing car seats correctly and I always double-check to make sure that they are securely fastened before starting the car."

4. I’d like to understand more about your childcare experiences. Can you tell me about your experience with (e.g. your little brother, the Jones family, etc.)?

"I’ve been babysitting children since I was in high school. My neighbor’s daughter was only two years old at the time, but she loved playing games and doing arts and crafts. She would always ask me to play with her dolls or help her color. I also took care of my younger cousins when they visited our family during holidays. They were five and seven years old at the time, so I helped them get ready for bed and played outside with them.”

5. Have you ever prepared a bottle or baby food?

"I have experience in following specific instructions for preparing formula and sterilizing bottles. Depending on the age of the baby, I have also prepared pureed baby food using fresh fruits and vegetables. At the beginning I would ask you for any dietary restrictions or allergies so I know what recipes I can prepare for the baby."

6. What activities would you do with an infant?

"As an Au Pair, there are many activities that I would do with an infant. I would engage in activities such as tummy time, reading books, and playing with toys that help develop their motor skills. I would also take the baby for walks in a stroller or baby carrier to help them explore the outside world. Overall, my goal as an Au Pair would be to provide a safe and stimulating environment that promotes the baby's growth and development."

HELPING WITH SCHOOLWORK

SCHOOL HOMEWORK

math

reading

spelling

handwriting

phonics

writing

SCHOOL HOMEWORK

SCIENCE

SOCIAL STUDIES

timed math drills

HISTORY

multiplication tables

GEOGRAPHY

SCHOOL HOMEWORK

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

HOMEWORK FOLDER

READING LOG

FLASHCARDS

WORKSHEETS

HOMEWORK PLANNER

Choose the correct image.

LISTENING

Listen to the audio. Choose the correct answer.

UNDERSTANDING THE SCHOOLING SYSTEM IN THE USA

The education department in the USA follows the K-12 system, This equates roughly to a school starting age of around five through to Grade 12 at around the age of 18. The system is broken down into three stages: elementary school (Grades K–5), middle school (Grades 6–8) and high school (Grades 9–12).The school calendar usually begins in August or September and continues through May or June. The majority of new students begin in autumn. The academic year at many schools is composed of two terms called “semesters.” Students enrolled in school are graded on a scale that uses both letters (A to F) and percentages (0 to 100). Once students reach high school, they are also given a Grade Point Average (GPA) that ranks their performance on a scale of 0 to 4 and is often looked at by the colleges students apply to.

There are three breaks during the school year when students and teachers get to enjoy some ‘vacation’ days.

• Winter Break–Elementary, middle, and high school students enjoy two weeks off in late December until early January.
• Spring Break–One week off, usually around Easter in late March or early April.
• Summer Break–Three months off. This occurs in the months between school years. Usually from late May until late August, or from June until September, depending on where you live.

A typical school day in the US starts between 7am and 8am and goes until 2pm or 3pm. The length of the school day depends on the grade the student is in. In the US, extra-curricular activities are popular and students are encouraged to participate. There are several clubs or sports that happen outside the regular school day, such as football, track, band, or theater.

TRUE OR FALSE

MEALTIMES

GROCERY STORE

CHECKOUT COUNTER

CASHIER

SHOPPING CART/TROLLEY

PRODUCE SECTION

DAIRY SECTION

AISLE

GROCERY STORE

CANNED GOODS SECTION

MEAT SECTION

FROZEN FOOD SECTION

DELI SECTION

BAKERY SECTION

CHECKOUT LINE/QUEUE

Match the word with its definition.

• It's a small piece of metal money.

CUSTOMER

• Money in coins or notes (and not a card) is called

CHECKOUT

• A person who buys something in a shop.

CASH

• Where you pay for things in a supermarket.

BASKET

• It has wheels and we put things to buy in it.

COIN

• It is a piece of paper that shows the prices of the things we bought.

RECEIPT

• We can put things we want to buy in and we carry it with us when shopping.

TROLLEY

SHELF

• The things you want to buy in a shop are often on a

Choosing the thing that doesn't belong.

Choosing the thing that doesn't belong.

FEEDING YOUNG CHILDREN

Parents usually leave specific foods for the child to eat and you will need to do very little. Expect children to mash, squash, and stir food with their fingers and hands. Do not let this surprise you. It is normal for them. Four- and 5-year-oId children enjoy foods with varied textures and shapes. For example, this age group enjoys small sandwiches cut with different-shaped cookie cutters. Appetites differ among children. During slower growth periods, children may have little appetite. This often occurs between the ages of 1 and 3. There should be no cause for concern. Children usually have less appetite when they are tired, anxious, or their usual routine has been upset. The child may be having these feelings while you are there.

