Sariette is a small-town girl who had big dreams. With the world at her feet, armed with a passport and her future knocking at her door she embarked on the Voyage of a lifetime.
She is currently living in Switzerland in a small but beautiful town called La Neuveville. A French speaking, medieval town on the shores of Lake Biel. The numerous towers, including the famous Tour Rouge, surround the old town and bear witness to La Neuveville's rich historical past.
We have asked Sariette a few questions for a glimpse into her life as an Au Pair in Switzerland. Here is her story.
Life abroad is great, I like it because in just 2 months I have done, tried or learned at least 20 new things! At first the adjustment was big but in a good way and my host family helped me a lot in the beginning for an easy transition. It was not that difficult in the end!
My favourite thing to do with the children is playing soccer outside, they also like it a lot! We enjoy being active to stay busy.
I haven’t traveled much yet, however I went to Bienne which is located near the watch-making cities of La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle which together form a UNESCO Heritage Site.
I travel to Neuchatel weekly to attend French classes. Neuchatel was originally part of the Kingdom of Burgundy, then part of the Holy Roman Empire. I am also going on a tour of Switzerland in October, I am very very excited!
What would your best advice be for a prospective Au Pair?
First, you will miss you family but just hold on it gets better after the first month and it's not forever so enjoy it while you are there, my host father tells me every day to live in the moment and I think that is the best advice ever. Secondly, communication between you and the host parent is very important! You have to discuss problem areas with the family whenever they arise.
I am from South Africa so I miss biltong and having a braai (BBQ) every Saturday! Whenever I felt homesick I listened to music from my country and it help to make me feel more at home.
My host parents are young and we get along very well. Myself and my host-mom sing to Abba or Pitch Perfect songs every time we drive somewhere and my host-father learned some Afrikaans to say to me. It is really interesting to see people's reactions to me speaking Afrikaans!
This experience has me more independent and open-minded and I would recommend this to any young person looking to spread their wings
2022/10/21
Sariette Pretorius
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