The time of my life!

Hi there,

I recently got back from Australia after working as an au pair. I would
first like to thank you for all your help in getting to Australia because it
was the best thing I've ever done and I had the time of my life!

Caroline

New Experience

Hi, 

I want to share my experience with Scotia Personnel Ltd. I had just graduated college (2009) and decided I wanted to have a new experience possibly out of Canada. I had heard from a friend about her experience as an Au Pair with Au Pair in America. I did my re-search online and thought it looked like an amazing and fun opportunity. I signed up to receive more information, and the next day I received a phone call from Scotia Personnel. I was thrilled to have received a call so quickly and without even having to track down a number to call or find an agency! They told me everything I needed to know about the program, the fees $, the steps that would be taken, etc. Everything I needed to know they told me, and any questions I had were answered. It was a comforting feeling to know I was not heading into this alone. With never having done something like this before it was nice to know they were there. I was then emailed the application for the Au Pair in America program, as well as a list of documents I would need or form's I would need filled out (Health Forms completed by a doctor, References, Criminal Record Checks, etc. All things that just take a few minutes and minimal effort on your part to complete!)

After I had completed the paperwork on my part, I was scheduled to go and have my interview at their office in Halifax. I thoroughly enjoyed my interview, as they are professional and really made me feel comfortable. They asked me all types of questions about what type of family I was looking for, where in the United States I wanted to go, how many children, what ages,etc. I feel they very much care about your wants, after all your the one who is spending a year living with a family in a different country. After the interview I was told it could be a few weeks before I hear from a family, and that it would be the family contacting me directly, either phone or email. I was so excited leaving their office, and made sure to keep an eye on my email over the next few weeks.

I then heard from a family, and was in immediate contact with Scotia Personnel because I had questions. I was always met with kindness and a quick response. The family that contacted me was perfect! It was exactly what I told Scotia Personnel I wanted. After exchanging a few emails and a few telephone conversations with the family, we decided to match. I then let Scotia Personnel know and they took it from there. I was a little nervous about matching with the first family, but Scotia Personnel reassured me that it's OK, and if it feels right, then it is. I was told about the fee's in advance by Scotia Personnel so there was absolutely no shock about having to pay. Part of which I would be getting back at the end of my year, and the other was for health/medical. Perfectly understandable to me. From that point on Scotia Personnel took over, they obtained my J1 and DS2019 papers that I needed to enter the United States as an Au Pair and everything was mailed to me. I was told then that I would be receiving my flight information! A big thumbs up for not having to search for your own flight!

I spent an AMAZING 2 years living in New Jersey, and I could not have done it without the great help from Scotia Personnel. They were there for me every step of the way. I cannot thank them enough for helping me with this experience. I returned from the USA in Sept 2011 and am still in contact with my host family in NJ, whom I miss dearly.

So now it's 2012 and I'm ready for my next big adventure. I had been home in Canada for a few months, and was ready to experience something new. I didn't even think about it, and when straight to Scotia Personnel for help. I took a look at their website, and saw all the countries that are possibly work places. Having quite a few very good friend's in Holland I decided to go for it. I immediately sent a message to Scotia Personnel, and with-in the week I had already spoken to them, received the application, and scheduled my interview. Like last time I was first told about any fee's including the non-refundable fee paid to Scotia Personnel. They made sure I understood everything before we got into the process of applying. No shocking moments!
I had to re-schedule my interview because of weather and they could not have been more understanding about it. It was nice to be met with such kindness when working together with an agency.

During my interview we went though what I was looking for, locations, how many children, ages, why I chose the Netherlands, etc. Everything was explained to me about the process including how the agency they work with in Holland would be prematching me with families. I would then receive a families profile and then it would be my decision if I wanted to contact the family to talk further. I had heard about a few families but didn't think they were for me. It was no problem to Scotia Personnel. I then heard from a family and was luckily travelling in Europe at the time. I had the chance to meet with the family, which is a little unheard of. They were great! I kept in constant contact with Scotia Personnel during this time, and never felt like I was alone in this process. Unfortunately due to circumstances out of my control, the match with the family did not work out. I was very upset, and disappointed, but Scotia Personnel stood by me, and helped me continue my search.

After about a month of not hearing anything I was so excited to receive an email from Scotia Personnel telling me about a family. One thing that I really like about Scotia Personnel is that when they email you, they also call you. I think it's a friendly touch to how they work with their clients. I spoke with my interviewer and told her I would be emailing the family! I ran into a bit of a problem when the families application didn't include there email address. One email later, I was told that they (Scotia Personnel) would be in contact with the Holland agency and they would get back to me ASAP. The very next morning I had received a lovely message from the Host Mother! I was thankful for the quick help that Scotia Personnel always provides.

I have been speaking with the family for about a month now, a match has been made and I am leaving for Holland in August. Over the course of our matching process, questions have come up and Scotia Personnel has been there to answer them. My flight to Holland was booked today so I sent an email to Scotia Personnel telling them when I would be leaving and also asking them a few questions. I was responded to very quickly and this afternoon I called them. I spoke to my interviewer as well as there companies president. They are very excited for me and happy that everything has worked out so well. I was told to keep in touch and to send pictures. I feel like they really care about their clients and have their best interests at heart. I would recommend Scotia Personnel to anyone as you will NOT find a better group of professionals. I owe them such a BIG thank you! I really could not have done it without them! 

