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 Panama. 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 is becoming more common in Panamá.
• Applicants are motivated by the opportunity to improve their English language skills.
• Job potential is improved upon returning to Panamá.
• Applicants in Panamá have problems finding the fees for the Au Pair in America program.
• Young people in Panamá have the freedom of their family to socialize and date. Socializing with friends is very important to young people in Panamá.
• Curfews are common.
• All family members share household chores.
• Panamanians are friendly, tolerant, and proud and have a strong sense of responsibility.
• Nudity is not acceptable in Panamá.
• Most young people from Panamá have a very close relationship with the American culture, and they want to learn about American culture and traditions.
• Applicants may be a little quiet at first, but will become more outgoing once they get to know the family better.

Child Care Practices

• When children misbehave, privileges are taken away, e.g., No TV.
• Families do not commonly discipline a child in a physical manner.
• Applicants obtain childcare experience through formal schooling, in day care centres and orphanages.
• Parents share the responsibilities of childrearing.
• In Panamá, it is common for both parents to work and be away from home during the day.
  

Driving Skills

• The driver’s license is available if you are 18 year old and is inexpensive.
• As long as candidates pass the practical test the license will be issued.
• The International Driving Licence is available in Panamá.
• It is common for young people to use the family car.
• Most cars have a manual transmission.

English Language Skills

• English is a compulsory subject in the schools in Panamá and is taught beginning in primary school.
• Private schools focus a lot more on English lessons, but all students learn English during their school career.

Education

• Approximately 50% of women attend University.
• Alternatives to University include technical school or colleges that offer secretarial or accounting courses.
• The educational opportunities of the Au Pair in America program are an important element of the program; particularly the opportunity to improve their English skills.
• The academic year starts in February and ends in November.

Health

• Measles, chickenpox, polio, DPT, hepatitis B and tetanus are the most common inoculations in Panamá.
• Most young women are inoculated and tested for TB (Tuberculosis).
• Panamá operates on a Social Security System and has private health services as well.
• Free visits to a dentist take place yearly. Private dentists are also available for a fee.
• Panamanian women within the range applying for the program are in good health and are well aware of the risk of eating disorders.

Diet

• Most young people in Panamá eat meat.
• Vegetarianism is not common.
• The diet in Panamá includes meat, rice, salad and potatoes.

Religion

• The most common religions in Panamá are Protestant and Catholic.
• Most young people in Panamá do not practice their religion regularly.
• A young person would seldom choose to practice a religion that is different than her family’s religion.
  

Telephone & Internet

• Most families have a telephone in their home.
• Most family members speak English well enough to take a message from an American host family.
• Most young people have a computer or have access to e-mail.
  

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