I am considering being a nanny in Italy for a year, has anyone done this before?

Question

Can you reccomend one agency over another? How was the experience? I used to live in Germany for a year and have wanted to live in Europe again, this seemed like a great way to go. I work with kids here and thought that it would be a smooth transition. Any recommendations for things to keep in mind while prepairing for this trip would be appriciated. As would any advice you can share for once I live over there. I have about a year to get ready (due to my lease on my apartment here) and am really excited about it. Would love any feedback you can give me. The agency I have looked into is Europlacements and they are based out of Milan, but the families are from all over.

Answer 1

Learn the language.

Make sure you can escape if the family/living conditions do not meet your expectations.  

Can a family member go with you to check things out?  It's best if everyone is aware you are NOT alone.

Good luck and enjoy!!!

Answer 2

I worked in Italy as a nanny, but the agency I went through is no longer in operation.

My biggest suggestion is, don't accept a position with a family if you have any doubts. I was so excited that a family wanted me to be their nanny that I accepted immediately, even though the information I received about them didn't seem like I'd be a perfect match. It was six months of torture: the little girl was a brat, and I didn't get along with the mother, who constantly belittled me about how I treated her daughter and my housekeeping duties.

At the end of the six months (I had only contracted for that long with the family) I had planned to travel but hadn't saved any  money, and the agency asked me if I would be interested in nannying for another family. I reviewed information for twelve different families and fell in love with one of them. It was a perfect match; I had an amazing time living with them and they treated me like a member of their family. Five years later I'm still in contact with them and just went back to visit last month.

Some other suggestions:

- learn some Italian, if you don't speak already

- get a travel guide (I suggest the Rough Guide to Italy) and read about different places, because it may help you decide where you want to go

- look into language schools, because you'll need to attend one to get a visa, and they can be costly.

If you have any other questions feel free to contact me. Good luck!

Answer 3

do it

Answer 4

I've done it before and it is fun.  I think going to nanny in Germany is good too because of the world cup.  There will be many things going on so u dont have to do that much.