My Experience as an Au Pair in Ireland

My experience as an au pair in Ireland was absolutely the best year of my young life.  The program allowed me to leave my familiar surroundings and routine for a time and embrace a new culture and lifestyle.  I learned a host of new skills, such as how to make the perfect mashed potatoes (I must admit I have not mastered this yet) and how to manage an Irish traffic jam (cows or sheep crossing the road).  I also met dozens of incredibly interesting people who helped me to understand the foreign culture that has greatly enriched not only my life, but also my personality.  I was able to fulfill my dream of exploring a new country and culture by travelling around Ireland and visiting the amazing sites.  I visited Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, was blown away by the Cliffs of Moher, and even kissed the Blarney Stone!  Ireland is such a beautiful country and fortunately I was able to experience much of what it has to offer.  By working together with my host family, I learned how to become more responsible and independent not only for myself, but for the children for whom I was responsible – Jack, 10; Charlie, 4; Gracie, 14 months.  The Fallons, my host family, are some of the nicest and most gracious people I have ever met.  From day one, they made me feel like a member of their family and accepted me whole-heartedly.  If I ever had anything I needed to talk about or a concern, I always felt comfortable going to them.  I had a tremendous bond with everyone in the house and connected very early on with the kids.  All three of them were able to make me smile and make any worries or sadness go away.  Every member of the Fallon family is an unbelievable person – they love each other and are a true representation of what “family” means.  They truly made my experience amazing and unforgettable.  My experience as an au pair has given me a new level of independence, maturity, and self-confidence.  I have made new friends from all over the world and have discovered a new me.