If you love kids, learning about different cultures, and have the desire to experience other parts of the world, being an international nanny could be a great career choice. In America, it is common to have nannies of all kinds working in homes. Maybe it’s a live-in nanny, a part-time live out nanny, or a nanny that works full time with the family all day but lives in her own home offsite. However, in other countries, the role of a nanny might be a bit different. A nanny position may also combine work as a maid or housekeeper. In some countries, nanny positions simply are not as common, as family members, friends, or neighbors often step in to assist in childcare when the parents need an extra hand.
Lauren Holgate, a nanny that has experience traveling and caring for children as a nanny, gives this advice for nannies that may be considering taking an international nanny position.
“Always research the country’s laws before you relocate and make sure your contract is for the country you will be living in rather than the country the agency relocated you from,” she said. “Consider what type of role works best for you – for example, if the family is based in the countryside, it might take you longer to make friends and build connections. Make sure your package includes health insurance, flights, etc. Reach out to other nannies based in the country, so you can get advice and tips. Social media is a great way to do this.”
In addition, nannies working overseas with other families may experience a shift in how nannies are viewed.
Thaty Oliveira explains that while working with one family overseas, she experienced that she was not only a nanny, but may have also been viewed more as a servant. While this was not something she was used to, she recognized that this was part of their culture and remembered that it was important to keep this in mind and not take it as a personal attack. Over time, she was asked to join the family at the table
“I think it’s important to learn and be open minded and not take things personally,” she said. “I think it’s good to have compassion and curiosity to understand and learn about other cultures. This is the way they were brought up. It’s just different. Every child is unique, and every family is unique…it is our job to learn about them and respect them and find ways to align.”
Regardless of which country you begin working in, building relationships with families and children from other cultures can be an incredible way to grow professionally and personally.