Kelcey

My Testimonial

I am writing to tell you about my time as an Au Pair in Montclair, New Jersey.  I decided to take a year off of school to learn a little about myself before finishing my studies.  I decided to do the Au Pair programme because it seemed interesting and I had no idea what to expect on the other side.  I am glad I listened to my gut feeling because my time in New Jersey changed me as a person for the better.

I lived with a family that had 3 boys.  They were 6, 9 and 12 when I arrived.  My family was great.  The kids and I mostly spend our days together playing sports or doing something they liked, we always planned to try new things.  That is what I loved most about them they were always open to trying new things.  When I arrived I wasn't even in the door 2 hours before the phone started ringing and other au pairs from my neighbourhood were calling to take me out and get to know me.  That was comforting.  I met with girls from all over the world.  We did everything together on our time off.  We would usually meet in the evenings for coffee or to watch a movie or just chit chat.  There were times where we were lucky to have corresponding schedules and were able to travel on our time off as well.  I was able to visit Washington DC twice, Boston, Philly, Connecticut, Maryland, New York City and several smaller day trips.  I was also lucky enough to join the family for several long weekends at their summer home in Maryland.  It was so relaxing and peaceful.  Sometimes they went there to hang out with family and I was fortunate enough to have the time to spend with friends back in New Jersey.  On August of 2007 the family surprised me with a trip to Italy!  I joined them along with their relatives on a 2 week trip to Rome and Tuscany, amazing!

On our weekends, the other au pairs that I had gotten close to and I always tried to do things together to get to know the area we were living or we tried to do some sight seeing.  IT was truly an awesome experience from start to finish.  I had to say goodbye to so many great friends, which was hard but we made promises and plans to see each other again one day.  I am sure I will get to travel to their home countries as well they will come to visit me in Canada.

My relationship with my host family was great as well.  It was very laid back and they respected me as a woman and know how important it was for me to have my privacy.  They supported my opinion and treated me with love.  I decided after my one year there in New Jersey that I wasn't ready to leave yet so I decided to extend my stay an extra 9 months.  I arrived in NJ in October 2006 and finally packed my bags back to Canada in August 2009.  It was the best years in my life to date.  I learned so much about myself, the world, and I also learned that being a mother is something I definitely want to do.  My friends joke around and tell me I was a 'mommy in training'.  haha.  I would recommend this program to anyone who may feel they want to take a year to get to know themselves, gain some independance, meet great friends and take time to explore and area you know nothing about.  The first that I met there in New Jersey I keep in contact with on a weekly basis.  My best friends are in Sweden, Germany, Denmark, South Africa, Mexico and Finland!  In closing I would like to say, if your up for taking a chance and want to grow as a person, do it...you will not regret it!:)

Misha

Au Pair In Australia

Hi!

The weather here is definitely all I had hoped for...sunny and beautiful!  Although I do miss the snow a bit.

Australia is amazing!  I love it here!  I've met so many wonderful people and made a few good friends, including 2 au pairs from Scotland and Norway!  I love being back in the country with animals everywhere!  I'll admit that some of the slang and aussie terms where a bit confusing at first.  Like a ute is a truck and a pushie is a bicycle and a chook is a chicken :P  But I think I've almost got them all figured out.  I start playing touch rugby today for one of the local teams which should be very exciting and a great way to meet new people.  The family and all their friends have been amazingly kind in helping to introduce me to new people and taking me to see new things, like camp drafting, which was absolutely amazing!

Here are a couple of pictures.  Thanks so much for all your help!  I couldn't have done it without you all!

Pia

Finland Camps

Hi there!

I've made it to Finland and I'm almost done my first two week camp here!  It has been going very well so far, the accommodation is very nice and the food is good.  We get fed many times a day so it really saves a lot of spending money because you do not have to buy any food or snacks.  The other teachers are from England, Ireland, Kenya and Russia.  The teaching job is a lot of work but also a lot of fun, the kids are very energetic and happy to be at camp.

Thanks for letting me know about these camps, I look forward to the rest of my summer here!

Elizabeth

Au Pair Testimonial

I was recenly an Au Pair place in Washington DC.

The past year was a great opportunity.  I enjoyed being around the children I cared for, I was able to do lots of travelling and I made friendships that will last a lifetime!  I sent a long a picture of myself with my host family and numerous pictures of me and the boys.  Picking a few pictures was very hard to do...But I tried my best!

During my stay I was able to travel to Florida with my Au Pair friend also from Canada, North/South Caroline with my friend from Germany, Cape Cod with the family and then I participated in a tour at the end of my year in California, Arizona, Utah and Nevada.  I also travelled to other states for little weekend getaways including, Philly, Williamsburg VA, New York City, Connecticut, Baltimore etc.  I could go on forever tell stories about my travels.

My year flew by!
I hope you enjoy the pictures:)

Take care,

Brittany

Au Pair in the UK

I just want to tell you guys thank you so very much for helping me get to London.  This has been the most amazing time and I have the most amazing family.  I wish I didn't have to leave England because it's just that great here.  I will be keeping you in mind in the future when I start looking to go to Australia.

Thank you again!

Katie