This is what our clients had to say.......

 

 

"Just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone at OVC for the amazing service I have received throughout my au pair application!! So beyond excited for my American adventure and recommend this company to anyone who wants to travel!!" Tammy van Wyk

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Au Pair Care

 

I have not had much contact with you guys since our au pair, Melissa Keulder, arrived. We have been in contact with our area director, but I wanted to reach out and let you know how happy we are.

 

Lissy has exceeded every expectation we had for an au pair and has become just like another family member. She is amazing!

 

So, I'm sure you guys assume "no news is good news" when you haven't heard much from an au pair and family. That is certainly the case here and we just feel so blessed that it worked out for her to join us. I have said time and time again that you guys must do an amazing job screening these applicants. Although now I would have a hard time doing this again because I don't know if we could ever top Lissy! LOL.

 

Please feel free to share this with the other ladies who helped us during the application process. We couldn't be happier.

 

I remember reading about an annual award among the au pairs but I can't remember if it was this agency or not. I would nominate Lissy in a heartbeat.

 

Audrey Boyles

 

 

 

Melissa Whiteside – August 2015 – August 2017 - California

 

Hi OVC

I'm having way too much fun here in California, not sure if I am ready to come back anytime soon! Well I really wanted to make a video of all my travels, but haven't had the chance. I have plenty of photos to show, that's for sure. Well here goes.......

I am already on my second year. I can’t believe how quickly it has gone. I have made so many friends and shared plenty of memories here. Words cannot describe all the places I have seen and things I have done. Last weekend I was in Las Vegas with my friend Mari. She is also from South Africa. I definitely want to go back to Vegas. I had the time of my life there. I had the opportunity to go to the Grand Canyon as well. I go to Los Angeles in December for Christmas and Lake Tahoe afterwards in January. I can’t wait to go there. Don't get me started on the shopping they have here!!! I think I have way to much stuff right now.

The family I am currently with at the moment are absolutely amazing. I don't know how I am going to say goodbye to them. So I will be home next year August.

There are so many stories that I could mention. I have travelled so much! I really want to say a big thank you for helping me get here. I can just remember the day we started this. I have not regret one day! It has been a life changing experience for me. I would definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to take a gap year.

Anyways, I must get to bed. A 10 hour time difference can make it tough to keep in contact with everyone.

Much love,

Melissa
xoxox

 

 

 

Charle Du Preez – June 2016 to Jun 2017 – Cortlandt Manor, CA

 

Hello OVC

I have been having the time of my life. I can’t believe I have been here for almost 2 months now. I have seen and experienced so much! I absolutely love the family I have matched with. I have been kayaking, picnicking in Central Park, on holiday at Holden beach, Washington and next week we are going to Ohio.

I want to say thank you to OVC for helping me get here.  I am very excited for the next few months ahead. The attached photo is of me and “Mr. B” in Sleepy Hollow after we watched a fire show. I would recommend this program to girls who love kids and want to experience things out of their comfort zones. There is a culture difference, the lifestyle and the way the children are brought up, but communication is essential, knowing what the host parents expect from you helps a lot. So far it has been a life changing experience.

Take care,

Charle’

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Megan McGregor – June 2016 to Jun 2017 – San Diego, CA

Hi OVC!

All is going so well here in San Diego! I have got to know the area pretty well & just loving it so far!

The family has been very welcoming & I feel so comfortable and at home already. The family has set me up as a member of the club nearby, so I am able to use the gym, swim with the kids, play tennis or any sports that they have to offer. The family also had a get together for me the first week I was here & invited all the Au Pairs they knew from their previous Au Pair to come around for pizza and to just introduce me to them. So that was really thoughtful & nice of them!

Can’t believe it has been almost a month that I have been in the States, but it’s been busy!

Tomorrow is my first Au Pair meeting & I will be going a little earlier to meet up with another girl from South Africa, so I am looking forward to that!

I met a great group of girls yesterday at the meeting. Girls from Brazil, SA, Australia, all over! The girls were singing along to songs while the one Au Pair played guitar and we had S'mores and just walked around and chatted. I loved it!

I’ve been chatting to my mom a lot and miss her, but keeping busy.

Below is a letter from my host family to my mom:

Veronique,

Megan is doing a spectacular job, is incredibly responsible and most importantly is so kind and loving with the children. We couldn't be happier. She always has a smile on her face and the most positive disposition which makes it a pleasure to share our home and family with her.

We are really looking forward to this weekend which is a big holiday here in the USA, the 4th of July. Hopefully Megan will enjoy the big fireworks show too and the festivities for Brayden's fifth birthday party.

Please know that when you and Rowan come visit you will stay for free with us at our house and we will pick you up at the airport and drive you around to some local tourism spots, including the beach.

Thanks,

Randy and Erin

 

 

 

 

Lizbeth Maphalala – May 2016 to May 2017 – Cambridge Massachusetts

 

Hi OVC

 

This is one of the best, amazing, fun filled decisions I've ever made. And yes, I am trying to avoid spending my money on shopping!

Today was my very first cluster meeting and luckily I got to meet a Zulu girl and spoke Zulu for a few minutes which felt weird and there were a lot of South African girls as well. We went kayaking and it was the best thing I've ever done in water.

 

My host family is the greatest and I'm settling in very well. I have a lot to tell, but I will when I get back to SA.

 

Regards,

 

Lizbeth
 

 

 

 

Jo-Anne Kotze – April 2016 to April 2017 - Paradise Valley, Arizona

 

Ever since high school I have had this dream to become an Au Pair. I loved working with children, maybe because I am still a child at heart. When I finally got the opportunity to fulfill my dream, my life has changed.

