"I’d dreamt about coming to America since I was 13 years old.  When I finished school Au Pair in America helped me realize this dream in a way I never thought possible.  I was placed on the program with a family from Chicago.  Host Mom and Dad both worked full time and I was all set to look after their four children.

My memories of that year will last a lifetime!  My host family was made for me – we were an absolutely perfect match and they took me in from the moment I walked through their door after Orientation.  I went with them for dinner, to parties and on vacation to Wisconsin, Florida and Missouri.  They became my best friends and their kids became my life.  I found some other very good friends and saw lots of different places.  The experience I gained has changed my life.  I never wanted to miss a single day – even the bad days I had!

I’ll never forget my little boy sitting on the washing machine trying to fold laundry so I would be done sooner and could read to him his Harry Potter books.   Or my little girl coming home from a Birthday Party with that sparkle in her eyes showing me all the cheerleading and dance moves she’d learnt that day.  I will never forget my older boy sitting at the counter with his best friend telling me about ‘girls’ or his twin sister running out of the house, making a sharp stop, turning around, hugging me and saying, “Love ya, Julia!”

At the end of the year they gave me a key, to their home and their hearts.  In the 2 years since I’ve been back I’ve already taken them up on their invitation twice.  They’ve become my second family and I feel like I miss something if I don’t try to see them as often as I can."

Julia, Germany. Took part in the program from 2001 to 2002