Customs to familiarise yourself with before you move to your new country.
An important part of travelling abroad is researching the customs of the country you are travelling to. From certain hand gestures to tipping, different customs have different meanings wherever you go. As an au pair, you want to try and adapt to your new culture as quickly as possible. Researching the cultural customs of the host country is a great way to ensure a quick settling in process and avoid having a major culture shock.
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For au pairs going abroad to Germany, Spain, France or Australia, we have collected some unique customs that you will want to be aware of before you go:
1. Germany
While the stereotype of rule-loving Germans is generally an exaggeration, there are certain customs that will make your life easier if you adhere to. Things you should not do in Germany include, walking in the bicycle lane, jaywalking, or being loud and obnoxious in public.
Other customs to be aware of are shops shutting on Sundays, the deposit (Pfand) on glass bottles and cans that is refunded when you return them, and the non-acceptance of credit or laser cards in many restaurants, bars and shops. And, of course, never be late!
2. Spain
In Spain it is considered polite to address men as “Señor” and women as “Señora,” followed by their last name. Unlike in Germany, anyone expecting punctuality will be sorely disappointed. A grace period of 30 minutes is typically part of the arrangement.
The siesta in Spain is usually from 2-5pm. This means that dinner takes place around 9 or 10pm, so don’t be worried if your host hasn’t fed you by your usual dinnertime! It is also important to know that empty plates can be seen as a sign that the guest has not had enough, so you should leave something small behind on the plate.
Things you shouldn’t do include calling Basques, or Catalans, Spaniards, criticise bullfighting, touch fruit and vegetable displays with your hands, or make the “RocknRoll” sign with your hands. While this may mean “rock on” to you, it is a sign of infidelity in Spain!
3. France
One of the best things you can do to settle in in France is to speak some French before you get there. It is not guaranteed that the French people you encounter will speak English and, even if they do, it is much politer if you attempt to converse through their mother tongue.
Greetings are an important custom in France. When you greet someone you know, you typically give each other a double kiss on the cheeks, while strangers shake hands. It is the same for farewells. In the countryside, everyone greets each other with “Bonjour,” while people on the street in the big cities almost never greet each other.
Be aware of pickpockets and theft. While France is a wonderful place to spend your au pair year, it is rife with theft so always keep your wits about you and your valuables out of sight.
4. Australia
Australians are generally considered to be uncomplicated and relatively liberal. However, as an au pair in Australia, there are a few customs you should be aware of to avoid having any embarrassing moments. These include avoiding conversations about Australia’s history as a British colony and, as in Germany, always being on time. Other things you should never do are spit in public or give the thumbs up as it is considered a serious insult.
No matter where you travel to, it is important to familiarise yourself with the customs of the host country. If you are going somewhere not on this list, there are many guides online and in bookshops that will answer all your cultural questions.
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