Adapting to a new country: 6 tips for fast and fun integration as an au pair

Moving to a new country and learning to adapt to life in new culture can be a massive step out of your comfort zone and one that comes with both highs and lows. Working as an au pair is great way to experience life in a new country first-hand. However, it can be a challenge to adapt to differences in culture - whether it be food, language, customs or the weather!

It’s super important to be prepared so we’ve come up with 6 strategies that you can use to make adapting to life in a new country as an au pair as smooth as possible! 

1. Engage with locals

Engaging with locals is one of the best ways to help you feel a part of a new community and make friends, but it requires you to put in effort. Things like helping out at your kids’ school, taking an exercise or language class, or volunteering with a local organisation are great ways to get involved with your local community. 

On the days when your family doesn’t need you, you can work at a local café for example. This allows you to make a little extra money, engage with customers and make friends with your work colleagues. 

2. Say ‘Yes!’ to every opportunity 

A great way to open yourself up to new experiences is to say ‘Yes!’ to every opportunity that presents itself while you’re living in a new country. Try everything and aim to immerse yourself in the local culture/traditions by embracing the differences. You could do this by going to a sporting match, trying local food or participating in cultural holiday/ceremony.

More information on how to get the most out of your au pair stay.

3. Share what you know 

You may think your home country is ordinary, but it is likely that people in your new country think you come from a super-interesting exotic faraway land. Au pairing is a cultural exchange so it’s important for you to share what you know with those around you! Cook a signature dish from your home country, teach the children some phrases of your language or share photos of your travels/where you live.

More tips about what to do with your host kids

4. Get out and explore

Use your role as an au pair as a basis for exploring your new country. Take every opportunity to visit a nearby city, go on a hike or simply wander around your local area - you never know what you might find! 

5. Connect with other au pairs

Connecting with other Au Pairs is a great way to make friends with other people who are going through the same experience as you. There are many Facebook groups for au pairs, including AuPairWorld’s, in which you can connect with other Au Pairs and share your journey and experiences!

Find out more about making friends during your au pair stay.

6. Learn about the country’s history

Learning about a country’s history is important as many aspects of modern-day life are influenced by what has happened in the past. This knowledge will equip you with a deeper understanding of certain traditions and aspects of your community’s culture. 

These steps will have you feeling at home in your new country in no time! Au-Pairing is a great experience, and one that will leave you with so many great experiences and a new cultural understanding.