Following my application being complete Claire (my interviewer) sent it to the London Office for it to be checked over and to see if I would be accepted onto the program.
After a while I received an email saying my application was accepted. Cue excited jumping about! BUT as I didn't have a video uploaded I wasn't expecting my application to go out to prospective families at this point.
Tuesday, 30 April 2013
Monday, 29 April 2013
Interview Time!
My interviewer was named Claire and she lived about 45 minutes away from me and so when the day came round I ensured I had my Sat-Nav, a tank full of fuel and all the bits of paper and ID I needed to take with me. I set off with plenty of time as I ALWAYS get lost, and I did however I still got there fairly early. Once I arrived Claire explained to me everything about the program to be sure that I knew what was required of me and to ensure I knew what I was applying for and then played a video about 'A day in the life of an Au Pair' and as I had done thorough research there were absolutely no surprises there.
The whole interview was fairly informal, we had a cup of tea whilst Claire filled out her own forms about my childcare experience, what I felt my weaknesses and strengths were, what kind of family I was looking for and if I had any prefernce in where I was located. It was really nice to see that they didn't only care about getting the right Au pair for the family in America but to find the right family for you to feel comfortable and have the best experience you can whist you're out there.
Finally I had to fill out a long but straight forward form checking that I was suitable for the program. It only consisted of answering true or false to whether a statement I had just read applied to me or not nd it probably took about 20 minutes to complete.
In total the whole interview took me about 2 hours but it certainly did not feel like I was there for that long, so thanks again to Claire for being a fab interviewer!
The whole interview was fairly informal, we had a cup of tea whilst Claire filled out her own forms about my childcare experience, what I felt my weaknesses and strengths were, what kind of family I was looking for and if I had any prefernce in where I was located. It was really nice to see that they didn't only care about getting the right Au pair for the family in America but to find the right family for you to feel comfortable and have the best experience you can whist you're out there.
Finally I had to fill out a long but straight forward form checking that I was suitable for the program. It only consisted of answering true or false to whether a statement I had just read applied to me or not nd it probably took about 20 minutes to complete.
In total the whole interview took me about 2 hours but it certainly did not feel like I was there for that long, so thanks again to Claire for being a fab interviewer!
Saturday, 27 April 2013
Application: Stage 2
Part two of the application does require more effort than the first.
In this section of the application you need to upload a selection of photos (I recommend a few pictures of you carrying out activities with the children you care for, you doing a particular hobby and you with your family and/or friends). These are the only photos prospective families will see when deciding if they want to take it one step further and message you so make sure you're smiling and not pouting into a mirror in all of the images! Your future family won't care what you look like, but rather whether or not you will be the right match for them.
Here are a few of my choices:
Next you are required to upload character/childcare references. These are forms which need to be printed off and filled out by people who are not related to you but obviously know you well enough to fill out the basic questions. These references will be checked by your interviewer at a later date so make sure they're answered correctly before scanning them into your application.
The medical form has to be completed by a doctor and so I took mine to my local GP and it took about 3/4 weeks until I got it back so allow plenty of time for it to get filled out. It also cost me £40 for the simple 2 pages to be filled out by the doctor and whilst I know that it can be done for free/cheaper at other doctors be sure to budget in unplanned costs.
Other documents which need uploading are your passport, your driving license and proof you have finished High School.
The last upload and the last part of your application (time to get a little bit excited!) is the video. Now don't get me wrong I am a confident person but when it came to making my video I felt like I came across uncomfortable on camera and I really didn't want my future family to think of me as shy but for my video to reflect the real me and so the video aspect became a bit of a nuisance for my perfectionist side and so I'm afraid the only examples I can provide are the ones I was going to use as inspiration which I found on youtube.
Here's a selection of my favourites:
Sjenna's Au Pair in America application video
In this section of the application you need to upload a selection of photos (I recommend a few pictures of you carrying out activities with the children you care for, you doing a particular hobby and you with your family and/or friends). These are the only photos prospective families will see when deciding if they want to take it one step further and message you so make sure you're smiling and not pouting into a mirror in all of the images! Your future family won't care what you look like, but rather whether or not you will be the right match for them.
Here are a few of my choices:
Next you are required to upload character/childcare references. These are forms which need to be printed off and filled out by people who are not related to you but obviously know you well enough to fill out the basic questions. These references will be checked by your interviewer at a later date so make sure they're answered correctly before scanning them into your application.
The medical form has to be completed by a doctor and so I took mine to my local GP and it took about 3/4 weeks until I got it back so allow plenty of time for it to get filled out. It also cost me £40 for the simple 2 pages to be filled out by the doctor and whilst I know that it can be done for free/cheaper at other doctors be sure to budget in unplanned costs.
Other documents which need uploading are your passport, your driving license and proof you have finished High School.
The last upload and the last part of your application (time to get a little bit excited!) is the video. Now don't get me wrong I am a confident person but when it came to making my video I felt like I came across uncomfortable on camera and I really didn't want my future family to think of me as shy but for my video to reflect the real me and so the video aspect became a bit of a nuisance for my perfectionist side and so I'm afraid the only examples I can provide are the ones I was going to use as inspiration which I found on youtube.