My first day arriving in New York I felt awestruck and excited, even though I was jet-lagged. I got excited over seeing the famous yellow cabs, major tourist alert! The Au Pair academy was so much fun. I made friends that I know I will keep for a lifetime! After leaving the academy my adventure had finally begun.

For the past few months I have been living in Arizona. It truly is as hot as you think it is. I have met people from the Czech Republic, A LOT of people from South America, Poland, Denmark and even some girls from home! I have gone salt-river tubing, hiked the Grand Canyon, had a weekend in Vegas, went to a baseball game and learnt to ski. My host family and I will be driving up to California for a month, where I am finally going to get my nerd on and visit the Harry Potter world! I am very excited. Not all families have the opportunity to go on holiday, but I have seen pictures of the other Au Pairs going to Mexico on cruises and even going to Hawaii!

I have grown to love my family; they are the warmest and kindest people. I primarily look after their autistic daughter, Kate. She is a hand full, but each day I learn something new about her that helps me to take better care of her. Kate and I often go on mini adventures together, all in the art of keeping her entertained. There is never a dull moment with the Billings family; it has become second nature to call their home my home.

Being an Au Pair has created so many opportunities for me, one of them is that I got to finally take a college level class on Mythology. This is something I have been dying to do, but unfortunately South Africa does not provide. I am honoured to announce that I got a 98% average, had to brag a bit. Not only did I get to study something I have only dreamt about, but also I am getting the opportunity to travel throughout America and see all the places I have only dreamt about.

Being an Au Pair comes with hard work, but most importantly you have to have love in your heart. I have had so much fun, and lots of smiles have graced my face. The best part is that my year is not even up yet!

 

 

 

 

 

Kerri Clark – Dec 2015 to Dec 2016 – Seattle

 

Kerri has been in Seattle since December on the Au Pair program. She is really  loving it and the fact that she can come "home" to SA for a short visit to touch base with everyone back here. She has loads of positive feedback about the program. She is going to be very busy when she gets back to Seattle with a trip to Nashville and Disneyland on the cards! What a way to spend a year in the USA!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kirsten Kopke – Nov 2015 to Nov 2016 – Mill Valley, California


Hi OVC

I am having the most incredible experience here in the States. I have met so many new people and have made unforgettable memories with new friends which I will never forget. I am currently living in Mill Valley, which is a 15 minute drive away from San Francisco over the Golden Gate Bridge. The family I am living with has been amazing. Yes, there have been some ups and downs, but overall I wouldn't change a thing! I have done quite a bit of travelling already and I have only been here for just over 4 months, and there are still so many adventures planned for the upcoming summer holidays and the rest of the year ahead!

I loved the first Au Pair training week in New York City with all the Au Pairs from around the world. NYC is a beautiful city and I recommend every Au Pair to do the NYC tour, especially if you aren't going to be living anywhere near New York. My first two weeks with the family were a little different to the usual expected introduction for an Au Pair arriving in the States, because I met my host dad and girls on the plane on the way to Italy. It was amazing. I got to travel Rome, Venice and Frankfurt – Germany, with the family, getting to know them first in a vacation environment instead of straight into a working environment. I look after two girls, aged 7 and 9. They can be challenging as they just have non-stop energy, but at the end of the day they are very sweet and I am growing more and more attached to them every day.

My host family was great in terms of introducing me to all the other Au Pairs in the area so I was easily able to make friends quickly with the girls that live close by. This was my first Christmas away from my family back home in South Africa, but I was completely fine. My host family included me in all their Christmas traditions and made me feel quite at home - Father Christmas even brought me a few presents!

In January I did some more travelling with the family. We went to Phoenix, Arizona to visit family. It was so nice to feel some heat again and see another state. We were there for a few days and then headed straight to Tahoe, CA. This was by far the most amazing and beautiful place I have seen thus far. Words cannot describe the beauty of this place! It was the first time in my life that I had seen snow, and it was incredible. I attempted skiing with the family, it was challenging, but such fun! I loved the snow and I am so grateful for the experience.

I was in the city (San Francisco) with some other Au Pairs for the Super Bowl 50. That was great fun and very festive. I have also travelled a bit without my host family. I went on a road trip with a friend down to Los Angeles and got to see all the touristy things like the Hollywood Sign, Santa Monica Pier, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, as well as Venice Beach. We ended up driving further to Joshua Tree National Park and camped under the stars for the night. It was beautiful there, so peaceful with some great hiking spots which we tried out the next day. I just got back from Las Vegas with a good Au Pair friend. This weekend was one of my favorites! We had such fun. We took a road trip to the Grand Canyon for the day, which was unbelievable. Another tick off my bucket list! Then the rest of the weekend we were experiencing Vegas! From pool parties to watching breathtaking shows and meeting tones of new people, the weekend was such fun!

Tomorrow marks the first day of Spring Break and I will be going to South Carolina with my host family. The girls and I haven't been there before yet, so we will be doing lots of touristy things and learning all about the history of South Carolina. I am very excited! This entire experience of being an Au Pair in another country has been incredible and I wouldn't change a thing. I would recommend it to anyone who has any desire to travel. Life is what you make of it, it is meant to be enjoyed and explored! Make the most of any opportunity you are given! I have grown so much as a person since I have been here, I am finding myself, which is one of the reasons I decided to do this program. My Area Director is great, always checking up on how I am doing, if I am happy and if everything is going alright! I haven't had any issues or problems yet, but it is great to know that she is here and available if I need her help or advice.

Anyway, I better start packing for my next American adventure!
 
