From Colombia to the Netherlands
✨ My journey as an Au Pair
My story as an au pair began when I was just 16 years old and already in university. At that age, I started questioning whether that was really the life I wanted: an already established routine, with little freedom to explore. So I began asking myself: What if I go abroad?
That's when I started looking for options to travel to Europe without a huge budget. From Colombia, everything seemed difficult and far away, but I discovered the au pair program, and my life changed from that moment on.
Although many people start directly in their destination country, my experience began in Germany. It wasn't easy at first; the first family I lived with wasn't a good experience, but I learned something very valuable: a bad experience shouldn't make you give up on your dreams.
With the support of my agency, I found a new family and what a change! They were one of the most wonderful families I've ever met. That was only the first of several, because in the end, I spent four years as an au pair, including during the pandemic.
With my second family, I spent eight months full of learning. They were going through a rough time as a couple, and I became a pillar for them and their children. Although it was a challenge, it was also one of the most meaningful experiences I've ever had. To this day, we're still in touch, and I consider them part of my family. In fact, it was that same family who helped me find a new au pair opportunity in the Netherlands.
That's when a whole new chapter began. I was with a Dutch family with three kids a big responsibility, but I also had strong support from the parents, who helped me with everything, from the language to adapting to the lifestyle.
Arriving in Amsterdam felt like finding home. There, I discovered who I really was my identity, my tastes, my style. Even though the pandemic hit, the family I lived with made me feel safe and valued. Thanks to them, I was able to take a course that helped me find my true professional passion. Back in Colombia, I was studying Law, but I didn't feel fulfilled. During my time as an au pair, I discovered other paths that could bring me happiness.
After that family, I had the opportunity to stay for another two years. I lived with a single mother and her two children, and it was another amazing experience. Today, I consider her a friend even like a sister. We traveled a lot together, shared many special moments, and although there were challenges, we overcame them through honest conversations. Because yes, living together comes with its problems, but with good communication, everything can be resolved.
I know for many people, making this decision can be scary. We hear stories of bad experiences, and of course, every case is different. But something I can say for sure is that it all depends on your attitude. If something isn't going well speak up. Express how you feel. Communication is key, because it's a big change for both you and the host family.
What was a day in my life like as an au pair?
I would wake up at 7:00 a.m., prepare breakfast and the kids' lunchboxes. The parents made sure I was okay and ready. The kids would get dressed on their own and come down to eat. Depending on the schedule, I'd take them to school by bike, or the parents would.
At first, it was hard for me to adapt to using a bike, since it's not very common in Colombia. But the family was very patient: they taught me calmly, accompanied me during the first days, and little by little, I gained confidence. Later, we'd go on rides together along the canals and end the day eating cake and drinking warm milk.
After school, I'd pick up the kids (sometimes the grandparents would), do the laundry, prepare dinner (thanks to HelloFresh, which made everything easier), and we'd have dinner together as a family. That moment of the day was very special to me it made me feel like part of the home. Also, once a week, the parents would ask me how I was feeling, if everything was okay, and if I needed anything. They made me feel heard and cared for.
And now?
Today, I live in Europe and have built a life I feel happy and proud of. Thanks to my experience as an au pair, I learned to adapt, to communicate better, to be more independent, and to value the importance of caring for and connecting with others. All those lessons are still with me today and continue to shape the person I am.
If I had never made the decision to leave Colombia at such a young age, I might not be where I am now. Being an au pair was much more than a cultural exchange it was a key chapter in discovering my purpose and starting to build the life I truly want.
Isabela Perez,
25 years old.