The other side of the world is just around the corner. Kia ora! Congratulations on matching with a Kiwi host family! We know there’s a lot to think about before you travel to New Zealand, so we’ve put together this Pre-Departure Pack to help you prepare for what promises to be an exciting time in your life. We’re excited to have you join what we fondly refer to as “the Au Pair Link family”, the largest au pair network in Australasia! If there’s any information that you think would be helpful to other au pairs, and would like to see included in this handbook, feel free to pass your feedback onto our team. We’re always looking to improve our services and the information we provide! Remember, if you have any questions regarding flights, what to expect while you’re here, or anything else, please feel free to send us an email on [email protected] and we’ll be more than happy to help you out. Land of the long white cloud Since you’ll be living in New Zealand for up to a year, we thought it might be useful to learn a little bit about what life is like here! Each region in New Zealand has its own distinctive character, and with the country being so compact, you can easily visit many of them while you’re here. Exploring New Zealand’s magnificent landscape and coastline tops the list of things to do for many travellers. Whether you live for adventure or love to relax, you’re bound to find your favourite little corner of the world while you’re here! Our climate The Māori people named New Zealand, Aotearoa: Land of the Long White Cloud, and this is a fairly accurate indication of what you can expect the weather to be like on an average day here. New Zealand has mild temperatures, moderate to high rainfall and many hours of sunshine. Most of New Zealand receives around 2000 hours of sunshine each year, with the sunniest areas being the Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay and Nelson. Due to extensive sunshine and high levels of UV light, it’s important for everyone (especially children) to wear hats, sunglasses and apply sunscreen lotion on a regular basis. Keep in mind that you’ll need use a suncreen with a higher SPF protection than usual (we recommend using SPF50+). What are Kiwis like? New Zealanders (or Kiwis) are known as a friendly, casual and generous people. It is our sense of whānau or family that helps makes us so welcoming and friendly. A strong sporting culture gives New Zealands a sense of fair play and teamwork, and we’re almost always happy to help those in need. New Zealand is a proudly multi-cultural society. We love to welcome people from all over the world, whether they are visiting us for a short time, or like you, are here for an extended period of time. Often referred to as a ‘cultural melting pot’, our unique position in the South Pacific has lent New Zealand a uniquely rich culture of its own. The best way to sum up the New Zealand personality would be “easy going but hard-working”. We love to laugh and share stories, but when there is a job to be done, Kiwis don’t shy away from “mucking in” (another phrase you’ll probably hear while you’re here), which basically means getting involved, wholeheartedly! Our programmes Before you depart, it’s a good idea to have a clear understanding of the programme you’ll join, and the kinds of duties and activities involved as part of your role. Au Pair 123 Our most popular programme! Caring for at least one child under five, we’ll work with you to help them learn and grow in their own way. With support from your Family & Programme Manager (a qualified early childhood teacher), you’ll attend our weekly playgroups, activities and events, as well as access our educational resources and professional learning workshops. Au Pair Whiz Designed for qualified or highly experienced candidates, this programme provides the opportunity to master your skills in early childhood care and education. Caring for at least one child under five, you’ll discover and exploring their natural interests. With support from your Family & Programme Manager, the Au Pair Whiz programme builds on your expertise, while providing you with a springboard to the next stage in your career! Here’s a summary of the net weekly wage paid on each programme (in New Zealand dollars): Weekly hours 30 35 40 45 Au Pair 123 $190 $200 $210 $230 Au Pair Whiz $260 $280 $300 $320 Packing for time abroad Airlines have different luggage allowances and it is therefore important that you confirm with your airline to ensure that you are not carrying more items than permitted. Information regarding your luggage allowance can also be found on your ticket. Be sure to remember the following: • Travel documents Your passport and a copy of your visa information and conditions, e.g. a return ticket or a bank statement proving that you have sufficient funds to be able to live in New Zealand (working holiday visa programme). • Your tax number You will need a copy of your tax number from your home country as this is needed for New Zealand IRD (Inland Revenue Department) number application. Please ask us if you need need any further information about how to acquire this. • Your international drivers licence If your home country driver’s licence is in English, then you’ll be able to legally drive in New Zealand using this. If your current licence is printed in a language other than English, you’ll need to apply for