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 Slovakia. 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 very popular in Slovakia.
• Applicants from Slovakia are motivated by travel and education opportunities.
• The job potential of an au pair improves upon her return to Slovakia.
• Applicants sometimes have difficulty affording the program fees.
• Young people in Slovakia have the freedom of their family to socialize and date.
• Curfews are not common.
• Young women are accustomed to sharing in household chores.
• Nudity at home is common.
• Slovakian youth are open-minded, tolerant, and understanding.

Child Care Practices

• Common discipline techniques include verbal reprimands.
• Physical discipline is common in Slovakia.
• Applicants obtain childcare experience through formal schooling, caring for family members, and working in summer camps.
• Usually both parents share the childrearing responsibilities.
• High unemployment rates mean mothers generally stay home with the children.

Driving Skills

• Most applicants obtain their driving license at age 18.
• A driving license is not difficult to obtain.
• The steps involved in obtaining a driving license in Slovakia include:
  • Driving lessons
  • Theoretical test
  • 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 one of several language choices for students.
• Classes focus on reading and writing rather than oral skills.

Education

• Approximately 50% of young women continue their studies at university.
• Those who do not attend university travel or seek employment.
• The educational opportunities of the Au Pair in America program are important to applicants.

Health

• The most common inoculations are tetanus and hepatitis.
• Most young women are inoculated and tested for TB (tuberculosis).
• Slovakia has a free health service.
• Most young women visit the dentist on a regular basis.
• “Eating disorders” are not common.

Diet

• Most young people in Slovakia eat meat.
• Vegetarianism is not common.
• A typical diet in Slovakia includes potatoes, breads, cow and sheep cheese, and fruit.

Religion

• The most common religion in Slovakia is Catholic.
• Most young people in Slovakia 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.

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