Wanderlust on a Budget.
Are you full of wanderlust, but you don’t know how to financially afford the cost of travel, or how to logistically go about it? Then this interview with Aleena Cramer, a former student at Southern Oregon University, will hopefully give you some insight into how you can resolve your concerns and to pursue your goal of travel and adventure.
I interviewed Aleena about her experience as a nanny in Egly, France for the past two years. She eagerly agreed to share her experience, opinion, and adventures with me.
Me: What made you want to be a nanny abroad?
Aleena: I wanted to find a way to really get to know a new country and travel around Europe for an extended amount of time. I also like the idea of living with a family and the ability to get to know a new family and their culture. I found a really cool family that I really clicked with, so that helped. Otherwise I think I would’ve just traveled for a few months. This was the best case, because I really wanted to live in another country like a local.
Me: How did you find or meet your host family?
Aleena: A friend of mine at SOU actually told me about this program called AuPair World. And it’s basically a website that has potential hosts and au pairs. You basically look at people’s profiles and decide if they seem like a good fit (i.e the kids are the age you prefer to watch, they live in an area you would like etc.) I chose my family, because I liked that they had older kids that were active and it was low maintenance. I didn’t have to cook or clean! They also spoke great English, and my main job was just to chill with the kids sometimes in the evenings! I also got lost of vacation time which was ideal, because this allowed me to travel Europe.
Most importantly, I Skyped with my host family prior to meeting them in person, and I really got along with them well. I also talked to past au pairs of the host family, they only had great things to say about them. So it was an easy choice.
Me: That is really neat that all of those resources were available to you, to make sure you found the best fit in a family, as well as them finding the best fit in an au pair.
What was your experience with your host family like?
Aleena: The family right off the bat made me feel so at home and a part of the family. It really made me feel so at home and a part of the family. It really made the biggest difference. Especially since I didn’t know anyone, they made me feel like I was home! It was really special! They are brilliant…the mom and dad both have their Ph.D. in some sort of science (biology, math, physics) but are so relatable and easy to talk to. Super friendly, funny and kind. And the kids who are 14 and 17 were so great. They are so funny and fun and just super great kids! Also super smart and just really kind. I loved hanging out with them.
The family was just always trying to learn new things (through reading, travel, and talking to others) like at the dinner table we would always talk about current events, what’s new, history or something that would challenge us, expand our knowledge. They were active and social and just super inviting. I think it takes a really unique family to be all so kind and welcoming to new people and to make them feel so much at home and a part of the family. I just can’t say enough good things about them.
Me: That’s super awesome and special that you were able to have this experience with such a supportive and open family.
Aleena: Ya, I’m so thankful for the opportunity! And that I got to make lifelong friendships with them and others.
Me: What would you say your greatest challenge was?
Aleena: Hmmm, I’d say the biggest challenge was just at the beginning, because I didn’t know anyone and I was living about 30 minutes by train outside of Paris, where all the people my age live and did things, and where all the English speakers were! So the challenge was meeting people at first! And definitely the language. So many people speak English so it was easy to get away with not learning French, but then I kind of suffered later because it was harder to make close French friends, because the language barrier when we’d all hang out together.
Me: I know though that, that hasn’t stopped you from making a lot of new friends and creating relationships with people, through your travels.
Aleena: I have met a ton of new people, and have definitely made a lot of friends through travel and activities I participated in.
Me: What suggestions would you have for someone who wanted to be a nanny or wanted to travel extensively?
Aleena: For those who wanted to be a nanny: definitely know what you are comfortable with (i.e young kids, older kids, cleaning, cooking etc.) I knew I wanted older kids and to have more of a cultural exchange and be a part of a family not just a worker. So, make sure to figure that out and to talk to past au pairs or nannies. It’s definitely better not to be the first nanny! And of course, when you arrive just be kind and respectful and keep an open mind!
For those who want to travel: it’s not as hard as it seems…and it’s not that expensive either. Just do some research before, I read a lot of blogs of other backpackers that we’re doing it in the budget I had, and I watched some YouTube videos and that helped a lot!
And again be kind, respectful, and open minded! Most people are very helpful and nice!
Aleena went on to nanny for another family in France, so she could extend her travels. She accomplished her goal of 25 countries before she turned 25 years old. She is still close to her French families and has made a plethora of new friends. A take away from my interview with Aleena, is that anything is possible with an open mind, a little research, and determination.
