Elisabeth's second Family in Chile
Au Pair 2016
My experience as an Au Pair in Chile has been a really good one. But let me start at the beginning. When I first started investigating and organizing everything, I was pleasantly surprised that I received such a great support from Chile Inside. My Chile Inside contact person was always answering my questions very quickly, no matter how trivial they might have been. In addition to this, they gave me a feeling of security and I also knew that I was in good hands in terms of my placement, something that went quickly and smoothly. I received several offers from which I could choose, which was really nice. All families seemed friendly and the decision was a difficult one, but I chose a family in Chile’s capital, Santiago, and am glad I did! I am now part of this family that includes my host parents, two girls, a boy, a “nana” from Paraguay, two cats and two turtles – plus some frequently visiting relatives.
Adapting to the new and very different culture was challenging, but also a great experience. It definitely broadens the horizon and gives you a new perspective. There are a few tips I can share: Don’t be scared by the differences and don’t compare everything to your home. And also, don’t be discouraged by language barriers! I spoke very little Spanish when I came here and noticed that people are very eager to help you understand. I took care of three teenagers here and they definitely had a great time making me pronounce tricky Spanish words! I, on the other hand, had a great time teaching them German.
A few things I learned: Empanadas are to die for. Swimming in the Pacific Ocean is chilly, but fantastic. A terremoto is an earthquake, but also a very sweet cocktail with pineapple ice cream on top. In general: get used to things being very sweet! Chilean Spanish is extremely different from standard Spanish, but also very funny. Yes, daisies, orange trees, cows, colorful lizards, and cactuses can all be found in one place. Dogs are everywhere. Wear sunblock – always! Mote con huesillo is super convenient, because it’s a snack and a drink at the same time. No matter where you go, you’ll find someone who speaks German. When invited to a party, don’t be on time. The Fiestas Patrias make it easy to fall in love with this place. Hiking here is challenging, but really awesome – especially when you have a fun crew of locals that can give you inside tips and information about the area.
I recommend doing Au Pair to anyone looking to experience South America in a very unique way by getting in touch with locals and experiencing their way of life first-hand.
Here, you find more information about our Au-Pair program