Brochure South Africa 2016

2015/2016

AU PAIR IN THE USA Personal growth & cultural exchange

Part of the EF Education First family

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CULTURAL CARE AU PAIR | South Africa | www.culturalcare.co.za | 021 422 0807

EXPERIENCE AMERICA AS AN AU PAIR To be an au pair means many things, but what you will gain from the experience will change your life. Becoming an au pair is a once in a lifetime opportunity to dive into another culture and truly live the local life for 12-24 months. You’ll discover America while living with a host family and providing full-time child care.

FOLLOW US AND SHARE! #CULTURALCARE

ALL PHOTOGRAPHY IN THIS BROCHURE FEATURES OUR VERY OWN CULTURAL CARE AU PAIRS AND HOST FAMILIES

The bonds you’ll create As an au pair you will become a big sister or brother, a daughter or son, a friend, and a mentor while caring for your host children.

Together you will share one another’s cultures, exploring, food, special celebrations and life’s simple pleasures. The relationships you build are lifelong and like no other.

The places you’ll go During your time you can join an American university exploring classes while making local friends, some of whom will become friends for life. You can spend your free time travelling and exploring the USA with your new friends, host family or by yourself.

The difference you’ll make Daily you will play a huge role in the happiness and well-being of your host children’s lives. You will share so many milestones together from first words to first steps or first day at school. Our au pairs say there is nothing more rewarding than knowing they played a major role in the children’s personal development and molding of their future.

LE T

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and

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– TEP

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LIVE. LEARN. SHARE. Cultural Exchange

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“I BECAME A UTAHN�

Families are everything in Utah, even the extended family! It was tradition on Sundays to have a full table with aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and friends to be together. I loved Sundays!

Utah is incredibly beautiful; my house looked out over the Salt Lake Valley (a very mountainous region) my family and I spent most weekends on Lake Powell boating and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Mari (18), au pair in Utah

Homeland Finland

Destination Salt Lake City

Host Family 4 kids + Luke the dog and Gringo the frog

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CULTURAL CARE AU PAIR | South Africa | www.culturalcare.co.za | 021 422 0807

Travelling, reading and watching films just touches the surface of understanding a culture. To become part of a culture is to live it. Sharing moments with the locals and discovering the culture through children and family life is what au pairs experience. This is the true meaning of cultural exchange.

Every state in America has its individualities from the locals accents to specialties in food, views on life, local traditions and of course the scenery and landscapes. Au pairs from different states will experience a very different culture from that of another au pair.

See more of real au pair experiences in the USA #CULTURALCARE

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1 Laurina, au pair in California 2 Madeline, au pair in New York 3 Iiaria, au pair in Colorado 4 Mattia, au pair in Texas 5 Isa, au pair in New York 6 Poonyawee, au pair in New Jersey

“I BECAME A MASSACHUSITE�

Weekly I would take classes at a local college in Boston, the student life was incredible. I was always meeting new people who would take me to cool student events that I have never experienced before.

Boston is an amazing food hub, but what makes it really special is the seafood culture. My family taught me how to cook the most delicious New England Clam Chowder that we would cook up in big pots so we had enough for the next day.

Lhee (23), au pair in Massachusetts

Homeland Thailand

Destination Boston

Host Family 3 kids + Taylor the Honeybadger

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YOUR AU PAIR TRAVEL Being an au pair means you’ll have the opportunity to live, work and travel in the USA. Plan weekend trips, celebrate festive holidays or take a road trip with friends – you’ll become a local!

AFFORDABLE TRAVEL

WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR TRAVEL TIME?

Travel is very attainable as an au pair, being in the USA for up to 24 months gives you time to plan trips and save money. You’ll learn where the best places are to visit through living as a local and not just a tourist.

Our au pairs love to use their travel time to really explore America.

You could get the wind in your hair and take a road trip with friends, city hop to see the best monuments, or get in touch with your natural side and discover the incredible Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.

THE LAND OF OPPORTUNITY – AMERICA! America is a vibrant country with something for everyone. From its breathtaking natural wonders like the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls, to its world famous cities. America is a country rich in culture and places to see. This is your chance to see it!

