Frequently Asked Question

Preparation is everything.

Be well informed about the family, their interests and expectations of you as an au pair. This will make you feel more confident during the conversation. Realize that it is normal to be nervous before an important conversation like this. Accept your feelings and try to deal with them positively.

Don't worry about the language. Your host family knows that you only have a basic knowledge of the German language. An A1 certificate, which you need to apply for your visa, is sufficient to communicate with the host family. If you don't feel confident, you can read your German scripts again or contact our local agency.

Make a list of topics that you would like to address in order to be able to have a structured conversation.
Wear comfortable clothes to feel comfortable and relaxed during the phone call. Breathing techniques can help calm you down. Breathe in and out deeply to reduce your nervousness. If you notice your voice shaking, pause for a moment, take a deep breath and speak a little more slowly. This can help to stabilize your voice.
Have a glass of water handy in case your mouth gets dry during the conversation. A few sips can have a calming effect.

After the call, reward yourself in some way for your bravery, even if you don't yet know whether it was successful. It's about being proud of yourself and gaining more confidence for further conversations.