XOXO

Regards,

Kirsten Kopke

 

 

 

 

Naidene Brand – October 2015 – October 2016 - Prospect Kentucky

I'm Naidene Brand and this is my short story about my Au Pair journey.

I've always been someone who would never say no to a new adventure or challenge, but little did I know something like that would have such a big impact on my life.

About a year ago I was completely lost, I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life and it felt like I wasn't living to my full potential. I started looking around for an opportunity to go work abroad and then I found OVC. I decided to go work as an Au Pair in America and it was the best decision I could've ever made.

The first week at the Au Pair Academy in New York was absolutely incredible. I was worried about not knowing enough to be an Au Pair, but they quickly helped set that fear aside, because they teach you a lot!

A city bus took us on a tour around New York and we got to see quite a bit of all the tourist attractions like the Statue of Liberty, Central park, Times Square and many more. After almost a week in the Big Apple I took a flight to the city of Louisville and let's just say that this city and its people have completely changed who I was before I got off that little plane.

It isn't always easy to be so far away from home and there have been times where I really wished I could take the next flight back home, but then I just remind myself what I came here to do and that was to see who I truly am, what I want out of life and be the change I want to see in this world.

My host kids stole my heart within a few weeks upon my arrival and it hasn't changed since. We have so much fun together and it is definitely going to be really hard for me to say goodbye to my host family when I leave in a few months.

The wanderlust bug made its way into my brain and I'm already busy planning my trip to Thailand for the Teach English in Thailand program. I'm very excited for what the future has in store for me.

If you're considering making a change in your life, I would say that this is definitely the best decision you could ever make.

It could change your life, just like it did mine.

Thank you OVC for making my dreams a reality!

 

 

 

 

Melissa Whiteside – August 2015 to August 2016 – Chicago, Illinois

 

Hi OVC

Thought I would give you an update on how things are going here. Well tomorrow marks 6 months since I’ve been here, time has gone by so quickly. Never a day goes by that I regret my decision. I am living the American dream. So much to see and do here. I honestly am not looking forward to the day I have to come back to South Africa LOL.

I have met so many people and made so many friends from all over the world. We try to travel and see as much as we can together. I live out in the suburbs, but usually just catch a train down town. I’ve managed to travel to New York, New Jersey, do a road trip to Philadelphia with the family, Boston and visit my sister in Florida. I am leaving to Orlando with the family at the end of March for a week.

I think I’m going to do a 2nd year. I am at college and also doing a weekend class down town for my credits. I am also grateful that I was matched with a wonderful family. The children are always fun to be around. They try to include me in everything. Tonight I will be doing indoor skydiving with my host mom and her friend so I’m excited for that :)

It did take some time to adjust to everything when I arrived here, for example driving on the other side of the road or putting gas in my car and finding my way around the area. Winter here is nothing like home so it was a big adjustment with the weather; it gets below -24 celcius. I just cannot wait for the summer. We have a huge lake which is called Lake Michigan. It looks like a beach, but its fresh water.

Well I best be going now and hope to catch up with you soon ;) Thanks again for all your help to get me here. I would definitely recommend it to anyone.

Kind Regards,

Melissa

 

 

 

 

Nicola Judkins – May 2015 to May 2016 – Fleming Island, Florida

 

Heeey OVC!

I love love LOVE it here! I never want to leave, haha. I love my host family, they are great and I feel so part of the family. I've made great friends, we are actually on our way to the Bahamas.

Thank you so much for everything.

Nicola

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lee Husband – June 2015 to Jun 2016 – Greenwich, Connecticut

 

Hi!

 

I’m sorry I haven’t emailed sooner.

 

I just wanted to thank you for all you did to help me make this dream a reality!  My host family is absolutely amazing. It’s only been 4 months in America so far and I’m already very attached to my two host kids. I couldn’t have asked for a better family. I’m really happy here. I work very hard (which is only right), but I also get to do so many amazing things and there is still so much I’m planning to do and see. I’m ticking things off of my bucket list slowly but surely. The USA is so different, but amazing. I learn something new basically every day and every time I step outside I see something that’s new and exciting!

 

I’ve attached a photo of our Halloween :)

 

Thanks so much guys!

 

Lee Husband

 

 

 

 

 

Keri Lynne Culver - Kentfield California - February 2015 to February 2016

 

 

Hello OVC

 

I am loving life in this side. I have such an incredible family who have made me feel so welcome. 

 

The girls are great Eleanor (10) likes to do her own thing most of the time, Caitlin (7) depends a bit more on me with helping her out with homework, games, explaining herself and just general day to day tasks. Rebecca (3) is such a cutie! She's so well behaved. In general they are really good kids. We have about 1 tantrum a day from either Rebecca or Caitlin hehe, but nothing too serious. 

 

New York was amazing. However, San Francisco has my heart. I am completely in love with this city! 

 

All in all I am really enjoying life as an Au Pair.

 

Keri

 

 

 

 

 

Stephanie Burnett – Juliustown, New Jersey - July 2015 to July 2016

 

Hey there

Hope all is well. I just wanted to thank you so much for helping me get here! I am having the time of my life. I have seen so much already have I have only been here for just over a month. I have met so many people. I feel quite fortunate to have landed with an amazing family. My host family has had Au Pairs for the last 12 years and have never had a South African, so I’m glad I get to teach them a bit about our wonderful country and culture.

The driving is not as bad as I thought it would be. I drive quite a lot and go up to Philadelphia quite often as well with a couple of the Au Pair friends that I have made. I have been to the Jersey Shore which was amazing considering they made that reality show there and I got to see all the places that I have seen on TV all my life, right in front of my eyes. I have been to a place which you might be familiar with, it is called Six Flags. My host family has season passes so we go there at least twice a month for the day and we go on all the rides and get free refills on our drinks the entire day.

