Are you familiar with the French American Center? Have you been an Au Pair in France?

Question

Are you familiar with and/or have you worked or studied through the French American Center (located in Montpellier, France)? I am considering becoming an Au Pair there through their program, as well as take French classes there. Anyone who has any experience with this organization or as an Au Pair in France (anywhere)?... I would appreciate any information about your experience or advice good or bad with this organization or other Au Pair agencies. Any Americans living in or visited Montpellier, France? Please tell me what you think about it. Thanks in advance for all advice! :)

Answer 1

I've never been an au pair in France, since I'm french. ;-) I was an au pair in the UK, twice.

Montpellier is excellent. One of the best places in France. The weather is good, you are near the sea and mountains, and people are reaaly nice.

Their accent in French is strong but funny. We call it "the singing accent". It may be hard to understand at first.

Answer 2

Hi there... I went to France on a year long exchange, and found uni to easy (and too few hours) so started as a live in nanny (hated the family) and then became a babysitter (which meant picking up the kids every day after school etc).

I DIDN'T use an agency.  Partly because I already had somewhere to live, and a visa, and could work up to 20 hours a week.  I don't like agencies, because they tend to have too much control, and it's hard to know which ones to trust!  I suppose my biggest caution is don't spend too much money, make sure you have had contact with the family, and how exactly where they live before you leave the US.  And your french will rapidly improve (so will your slang!) once you are with the kids... promise