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 Slovenia. 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 widely known in Slovenia.
• Applicants from Slovenia are motivated by travel and cultural exchange opportunities.
• The job potential of an au pair improves upon her return to Slovenia.
• Young people in Slovenia have the freedom of their family to socialize and date.
• Curfews are not common.
• Young women are accustomed to sharing in household chores.
• Nudity is taboo in most families, though there are some nudist camps and beaches in Slovenia.
• Slovenes describe themselves as being reserved and hard-working. Slovene girls who join the program are very mature. They are taking a year off during university or they are just finishing their studies.

Child Care Practices

• Common discipline techniques include verbal reprimands.
• Physical discipline is not common in Slovenia.
• Applicants obtain childcare experience through formal schooling, caring for younger siblings, or working as coaches or camp counselors.
• Usually both parents share the childrearing responsibilities.
• It is common for both parents to work and be away from home during the day.

Driving Skills

• Most applicants obtain their driving license as soon as they turn 18.
• A driving license is not difficult to obtain, but it is expensive.
• Obtaining a license in Slovenia is a lengthy process.
• The steps involved in obtaining a driving license in Slovenia include:
  • Theoretical written test
  • First Aid course
  • Driving lessons - 25 hours
  • 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 foreign language choices.
• Classes focus on both oral and written skills.

Education

• Approximately 60% of young women continue their studies at university.
• Those who do not attend university study at technical schools or seek employment.
• The academic year in Slovenia starts in September 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, measles, polio, mumps, and rubella.
• Most young women are inoculated and tested for TB (tuberculosis).
• Slovenia 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 Slovenia eat meat.
• Vegetarianism is not common but increasing.
• A typical diet Slovenia includes cabbage, beans, potatoes, and bread. Slovenes are particularly proud of their wines.

Religion

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

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