One of the most meaningful relationships Flavia developed during her au pair year was with her host family. Her host kids quickly became like younger siblings. From school drop-offs to bedtime stories, every small interaction deepened their bond.
"I fell in love with the children before I even arrived here, and every day, that love grows,” explains Flavia. “I love my host children so much that I cannot imagine my life without them. Our relationship is truly that of a family. My host dad and host mom are also part of my lifelong family, and I intend to see them as often as possible after leaving the USA.”
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Beyond her host family, Flavia formed meaningful friendships that enriched her experience even more. One of her first connections was with a fellow au pair she met via her Local Childcare Coordinator (LCC). At the start of her au pair year, her LCC gathered all the au pairs in their area together for a bonding event, which gave her the opportunity to meet other young people from around the world who were going through the same life-changing experience that she was. “This fellow au pair was also Brazilian,” says Flavia, “so we hit it off right away.”
Flavia also became close with au pairs across the USA through the Cultural Care Ambassador Program, which meant connecting over Instagram DMs, WhatsApp groups, and more. “This was the case with one of my best friends here,” says Flavia. “I was assigned to be her Ambassador Buddy. We exchanged emails before she even arrived, and I went to meet her on her first weekend in the USA. Today, my community of friends is growing bigger and bigger, thanks to this. They are like my second family, too.”
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Flavia made the most of her time in the USA by traveling to new places with her host family and fellow au pairs, visiting destinations like New York City, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Lake Wallenpaupack in Pennsylvania.
But some of her favorite moments came from the unexpected places, discovering small towns with unique charm. “Every little town has its own magic and unique energy here,” she shares. “Before coming here, we always think that only famous cities are important, but I love visiting all kinds of places.”
Flavia’s most cherished trip was a New Year’s Eve getaway in Ocean City, New Jersey, where she and five other au pairs spent three unforgettable days together. Thanks to the generosity of her extended host family, who lent them a home for the weekend, they were able to relax, celebrate, and create lifelong memories. “It was the perfect way to start the year,” she reflects.
As Flavia thinks back on her time in the USA, it’s the relationships she built that stand out to her the most. She feels certain the bonds and memories she created will extend far beyond her year here.
As an au pair, every connection leaves a lasting impact… host kids that turn into siblings, friends that turn into family, and family that turns into home. It’s more than a year abroad. It’s the people you meet along the way.
Ready to start your own journey in the USA? Explore what being an au pair could mean for you.
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