I knew since I was 16 that I wanted to do some sort of travel experience before college. When I was 18 I heard of a friend who was an au pair in Holland and knew I wanted to do it as soon as I was done high school before going off to College. I asked a girl in my town that had been to America for a number of years au pairing and she introduced me to Scotia Personnel Ltd. Right away I felt all my worries wash away once speaking with the team and experiencing first hand their willingness, helpfulness and knowledge. They knew the answer to all of my questions and had plenty of information for me. I filled out an application and met with Marilyn for an interview. After I signed the contract I considered all the great countries the agency partners with and decided with England- it had been a dream of mine!
Weeks later at 18 from a small town and fresh out of high school I packed up my things and took my first flight ever and flew across the pond. I'll admit I wasn't scared or nervous at all before leaving but that first night after moving in with my family I thought, oh gosh what did I get myself into? I slept off the doubt that night and didn't look back the 6 months I was there.
I lived in Margate, a sea side town on the south east of the UK. I lived right on the ocean with beautiful stunning views and salty air. If that wasn't awesome enough they also had a flat in a super trendy part of London.
The flat was amazing. All around us were gorgeous shops, delicious and authentic international cuisines, and beautiful, unique art wherever you went. Thanks to this flat and generous family I was able to spend the weekend in London for Prince William and Kate's Royal Wedding! That is something I'll never forget, and yes I did take a picture of them kissing on the balcony of Buckingham Palace J
I met some au pairs with help from the agency and we went and travelled all around the UK and Amsterdam. I took care of a 2 year old that had daycare some days during the week so I had plenty of time to meet fellow au pairs from all over the world and travel.
After settling in and feeling like family I went on my first trip...all alone...to Paris. It was amazing! I did my research so I knew where to go and where to get help if I needed it. I may have travelled by myself but I met so many like minded people on that trip that they felt like friends right away. That's the beauty of travelling, staying in safe hostels allows you to meet people looking to travel and meet others along the way.
With my host family and as much as we enjoyed each other's company we also respected each other's privacy and space which was comforting.
After a sad goodbye and jet lag, 1 month after being home I went to college and became a nurse. Since coming home and having my family hear about my experiences, they too went through Scotia Personnel. My cousin went to Australia and my sister is currently in Holland for 1 year with Scotia Personnel. They knew how much I loved my experience, and the good times I had with great help from the agency, that they tried it out for themselves. My younger cousin also can't wait until she is done high school and au pair as well.
I'm genuinely so pleased with my experience as well as my families', I'm able to speak on behalf of 3 different countries, families, lengths of stays and experiences.
I can't say enough about Scotia Personnel or my experiences. I love the program and the way it changed me. Looking back I've grown so much as a person. I became more independent, social, outgoing, adventurous and open minded. I gained incredible life experiences, saw some of the world, and made lifelong friends. I recommend this to everyone.
If you are seeking new opportunities, want to travel, meet new people, or find yourself along the way then I want you to contact this agency and let it change your life for the better like it did mine. read more