I first heard about what an au pair was during my first semester at college. Prior, I had no clue that an "au pair" was even a thing. A classmate did a speech on how she went to the Netherlands for 6 months as an au pair through GeoVisions, and absolutely LOVED it. I have always had a spark to travel places and see different cultures, people, and to just live in a whole new experience.
When she was talking about her experience, I immediately was so intrigued and couldn't wait till she was done to ask her more. Nothing sounded more perfect for me at the time, having been just getting into college, not having a lot of funds, but also having this urge inside of me to just travel. The day after I signed up at GeoVisions.
It wasn't till a year later I actually got the courage to fully sign up and go through the process of becoming an au pair. Australia seemed like more than the right choice because, 1. I've always wanted to go and 2. they spoke english. Win win.
I've never traveled solo before this trip, but was never nervous. I knew coming into this program that so many new people and adventures would be there to greet me when I arrived. My process with getting a host family was so easy, even though my first try failed and put me down a little, another family emailed me the next day and I knew that it was meant to be with them. I was able to meet my family in my country because the mom was there for a business meeting, and when we met, we just knew everything would work out. So lucky!
My experience so far has been more than amazing to say the least. I have now been here 4 months, and have made the most amazing memories that will last me a lifetime. All the lovely people I met here were mostly through Facebook pages, and are now my forever friends. I will forever be grateful for this experience.
Australia is just an absolutely beautiful country overall, and am so happy to be able to call this place my second home. If you are hesitating on this experience, I promise you, there is not one thing that you will regret. Of course everything is not picture perfect, but every moment is a whole new learning adventure about yourself and about this new place you are living. Make the most of it!