Remember not to allow the child to have too many snacks. Children may prefer snacks to regular meals. Children usually eat one food at a time and do not like different foods mixed. Eating with fingers is common for toddlers and preschoolers. For some children it even may be important to eat animal crackers in order – legs first, then head, then body!A sandwich is a good start to making a nutritious meal or snack. Just add a few extras to a favorite sandwich and you have a meal that most young children will eat and enjoy. For example, the following is a suggested lunch menu:

• Apple and tuna sandwich
• Carrot or celery sticks
• Glass of milk
• Cookie

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

DESCRIBE THE MEALS

Use descriptive words to talk about the colors, textures, and flavors of the food.

LISTENING

Listen and complete the conversation.

Sharon: Dear Hans, I hope you slept well your first night in our home. John and I have already left for work. We didn't get a to discuss the children's meals yesterday. I'm writing this note so you know what is needed. Emma and George must breakfast before they go to school. They can have orange or milk for drinks. Please their lunches for school. They are both so they refuse to eat the schools lunches. They usually take a sandwich, a drink and snack consisting of or vegetables. Also, Emma has a food Never give her anything with peanuts in it. When they get home from school, they will want to snack. Please make sure it is healthy and not . We often have some kind of meat, bread and vegetables at dinner. We have every other night. If you have or food allergies, please let me know. Thanks Sharon.

JUNK FOOD

PREFERENCES

ALLERGY

EAT

PACK

JUICE

PICKY

CHANCE

DESSERT

FRUIT

SAVE FOR LATER!

Here are some common phrases one might use in the kitchen:

1. Can you pass me the salt/pepper/sugar? 2. Do we have any [ingredient]? 3. Can you help me chop/slice/peel [ingredient]? 4. What temperature should I set the oven to? 5. How long should I cook this for? 6. Can you grab me a pot/pan/baking dish? 7. Could you please stir/mix/whisk this for me? 8. Is this dish ready to be served? 9. Can you help me set the table? 10. Would you like a taste of this? 11. Can you pour me a glass of water/milk/juice? 12. Can you please clean up the kitchen after cooking? 13. Can you turn on/off the stove/oven? 14. Can you please pass me the cutting board/knife/colander? 15. I'm going to start cooking, would you like to join me?

HANDLING EMERGENCIES

POTENTIAL DANGERS AT HOME

BROKEN GLASS

HOT STOVE

SPILLED WATER AND GREASE

PAN ON THE STOVE

KNIVES

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES

POTENTIAL DANGERS AT HOME

MEDICINE

RAZOR BLADES

DANGLING TABLECLOTHS

HAIR DRYERS

CLEANING SUPPLIES

WATER FAUCETS

Match the word with its definition.

• A burning mass of material that is out of control.

FIRST AID

• The visible vapor and gases given off by a burning substance

SMOKE

• Damage caused to a property by water.

• Where you pay for things in a supermarket.

WATER DAMAGE

• An overflow of water that submerges land that is usually dry.

GAS LEAK

• A period when the electricity supply is interrupted.

EMERGENCY KIT

• A collection of essential items that are needed in an emergency situation, such as food, water, and medical supplies.

FLOOD

• A release of gas from a pipeline or container.

FIRE

• Emergency medical treatment given to an injured or sick person before professional medical help arrives

POWER OUTAGE

CARBON MONOXIDE

• A poisonous gas that is produced by burning fossil fuels.

AGES & ACCIDENTS

Children of different ages tend to have different kinds of accidents. This is because each age group has different skills.Infants Up to 6 Months Old

• Suck on objects and put things into their mouths. Keep small objects, including small toys, out of their reach. Don’t allow them to chew on painted objects or fuzzy toys. The paint might be poisonous, and fuzz might choke them.
• Begin to wiggle and roll. Never leave a child lying in a place from which the child might fall. Make certain the child’s head cannot get caught between bars of cribs, balconies, and so forth.
• Are helpless in the water. Never leave a baby alone in the tub or with water running. Always test the heat of the water with your elbow before you place the baby in the tub. Water should be body temperature or slightly warmer. Babies have very tender skin and burn easily.

Babies 6 to 18 Months Old

• Poke and probe with their index fingers. Unused electrical sockets should be taped or capped. Drawers with dangerous items in them should be locked, taped, tied closed, or removed.
• Put everything in their mouths. Poisons, medicine, cleaning solutions, and small objects such as marbles, coins, buttons, pins, pebbles, and so forth should be put away.
• Roam through the house, crawling or walking. Close certain doors and gates at the top and bottom of stairways and to forbidden rooms. Keep bathroom doors shut.
• Are curious about things higher than their eye level. Everything on the table and stovetop should be out of the baby’s reach.