Here's a selection of my favourites:
Sjenna's Au Pair in America application video
Tuesday, 23 April 2013
Monday, 22 April 2013
Host Family Letter Example
As mentioned, my letter. It did honestly take me ages to write as I nit-picked it for weeks, but I honestly think it paid off.
"Hi! My name's A********, although I usually go by Alie, I'm 19 and come from a large town in the North West of England. I live with my Mum, *****, who works at a High School with children aged 11-14, my Dad, *****, who used to be a Geography teacher but is now a bid writer and my older brother, ******, when he is at home but he is currently at University training to become a Chemistry Teacher, and our two cats. I've recently finished college after studying History, Biology and Psychology and so it seems to perfect time to see the world whilst I can.
The most recent bulk of my childcare experience has come from helping to look after a little pony called Spike who belongs to a 9 year old girl named S*****. S** and I quickly became friends and I would often help her tack up Spike so we could go for rides together or give her guidance when she was riding in the school. Unfortunately in around late July S** collapsed and developed a limp. It was later discovered that she had Perthes disease and it was heartbreaking to see such an active young girl unable to continue running around, dancing and riding as she used to. Following an operation and a lot of time by the end of November she has finally been able to get around without her crutches that she’s been using for the past several months. Although it’s still early she’s finally been able to sit back on Spike and I’ve walked with them both around the yard, taking it slow to begin with. It’s lovely to have been invited into the family where I have often baby sat for S** and her 1 year old sister E***. S** has undoubtedly become one of my best friends and I love her like a little sister. Although I’ll undoubtedly miss them both I’d like to be able to build a similar relationship with the children I’d be looking after.
My other childcare experience includes helping out at a local Rainbows group which I really enjoyed, especially when I could get involved in setting up and playing the games and helping out with crafts. I was there for about two years and during that time at school I completed my Junior Sports Leader Award (JSLA) where I learned about running sport activities for children and we would go to a nearby primary school and run activities for the kids in their P.E. classes. Lately I have been babysitting for several children varying between ages 1-13 and I have really been enjoying it, as well as helping out at a Sunday school for children aged 3-7 where I love getting messy with the craft activity of the day. I believe it’s really important for kids to be active and I think it’s really beneficial for them to get out of the house and enjoy the world around them. I’m definitely hands on and energetic in my attitude to childcare.
My main hobby is horse riding which I have been doing since I was three years old. I currently have 4 horses and have still been having lessons which I adore although I have to admit there’s nothing quite like a simple long ride out down the tracks by the stables. Riding has taught me a lot about discipline, patience and caring for others and it’s a hobby I would like to have the opportunity to still be able to continue. I also love to hike and have completed the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award which includes 6 months of a physical activity, 3 months of working on a skill, 6 months of volunteer work and a 3 day expedition which included hiking and camping. As well as this I’ve completed the Cheshire Hike twice (a two day hike ran by the Boy Scouts) when I was part of the Girl Guides which covered around 26 miles over two days where we had to navigate our way though the countryside. I also enjoy going for long bike rides, taking dogs for walks, going on road trips to new places with my friends, reading and baking when I have the time.
I hope to use this experience as a chance to see how other families live, how children learn and play in a different culture and to make friends for a life time.
Looking forwards to hearing from you,
Alie"
Remember, you letter should be personal to YOU. Au Pair in America can only match you with families which seem suitable so lying in any part of your application may get you placed with a family you're not happy with.
"Hi! My name's A********, although I usually go by Alie, I'm 19 and come from a large town in the North West of England. I live with my Mum, *****, who works at a High School with children aged 11-14, my Dad, *****, who used to be a Geography teacher but is now a bid writer and my older brother, ******, when he is at home but he is currently at University training to become a Chemistry Teacher, and our two cats. I've recently finished college after studying History, Biology and Psychology and so it seems to perfect time to see the world whilst I can.
The most recent bulk of my childcare experience has come from helping to look after a little pony called Spike who belongs to a 9 year old girl named S*****. S** and I quickly became friends and I would often help her tack up Spike so we could go for rides together or give her guidance when she was riding in the school. Unfortunately in around late July S** collapsed and developed a limp. It was later discovered that she had Perthes disease and it was heartbreaking to see such an active young girl unable to continue running around, dancing and riding as she used to. Following an operation and a lot of time by the end of November she has finally been able to get around without her crutches that she’s been using for the past several months. Although it’s still early she’s finally been able to sit back on Spike and I’ve walked with them both around the yard, taking it slow to begin with. It’s lovely to have been invited into the family where I have often baby sat for S** and her 1 year old sister E***. S** has undoubtedly become one of my best friends and I love her like a little sister. Although I’ll undoubtedly miss them both I’d like to be able to build a similar relationship with the children I’d be looking after.
