Before you arrive in England, remember to bring your passport and letter of invitation from your host family. If you are outside the E.U. you may need a visa or work permit.

What you can expect to receive
• You will be given full board and lodgings.
• You will have a private room of your own, and will be able to share in the life of the family you are with.
• You will have time to study for 'cultural and professional improvement' at a local language school.
• All studies will be paid out of your own money, and in your own time. Language schools offer very reasonable rates for students.

  Daily schedule

• Duties should generally not exceed 5 hours a day, unless other arrangements have been made with the family, for which you should earn more money.
• You should have at least 1 full day free per week, plus Sunday to attend a place of worship.
• You may be required to 'baby-sit' at least one evening of the week, for the parents to spend the evening out.
• Create a time-table, to make sure you are clear about your duties.
• Spend your inital period of time in the family, talking through the routines of the day, and what you are expected to do. Find out how to use machinery, e.g. washing machine, tumble dryer, dish-washer.

  Insurance

• You will not require medical insurance in this country, and can register with a local doctor to receive treatment. However, dental treatment will have to be paid for out of your own money.

  Arriving in England

• On arrival, the family will allow you to telephone your parents, to let them know that you have arrived safely. After that, please remember that telephoning abroad is very expensive, and that you must ask the family before making a call. Your family can arrange to telephone you once a week, if wished. Local calls to friends are generally cheaper, if you ring after 6pm.
• Au pairs from Turkey will need to register at the local police station within 10 days of arrival. You will need to pay a registration fee from your own money.

  Culture

• The culture in Britain is different to your own, and you may want to experience this in different ways. Please do not sit for long periods of time in front of the Television, or withdraw to your room for long periods writing letters to your friends and family. Try to involve yourself, quietly, in the life of the family, and take opportunities offered to you.
• It will be appreciated if you allow some privacy to husband and wife, particularly in the evenings when the husband returns from work and might wish to discuss daily events with his wife. This is an ideal time to become more involved with the children, or general management of household duties.
• English food may be different from that which you are accustomed. Lunch generally consists of small snacks such as sandwiches, fruit or cheese, with the main meal served during the evening. If you wish to have a more substantial meal at lunch-time, ask the lady of the family if you can cook something yourself.
• Please be sure to take every opportunity to experience and enjoy the spiritual, educational and cultural climate of Great Britain. This will make your stay most enjoyable and you will benefit in different ways from the experience.

  Free-time

• During your free time you will want to spend some time with friends, enjoying different aspects of the country. Please let the family know generally of your whereabouts, and the time you will return. Try to be back at a reasonable hour, to suit the needs of the family.
• You may ask for maps of the local area, and bus or train time-tables, to visit the local scenes. The local newspaper will advertise other excursions or local events taking place during the week.
• If you make new friendships, please be very discreet and do not give your telephone number and address to strangers. Always ask the family if they do not mind you giving their home number to your new acquaintances.
• Please ask permission from the family before asking a friend home.

  Communication

• When you first arrive in the family it may be a little difficult to understand the common form of spoken English. Do not worry about having to understand everything. Politely ask the speaker to talk a little slower, to be fully understood. Most English people will be happy to help in any way possible.
• At the end of each day, talk about the work you have achieved, and the time taken to do it.
• Always try to find some time to talk about your personal needs, and theirs. Communication is the most important thing, to ensure a successful placement in a family. If you are unsure about something, or are feeling worried, try to share your concerns.
• If you have stated on your application form that you are a non-smoker, or have agreed that you will not smoke in the home, you must make sure that this does not happen.