I have been to Philly to watch a minor league baseball game which my host family got me tickets for on my birthday and then continued to walk the South Street strip until 3am, which my host family said was the most entertaining thing to do at that hour near to the stadium. I got lots of nice presents from them which they got from Disneyland when the girls went for a scout’s vacation the week before and spoiled me by making me a very beautiful cake. I have been to the Cowtown Rodeo with a couple of Au Pairs and took pictures with the cowboys. The other day we went to my host family’s friend. They live on the water and we went boating. The boat broke down and we had to be towed! It was hilarious and so much fun. Dan (my host dad) likes taking us to watch the sunset in his jeep with no windows or doors, with the music at full volume and the family all together. I have never experienced that kind of "careless" "worry-less" fun before. My family is absolutely amazing. They made me feel right at home and have said that I have been their best Au Pair ever, which warms my heart.

Payton (9) the youngest, constantly makes little gifts for me because she says I’m the only one who "plays games with her". I enjoy every minute of every day and I fit right into the busy schedule. School is starting soon so I got the opportunity to join my host mom and the girls on a shopping weekend where we went to all the big malls and shopped until we dropped! We are members of a swimming pool, so I go there with the kids once a day if we can and sometimes I take the two younger ones for sneaky trips to Dunkin Donuts when the older two (both in high school) have to do summer homework or projects 

Well the summer is coming to an end and the kids start school on Thursday. The bus comes to get them and drop them off so I am quite fortunate to have the day to myself where I can have peace and quiet and get things done. My family includes me in everything and I love the fact that they don’t make me feel like they HAVE to include me in it. It’s very natural and I feel like I am a part of the family.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I am doing amazingly and thank you for all that you have done.

With plenty of love,

Stephanie Burnett

Juliustown, New Jersey.

 

 

 

Colleen Robbertse – Farmingville, New York – August 2015 to August 2016

 

Hi OVC!

 

For a long while now I wanted to send you an email, but I was just so busy and simply had no time at all!  

I just wanted to let you know that my match is going great and I am having a wonderful time in America. We go on lots of adventures and the kids are keeping me on my toes. I made lots of new Au Pair friends and everything is just as I expected to be. I still struggle with homesickness sometimes, but I work my way around it by doing some things and keeping myself busy. My host mom is fantastic and I don't think that I could find a better family than the one I have! I also started enrolling in an 'English as a Second Language' course at Suffolk County Community college and I'm enjoying it very much. 

 

I just want to say thank you again! I really appreciate the work you did for me and helping me to achieve a life goal!  

 

Hope all is well with you and have a great day! 

 

Vonn-Lee Robbertse

 

 

 

 

Zayne Flynne – Mendham, New Jersey – February 2015 to February 2016

 

Hello OVC

Dit gaan baie baie goed hier!!! Ek is laasweek amptelik aanvaar om my 2de jaar te au pair!! Ek bly by die selfde familie hulle is amazing. Laas jaar was een van die bestes. Ek het soveel beleef en gesien. Ek het my vakansie gebruik om te toer van Los Angeles na San Francisco. Ek het LasVegas gesien, die Grand Canyon en so baie baie meer. Was in San Francisco toe die gay parade aan was en dit was so cool. Het saam my familie 2 weke in california spandeer. Het na Disneyland en Legoland gegaan. Was laasweek snowtubing en het my eerste sneeuman gebou. Die kinders is amazing!!! Ons trek in die summer vakansie California to Orange County kan nie wag nie.

Ek wens julle alle voorspoed toe.

Vriendelike groete ,

Zanye Flynn

 

 

 

Kristy McCarthy – January 2015 to January 2016 – Santa Barbara, California

 

Hi OVC

I really can't believe that 9 months has already passed. It has been the best few months ever and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. My host family is amazing and it really was the best choice for me.

Over the summer holidays I was able to see part of Colorado, as well as Lake Tahoe in California. Santa Barbara is such an amazing place to live in and is so much like Mossel Bay. It is definitely starting to get colder now which is a good thing, as we had such a hot summer.

The children that I look after are so great and have taught me so much. Once a week I am able to volunteer in their classes, which is such a good experiece for me to see them in that environment and be able to help them more at home with their homework. The eldest girl that I look after is soon going to finish her soccer season, which was great to go to every game and see her competitive side.

Below I have attached a picture of me and my host kids. Thank you so much to OVC and AuPairCare for helping me be able to live my dreams.

Kind regards,

Kristy McCarthy

 

 

 

 

Une Ferreira - Duluth, Georgia - November 2014 to November 2015

 

Growing up, going to the United States was always a big dream of mine. After school while studying I was always involved in a local primary school’s sport activities because working with kids is something I love.

While studying, OVC came to do a presentation on being an Au Pair in America and I immediately fell in love with the idea of traveling and working with kids. Now I am living near Atlanta, Georgia and I absolutely love it! It is an amazing experience. I have a wonderful, loving host family with 6 kids. At first I thought 6 kids is something I can't handle, but now it simply means I have 6 more kids in my heart whom I love and adore! 6 kids showing love to me and 6 different personalities to love and handle.

I love being an Au Pair in America. I have done a lot of traveling and made a lot of new friends from all over the world! This is an experience I would encourage any young person to have! It was hard coming here all alone into the big world, but now it's almost time for me to go back and that is the worst. I am not looking forward to saying goodbye to a family that have become part of my family...