a translation or an International Driver’s Licence. See the driving section of this booklet for more information on this. • English translation dictionary or app It’s a good idea to pack a translation dictionary in your carry-on luggage so that you can easily ask questions while you are travelling to New Zealand. Alternatively you can download a translation app for your phone! • Electronics Many of our au pairs bring iPods, laptops and mobile phones to New Zealand. If you are intending on bringing electronics, please keep in mind that you will need an overseas adaptor to be able to charge them in New Zealand and that your mobile phone may need to be ‘unlocked’ by your service provider prior to departure. • Personal items Please make sure that you bring any personal items, such as toiletries and medication. You may want to bring photos of your family and home to share with your new host family. Many au pairs also like to bring a small gift from their home country to present to their host family and/or their children. • Bank documents Make sure you know all the details that you need to make an international money transfer to New Zealand such as IBAN number and BIC/SWIFT code. You can also arrange for a credit, Visa debit or travel/pre-paid card if you like. Organise for a trusted person to be authorised to access your account back at home, such as your parents, in case of an emergency. Arriving safely Departures and delays Be sure to double-check that your ticket is accurate and matches our arrival times for orientation in Auckland (it’s ideal if you arrive on a Wednesday in New Zealand so you can have a little rest after your flight). If you’ve planned to join your host family before attending orientation, then it’s your host family’s responsiblity to pick you up from the airport, or arrange the appropriate transport to their home (e.g. a bus or domestic flight ticket). If you’re travelling through the United States of America, you may need to apply for a transit visa. Please visit the US Immigration website (uscis.gov) to find out more, or ask your travel agent if you’re unsure. Please notify us immediately if you expect your flight to be delayed. You can get hold of our team on [email protected] or, if possible, call our office during business hours (8:30am-5:00pm, MondayFriday) on +64 9 309 4444. It’s also a very good idea to save our details to your phone contacts! A note on importing food products Because we’re an island nation, we have very strict rules about importing certain items into the country. These rules protect our unique plant and animal life, as well as our agricultural and horticultural industries. The New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries’ goal is to prevent foreign diseases and pests from entering the country and negatively impacting our industries. A few notes so you know what to expect when entering New Zealand • Prior to landing in New Zealand you will be requested to fill out an arrival document. Please make sure that you read and understand all the questions on this form. • Please do not bring any unpackaged food into New Zealand. Unpackaged food, including fruit and nuts, must be thrown out prior to entering Immigration and Passport Control. Packaged food is generally allowed (confectionary, etc), however it’s best to check the New Zealand Customs website (customs.govt.nz) • You must print off a copy of your working holiday visa and present it to Immigration. Should you fail to do this you may not be issued the correct entry visa. Please double-check that your visa has been stamped correctly by a New Zealand Immigration representative upon arrival to the country. Please keep in mind that your entire luggage will be x-rayed upon arrival and should Immigration New Zealand have any concerns regarding your luggage or its contents, your bags and accessories may be searched. Prior to landing in New Zealand, it’s a good idea if you become more accustomed with the language and culture. We recommend that you make an effort to speak English, perhaps by watching English language films and television shows. It’s also a good idea to research the area you are going to be living and find out information about any sports teams, gyms or other activities you’d like to join. in Aotearoa Orientation Our three day orientation course means you can meet new friends and relax before joining your host family. After a long international flight, many au pairs experience a stretch of jetlag, as well as some initial culture shock. Our orientation course is mandatory for all international arrivals and is designed to help them adjust to a new time zone, as well as receive valuable childcare training and information. Orientation begins on Wednesday afternoon with a laid back meet and greet session (most au pairs head straight to bed!), with Thursday and Friday covering everything they need to know with regards to our programmes, the support available, and other important information to help their placement start on the right foot. On Thursday evening we also run a very popular tour of Auckland City (optional at a cost of $50). The tour is a great way to absorb the sights and sounds of New Zealand, and includes a dinner at Ristorante Andrea, set against the tranquil backdrop of one of the city’s most popular beaches, Mission Bay. • 2 nights’ accommodation at the Auckland Airport Holiday Inn (incl. all