Today I want to post about Au Pair program in USA
I became as an Au Pair just one month ago :)
Time flies!! can't believe that time went this fast.
This month I was so busy because I did so many things to adapt in this life style.
For example,
1. Got Social Security Number
I recommend going SSN office with host parents. Because at the SSN office they will give you some questions but not that hard.
The time when you get SSN is 14 days after arriving at US
2. Found class to attend
I was having big trouble with finding appropriate class.
First, I tried to go to Community College near by my house but since I am not the citizen it was really expensive ! for instance earning 3 credit for Spanish class was over $1,000 just because I am international student. Well.. my host family pays $500 education fee per year but it is still expensive for me to get just 3 credits because I have to earn 6 credits in Au Pair program.
Second, usually adult class starts at night time. However, my available time to go to class is during the day. So I couldn't find available class for me.
But I didn't stop finding my class because I don't wanted to waste my time doing nothing in the house during the day. So I googled and googled and googled for my class and asked my Au Pair friends. And they told me about "Adult School". So I searched about adult schools in my area. Finally I found my ESL class in
"Twin Rivers Adult School" ( Click to Link ) About the fee compared to Community College it is way cheaper. It costs $100 per semester. ESL class is on Mon-Fri morning time for 2 hours. Isn't it worth it? :)
3. Registered Tea Kwon Do class for fun
Except ESL class I wanted to have some fun so I searched about photography classes, gymnastics classes, art classes but I couldn't find the fitting class for me.
I've never thought about learning Taekwondo. However my Korean aupair friend in San Rafael recommended me to learn Taekwondo. So I googled again and I finally got into the class this Monday :) Taekwondo class is on Mon, Wed, Fri (45 min a day) $139 per month.
Robinson Teakwondo
4. Meeting other Au Pairs in this area (Sacramento)
Since I was new in this area I didn't have friends. So I attend aupair meetings for getting know each other. That helped a lot to make new friends. It is easy to contact to your local aupairs with Facebook Group Page search about your local aupair group.
5. Finding adaptable church for me
My host family was new to the area either like me and they are also a christian like me so now we are finding right church for us.
We tried Grace Bible Church, Davis Korean Church, Bayside Church, Heron Church etc
6. Getting driver's License in US
If you have international driver's license you will be able to get US license not that hard.
Because that means you already practiced a lot in your country.
To get CA driver's License you have to
arrange appointment at DMV office by phone or online. There will be written test on your first appointment be prepared by doing sample test on DMV site. After passing that test you'll be able to arrange second appointment with DMV for behind the wheel test. If you pass the test you will get a temporary paper that you can drive. After few weeks they will send you driver's license :)
7. Arranging work schedule with host family
In first month you have to talk a lot with host family about every single things about caring kids, payment, car, grocery... like really everything so be prepared for conversations.
8. Getting used to drive in US
It will be kinda different from your own country. But it is not that hard so just be careful always especially at the freeway.
9. Spend precious time with host family
With host family I spend a lot of precious times. We went to Circus, go out to eat, Park, San Jose, Mall etc. That made us more closer :)
10. Travel to San Francisco
My first travel to SF was awesome. The weather was clear to see Golden Gate Bridge. It was not that windy. I finished my travel with Sean Paul concert !!
