Click here to get in touch Hi everyone, Please welcome with me Maike Baessler from Germany. After finishing high school in 2009, Maike decided to take a gap year abroad before starting University. She went to Long Island, close to New York City, as an au pair through the agency "Cultural Care Au Pair" where she learned a lot about new cultures, childcare and she was able to improve her English.  Important to notice: This has been 15 years ago and she has not been using much of her English skills since. ;) This episode features an interview with Maike, who embarked on a gap year journey as an au pair in Long Island, New York, fifteen years ago. Maike provides insight into the process of finding a host family in the US, highlighting the support she received from the agency throughout her experience. She explains the role of an au pair and delves into her daily responsibilities, offering a glimpse into her routine and activities during her time in the US. Maike candidly shares her initial challenges, including feelings of loneliness and cultural shock as she transitioned from Germany to an American Jewish household. She explores cultural differences and provides a deeper understanding of the Jewish culture she immersed herself in. Despite the initial hurdles, Maike reflects on how she gradually built strong bonds with her four host children, ultimately becoming an integral part of the family. Additionally, Maike opens up about maintaining a long-distance relationship during her time as an au pair and shares how she felt better by making friends during that year. As the episode ends, Maike offers valuable advice for aspiring au pairs, drawing from her own transformative experience. Feel free to connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanna_worldwide_and_friends/ or email me under: [email protected] You can find this podcast also under its own website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2110137 or on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Podcast Index, iHeartRadio, Podchaser, Deezer and PlayerFM Thank you so much for being here, I appreciate every single one of you! Love, Hanna