meals) • Child first aid course conducted by St John, incl. CPR, management of common infant/toddler accidents • Childcare lessons conducted by a qualified ECE teacher • Introduction to being an au pair incl. ways to deal with culture shock • Theoretical driving lessons • Information around programme requirements, expectations and responsibilities as an employee. Settling into your new home It’s important to continue speaking with your host family before you leave for New Zealand (via email, Skype, telephone, etc). This will help you get to know them better, as you’ll be living with them for an extended period of time, and are sure to become a special member of the family. Keeping up a close communication will also make it feel less like turning up on a stranger’s doorstep when you arrive! The first week and beyond During the first week with your host family, there are a few things you should remember to ask them about. Firstly, it’s very important that you know about any medication or treatment that is necessary for your host family’s children. It’s also very important that you find out where the local amenities are, including the supermarket, doctor and children’s school/kindergarten, etc. It’s also essential that you discuss what your daily and weekly tasks will be, as well as the family’s routine. We recommend that you ask how they discipline their children and what behaviour is acceptable or unacceptable. Make sure you become familiar with your host family’s home so you know where everything is. As you’ll be living with them for up to one year, it’s important that you feel comfortable using the kitchen, laundry, etc. like any other member of the family. While it’s important that you get to know your family, remember it’s important to have a little private time, as well! This is a time you can use to mentally adjust to your new home, and give yourself some ‘room to breathe’, as there can often be a lot of information to absorb in the first few days. Similarly, if your host family asks for some private time, please don’t see this as a dismissal or rejection, they just need a little time to adjust, as well! Pre-departure checklist Tick the box on the left once you have completed each task below I have read through this Pre-Departure Pack and feel confident I know which programme I’m on, and what is involved as part of this role. I have applied for (or received) my New Zealand working holiday visa. I am aware of who my Family & Programme Manager, or PORSE Programme Tutor, is and how they will support me while I’m working as an au pair in New Zealand. I have discussed my host family children’s interests and what strategies work best to guide their behaviour, as well as what is considered acceptable/unacceptable behaviour by the children. I have spoken with my host family about what my work as an au pair will involve. I have discussed the weekly schedule and hours of work required by my host family. I have an English translation of my driver’s licence or have obtained an international driver’s licence. I have confirmed and paid for my place on the orientation tour (optional). I have informed Au Pair Link that I would like assistance in setting up a New Zealand bank account. I have had my mobile phone unlocked so I can use it while in New Zealand. I have contacted my bank and found out my IBAN number, BIC/SWIFT code and my options for transferring money overseas. I have nominated a person to have access to my bank account while I’m away. I have brought/printed a copy of my personal tax number from my home country. Knowing your duties as an au pair As an au pair you’ll take care of your host family’s little ones in their home, and also help with some light housework (always relating to the children). Generally your duties will include: • • • • • • • • • Waking the children in the morning and helping them to get dressed Preparing meals for the children Helping the children take care of their belongings and tidy their room Cleaning general communal areas such as the kitchen, living room, hallway, playroom, children’s room and bathroom Taking the children to school and other activities such as sport, ballet, drama, etc. Playing, reading and encouraging the children with their homework as well as maintaining family rules around afterschool activities. Helping with the family supermarket shopping. Washing and organising the children’s clothes and bedding. Being mindful of potential hazards in play areas and ensuring close supervision and visibility at all times. Responsibilities as an early childhood educator • • • • • • • Attending our regular playgroups, activities and events Daily entries into the Communications Book Writing learning stories for each child under five’s Portfolio and Timeline Seeking support from your Family & Programme Manager or PORSE Programme Tutor Attending professional learning sessions run by Au Pair Link or PORSE Positive interactions with the children Sharing educational experiences with the children. As an au pair, you’re responsible for housework that relates to the children, and as a contributor to the household (in communal areas kept tidy by all family members). Helping little ones learn Working on our Au Pair 123 or Au Pair Whiz programme will give you the unique opportunity to implement a world-leading educational programme with your host family’s children! We were the first au