Imagine you're at the airport with your suitcase, ready to start an adventure that will change your life. You leave behind what's familiar for a moment, and in return, a year full of new cultures, languages, friends, and personal growth awaits you. That's exactly what a gap year as an au pair can give you.

A year that isn't wasted time, but an investment

Many girls in Colombia and other Latin American countries ask themselves: 'Will I fall behind if I take a year off?' The answer is simple: no; in fact, you gain an advantage. Experience shows that those who take a good gap year return more motivated, start their studies with greater focus, and even achieve better results. While your friends might start university right away, you come back after a year of experiences stronger, more mature, and more confident in yourself.

Living the culture instead of just studying it

Maybe you always dreamed of Europe: photos of Amsterdam's canals, bike rides through the city, or weekends in Paris or Rome. As an au pair, you don't experience it like a tourist—you truly live in a new culture. You become part of a family, learning how the Dutch think, eat, and raise their children. And the best part? You get the chance to learn a second (or even third) language without paying for expensive courses—you learn by using it every day.

Personal growth you won't find in books

Being an au pair is more than taking care of children. You learn independence, responsibility, and how to stand on your own in a new world. The first time you take the bus alone in an unfamiliar city or have a conversation in English with your host family might feel nerve-wracking, but those moments make you stronger. Many au pairs say that after their year abroad, they return as independent, confident young women with a clear sense of what they want in life.

It's normal to have questions and concerns:

'What if I don't speak the language well?' → No worries. You learn by doing. Many au pairs start with basic English, and within a few months, they speak it much better.

'What if I feel homesick?' → You'll never be alone. Bon Voyage supports you step by step, and in the Netherlands, you'll meet other au pairs going through the same adventure.

'What if I 'lose' my future?' → On the contrary: you're building it. Universities and employers greatly value international experience, language skills, and independence.

A year that opens doors

After a year as an au pair, you don't just take home lifelong memories—you also carry something that sets your future apart. On your CV, you'll be able to show that you took on responsibility, that you were flexible and resilient, and that you adapted to another culture. Universities and employers see this as a sign of maturity and leadership.

Imagine…

That a few years from now you're sitting in an interview and sharing about your time as an au pair in the Netherlands. Your eyes light up as you explain how you learned to navigate cultural differences, how you supported the children's growth, and how you discovered yourself. The interviewer smiles: this isn't just any story. This is what makes you unique.

Ready to take the leap?

A gap year as an au pair isn't a pause—it's a step forward. It's the chance to live your dreams, overcome your fears, and prepare for a strong future.

At Bon Voyage, we believe this adventure is the perfect combination of traveling, learning, and growing. And we're ready to support you every step of the way.

FAQ (most frequently asked questions from girls and their parents):