Thank you OVC for providing chances like this for us to experience another country and culture!

Uné

 

 

 

 

Ilse van Rooyen – Colorado - December 2014 to December 2015

 

Hi OVC

 

On the 11^th of December 2014 I officially became an Au Pair! A decision I have taken with the help and support of OVC and Au Pair Care! And a decision I am so glad I made! I was matched with a wonderful family. I am so lucky and fortunate and I would not be able to be here without the wonderful support and help of OVC and Au Pair Care (Au Pair Care training staff especially). My Host family is so great. I love my 3 kids dearly and I love the area I am in! It was a big step to take, but one I will never regret. It opens up a whole new world and the only word to describe it is awesome!

 

Ilse

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Bronwyn Devar – San Francisco, California - October 2014 to October 2015

 

Hello OVC

I know this email is looooooooong overdue... I am so sorry.

I literally have been busy from the day I got to my host family. My schedule is pretty hectic at the moment. I'm a kiddie chauffer hahaha.

I cannot believe this is my third month here already. I spent thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s with Danielle and her host family. We went to Lake Tahoe for a day trip, which was amazing.

My host family gave me a tour around San Francisco and then I did a tour on my own as well. I took the train into the city and shopped so much my arms were giving up on me!

There is another South African girl here, her name is Ashnee. She’s from Joburg. She got here just after the New Year. She lives 10 minutes away from me, so we are out and about almost every night after work. I was supposed to take her to San Francisco this weekend, but we are expecting a lot of rain so we may have to do that another time.

I am going to attach some pics for you to have a look at of my adventures so far.

I trust you are all well and warm in SA. I'm sure you aren't enjoying the load shedding everyone has been complaining about J

Take care and chat soon.

Regards,

Bron

 

 

 

 

 

Carina Briel – San Francisco, California - February 2014 to February 2015

 

Dear OVC

 

Where to begin to explain the past 6 months of my life? WOW! What a journey it has been.

 

I'll start with the obvious: My host family is amazing, they could not have been a better fit for me, I take care of 2 boys (6) and (9) and thy stole my heart right from the beginning.

 

Orientation was a lot of fun! I got to meet so many different people from all over the world and I still keep in touch with most of them. I was also one of the very lucky winners of the pre-departure project and got to see Times Square in NYC!!  

 

I was also fortunate enough to travel with my host family on camping trips and on summer vacation to Sunriver Resort in Oregon, wow!! What a beautiful place, we did a road trip so we got to stop at different places and see all sorts of things, we went lavender picking, to a chocolate factory and even into a volcanos lava tube. On our way back we also got to spend a night at Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States!! It was amazingly beautiful!!

 

Other than that I also got to travel to Los Angeles, Seattle and Las Vegas.  All of which Las Vegas was obviously the best!! I even got to meet a basketball player from my favourite team, the Golden State Warriors at the airport!!

 

I'm Starting College classes on Tuesday and can’t wait to start studying again!!

 

I just wanted to thank OVC for always being there when I had all my silly questions and helping me with the whole process, from filling in papers to getting my Visa, I will never be able to thank you enough for this amazing once in a lifetime opportunity.

 

Regards,

 

Carina

 

 

 

 

Hi OVC

This is a long overdue email, better late than never.

I am truly grateful for your assistance at OVC for getting me to the States through the Au pairing program. My host family who still have me over for Thanksgiving and we love each other.

I am currently working for the South African Embassy in Washington DC. I changed my J1 visa to an A2 visa in 2013.  My life in America has been a blessing and continues to blossom. I was meant to be here, I have no doubt in my mind. I am studying and hoping to complete my MBA soon.

I visited South African twice last year to see my family. I am renovating my parent’s house so that by the time I get married in December we are able to host guests.

Thank you guys so much. No matter the current success, you were the foundation.

Fondest Regards,

Robertina Mbedzi

 

 

 

 

Nicole Benzien – New York – July 2014 to July 2015

 

 

 

Hello OVC

 

 

I hope this email finds you well.

 

 

New York and Long Island are AMAZING! I have done so much with the family. I have been with them to Maine where we stayed in a Cabin, went fishing for the first time, caught my first fish, went kayaking, swam across the lake, tried teaching Anthony how to swim, we even caught an eel on our last night.

 

 

I spent a weekend in New York City by myself, even got lost! I went to the Statue of Liberty and cycled over Brooklyn Bridge. Tomorrow we are all going apple-picking and then hiking up Bear Mountain for pumpkin picking too if there is time.

 

 

We even celebrated Heritage Day here as I managed to get biltong and boerewors and other things from home for them to try.

 

 

Anthony is now 3 years old and Aidan is 4 months old. I am getting along with the family. I think it was a fantastic match as Krishna and I have a lot in common and with Richard we have the geek side which I don't even need to explain. Anthony loves the word no, but he enjoys some of the games I have showed him such as hop-scotch. He is now also at pre-school, so he gets home after 3pm and then we go to the park. Aidan is my 'baby'. I have given him full care since my second week here. He and I spend all day together and I am excited as next week while Krishna is on leave we are starting solids for Aidan.

 

 

I am still driving on my International Driving Permit as I have been told it is fine. Krishna wants me to renew my visa again in July as they want me to stay a second year (I know so soon I must be lucky having dad watching over me). I am assuming as they might be traveling outside the country next year and want me to go with.