pair agency in the world to provide an interactive educational programme, where au pairs receive ongoing support from qualified early childhood teachers (our Family & Programme Managers and PORSE Programme Tutors). We’ll visit you at your host family’s home once a month to make sure you’re feeling comfortable in your role. As part of our early learning programme, you’ll also be able to learn childcare techniques and strategies, as well as participate in our regular playgroups, au pair and child events, and professional learning workshops. Each child learns in their own way, and as an au pair, you’ll be responsible for ensuring that their strengths and interests are developing naturally. Your Family & Programme Manager, or PORSE Programme Tutor, will help guide you to implement Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum, with the children you care for (who are under five years of age), aiding their learning, growth and development. Te Whāriki’s aspirations for children are for them to grow up to become • • • • Competent and confident learners and communicators Healthy in mind, body and spirit Secure in their sense of belonging Secure in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society. With support from your Family & Programme Manager, or PORSE Programme Tutor, we work with you to create a learning journey for each child under the age of five. Over the next two pages, you’ll find out about how we facilitate exciting experiences for you to share with your little ones. The learning journey Supported by a qualified early childhood teacher, you’ll inspire children under five to discover their place in the world through experiences which create the child’s learning journey. We create opportunities for au pairs to explore learning opportunities with their children, while enriching the experience through the lens of their home country’s culture. Playgroups We run weekly playgroups in all of our regions, and in some cases multiple groups each week. This gives au pairs the opportunity to bring children to different sessions and meet new friends. Playgroups also provide an informal time for au pairs to catch up with Family & Programme Managers and seek any extra support that may be required from us. Regular home visits We employ Family & Programme Managers (all qualified early childhood teachers) to work alongside our au pairs, visiting them at home each month and ensuring they have a suitable learning environment for the children, and that they’re happy and comfortable in their placement. It’s important au pairs are always available for their monthly meetings, and that they’ve completed the required entries in their Communication Book and written a learning story for thir children’s Portfolio. Au pair & child events We encourage children and au pairs to explore their local communities through our regular events. At least once a month we send out an invite to a local event such as going to the zoo, a farm, the fire station or a beach - where children can discover the world around them together. With our close-knit network of au pairs in tow, it’s not unusual to hear children naming their favourite animals in German or asking their local baker about pain au chocolat! Learning timeline As part of our au pair and host families’ online profile (created during the application stage), we’ve created an interactive learning timeline for each child in an au pair’s care. The timeline is a place au pairs can post photos, learning stories and other memorable moments to share with their host parents. Host families and Family & Programme Managers can also post comments and feedback to support the au pair during their placement. Communication Books & Child Portfolios We provide each child under 5 with an individual Child Portfolio which records their progress and development through a series of learning stories written by their au pair. These often become a treasured item for both family and au pair. Similarly, our Communication Book helps you to establish a dialogue with the host family and their au pair about the children’s needs, to ensure their day-to-day care requirements are being met. Professional learning We offer our au pairs on-going childcare training and support, right from the moment they arrive at our orientation course. In addition, we organise bimonthly professional learning sessions for our au pairs and families, conducted by our Family & Programme Managers. These are a fantastic opportunity for au pairs to learn more about childcare, nutrition, positive behaviour techniques and so much more! Our professional learning workshops enable au pairs to feel supported and comfortable in their role. Educational resources We have a great range of free educational resources (books, music, toys) and resource kits for our au pairs to explore with the children. Whether your child is interested in art, music, dinosaurs or nature, our kits are designed to fill your child’s mind with curiosity about the world around them. We even provide online learning tools and literacy and numeracy kits for children who are transitioning to school. “Sweet as!” Being an au pair is a great opportunity to learn about a new culture and share your own culture with your host family. Here are some simple things that you should discuss with your host family, to help you get out know them better. Ask your host family about • Their hobbies