My other childcare experience includes helping out at a local Rainbows group which I really enjoyed, especially when I could get involved in setting up and playing the games and helping out with crafts. I was there for about two years and during that time at school I completed my Junior Sports Leader Award (JSLA) where I learned about running sport activities for children and we would go to a nearby primary school and run activities for the kids in their P.E. classes. Lately I have been babysitting for several children varying between ages 1-13 and I have really been enjoying it, as well as helping out at a Sunday school for children aged 3-7 where I love getting messy with the craft activity of the day. I believe it’s really important for kids to be active and I think it’s really beneficial for them to get out of the house and enjoy the world around them. I’m definitely hands on and energetic in my attitude to childcare.
My main hobby is horse riding which I have been doing since I was three years old. I currently have 4 horses and have still been having lessons which I adore although I have to admit there’s nothing quite like a simple long ride out down the tracks by the stables. Riding has taught me a lot about discipline, patience and caring for others and it’s a hobby I would like to have the opportunity to still be able to continue. I also love to hike and have completed the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award which includes 6 months of a physical activity, 3 months of working on a skill, 6 months of volunteer work and a 3 day expedition which included hiking and camping. As well as this I’ve completed the Cheshire Hike twice (a two day hike ran by the Boy Scouts) when I was part of the Girl Guides which covered around 26 miles over two days where we had to navigate our way though the countryside. I also enjoy going for long bike rides, taking dogs for walks, going on road trips to new places with my friends, reading and baking when I have the time.
I hope to use this experience as a chance to see how other families live, how children learn and play in a different culture and to make friends for a life time.
Looking forwards to hearing from you,
Alie"
Remember, you letter should be personal to YOU. Au Pair in America can only match you with families which seem suitable so lying in any part of your application may get you placed with a family you're not happy with.
Application: Stage 1
The application is very straight forward - it really is just a case of filling out simple forms.
The categories are:
Once that's all done you need to fill out a more detailed form about your childcare experience, but again nothing impossible and once that's done you can write your host family letter. The host family letter, for me, had to be perfect. I saw it as my first chance to make an impression on my future host family and so I really wanted it to come across well written and reflect my personality. It was tricky to explain a lot about my self so the family know what kind of person would be living in their home and looking after their kids without sounding completely self centered. I found that a quick intro and then explaining about my history of childcare and why I want to become an au pair first showed that my main interest was working with children. I'll link my letter here if you'd like a nosey.
The categories are:
- Personal (Name, Age...)
- Contact (Address, Phone numbers, Skype...)
- Travel and Program (Select your program, Answer about previous visas...)
- Hobbies and Interests (As it says on the tin! Remember they will use these interests to help match with a similar family)
- Driving (How long you've driven for, How often, What kind of roads...)
- Childcare (Experience and willingness to look after what kind of children e.g. special needs and ages...)
- Education (Previous schools...)
- Work experience (Previous jobs...)
- Medical and Health (Allergies, Dietary requirements...)
- Return (Have you had a J1 visa before?)
Once that's all done you need to fill out a more detailed form about your childcare experience, but again nothing impossible and once that's done you can write your host family letter. The host family letter, for me, had to be perfect. I saw it as my first chance to make an impression on my future host family and so I really wanted it to come across well written and reflect my personality. It was tricky to explain a lot about my self so the family know what kind of person would be living in their home and looking after their kids without sounding completely self centered. I found that a quick intro and then explaining about my history of childcare and why I want to become an au pair first showed that my main interest was working with children. I'll link my letter here if you'd like a nosey.
Sunday, 21 April 2013
Going International
All my life I have wanted to travel. I went through college with the slow realization that unless I were to win the lottery financially funding a gap year where I'd be able to travel to several places and genuinely experience different cultures would be near impossible to pull off.
University was an option but leaving with a degree which would not guarantee me a job and still leave me with thousands of pounds of debt did not appeal in the slightest, so after finishing with my A-levels I decided it was time to genuinely look into doing something with my time whilst I could do some soul-searching and decide what I want to do with my life.
I had heard a lot about Camp America from friends and family and it looked fantastic, America as a country has always fascinated me. I think because of the massive influence it has over my home country (Britain), the amazing history and of course I want to learn about the culture we hear so much about through media and find out what it's really like. Whilst having an investigate on the Camp America website I came across their other programs. One of which was Au Pair in America and as soon as I had read more about it I knew it was the thing for me to do.
The basic requirements ask that:
University was an option but leaving with a degree which would not guarantee me a job and still leave me with thousands of pounds of debt did not appeal in the slightest, so after finishing with my A-levels I decided it was time to genuinely look into doing something with my time whilst I could do some soul-searching and decide what I want to do with my life.
I had heard a lot about Camp America from friends and family and it looked fantastic, America as a country has always fascinated me. I think because of the massive influence it has over my home country (Britain), the amazing history and of course I want to learn about the culture we hear so much about through media and find out what it's really like. Whilst having an investigate on the Camp America website I came across their other programs. One of which was Au Pair in America and as soon as I had read more about it I knew it was the thing for me to do.
The basic requirements ask that:
- You're aged 18-26
- You have at least 200 hours childcare experience within the last 2 years
- You have a driving license
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)