 

 

Regards,

 

 

Nicole Benzien

 

 

 

 

Shibombi Baloyi - Huntington, New York – August 2014 to August 2015

 

Hi OVC

 

I would like to thank you for helping me with my application and answering my questions that never ended.  I have arrived at my host parent’s home in Huntington New York and they are awesome people, which makes me look forward to a great year ahead.  I am going to learn so much and because of a company like yours that is dedicated to make young people’s dreams come true.  Please keep up the good work.  Attached is the first picture I took just after arriving at Newark.

 

Warm Regards,

 

Shibombi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hester Strydom - Alexandria , Virginia – December 2013 to December 2014

 

 

Hi OVC

Ek land 17 Desember in Bloem na een van die lekk...erste jare ooit!! Skree net as jy iemand nodig het om jul te promote, ek sal die program vir enige iemand aanbeveel, regtig! Ekt deur die jaar al klomp girls na jou toe gestuur!

Ekt nog nie 'n vaste plan vir 2015 nie so enige voorstel is welkom! En as ek weer in die buiteland is sal ek dat niemand anders my help as jy nie!!

Groete,

Este

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kayleigh Sokolich - Winston-Salem , North Carolina – March 2014 to March 2015

 

Going the Extra Mile … Literally!

 

My name is Barbara Sokolich. My daughter Kayleigh and I have been working with OVC Durban for the last few months as it has always been Kayleigh's dream to Travel / Aupair in the USA.

 

Despite all the time and effort put in leading up to the application submission to America and placement thereafter, Selina has been nothing short of amazing in dealing our application at every turn.

 

I’d just like to take some time to really explain what both Marvin and Selina have done for us since then.

 

We’ve encountered many personal obstacles along the way but have been supported constantly by OVC Durban.  Not least of all, on the day of Kayleigh’s USA visa appointment, we encountered major traffic delays which resulted in us being terribly late. As we all know how expensive it is to book a USA visa appointment nowadays, this was really something we could not afford to miss.

 

We had also mistakenly gotten the wrong ID photos. (Another delay before the interview in 30 minutes time). Anyone who has navigated Durban’s busy streets to get to the US embassy will know the sheer terror I imagined as I contemplated my next move.

 

Marvin, without being asked, after overhearing our dilemma, got onto the phone called around and found a photo lab close by that was open, got in his car and allowed us to follow him there. He spoke to the guy when we got there to ensure we jumped the queue and got our photos in 4 mins.

 

He then suggested that he take Kayleigh to the Appointment and that I try and keep up as best I could… 15 mins and counting for interview. Bobbing and weaving seamlessly through morning rush hour traffic Marvin made it to the embassy and signalled me to proceed to the parkade while he dropped Kayleigh off on the doorstep of the embassy.

 

She arrived at 8:30am sharp and ran into the embassy. Marvin then waited for me to get to his location in order to update me as Kayleigh didn’t have her phone on her and I’d have no way of knowing if she arrived ok. He even gave me R20 for the parkade as only had my cards on me but no cash on me and would have had to walk Durban CBD to look for a bank.

 

All in all, an action packed; mind blowing morning that resulted in an approved visa and one very happy mum. OVC’s aupair USA program is such a great opportunity and I’m so thankful that Kayleigh didn’t miss this one.

 

Thanks so much to Marvin and Selina for all their help from start to finish. I have truly experienced their attention to detail and full service agency… Even where there was absolutely no expectation for them to go the extra mile… They did so with a smile.

 

All the very best to you 2 and OVC Durban!!! I have every faith that your future clients will receive your best at all times. In this day and age, its RARE to find such dedicated / caring people.

 

Sincerel,

 

Barbara Sokolich

 

 

 

 

Candice Bryce-Borthwick – Parkland, Florida -  September 2014 to September 2015

 

 

I am having a blast here. I cannot believe that I have already been here for 3 months and time has just flown by. I couldn't have matched with a better family and they are so good to me and have 3 amazing girls that are just too cute. At times it is tough on this end being away from home, but all is going well and I am enjoying it so much.

 

Will send through some pics for you as soon as I get another free chance. But a huge thank you to the OVC team for making this all possible.

 

Hope you are well,

 

Candice Bryce-Borthwick

 

 

 

 

 

Lari-Chanel Hallowes – Baltimore, Maryland - August 2014 to August 2015

 

 

Hey OVC :)

How are you? I hope you've had a lovely weekend!

This is the beginning of the third week with my host family. I'm really happy with our match and we get along really well.

Mostly, my responsibilities revolve around getting the children to school and back, but their schedules work so that I'm busy for most of the day, no time to be homesick :)

Regarding that - the homesickness-, I have had a couple of moments where I'll get a little sad, mostly it's around the evenings when I'm not working. I just miss home, though not enough to want to come back yet hahaha.

My family and I were talking seriously about what I would do when I come back after the year, and we had a couple of ideas.

The top of my list is NZMA in New Zealand through the Work Study option on the OVC website. I emailed Natalie Alfonso from NZMA, she's in charge of student affairs and is a past South African student herself. She also said that I would qualify for a Level 5 and the best way to apply was through OVC :)

This is great news because OVC made things so simple and you were really helpful.

Again, hope you are doing well :)

Kind Regards,

Lari-Chanel

 

 

 

 

 

Chanel Camacho – Webster, New York – April 2014 to April 2015

 

 

Hi OVC

 

It’s been about a month and a half since I’ve been in the US and I’m really enjoying it! The family is great and I love the kids (although the triplets can be tough work!) and I’ve had my share of tough days already and a few good cries over Skype, but the experience is an unforgettable one!

 

We are having our first meeting with our Area Director tomorrow and I’m very excited to meet the Au Pairs that I haven’t met yet. This past weekend 2 of the Au Pairs and I went to the Lilac Festival here in Rochester. It was lots of fun!!