and interests - do they play a sport? What do they like to do on holiday? • Their upbringing and family values. Make sure you know any important dates, e.g. birthdays. • What are your host parents’ occupations? • What types of food do they like to cook? Remember, each family is different with their own rules, habits and quirks. It’s important that you get to know these as soon as possible. By asking questions, you’ll break the ice and be able to feel a lot more comfortable in your host family’s home. Communicate, communicate, communicate! • Open communication is the key to success with your host family, it eliminates problems and saves any confusion or uncertainty. • Talk to your host family about the things that you’ve done with the children and/or have weekly/ fortnightly meetings to discuss how the little ones are progressing. Use your Au Pair Link Communication Book to track daily events. • Provide appropriate support to your host family when they are finding things difficult. This can include taking the children for a walk, so your host parents can have some time together, or letting them resolve any issues that may arise as a family. • Make sure that you’re clear on expectations straight away! This includes things such as family rules and routines; if you’re not sure, just ask! • Double-check things with your host family when they’ve said something, to ensure that you understand them correctly. Computer/internet usage We recommend that you bring your own laptop with you to New Zealand, or otherwise discuss with your host family if there’s a shared computer you’ll be able to use. It’s a good idea to bring up the topic of data allowance with your host parents, as internet plans vary with each family. It’s worth mentioning that many families in New Zealand have a limited data allowance which means the internet will run at a significantly slower speed once the limit has been reached. Remember, you’ll also need an adaptor to charge your laptop or other electronic items while in New Zealand. “Sweet as!” There’s a lot to explore and discover while you’re here, and sometimes it’s easy to become distracted by the fun activities you’re looking forward to. While your host parents will understand your excitement, their first priority will always be quality childcare for their little ones. It’s important that you share the same priority that way, everything will be “sweet as” (Kiwi slang for “OK/good”) while you’re living with them. Getting the most out of your time as an au pair • Keep in mind that while you’re paid a weekly wage, room and board is also included as part of your job package (this includes food, accommodation, electricity, etc). • Any luxuries or personal items that you want to buy (this could be food, shampoo, etc) are your own expense and are not bought as family items. • Remember to be polite with your host family. You’ve joined them as a role model for the children, and parents will be impressed by showing a genuine interest in the children and teaching them how to be courteous. • If you’ve made a mistake or know you’ve done something wrong, it’s always better to admit what’s happened and offer a genuine apology. • Only use your mobile phone during work hours to call or text your host parents, or in an emergency situation. • Learn about local transport options - buses, trains, ferries, taxis, etc. • Ask your host parents if they have any specific house rules, for example if you have a curfew, or anything else that they would like you to know in order for things to run smoothly. • Respect your family’s privacy. Please don’t go through their personal items or enter the host parents’ bedroom without permission. • Remember, it is illegal to leave a child under the age of fourteen on their own in New Zealand, and it is also illegal to use physical discipline when managing children’s behaviour, e.g. you cannot smack or hit a child in New Zealand. • Upon completion of your placement term, you may need to travel to Auckland to fly back home (or to your next destination!). Please note, it’s your responsibility to pay for this travel, and your host family is only responsible for covering the cost of your travel from orientation to their home. Things to discuss with your host parents • When you’d like to take your holidays (this needs to be at a time that works for both of you) • Any extra babysitting hours that may be required while you’re their au pair • Is your host family OK with you having friends to visit? Safety first, always. Driving in New Zealand New Zealand roads have a number of unique characteristics which, if you’re unsure about, could potentially put you and your host family’s children in danger. Two of the main aspects to consider are the fact that we drive on the left-hand side of the road, and that we have many steep and winding roads (especially common if you are living rurally). If you feel like you need some extra support, or lessons, please speak to your host parents or Family & Programme Manager immediately. We’ll be able to arrange some extra driving lessons for you to ensure you’re feeling confident on our roads. Please note, you’ll need an International Driver’s Licence (no translation required) to legally drive in New Zealand, if your home country licence is not in English. If you haven’t already obtained this prior to your departure, you can find a list of approved New Zealand