The first few weeks of au pairing can be full of ups and downs, which is all a part of the culture shock experience. Culture shock can give you feelings of confusion, uncertainty, and anxiety that come from visiting or living in a society that is different from your own.
The first step in overcoming culture shock is to recognize and accept your feelings. It’s normal to experience confusion, frustration, or sadness when adapting to a new environment. Acknowledging these emotions allows you to process them rather than suppress them, which is crucial for your emotional well-being.
Adjusting to a new culture takes time, and it’s important to be patient with yourself. Allow yourself to feel overwhelmed without judgment. Remember that every small step you take toward adapting is a success, and give yourself credit for your effort.
The symptoms of homesickness vary for everyone and can last a few days or longer than a few weeks. Almost every au pair experiences homesickness to some degree. It’s part of being an au pair, so don’t worry about it! The most important thing is to always be honest open and honest about how you are feeling specially toward your host family and your contact person at TOSS.
