Taking a Leap of Faith: Au Pair in the Netherlands

About a year ago I took a leap of faith and got on a plane headed toward Amsterdam to spend a year as an au pair. I had no idea what to expect of my new home since I had never even been overseas. A million different emotions were filling my head: anxiety, anticipation, wonder, courage, and excitement.

The second my plane landed in the Netherlands, I knew my life had changed forever.

Living in a foreign country for the first time wasn’t always easy, but my new host family made it much easier. They helped teach me the culture and encouraged me to make friends and travel as much as possible, so that’s what I did.

I spent the past year traveling around 11 different countries and having countless experiences. I’ve been ice skating in Stockholm and had laughs with new friends on the way to Christmas markets in Germany. I’ve walked the coast of the South of France and spent Christmas in Rome. I’ve learned to roll with the delayed planes and trains, because in the end I’ve always managed to find where I’m headed. All these experiences, both good and bad, have helped me grow in a way that I never thought possible.

Through all these experiences, my favorite thing about living, working and traveling abroad is the friends that I’ve made and the people I’ve met along the way.

These amazing people have helped me find myself and see the world in a whole new light. They have taught me to never judge and to accept each human as they come. Every new culture has something amazing to offer and the people are at the core of that.

When my plane landed, I knew my life had changed, but I didn’t know how much until now. Amsterdam has become my home. Travel has become my life. Every single day people astound me with their individual beauty. I'm so happy I took the leap of faith and decided to become an Au Pair.

These were my experiences, now I challenge you to find yours.

~ Stephanie