Driver’s Licence translators by visiting http://www. nzta.govt.nz/licence/residents-visitors/translators.html. This can take up to ten working days to process and will come at an additional charge to you. We also suggest taking time to read over the information provided by the New Zealand Transport Agency for tourists and travellers in New Zealand: http://www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/around-nz/visitors.html. Your safety, our priority While New Zealand is generally a safe, honest and friendly country, it’s important to be safety-conscious during your travels. Some helpful advice is: • If you’re going travelling, always provide a copy of your travel plans to a friend, your host family or Au Pair Link. Should an emergency happen, it’s important for us to be able to locate you quickly. • Always carry your ICE (In Case of Emergency) Card - we will provide for you. • Always bring a mobile phone and make sure that you have phone coverage and a charger. • Always book a hotel room or backpackers; never sleep in a car or van. Be smart and avoid dark alleys, unknown places or parks. • Be respectful of other people’s property, especially in your host family’s home. If you break something, it’s best to immediately notify your host parents and offer to repair, or pay to replace, the damaged item. If you’re carrying valuable items with you (laptop, camera, iPod, etc), please ensure these are safe at all times. We recommend leaving these at home if you go away away for a night or two, but most importantly, do not leave these items in your car for extended periods of time! If you choose to take your valuables with you, back up your personal data such as photographs on a USB stick , and store this in a safe place. Culture shock Culture shock is a result of stress produced when we leave our home culture environment to enter another. It is a psychological phenomenon and the ‘symptoms’ and ‘prognosis’ varies with each individual. By recognising early warning signs, and through effective communication, culture shock is something that can be overcome. Of course, your Family & Programme Manager will also be available to support you, identify any issues, and offer tips and advice for overcoming culture shock. The phases of culture shock • • • • • Honeymoon phase Romanticised view, everything is new and exciting. Negotiation phase Reality sets in and there is some difficulty adjusting to the new culture. Adjustment phase Settled and becoming increasingly comfortable in a new culture. Mastery phase Fully entrenched in the new culture and home life. Reverse culture shock Returning home and adjusting to normal life and routines. Danger signs and coping strategies Many people are unaware that they are experiencing culture shock. Symptoms may include feelings of sadness; loneliness; physical aches and pains; insomnia or the desire to sleep a lot; depression; feeling vulnerable; anger; resentment; an unwillingness to interact outside of the home; idealisation of their old country/residence; loss of identity; frantically attempting to merge into the new culture; lack of confidence; feeling inadequate; longing for family and friends, and feelings of being lost. Ways to cope with these feelings include • Communication Take the initiative to communicate with your host parents and Family & Programme Manager • Increase social interaction Catch up with other au pairs in your area for an afternoon. • Physical exercise Get out and about! Go to the gym (to get your heart rate up), join a sports club, or go for a walk and get a little fresh air. • Join the Au Pair Link family activities! Call your Family & Programme Manager, visit facebook.com/ aupairlink and make sure you attend our local weekly playgroups and monthly activities. If you are ever feeling a bit down, remember that you can invite your family and friends back home to come and visit! Our friends at STA Travel are offering some amazing travel discounts for your family and friends when they visit to our beautiful country. STA Travel can help make the most of your New Zealand adventure. • • • • • SAVE $50 Contiki 7 Day+ tours SAVE $50 G Adventures 7 Day+ tours SAVE 5% Comprehensive travel insurance SAVE 5% Eurail rail passes $99 International flight layby options All these amazing deals must be booked through [email protected] or call +64 9 303 9556, using the discount code APLFF. You deserve it! #AuPairLink We regularly update our social media, and also send out monthly newsletters to our host families and au pairs. These are generally sent around the end of the month, and will help keep you up to date with what’s happening around the country. We also announce our monthly awards like Au Pair of the Month and Host Family of the Month, post our latest Au Pair Link Blackboard articles, awesome pictures of all the fun our au pairs are having and more! If you’re on Facebook or Instagram, then we’d love to link up with you! We love seeing photos of what you’re up to, and quite often request if we can share photos of your adventure so far. Share your story by hash-tagging your posts with #aupairlink, and your photos will join our photo stream, along with hundreds of other au pairs around the country! facebook.com/aupairlink instagram.com/aupairlink www.aupairlink.co.nz JOIN OUR FAMILY aupairlink © 2016 Au Pair Link Limited
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