CULTURAL CARE AU PAIR | South Africa | www.culturalcare.co.za | 021 422 0807

FLORIDA – ADVENTURES IN THE SUNSHINE STATE This 8-day all inclusive trip will take you to Florida’s top attractions, including Walt Disney World, where you can meet your favourite childhood characters. Explore Universal Studios in Orlando where you can walk through film sets and see how all the iconic TV series and movies were produced. Get in touch with your natural side and take an airboat ride in the Everglades National Park, spotting wildlife like alligators. Finally you’ll have time in Miami to do some shopping and relax on the white sandy beaches.

LOS ANGELES, LAS VEGAS, GRAND CANYON An 8-day adventure of Los Angeles and the American Southwest. You’ll enjoy your first few days in the entertainment capital of the world, LA. From here, spend an evening on the famous Vegas strip and take a river float trip down Black Canyon. Stop off at the Grand Canyon and get that iconic photo. Then you’ll visit one of the last homesteads left in Arizona, an amazing example of early farming in America. Finally, see how Native Americans lived over 600 years ago in preserved cliff dwellings in Beaver Creek.

DISCOVERY TOURS Cultural Care Discovery Tours are tailor made for 18-28 year olds that want to

explore amazing America. Our tours are a great way to see a whole lot of places, hassle free - everything is organised. You can travel with friends and explore California, Florida and Hawaii.

CHECK OUT OUR FULL ITINERARIES ONLINE WWW.DISCOVERYTOURS.CULTURALCARE.COM

HAWAII – THE ISLAND STATE Spend 7 sun-splashed days in Hawaii. This is truly the nature lovers paradise. Spend your first days hiking a volcano and visiting Pearl Harbor - brush up on your World War II history. You’ll take a trip up to the North Shore and visit one of the State’s largest pineapple plantations along with a walk through a lush rainforest. Spend your final days learning about the Polynesian culture with a local Hawaiian dance with dinner. During your time you’ll have lots of extra time to sunbathe on Waikiki Beach and shop at the local stores.

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YOUR INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION Studying at an American college is a visa-compulsory

FUNDING YOUR STUDIES

component of the au pair programme. Studying

Your host family will provide up to US$ 500 towards classes of your choice. You will need to complete a minimum of six academic credits during your stay. Choices of classes and subjects are endless; there are classes for everyone, from sciences to arts and languages.

abroad adds something outstanding to your CV and allows you to experience a typical American university plus the opportunity to meet local friends.

KEEP A BLOG!

Depending on your subject and college choices the provided funding of US$ 500 will only cover a certain amount of your six credits.

All companies value skills in social media and web. Your blog will also keep your family and friends happy and updated on your incredible adventures and daily life in the USA.

EXPLORE YOUR INTERESTS Studying abroad is a great way to explore your future through

SKILLS AU PAIRS DEVELOP

trying different subjects you’re interested in. Many au pairs use this opportunity to take a class they might not have access to in their home country.

Recent survey among former au pairs revealed:

81%

improved their communication

83%

found it easier to adapt to new environments

85%

became more responsible

90%

gained confidence and independence

CULTURAL CARE AU PAIR | South Africa | www.culturalcare.co.za | 021 422 0807

BUILDING YOUR FUTURE Formal education is always important but experience and skills you acquire outside the classroom make you stand out in a competitive global job market. Taking in all the elements of the au pair experience you will create a new skill set making you highly employable for your future, while having fun. You will benefit by:

» Listing travel on your CV Listing travel on your CV shows many things that future employers want to see. You will acquire important skills such as negotiation, independence and cultural understanding.

» Creating connections During your time in the USA you will meet dynamic people from all walks of life. These people are the start of your personal and professional network. Being in an unfamiliar environment, you will extend yourself beyond your comfort zone and meet people you wouldn’t expect to impact your life.

Grow your network. Become part of the Cultural Care Au Pair Alumni on LinkedIn.

» » » » » » » » »

Responsibility Flexibility Networking Cross-cultural understanding Decision-making Self-sufficiency and independence Confidence Communication Adaptability

“In my second year I became more confident in the USA, I took more classes to complement my studies.

Now I work in business administration and accounting.”

Natalia, au pair in Illinois

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WE ARE... an organisation filled with passionate people from all over the world, devoted to creating unforgettable experiences for young people. We’ve helped over 100,000 young people travel to the USA to join American families and truly experience the American way of life, all while making a difference in children’s lives.

WE’RE WITH YOU ALL THE WAY We are a global organisation, part of the EF Education First Family; the largest private educational organisation in the world, that has been creating cultural exchange experiences for over 50 years.

From your home country to your new home in America, we will always be there to support you.