 

I also got to see a bit of Washington in my second week here when the family took me with for a wedding celebration. Next weekend I am going to Silver Bay’s Au Pair Course to earn 3 of my credits. I’m very excited J

 

Thanks for all your hard work in helping me get here!!

 

From,

 

Chanel Camacho

 

 

 

Jean-Mari Hanekom - Ridgewood, New Jersey - May 2014 to May 2015

 

Hi OVC

 

Amerika en my host family is sover die beste vir my. My familie bederf my baie. My jongste, Colin, is tog te oulik met sy se goed en maniere van dinge doen. Die twee meisies, Madeline en Bryce, is baie rustig. Kon nie vir beter host children vra nie. Sight seeing gaan net so goed. Gaan omtrent elke naweek nou in New York toe. Geniet nog sover elke oomblik. En het reeds oor genoeg vriendskappe ontwikkel by die AuPairCare academy asook in my village.

 

Groete,

 

Jean-Mari

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natasha Dinath – Cleveland – March 2014 to March 2015

 
Hi OVC

Sunday the 6th of April I'll be in the states for exactly a month with my host family.

I just want to thank you so much for helping me get to this side, my host family is absolutely amazing they have been so welcoming and have made me feel so welcome since the first time I set foot into the house.

I've been settling in nicely here in Cleveland and making new friends, looking after four kids definitely keeps a person busy(which is good because I haven't really gotten time to miss home to much).

Every day that goes by gets easier and easier as I learn something new each day.

I am so blessed to have matched with such a loving family who makes me feel part of the family and not just an employee... the kids are just wonderful (full of energy) and just so loving they have already crept into my heart..

Thank you OVC for helping me achieve this great goal and being such a great help.

Kind Regards,

Natasha

 

 

 

 

 

Tiyane Chiumya - Larkspur California - March 2014 to March 2015

 

Hey OVC

I hope you have been well! I've been having a great time here in the US and lucky to have a great host family as well. I have been invited to stay for a second year !! Here are some of my pictures of America.

Tiyane

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mardi Stander - Houston, Texas - May 2014 to May 2015

 

Hi OVC

 

Sorry about the late email, but it's been a very busy month so far! After the first few weeks of being extremely homesick, I have finally really started settling in and enjoying my time and each day, I'm reminded that this was the right decision for me, myself and I!

 

My family are amazing and I feel like I have really been with them forever, and it has felt like that since day 1! I am absolutely overjoyed with their readiness for me to be a part of their family :)

 

Ek moet se dat ek mis Suid Afrika baie, en ek mis ons kos! Haha :) Ons het al klaar op vakansie gegaan na San Antonio toe en dit was awesome. Ek het al klaar ‘n trippie na Chicago geplan met flieg kaartjies en al en ek gan op die selfde trip Savannah, Georgia toe gaan! En voor die trip, gan ek saam die familie in Orlando wees!

 

Ek sien baie uit en het baie goeie vriende gemaak so ver, van die akademie en hier in Houston :) Baie dankie vir al jul help en ek wardeer dit baie! 

 

Groete van Houston, Texas,

 

Mardi

 

 

 

 

 

Monique van der Merwe - Severn, Maryland - January 2014 to January 2015

 

My name is Monique and I started this program in 2013. It was very easy, I did everything I had to and when I got a family everything from there on happened so fast. Since I have been in the USA, it has been a blast. My host family and I are a great match and we are getting along all the time.

I enjoy going to the cluster meetings every month and to the grandparent’s home. I have also been to New York and Washington DC and it was unbelievable. You definitely meet new people everywhere and in my experience, everyone is so friendly. The challenging thing for me is the driving and getting use to the hours, but luckily with every family the schedule is different.

I can definitely not wait to go on my two weeks’ vacation. Until then, I am going on holiday with the family, eating different foods and hanging out with the other Au Pairs in my cluster. I`m loving it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hallo OVC

 

I just want to thank you for all your help, I am really enjoying every moment! I have a great family and they have been so good to me since day one. They are absolutely the best choice I made :)

Hope you had a good Christmas and a happy new year :)

 

Thanks,

Paula

 

 

 

 

 

Hi OVC

 

Dit gaan baie goed! Geniet dit hier. Dis baie anders as waaraan ek gewoond is, maar geniet dit baie. Die kids is darem baie soet. Dit het gister gesneeu, ons het dit so geniet. Hoop alles gaan nog goed daar.

 

Miranda

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Hi daar OVC

 
Sjoe, ek weet nie eers hoe om te begin nie, ek’s nou amper al twee weke hier en ek’t alreeds so baie gesien en gedoen. Die area waar ek bly is pragtig, en die areas rondom baie 'kleurvol' en vol kultuur met die mooiste argitektuur en oral waar ek klim word ek met die mooiste uitsigte beloon. Ek was al in Goldengate Park, by die kuns museum, Japenese tea garden, roos tuin, Strawberry hill, Botaniese tuin, by 'n musiek festival, 'n teater (warfield theater), het al die trein en bus stelsel mooi onder knie, het al heelwat gehike en die natuur prag ervaar, was al downtown, by die ferry building, piers, Fishermans wharf, coit tower en het ook al heelwat die omgewing om my en bietjie verder die plek per voet leer ken en myself gemaklik maak met die strate.

