Curious about au pairs from the Czech Republic? While we always recommend that families be open to hosting the best au pair for their needs regardless of her nationality, it can be helpful to learn about how an au pair’s home country can affect their personality and skill sets. Below, you’ll find out more about our amazing group of Czech au pairs, including some of their typical characteristics, motivations, and hobbies!
Characteristics
Czech au pairs are great because…
They make great au pairs because they tend to be very flexible and open and are always ready to help the family with anything. They are mostly older, which means they tend to be more mature and know what to expect of the au pair program.
Describe Czech au pairs in 5 words:
Helpful, active, dedicated, adaptable, productive
Top 3 reasons Czechs want to become au pairs:
- To better their English
- To travel the U.S.
- To better their job prospects once home
“Going above and beyond typical care, Anna has introduced our kids to Czech cooking and Czech vocabulary. She brings them to after school activities most days, doing a great job to tune the activities to the kids’ energy levels. She never resorts to putting them in front of the TV, and shares our belief in the importance of exercise and healthy cooking for kids and adults.” —Host mom Caesara in Oregon about Czech au pair Anna
Cultural differences
Positives:
Czech au pairs are typically very responsible and dedicated to their job. They are raised to be hard working, and they are very grateful for getting the chance to work abroad and gain new experiences. They look to be a true member of the family and to really feel that they are appreciated.
Potential challenges:
Czechs can be shy and unsure in unknown environments, so they may need some encouraging in the beginning. They are also not used to complaining about things, even if they don’t like something, so it’s helpful to check in with them on a regular basis. Also, Czechs commonly underestimate themselves (even though they have the experience or skills for something), so take the time to show them that you trust them and that you think they will do great in whatever they try.
English skills
In Czech Republic, children learn two foreign languages as a part of their education starting at age 10. They can choose which languages, but English is the most common one. Any English films and TV programs are usually dubbed, so there is not much exposure to the English language in this way. However, Czechs are very quick to improve their English once in the USA.
“Vendy goes above and beyond, sitting down to dinner with us every night as a family, talking about our days together, and spending a lot of time outside of her normal work hours with us. Last year on Thanksgiving she helped me cook the meal, and added an Apple Strudel as a traditional dish from her country. She is so much more than an au pair to us—she is a big sister to the kids, and a best friend to my husband and I.” —Host mom Lauren in Utah about Czech au pair Vendula
Driving skills
Czech au pairs typically start driving around age 18. Getting your license involves theoretical as well as practical tests. Applicants has to go to a licensed “driving school”, where they can practice their driving skills with professional driving instructors. Czechs typically drive smaller cars and have experience driving on highways and in all weather conditions (rain, snow, ice) because they have 4 seasons.
Childcare experience
Au pairs from Czech Republic typically get their childcare experience by…
Babysitting younger siblings, babysitting extended family members, babysitting children of family friends/neighbors, working in a kindergarten or daycare center, coaching children’s sports teams, working as a camp counselor. Also, it is common for au pair candidates to gain childcare experience while working or having an internship in a school with children as a part of their studies.
Family life
The typical Czech family has 2 children. Though Czechs are family oriented, it’s common to move out or move away from your the parents after finishing the high school studies, usually due to university or a job. Czechs stay in contact with their families a lot, especially because Czech Republic is a small country and it is easy to return home.
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When talking about cultural differences, understand that while we can make generalizations about au pairs from certain countries, all au pairs are unique and have their own personalities, journeys, and cultural perspectives. Our country spotlights serve as a great way to start a dialogue with your au pair or prospective au pair about their home country and continue to learn more about their unique culture!