2-Year-Olds

• Can turn door knobs. Doors that open to dangerous places or things should be locked.
• Take things apart and experiment with them. Keep containers of detergents, medicines, and electric equipment (electric fans, vacuum sweepers, etc.) out of their reach.
• Like to play near water. Watch a child near a pool, bathtub, pond, irrigation ditch, or any other body of water. Remember, a child can drown in a few inches of water.

3-Year-Olds

• Enjoy playing. Do not get too rough with the child.
• Like to go up and down stairs. Insist that they do not run and do not carry knives, scissors, pencils, pens, or other sharp objects while on the stairs. See to it that they use handrails.
• Can follow instructions. Let the children help with simple household chores.

4-Year-Olds

• Can ride tricycles. Watch where they go.
• Can throw balls. Teach children not to throw balls into the street or toward buildings or people.
• Like to climb. With supervision, 4-year-olds may climb a tree or fence if it is not too high and does not have sharp points that could cause injury.

5-to7-Year-Olds Children of this age play with skates and skateboards and may be learning to ride bicycles. Supervise this play. Keep them out of the street. Often they get skinned knees; be ready to clean and bandage the hurt! School-age Children Children of school age have better judgment about the type of things that can hurt them. They need supervision when they are cooking, playing with chemistry sets, or working with sharp tools.

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

MANAGING AN EMERGENCY

Put in order the steps you should follow in each situation

answer

Major Bleeding Injuries

Elevate the wound if there is no risk of further injury.

Wash your hands before and after helping a person who is hurt.

If bleeding persists, apply additional dressings to the original dressing and apply pressure.

Apply direct pressure to the wound.

Cover the wound with a clean dressing.

If possible, wear clean disposable gloves when attending bleeding wounds.

Put in order the steps you should follow in each situation

answer

Insect Stings and Bites

Watch for allergic reactions: puffy eyes, sweats, difficulty in breathing.

Wash your hands before and after helping a person who is hurt.

Mix a small amount of baking soda with a little water to make a thick paste. Apply the paste to the bite. This should ease the pain and itching.

Calm the child.

Wash the bite with soap and cool water.

Use lotions and ointments on these bites only as instructed by the parents.

Put in order the steps you should follow in each situation

answer

Something in the Ear or Nose

Call the parents. If unable to reach the parents, call the doctor.

Keep the child from putting his fingers in his ear or nose.

If you can’t see the object, or if it appears to be tightly wedged in, leave it alone.

Stay calm and calm the child.

If you can see the object and it is loose, tip the head to see if it will fall out.

REPORTING AN EMERGENCY

Use the following script to report an emergency with one of the kids you take care of. (Role play)

STEP 1: Stay calm. Concentrate on the things that you can do. STEP 2: Call for help. When calling the Emergency Medical System (911), give this information.

1. “This is an emergency.”
2. “My name is ____________________.
3. I am at ___________________ (address).” Give directions.
4. Be prepared to answer questions, such as…

a. What kind of emergency? b. How many people are involved? c. What type of injuries? d. Is anyone doing CPR? 5. Do not hang up until you are told to do so. STEP 3: Call the child’s parent. STEP 4: Call an emergency contact person if the parents can’t be reached

FOLLOW THE ROUTINE

ITINERARY

ITENERARY

SCHEDULE

TIMETABLE

TO-DO LIST

DAILY PLANNER

REMINDER

ITINERARY

ALARM

TIME MANAGEMENT

TIMEKEEPING

PUNCTUALITY

TASK LIST

DEADLINE

answer

Put this schedule in cronological order

6 a.m.

The au pair tells the parents about the children's day.

7 a.m.

The au pair prepares lunch for the children and serves it to them.

8 a.m.

The au pair prepares dinner for the family.

12 p.m.

The au pair wakes up and gets ready for the day.

1 p.m.

The au pair takes the children outside to play or to the park.

3 p.m.

She helps the kids get dressed, prepares their breakfast, and serves it to them.

5 p.m.

She plays with them, reads to them, and helps them with any homework.

6 p.m.

FOLLOW THE ROUTINE

You are more likely to maintain control while babysitting if you learn the children’s normal routine. If you keep children on their regular schedule, they will be less likely to think that your arrival means it is time to forget their routines.Meals and Snacks Keep a record of each child’s routin. Regular mealtimes for families differ. Some days the family may eat dinner together, whereas others they would ask you to have dinner alone with the kids. Trying to put everyone on a schedule that you like may not work. Prepare the food or snacks that the parents have suggested. Normally, this should be done quickly so it does not detract from your time with the children.

Television Check with parents about specific television programs that their children may watch. Don’t let children talk you into watching programs that the parents do not permit. Bath and Bed If bathtime becomes your responsibility, learn the normal routine: Is a bath needed? Where are the pajamas, diapers, and so forth? Do the small children in the family bathe together? Avoid a hassle at bedtime by knowing what time the children go to bed. Discuss with parents the details of the usual routine and their strategies when the children resist going to bed.

