The Italian culture is reach and diverse, from its architecture, art, fashion, to cuisine! Food is usually a means to tie family members and friends. You can expect your Italian au pair to be well educated, eager to participate in your family life, and to warm up rather easily to your family and child(ren).

For Italians, family is at the center of their lives, providing stability, support, and guidance to one another. Extended family usually live near-by and relatives often meet for gatherings and meals. The family provides financial support and children often live at home while attending post-secondary schools. Children tend to move out late from their parents’ home and remain very close to their family once living on their own. You can expect your Italian au pair to be warm and caring.

Italian au pairs will likely have gained most of their child care experience doing regular baby-sitting, usually for relatives, caring for cousins, nephews and nieces, or caring for children in their neighborhood. Some Italian au pairs will also have been camp counselors or educators.

In Italy the minimum age to obtain a driver’s license (or learner’s permit) is 18 years old. In order to get a driver’s license, Italians must pass a written exam as well as a practical exam. The cost of driving lessons and of the written and practical exams is not cheap, but more affordable than other European countries.

Although English is mandatory in Italian schools, their spoken English skills are not the highest among Western European countries. Their English level will compare to the one of the French and Spanish people. Your Italian au pair will most likely have a better understanding of English in writing and reading so do not hesitate to use written communication especially early on the program.