Au Pair in America

Culture Quests

Au Pairs in General | Child Care Practices | Driving Skills | English Language Skills
Education | Health | Diet | Religion | Telephone and Internet

The following information is generalized and compiled from questions posed to the agents and interviewers in the Netherlands. Although au pairs from this country may or may not have had these experiences/beliefs, Au Pair in America wishes to share this general information with our families.

Au Pairs in General

• The idea of being an au pair widely known in the Netherlands.
• Being an au pair is a socially accepted way of spending a year abroad.
• The job potential of an au pair improves upon her return to the Netherlands.
• Young people in the Netherlands have the freedom of their family to socialize and date.
• Curfews are not common.
• Young women are accustomed to sharing in household chores.
• The Dutch are not easily shocked by nudity. In a family it is very common to leave bathroom doors open while showering or bathing or dressing.
• Nude sunbathing is uncommon, however topless sunbathing is very common.
• Dutch characterize themselves as down to earth, open-minded, and tolerant.

Child Care Practices

• Common discipline techniques include loss of privileges and verbal reprimands.
• Physical discipline is not common in the Netherlands.
• Applicants obtain childcare experience through formal schooling and babysitting.
• Both parents share the childcare responsibilities.
• It is not common for both parents to work and be away from home during the day.

Driving Skills

• The minimum driving age is age 18. Most applicants obtain their driving license between the ages of 18 and 21.
• A driving license is difficult to obtain; applicants usually need more than one attempt to be successful.
• The steps involved in obtaining a driving license in the Netherlands include:
  • Theoretical test
  • Driving lessons
  • Practical test
  • Fees
• The International driving permit is available.
• Applicants must take 20 formal driving lessons and practice driving using their parents’ car.
• Most cars have manual transmissions.
  

English Language Skills

• English is a compulsory subject in the schools in the Netherlands.
• English is taught beginning at age 10 and is compulsory throughout the first 4 years of high school. Classes focus on writing and grammar, but oral skills are also tested in final exams.

Education

• Approximately 30% of young women continue their studies at university.
• The academic year in the Netherlands starts in August and ends in June.
• The educational opportunities of the Au Pair in America program are very important to applicants.

Health

• The most common inoculations are tetanus, typhoid, diphtheria, polio, whooping cough.
• Most young women are inoculated and tested for TB (tuberculosis).
• The Netherlands has a free health service for the poor, otherwise healthcare is heavily subsidized.
• Most young women visit the dentist on a regular basis with visits being subsidized as well.
  “Eating disorders” are not common, but do occur.

Diet

• Young people in the Netherlands eat meat.
• Vegetarianism is also common.
• A typical Dutch diet includes meat, potatoes and vegetables.

Religion

• The most common religions in the Netherlands are Protestant, Catholic and Dutch Reformed.
• Most young people in the Netherlands do not practice their religion regularly.

Telephone & Internet

• Most homes have a telephone and a computer with access to the Internet.
• Family members will be able to take a message in English from a potential host family.

Print this Page

Login to your Account

Username:

Password:

Connect with Us

Special Promotion

Apply by April 15th
for FREE - a savings of $350!

View details & discounts.