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 South Africa. 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 common in South Africa.
• Applicants from South Africa are motivated by growth as an individual, travel opportunities, the love of children and study opportunities.
• The unemployment rate in South Africa is extremely high, and an au pair's job potential is improved upon her return to South Africa.
• Applicants sometimes have difficulty finding the program fees.
• Young people in South Africa have the freedom of their family to socialise and date.
• Curfews are common.
• Young women are accustomed to sharing in household chores.
• South African are quite conservative about nudity.
• South Africans are hardworking, trustworthy and loyal.

Child Care Practices

• Most South Africans have a strict disciplined upbringing. Types of discipline vary from time-outs to light spankings.
• Physical discipline may include a tap on the hand or bottom, but nothing too harsh.
• Applicants obtain childcare experience through formal schooling, babysitting family members’ children, neighbours and friends’ children and volunteering at daycare centres.
• Usually both parents are responsible for the childcare responsibilities.
• It is common for both parents to work and be away from home during the day in the White population. Many South African Indian mothers stay at home.
  

Driving Skills

• South Africans drive on the left side of the road, so will need practice in the U.S.
• The driver’s license in South Africa is very expensive, and the actual test is very difficult.
• To obtain a license in South Africa, candidates complete lessons and take practical and theoretical tests. White South Africans obtain a license at age 18; Indian and Black South Africans usually obtain it at the age of 21.
• The International driving permit is available.
• Generally, White South African families are able to provide a car in which to practice.
• Most cars have manual transmission.

English Language Skills

• Some South Africans speak English as their native language.
• English is compulsory in South Africa.
• Classes focus on both oral and written skills.

Education

• Approximately 60% of young women continue their studies at University.
• Others work, travel, become an au pair.
• The academic year starts in January and ends in December.
• The educational opportunities of the program are vital. Applicants like the fact they can grow academically in the U.S.
  

Health

• The most common inoculations are Tetanus, TB, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella.
• Most young women are inoculated and tested for TB (Tuberculosis).
• South Africa does not have a free health service.
• Most young women do not visit the dentist on a regular basis as it is expensive.
• “Eating disorders” are not common.

Diet

• Most young people in South Africa eat meat, though vegetarianism is fairly common.
• A typical South African diet is very similar to that enjoyed by most Americans and Europeans. The South African diet is very cosmopolitan as the climate allows most staple food to be grown. Outdoor barbeques are very popular in most communities. Chicken and fish are the most popular proteins due to beef, lamb and pork being quite expensive. Certain population/religious groups may have specific requirements, for example, those of the Muslim and Hindu faiths and those who have chosen to be vegetarians.

Religion

• The most common religions in South Africa are Christianity, Hindu and Muslim.
• Most young people in South Africa do not practice their religion regularly.
• A young person would rarely choose to practice a religion that is different than her family’s religion.
  

Telephone & Internet

• Most homes have a telephone and a computer with access to the Internet.
• Family members will be able to take a message 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.