Petronella’s story (Au Pair in Auckland)

My sister, my best friend and a girl at my former work had all been au-pairs and sounded really positive about their experience. People have always told me that I have really good care with children as well so it felt quite naturally to work in this field.  I also wanted to leave Sweden to live and work  in another country and become a part of that culture. Since my family is kiwi I really get to see the real kiwi lifestyle.
I take care of a gorgeous little boy who always seems to amaze me with his charms. He just turned four and we had a nice party with Spiderman theme there was also a lot of cake and bouncing castles. Children give so much without even thinking about it. The family treats me really nice and although I don't feel like their daughter I feel like something in-between a friend and a daughter I guess. It's nice to live with other people and you really develop as a person. It is true as they say you have to respect others to get respect back. You learn a lot about yourself.

I like to have a lot of stuff happening around me so I have a activity every day of the week. This involves handball, soccer and theatre backstage. These create a great opportunity to meet other people with equal interests. Through the handball I've been to Wellington and we will go to New Caledonia as well. In the weekends I spend time with my friends or take the opportunity to travel around NZ.
There are so many great things about being an Au Pair that I don't know where to start or where to end. You get the chance to meet a lot of lovely nice people and make friends for life. This is really an adventure and a once in a lifetime opportunity. This week I will travel down to Christchurch and then further to Queenstown - where I will do my big "JUMP" my bungy jump.

To be here in New Zealand has given me one of the greatest experiences in my life. I don't want to think about the day when I have to leave all this. Without the support and help from  Transnational Au Pair Link this wouldn’t have been possible and they really got a perfect match with the family for me.“

See you down under!

Petronella