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 Poland. 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 well established in Poland. America is seen as a symbol of freedom, democracy, and unlimited opportunities.
• Applicants from Poland are motivated by the desire to improve their English, travel, and experience new cultures.
• The job potential of an au pair improves upon her return to Poland; they speak better English, are more open, flexible, more self confident, and better able to compromise.
• Applicants do not have difficulty affording the program fees.
• Young people in Poland have the freedom of their family to socialize and date.
• Curfews are common.
• Young women are accustomed to sharing in household chores, though it is common for mothers to think no one can cook as well as they can so they do not let their daughters do anything in the kitchen.
• Nudity is not common in Poland.
• Polish people describe themselves as hospitable, ambitious, and resourceful.

Child Care Practices

• Common discipline techniques include sending the children to their room, not letting them watch TV, not giving pocket money, not letting them go out with their friends, and not buying some things the children would like to have.
• Physical discipline occurs on occasion in Poland.
• Applicants obtain childcare experience through formal schooling, caring for siblings, babysitting, and volunteering.
• Both parents share the childrearing responsibilities.
• It is common for both parents to work and be away from home during the day.

Driving Skills

• In Poland, people drive on the left side of the street. Au pairs will need practice driving in the U.S.
• The minimum driving age in Poland is age 18. Most applicants obtain their driving license at age 18.
• The standards are rigorous, thus a driving license is generally not obtained the first time applicants take the road test.
• It takes approximately 4-6 months at minimum to obtain a license in Poland.
• The following are required in order to obtain a driving license in Poland:
  • Medical tests - hearing and sight
  • Theoretical written test with traffic rules and scenarios
  • Practical test
  • Fees
• The International driving permit is available.
• Applicants typically take formal driving lessons and practice driving using their parents’ car.
• Most cars have manual transmissions.
  

English Language Skills

• English is offered in schools beginning from kindergarten. It is compulsory from 4th grade to graduation.
• Classes focus on oral and written skills.

Education

• Approximately 50% of young women continue their studies at University.
• Others find employment or take vocational courses.
• The academic year in Poland starts in October and ends in June.
• The educational opportunities of the Au Pair in America program are the main reason for Polish girls to apply.

Health

• The most common inoculations are Tetanus, mumps, rubella, measles, polio, and diphtheria.
• All young women are inoculated and tested for TB (Tuberculosis).
• Poland does not have a free health service, but residents have health insurance.
• Most young women visit the dentist on a regular basis.

Diet

• “Eating disorders” are not common, but do occur.
• Most young people in Poland eat meat.
• Vegetarianism is not common.
• A typical Polish diet includes bread, potatoes, soups and meat.

Religion

• The most common religion in Poland is Roman Catholic.
• Most young people in Poland do not practice their religion regularly.

Telephone & Internet

• Most homes have a telephone.
• Family members will not be able to take a message in English from a potential host family.
• Applicants have access to the Internet at University or in Internet cafes.
  

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