Claire touches down in Beantown

The Orientation: It was a lot of fun. Once all the Au pairs where accounted for we made our way by bus to the hotel. We had a quick greeting where we were issued our keys and our welcome packs. Then it was off to bed. Each morning we had a wake up call at 7am, breakfast was from 7.30 til 8.30 and then we started our class. The first morning is the hardest, I was so tired, as was everyone. In the classes we went through a lot of information and a run down of the program rules and regulations. I shared a room with two other Au pairs. I am still in contact with them both and we are planning on catching up soon. Our groups for the classes were also divided into West Coast, East Coast and EduCare. At breakfast, lunch and dinner you sit at big round tables. It was a lot of fun because it’s a great way to talk to other Au pairs from other countries.

By far the highlight of the orientation was the New York Tour. You go through New York in big buses and stop at lots of different places. You have a tour guide who tells you about the area and if you are lucky you have some free time in Time Square to do some shopping and look around. Time Square at night is amazing. The other really good part of the tour was the Top of the Rock. You can see so much of New York form up there. Apart from being pretty tired during the orientation, it is a lot of fun and I had a great time. The Farwell on the last day was emotional, even though I had only known the girls for 4 days it was still really sad to say goodbye.

Me and My new Family: I look after three children. 2 girls, 4.5 and 2.5 years and a little boy who has just turned one. Everyday is different as my host mum is a stay at home mum and will sometimes need to go out. I generally take the eldest to preschool and Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and will look after the little boys in the mornings. On Mondays I also pick up one of the girls as they both finish preschool at the same time. I then look after them all in the afternoon until 3.30-4pm. I am rarely left with all three of them. They are really sweet kids and I love working with them. Both the girls also do Ballet on different days. They look so cute dressed up for it. My host mum and dad a super nice, they like to know how i and feeling and what plans i have on the weekend and in my free time. They show a genuine interest in me. They also enjoy telling me about America and making my try all the different sorts of ice cream!

The hardest thing for me was getting used to driving on the opposite side of the road in the opposite side of the car. It took me about a week to feel comfortable on the road and I still occasionally go to the wrong side of the car. I haven't started my study yet, I am going a course into North American Culture. It also has a travel component which means i can go some where else for a weekend and learn about the area. I am going to Montreal in Canada. It’s a great way to see the country and get your study requirement done. But here there are a lot of different courses on offer. Plus there are also a lot of opportunities to volunteer. I am hoping to do some in the future, like Global Awareness.

I am really enjoying myself here is America and can't wait to see more of the country.