 
Ek het die jackpot gewen wat die gesin betref, ek en die vrou kom baie goed oor die weg, ons albei met ons organiserings en skoonmaak obsessies, en geniet geselsies oor kinders en huishou, verder kook ek lekker saam met die man, gesels ook baie lekker en albei bederf my tot dusver baie, met kaarte oor die stad, boeke hoe om die stad en omliggende areas te leer ken, met geskiedenis en agtergrond van als, en hul gaan regtig uit hul pad om my gemaklik te laat voel. Wat die kids betref, ek en die 7 jarige, Kian, is alreeds beste maats, en ek’t alreeds ook my eerste baseball wedstryd ook al gesien (nou wel sy little league span, maar verskriklik oulik). Dan is die babatjies vrek oulik en hulle begin elke dag al meer reageer. Tot dusver dink ek het ons dit nog maklik, want hul slapies maar nog baie, maar ek geniet werklik my werk baie! 

 
Verder het my leefstyl soveel verbeter, ek kan alreeds na een week se werk vir my 'n nuwe Iphone koop sodat ek ook by die res van die hipsters hier kan inpas, hehe. Ek werk baie slim met my geldjies, pak eerder 'n kospakkie en my eie bottel water of vles koffie in as ek die huis verlaat en spandeer ni onnodig geld op kos en so nie, ek gaan egter Sondag weer Fishermans Wharf toe vir iets wat hul clam chowder noem, wat in 'n suurdeeg brood bakkie kom. Ek kan nie genoeg vir JOU dankie se dat jy my gehelp het om my drome te laat realiseer nie, dit is als soveel meer as wat ek gewens het dit kan wees.

 
Ek sal elke nou en dan inloer, en sodra my kamera reggemaak is, sal ek fototjies ook stuur. Hoop als gaan goed daardie kant! Ek dink nie jul word altyd genoeg bedank vir die wonderlike werk wat jul jul doen nie, OVC het werklik vir my geleenthede gebied wat prysloos is!

 
Beste wense en groete,

 
Catherine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hey OVC

 

Oh my word...I am sooooo happy..#all smiles#..I love my new life haha...

Things are very well on my side. I have a great family...I feel like their older daughter...I am really very happy...

I went on a road trip to NYC last weekend and it was fabulous. I love America. The weather is great still. It's still nice and warm. I've been shopping a lot, hehe. I need to just sort out my bank account, my social security card and my state drivers license. I will probably do my bank account and social card tomorrow. My host mom said she will take me to get that done. I've made a few friends. Just got to try make some more and keep in contact with them. I have to start practicing my driving soon, but other than that I am very happy. I love OVC and Au Pair Care, they really did a good job. Orientation was great. I loved it and I learnt a lot, but it was lots of hard work. My area director is very nice as well.

Thank you for all you hard work, effort, help and support, it’s much appreciated.

Kind regards,

 

Cheyenne 

 

 

Hi OVC

 

I have arrived safely. I met up with other Aupairs at JHB airport and we stuck together the whole way to New York. Orientation was so much fun. I made some really awesome friends that I am staying in touch with. We are even going to visit each other’s families. At Orientation, we got put into teams and my team won the most points. Our prize was a free trip to Time Square. We spent about 3 hours there. It was an amazing experience!

My family is so great! I couldn't imagine matching with a better family. We all get along so well and the boys are so adorable! The area that I live in is gorgeous! There are huge mountains covered in snow and my house is just below the mountains. My Family is also big on traveling, so we going to Hawaii in March and again later on in the year. They were talking about going to Thailand and Australia too. So I am really going to have a lot of traveling done before the end of the year. I started my 1st proper day of work yesterday and I loved every second of it. I am a little worried that I will never want to go back to South Africa, haha. That's how much fun I'm having. I am going to go to the university here to talk to an advisor about studies, and I’ll get enrolled soon.

Thanks for everything,

 

Jenna

 

 

Hi OVC

 

Sorry that I haven't contacted you yet. I've been meaning to and was actually thinking that I NEED to e-mail you yesterday. Things are going wonderfully. It is so beautiful here and always nice and warm and the family is really nice and down to earth. The kids are much better behaved than I thought they would be, and apparently I've really improved their manners since I've been here, which is good. Orientation was awesome! For me it was so much fun to get to know all the girls AND BOYS (there were 4 male Au Pairs) from all the different countries and learn about their cultures. They also had a cool first aid training course and tried to give you as much knowledge of what to expect and how to deal with situations, which really helped. At my orientation, there were over 140 Au Pairs from 27 different countries, 7 from South Africa, I think. I became very close with 2 of them and we are still in contact :) One of the best parts of orientation has to be the tour of New York. Time Square is breath taking and is a must see! I am settled in for the most part, but I learn at least 1 new thing every day :) Whether it is how to do things around the house or their culture and words they use for things. Never say serviettes! They won't have a clue what you are talking about. It's a napkin, haha, and garbage can, not a dustbin. The family also took me to Disney World, which was so much fun, but a lot of walking.

Some tips for other Au Pairs:

For orientation, I would say girls HAVE to go on the tour of New York and buy a phone card. Driving on the other side of the road isn't bad at all. It's the fact that it's so easy to get lost! For your flight, you’re allowed two bags, each weighing a max of 23KG's. Contact other SA Au Pairs you might be travelling with because it's so much easier to find where you have to go together.
Kind regards, Carmen

 

 

 

 

 

 Antoinette Smith - Colorado - 2013 to 2014

 

 

Hi Steph and Willie

 

I think this email is long overdue :) ... I just want to say that I've settled in well. It's been a little over a month since I got here and I am having a blast! I love being in America and Colorado :) My family is great and the kids are just adorable! I've met so many nice people and made awesome friends.

 

Thanks for making this experience possible. I do not regret this decision and I would advise any young person to do it! It is genuinely an amazing experience :)

 

All the best!

Antoinette