Turkey is a transcontinental country that spans Europe and Asia and therefore its culture has many different influences. Turkey combines clear efforts of modernization and Westernization with a simultaneous desire to maintain traditional religious and historical values. Turkish au pairs enrolling in the program can be expected to have a strong desire to learn about the American culture and integrate in the family life.

Turkish families greatly value children, and Turkish couples have on average 2-3 children. About a fourth of all households are extended families although most households include only the nuclear family. Even so, most often close extended family members will be living in very nearby.

Children are at the center of Turkish families and are rarely put in day cares or nurseries. Mothers and other family members usually care for children. So you can expect your Turkish au pairs to have experience in doing regular baby-sitting, often caring for relatives (siblings, nephews and nieces, cousins).

Turkish children tend to leave the parental household rather late, although it depends on whether they attend post-secondary schools and where. Some of the Turkish universities, especially the technical ones, tend to compare with Western European and North American universities.

The minimum driving age is 18 years old in Turkey. To obtain a driver’s license, a written and practical exam is required. Driving in Turkey can be quite chaotic so you can expect your Turkish au pair to be very aware of the surroundings, such as inattentive drivers or pedestrians. It is always recommended that you discuss your driving needs with au pairs during the interview process.

Learning a foreign language is mandatory in Turkish schools. English is the main taught language, followed by French, German, or Spanish. Some universities also ask for an additional year of English preparatory study to be completed before the start of studies, unless an exemption examination is passed.