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.