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

ROUTINE EXPRESSIONES

Put the expression in the correct box.

CLEANING TEETH

WAKING UP

GETTING DRESSED

“Wakey wakey”

"The label goes at the back or on your right-hand side"

“Zip up your coat”

“Teeth at the back”

“Time to wake up”

Do you need any help with your buttons?

Shall I button your shirt up?

“Rise and shine”

“Teeth at the front”

Are your trousers the right way around?

“ Clean your tongue”

Your T-shirt is on inside out!

MANAGING PROBLEM BEHAVIOR

Sometimes children will not do as you ask. If they will not listen, and they have been taught to behave, they usually have a reason. The children could be feeling:• bored; • tired; • hungry; • lonely for their parents; • upset with something you said (or your attitude or tone of voice); • too busy doing what interests them; or • confused as to what they should be doing. Select three of the above reasons and discuss how you would handle each.

SAVE FOR LATER!

Here are some questions to consider when creating a Daily Plan:

• Who wakes up the children? What time?
• Who feeds the children breakfast?

-What are their choices for breakfast? -Do they get to choose their breakfast, or should you choose for them? -Do the children clean up after themselves?

• What are some example activities that you can do with the children until lunchtime?
• What is the lunch routine?

-What are the children’s options for lunch? -Do they get to choose their lunch or will you choose? -Are packed lunches needed? What are some typical packed lunches?

• Is there a scheduled nap time? Should they be woken up at a certain time?
• Would today be a good day for outdoor activities?
• When and for how long can the children watch television?
• What programs, channels, and videos can they watch?
• What activities should they not be doing during this time period?

MOVING ABROAD

AT THE AIRPORT

CUSTOMS

PASSPORT

IMMIGRATION

LAYOVER

BOARDING PASS

Carry-on luggage

AT THE AIRPORT

FLIGHT ITINERARY

TRAVEL INSURANCE

CURRENCY EXCHANGE

TRAVEL ADAPTER

LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS

baggage claim

TRAVELING

answer

Put the items you should travel with in the box.

A pot

Passport

DS-2019 Form

Nail clipper

Travel Itinerary

A steak

Proof of Health Insurance

Prescriptions

Contact Information

Your favorite plant

J-1 Visa

A bottle of bleach

Comfortable Clothing

Adaptor and Charger

Money

CULTURAL SHOCK

When moving to a new country everything is unfamiliar; from the weather, language, and food, to the fashion, values, and customs. Culture shock is a normal part of a cultural exchange program.There are four stages when adapting to a new culture. Some people go through the process quicker and with less stress, while others go through the stages slower and find it difficult to adjust to the differences. Stage 1: The Honeymoon-Initial euphoria and excitement You feel you are able to handle anything, some characteristics include:

• Excitement about new sights and surroundings.
• Engaging in tourist-like activities in the host culture.
• Intrigue with both similarities and differences between the American culture and your home culture.
• Lots of interest in learning, very motivated and open-minded.

Stage 2: Anxiety | Culture shock – Frustration and hostility towards differences The novelty of the American culture has worn off. Your feelings in this stage may include:

• A focus on the differences between your new culture and your home culture in a negative way. Stereotypes and/or prejudices surface.
• Small issues feel like big issues; you become overly stressed out by small problems and feel helpless, annoyed and frustrated.
• Homesickness; missing your family and friends from home.

Stage 3: Adjusting – Finding humor and perspective In this stage, you decide to make the most of your experience. You may also have the following reactions:

• Increased familiarity with the new culture, its logic and values.
• A return of your sense of humor about differences.
• Recognition that you like some parts of the American culture better than that of your home country. Deeper learning about life abroad.
• Questioning of your previous assumptions about the world.

Stage 4: Acceptance – “Feeling at Home” and Adaptation You now exhibit a newfound appreciation towards certain aspects of the new culture and critique others. Common reactions at this stage include: Feeling at home in the “foreign” country. Feeling a sense of understanding and association with the new culture. No longer being negatively affected by differences in culture. Living, studying, and working to your full potential. Feeling satisfaction in adjusting and surviving your time living abroad. Ways to Deal With Feelings of Culture Shock:

• Make plans for keeping in touch with family and friends.
• Find excitement and enjoyment in sharing your experiences.
• “Dive” into your host culture fully and wholeheartedly.
• Keep an open mind; You will learn much more if you keep an open mind to new experiences.
• Join a recreational sports team or athletic activity!
• Get to know other au pairs and local students in your classes.
• Remember, the low periods in the year will pass.

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

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