Longing

The first challenge is the longing for South Africa and everything that is familiar. Everyone experiences this at one time or another. Some long for home early on and others are gripped by homesickness and longing much later. The largest group of au pairs usually leave South Africa in December and January and therefore arrive in the Netherlands in winter. The weather is therefore not cooperating and it may also be the first Christmas and/or New Year that the au pair is away from home. All of this can make the adjustment difficult. The most important thing is not to want to call home right away, but rather go do something that is fun and can distract you. The families are usually prepared for this and will help the au pair through this adjustment period.

Trains

Because we don’t actually travel by train here in South Africa and it can be dangerous here, au pairs think that it is the same in the Netherlands. On the contrary, it will be, apart from your bike, the bus and the tram, your most important means of transport! It is important to become familiar as soon as possible with buying a ticket, how to read the train timetable, getting on, riding and most importantly, having fun!

The Weather

The au pairs who arrive in the Netherlands in winter are not used to the cold and especially not to the short days and the short time it is light. In winter the sun often only rises at 9 am and sets again at four in the afternoon. The socializing is therefore more indoors: in the houses, the shops, etc. In summer it is just the other way around, because then the days can be very long with the sun only setting here at 10 pm. The heavy rain can also be a problem, because you have to take the children to school on/by bike, but everyone there is adapted and adapts to the weather conditions. Do the same! “When in Rome, do as the Romans do…”

Cultural Differences

You will soon find out that there are cultural differences between SA and the Netherlands and you can also find more information about this in the Manual. The best thing to do is to do as they do.

Cell Phones

A cell phone is only an emergency tool in the Netherlands. Don’t carry it with you when you’re working, and you definitely don’t answer it in company or at the table. Don’t sit on your cell phone all day – there’s a lot to discover in the Netherlands.

Au Pairs That Compares Circumstances

It is quite common for au pairs to visit each other and then want to compare their circumstances. Just remember: No two families’ circumstances are the same, and you cannot compare your circumstances with another au pair’s. If one au pair has to iron and another does not, the one who has to do it should not ask why the other one does not have to do it. Each au pair has a work letter (work schedule) that clearly outlines the 30 hours of the week.

Au Pairs who Gossip and Tell Stories about their Famillies

Gossip can have far-reaching consequences. Au pairs have been sent back to South Africa in the past for spreading gossip about their families. Don’t let that happen to you.

Personalities clash

It can happen that the au pair and the woman of the house have personalities that just don’t click with each other at all. Fortunately, this doesn’t happen very often, but if it does, NEDSA always assumes that it’s a nice au pair, a nice family, and a transfer is made. This is only in extreme cases and if we have done everything in our power to resolve the problems. A transfer is not always that easy, because there are a lot of things at stake.

The Language

Although Dutch is very similar to Afrikaans, it may be that you and especially the children do not understand each other well at first. You can communicate with the parents in English at first, but it is difficult for the children. So if you do not understand them, it is best to ask them to show you what exactly they want or need. Fortunately, this is quickly corrected and the language course also helps a lot.

The au pair and cycling

Some au pairs have an “image” problem, because if you cycle here in South Africa, it actually means your parents can’t come and pick you up and it just doesn’t do your “image” any good! However, there it is part of your everyday existence and you don’t do anything without the bike. No one laughs at anyone, and you will be amazed to see all the old people on their bikes. So make peace with that, because an au pair who can’t or doesn’t want to cycle shouldn’t go to the Netherlands to au pair.

The emotional “dip” after about 6 months

As agents, we are prepared for the fact that some of the au pairs may go through an emotional low point, especially after the peak of the fantastic summer vacation. She thinks the climax has been reached and now there are still 6 months to go. Or the parents or mother came to visit and have to leave again, then the same thing happens. The best thing is then to make plans again to visit places you have not seen yet, because usually the last 6 months fly by very quickly and most au pairs complain upon their return that they have not seen or done everything they wanted to.

Remember, NEDSA NETHERLANDS and NEDSA SOUTH AFRICA are always ready to help with any problem that may arise.