Cecilia Westermark

My year as an au-pair was a great experience. It has taught me a lot in life and has given me so many good memories. Before my trip began I was very excited, it felt like a dream although I felt insecure about being away from my family and my country for such a long time. My four first days in New York was a good time to adjust to the new culture and language. The course inspired me and I was looking forward to the life with my host family. It also gave me some good advice and ideas. I had time to do some sightseeing around New York with my new au pair friends and I really enjoyed the time.

My family was very friendly and helpful and taught me how to get around in my new home. I got very close to the kids at once and I really enjoyed spending time with them. We always found something exciting to do; playing in the garden, hiking in the woods or practising some American and Swedish traditions. As it turned out, me and the family did not work so good together, so after four months I changed to another family where I stayed until I was going home. I am still in contact with both families.

I have never in my life been taking so many photographs as during my stay in the States. There are so many wonderful places to see and I did my best to travel as much as possible. I loved the culture and all the friendly people I met. I still miss the kids, my host dads food, the weather and all my friends.

I got the opportunity to take some English classes to improve my English even more, and I got my diploma. I found the au pair meetings exciting and we always did a lot of fun things together. The meetings were always a good time to meet new people and other cultures. I am glad now when I am back in Sweden that I found so many good friends all around the world and that I still have contact with some of them. I am happy that I took this opportunity to be with my host families and their kids, getting to know them. It is good to have someone to talk to when you are back in your home country, someone who will have similar experiences as you. I will never regret my choice of becoming an au pair, although there were both great moments and some hard moments too during the year.”