Experiences at American Institute for Foreign Studies

The opportunities it has given me to have very close relationships with a diverse group of host families with very interesting lives that I would have otherwise not intersected with
Having relationships with individuals from over 55 countries and having that cultural experience first hand without leaving the US
To use my creative problem solving and varied skills in the capacity of providing customer service to both groups...

the most difficult problem I have had to solve are two problems of equal weight: for the host families when an au pair goes awol and providing the customer service to the family in helping them accept that their au pair abandoned them and their children and finding a replacement au pair as quickly as possible whose placement did not work out for the family they orignially arrived to the US to live and work with and when for health reasons (most recently when an au pair was discovered to have a serious eating disorder) I have to work with an au pair and tell them they have to go home...

the most challenging aspect of my job is the unpredictability of what will happen when and managing my full time job schedule and life around this

The short answer is provide support to the individuals involved in this international cultural exchange program; the long answer would be to say my role can range from 'au pair den mother' to 'au pair police officer'...My role uses my skills in problem solving and conflict resolution, team building, networking, training and course development, programming and crisis management...

My personal experience with travel and living abroad, professional skills and degree of professionalism

I provide support,education, problem resolution, recruit new families and manage record keeping for visa requrirements through the SEVIS system and state department rules. I guide au pairs in establishing life goals and choosing educational courses