About me & my aupair experience so far! Hi, my name is Claudia. I'm from Austria and currently as aupair in England. I made the decision to go abraod in order to improve my English language skills, get more independent from my parents, indulge in a new culture and just generally travel. My passion for languages enlightened when I realised that I can get so much more information and knowledge with being fluent in other languages aswell other than my mother tongue German. In my leisure time I like to do sports, read a good book (most times about personal development as I'm extremely interested in that aswell as I constantly feel an urge to improve myself), cook some delicious food (believe me the Austrian cuisine is awesome!) and travelling. With being an aupair the most exciting part is being able to travel and being independent from your family. Lots of people get homesick when they stay so far away from their family. I'm happy that I'm not one of them. I love my family but I'm also super happy about this opportunity. Of course not everything is shiny as here and there problems arrive but I've already learned so much about myself and the Britain culture. The most obvious difference is probably that English people (let's say most of them) express themselves in a more positive and emotional way than Austrians or Germans do. Believe me when I say that I've never heard anyone mourn or whine about something in all the time I'm spending overseas. This attitude is pretty awesome. But let's get back to the homesick issue. I think the reason why I deal so good with it is because I also like to have some time alone. I don't get bored easily as I am a very creative person. Most times, when you feel homesick, you are asking yourself the question "what am I even doing here?". That's why you need a very good reason for your actions. I know my reason. Independence and experience. Because going abroad has always been a big dream of mine. Now it's come true. Finally. But it almost wouldn't because of all the nay-sayers telling me that it's not possible, that I cannot do it, that I will miss my mum or won't be happy with the family. They told me that it is too risky. That I'll move to strangers. But let me tell you one thing: everyone you've met in your entire life was a stranger first. You need to meet strangers in order to become friends. Friendships take lots of effort. You need to put in the work in order to make it last - don't take it for granted!