A algum tempo eu esperava para fazer esse post, e chegou a hora! Todas nós, futuras Au Pairs, sabemos o quanto é importante a escolha da Host Family. São muitos aspectos a serem levados em conta e não podemos 'escolher' aquela que tem as kids mais bonitas e fofinhas, que moram na cidade que você quer, ou que tem Hosts que parecem simpáticos no primeiro contato. Entendo que o primeiro contato pode deslumbrar a maioria de nós, mas é importante lembrar que nosso relacionamento irá além de empregado/empregador, pois vamos morar na casa deles e não vai ser por um breve período. Cada familia tem seu estilo e regras e é importante respeita-los para haja harmonia no convívio. É bom sermos sinceros e extrair deles o máximo de informação possível para vermos se realmente we match.

Pesquisei em vários blogs as perguntas que devemos fazer a Host Family e ainda acrescentei algumas. Claro que não é preciso fazer todas, mas sem dúvida alguma delas serão essenciais.

Questions about the children:

- How many children are there?

- What are their names?

- How old are they?

- What do they like to do?

- What are their favorite games and toys?

- Se a criança for bebê: Is she/he walking and talking yet?

- Are they energetic or calm kids?

- What do they like to do in their free time?

- Are they in the school? How they go to school?

- Am I gonna be supposed to take them to school by car/bicycle?

- How far is the school from your house?

- What do they usually eat for breakfast and lunch?

- Have the kids suffer from any kind of allergies?

- Do they have friends living in the neighbour?

- What things are there to do with the children?

About the parents:

- What are the parents name?

- How old are they?

- Do they have a career/profession?

- Both parents work? What do they do?

- Do they have any religion?

- What are their hobbies?

- The family has members or relatives living nearby?

- What are the house's rules?

- What are the family activities on the weekends?

About their home:

- Where do you live? (state and city)

- Is it a small town?

- Is it near a big city? Which one?

- Is it too cold in the city? Snow there?

- Do they live in house or apartment?

- Do they have pets?

- Do they have a housekeeper?

- What about the au pair's bedroom, what part of the house is the bedroom located?

- Will I have a private room? With bathroom?

About the Au Pair Duties and job:

- Will I be responsible for any household duties? If so, which ones?

- What will be my responsibilities with each kid?

- What will my schedule be like?

- Will I have access to internet and computer on my free time?

- Can I receive and make phone calls in your house? (national and international)

- Will I have time to study? What time? Can I study when the children are in the school?

- Are there any Dutch Schools near your house?

- What time can I get home during the week and on the weekends? (curfew)

- Can I sleep in my friend's house?

- Can I invite friends in my free time? Do they can sleep in your house?

- Are there any other au pairs in the area?

- Why are you interested in getting an au Pair?

- Have you ever had an au pair before? Is she living with you yet?

- Would you mind if I ask you to talk to her or send her an e-mail?

- Am I be supposed to make dinner?

- Is there any kind of food that you don't eat?

Perguntas para a atual Au Pair (caso eles tenham):

- What do you think about the family? And the kids?

- Are they nice with you?

- How much they pay you?

- Do you do extra work? What kind of job?

- Do you do any course? If so, are the courses near from the house?

- Is there any cool near place to go there?

- What do you think they would like to receive as a gift?

Se vocês lembrarem de mais alguma pergunta que deveria entrar para a lista, deixe um comentário neste post que eu reedito o texto.