Other organisations use outside agencies to run parts of their programme – not us. We, Cultural Care Au Pair, are in control of each phase of your au pair experience; from supporting you in your application to finding the right host family and our 24/7 support network located in the USA.

80%

of our staff are former au pairs

850

ground staff and support network in the US

26 +

years of experience

100,000 +

au pairs placed in our host family homes

THE BEST PREPARATION AND TRAINING It’s important to us that you feel confident and ready to take on this new experience. That’s why with over 26 years of experience we have collaborated with former au pairs and child care professionals to develop our training and preparation programme from our headquarters in Switzerland.

CULTURAL CARE AU PAIR | South Africa | www.culturalcare.co.za | 021 422 0807

FINDING YOUR PERFECT HOST FAMILY

OUR TOP PRIORITY – YOUR SAFETY

We know how important it is to find the perfect host family, and quickly. That’s why we have the largest selection of host families available to connect with before you even finish your application.

There is nothing more important to us than your safety, that’s why we’re available 24/7 from our Boston office and across the USA. During your time in the USA our local staff will live within one hour drive from you and your host family. They’ll be in contact with you during your stay to make sure you’re happy and healthy.

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In your home country – Our local staff

Our staff live locally in your home country and will be your ‘go to team’ before you depart. They will guide and help you complete your application, assist in your matching process and give you advice and feedback on any queries.

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In the USA – Local Childcare Consultant

Your LCC will be your primary support contact during your time in the US. Your LCC works with you and your host family providing support and information. Each LCC works with several au pairs within your area so he/she will also introduce you to other Cultural Care au pairs; some of whom might become your best friends.

EARLY MATCHING As industry leaders we want you to find your host family fast, that’s why we provide early matching for outstanding candidates. You can match with your host family before finishing your application. If you haven’t already, start your application today and you could be selected for early matching! www.culturalcare.co.za/apply

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Kids First – Cultural Care Kids First Foundation provides resources to support organisations that strive to make a difference in the lives of children in need around the world. www.culturalcarekidsfirst.org/

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GET MORE INFO Local info meetings near you! Limited slots. Sign up today – www.culturalcare.co.za/meeting

CULTURAL CARE AU PAIR EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS We know what makes a brilliant programme for au pairs. That’s why we have collaborated with former au pairs, experts and professionals to provide you with the right tools and training for a successful experience.

« Application Guide

« Au Pair Travel Kit

After your information meeting you will receive a help guide packed with tips and tricks to completing a perfect application, along with your local staff’s support and advice.

Profile Guide • Book

Interactive book to guide you step by step and prepare you for your au pair experience. With this you won’t forget anything!

Preparation Guide • Book

AU PAIR REQUIREMENTS:

PROGRAMME BENEFITS:

» Aged between 18 and 26 » Love children and have experience taking care of them » Completed secondary school or equivalent » Driver’s licence » Clean criminal background » Good health » Non-smoker

» Earn US$ 195.75 USD per week » Up to US$ 500 for college courses » 2 weeks paid holiday » 1 month travel at the end of the programme » Full board and accommodation with host family » Live in the USA for 12-24 months on a Cultural Care sponsored J-1 Visa » Round trip travel - return flights to and from your host family

Our au pair programme is monitored and regulated by the U.S. Department of State. We are one of few designated sponsor organisations recognised by the US Department of State to screen and select prospective au pairs. www.j1visa.state.gov

Erika Extended Insurance Coverage

Red Cross CPR Medical Certificate

Comprehensive tailored au pair insurance for peace of mind while travelling.

Insurance coverage

This is a mandatory course given by professionals that you’ll take at the New York Training School.

Certificate • Au Pair Training School

CULTURAL CARE AU PAIR | South Africa | www.culturalcare.co.za | 021 422 0807

Early Matching – Connect faster We know it’s important for you to find your perfect host family fast.

That’s why we have created early matching, so you can find your host family before even finishing your application.

Match early • Online

Exclusive Au Pair Tours All inclusive tailor made tours for you and your friends around America. www.discoverytours.culturalcare.com Travel opportunity • Extra

Au Pair Online Account

MyAuPairCourses

Get Ready Workshop

Your personalised ‘go to’ online platform for everything. Status updates, host family matches, flights and much more.

Homebase • Online

Specifically designed interactive training modules available through your Au Pair Online Account Lessons • Online

Specially designed pre-departure workshop run either online or at a local Cultural Care Au Pair office near you.

