French Au Pairs and Overview of French Culture

The concept of being an au pair is very common in France.  France is the largest country in the European Union (EU) and has been a major power for many centuries with strong economic, cultural, military and political influence. During the 17th and 18th centuries, France colonized much of North America; during the 19th and early 20th centuries. France built the second largest empire of the time, including large portions of North, West and Central Africa, Southeast Asia, and many Pacific islands. 

France is a developed country and possesses the fifth largest economy in the world. It is the most visited country worldwide, receiving 82 million foreign tourists annually. Paris is the capital of France and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Their cuisine and wines are internationally famous and food is one of the great passions of the French.  French au pairs are from major cities, such as Paris, but they also come from the countryside too. 

The French have managed to preserve the splendor of their countryside, and the charm of their villages, towns and cities. They enjoy the best cuisine in the world and produce many of the world’s great wines. 

They have good public services, fine schools, exceptional social security benefits, superb hospitals, excellent working conditions and employee benefits, and a first-class transportation system with magnificent roads and among the world’s fastest trains. The country enjoys a generally high standard of living, low inflation and a relatively healthy economy. 

France has one of the lowest employment rates in the EU. These low employment rates are the result of the high minimum wages which prevent low productivity workers – such as young people – from easily entering the labor market, ineffective university curricula that fail to prepare students adequately for the labor market, and older workers who permitted by the French government to retire early.  

Do the French make good au pairs?  Do they like to care for children?  Are they hard workers?  

And, do they make good drivers? (you will be surprised at what we found).

Our comprehensive review of French au pairs answers all of these questions and MORE!   Read more of our review:  

Languages in France

French, the official language, is the first language of 88% of the population. Most of those who speak minority languages also speak French, as the minority languages are given no legal recognition.

Not all French speak English and the English that is taught in French schools starts late (after age 11) and does not focus on oral skills.  Some French speak German, Italian and Swiss as well as French (those who live on these country's borders).  The majority of French au pairs speak English, but not well. 

Most French people "pretend" not to speak English, usually because they speak it badly and perhaps they have an inferiority complex about English, which they blame for the decline of the French language and culture!  Why? French was once the universal language - English is now the language of the world.  Up until even the 19th century, the ability to speak French is was the sign of a civilized person and even the Russian court spoke French instead of its native tongue.  

Motivations for Becoming an Au Pair

1.  The top reason that drives most French au pairs to the cultural exchange program is their desire to improve their English skills.  Despite French bias against the English language, an au pair's job potential is greatly improved if they speak English well. 

2.  Due to the high unemployment in France, young French women are more open to traveling abroad as an au pair.   

French Characteristics and Manners

1. French Au Pairs:  The idea of becoming an au pair in America (and in other European countries) is very common and well established in France and the majority of French au pairs will not have difficulty understanding their role as an au pair. Most French girls do not have difficulty finding the money for application and program fees.....

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Read more about French Au Pairs - Major Strengths, Major Weaknesses, Culture, Food Preferences, Driving Skills, Family Values, Friendships, etc.