Webinar • Online/Office

NEW YORK TRAINING SCHOOL Your first days in America!

This is your first step to making new friends plus take a New York City day trip with them!

Spend five days at our training school on beautiful Long Island, New York. You’ll have three days of face-to-face interactive classes.

Training • On campus

#CULTURALCARETRAININGSCHOOL

Certificate of Completion Congratulations you did it! Once home, you’ll receive your certificate of completion – great for your CV. Certificate • On return

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M A R IN A’S STO RY

From my experience I most enjoyed living the real American way of life!

If you are in the USA as a tourist you don’t really get to know how everyday life is within an American family – I became a local and I loved it!

During my stay I did a lot of weekend trips along with my travel month and paid vacation.

I took a 10-day cruise with my au pair friend, starting in Miami through the Bahamas and finishing in Mexico.

My second big trip I took during my travel month was a guided van tour. On this journey I met so many other au pairs from all over the world that all became very close friends of mine. We started our tour in Santa Monica stopping off at all the hot spots like the Grand Canyon, Lake Havasu, Las Vegas, Death Valley and finished up in San Francisco.

Being abroad for over a year and being responsible for three kids in a totally new country made me so much more self-confident and open-minded. I had to wake up my three host children, get them ready for school, including picking an outfit, brushing their teeth and hair, making their lunch, packing their school bags and putting them on the big yellow school bus. There were so many funny moments we shared during these daily routines.

My favourite memory with my 3 year old host child was when she started to swim all by herself. I took her to swimming lessons every week and slowly she would get better, then when summer came I would practice nearly every day in the pool with her, finally she was doing it on her own. I remember that feeling as clear as day, I was so ecstatic that I taught her one of the most useful things in life.

#CULTURALCARE

Destination New York

Stay 18 months

Host Family 1 infant, 2 toddlers

CULTURAL CARE AU PAIR | South Africa | www.culturalcare.co.za | 021 422 0807

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC MOMENTS AS AN INFANT QUALIFIED AU PAIR! Many of our host families are specifically looking for au pairs who have experience with children under two. Our au pairs who chose to join a family with an infant love to tell us how rewarding and special it is to be part of a child’s development, here’s why: “I absolutely loved caring for a baby (3 months upon arrival). It was amazing to watch him grow and reach so many milestones in his first year of life. It was beautiful to share that experience with my host parents, and older host child, as it made me closer to my host family.”

– Aymee, au pair in Florida

EXTRA BENEFITS FOR INFANT QUALIFIED AU PAIRS: » Specialised preparation Receive specialised training for taking care of infants in the USA at our training school in New York. » Gain further experience Taking care of infants means you’ll gain experience for your future in child care or teaching. » More flexible schedule Potentially you’ll have more weekends off, as most working families will want to spend time with their little ones.

JOIN THE INFANT QUALIFIED CLUB! FIND OUT MORE AT YOUR LOCAL INFO MEETING www.culturalcare.co.za/meeting

PROGRAMME COSTS Acceptance Fee ZAR 1000 Programme Fee ZAR 6000* *Programme fee: includes benefits as listed on page 12 including return airfare upon successful completion of the programme. It is payable once you confirm your matched family.

Price valid at time of printing. Refer to website for current pricing.

LET’S MEET!

Come to a FREE info meeting in a city near you.

MEETING CITIES: JOHANNESBURG BLOEMFONTEIN NELSPRUIT CAPE TOWN

GEORGE PORT ELIZABETH DURBAN PIETERMARITZBURG

Limited seats | Sign up today

WWW.CULTURALCARE.CO.ZA/MEETING Friends and family welcome

CONTACT US:

021 422 0807 | www.culturalcare.co.za

HEAD OFFICE

REGIONAL OFFICE

Cultural Care Au Pair Unit 402 Touchstone House 7-11 Bree Street Cape Town, 8000

Cultural Care Au Pair The Oval, Epsom Downs Cnr of Meadowbrooke and Sloane, Bryanston, Johannesburg, 2191

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Cultural Care Au Pair is part of the EF Education First family EF Education First is an international education company focusing on language, academics and cultural experience with 500 offices and schools in over 52 countries around the world. We at Cultural Care Au Pair share EF´s mission in opening the world through education.

Learn more about EF under: www.ef.com

WE ARE PROUD PARTNERS WITH: