M2’s Week in Sicily: An Au Pair Diary
Every so often, one of our au pairs sends us a snapshot of their week abroad — the highs, the hard parts, and the small moments that end up mattering most. This week, M2 checks in from Sicily, where beach days, new friendships, and a host family who’s become her own have made for an unforgettable stretch.
What She Was Grateful For
“Grateful for meeting people and making new friends.”
The Hardest Part of the Week
“The difficulty was that I had to really depend on the family for any kind of transportation, which was hard because I didn’t want to feel like a bother.”
It’s a common adjustment for au pairs settling into a new country — learning to ask for help, and realizing that host families genuinely want to include you rather than see you as an inconvenience.
A “Wow” Moment
“My wow moment was helping my host family’s son learn to swim.”
Beach Days, New Friends, and Italian Nights
“This past week has been incredible! Sicily is so amazing, and I’ve been so grateful to have had the chance to come here with the family. The beaches here are amazing, as is the water. Spending so much time with the family has been great because I feel like it has really strengthened my relationship with them. Every day has been spent at the beach or the marina, and I couldn’t ask for better.”
“It’s also been great because I was introduced to some cousins of the kids who are my age, and they’ve been so lovely and warm and welcoming toward me.”
“I’ve made some great friends. I’ve been able to get to know them, and also go to dinners and even go dancing with them. It was especially fun and exciting because it was Italian night, so it was all Italian music.”
Days like these are a good reminder of what a summer as an au pair in Italy can actually look like — less about a rigid schedule and more about being folded into a family’s everyday life, beach trips included.
A Surprise Detour to Calabria
“Another cool thing we did was stop in Calabria and see these breathtaking bronze Greek warriors that had been found at the bottom of the sea. The intricate work that went into making them was unbelievable. I was also struck by the amazing condition of the statues, even after being underwater for so long.”
The Food in Sicily
“The food in Sicily is amazing. They have something here called arancini, and it’s the best food I’ve had in Italy.”
FAQ: Being an Au Pair in Sicily
What is a typical week like for an au pair in Sicily?
No two weeks look exactly the same, since it depends on the host family and the season, but many au pairs find their days shaped around childcare responsibilities, family outings, and downtime to explore the local area — whether that’s a nearby beach, town, or day trip.
Do au pair families travel together?
Many host families do take trips during the year, and au pairs are often invited along as part of the family. Whether and how this happens varies by family, so it’s a good topic to talk through during the matching process.
How do au pairs get around if they don’t have their own car?
Transportation varies a lot by placement and region. Some au pairs rely on public transit, some bike or walk, and others coordinate rides with their host family, especially early on while they’re still getting oriented. It’s worth discussing transportation expectations with your host family before you arrive.
What’s it like living with a host family in Italy?
It looks different for every au pair, but the goal is to become part of the family’s daily rhythm rather than just a guest passing through — sharing meals, outings, and the small moments that come with everyday life together.
If beach afternoons, new friendships, and moments like teaching a swim lesson sound like the kind of year you’re looking for, life as an au pair in Italy could be your next chapter.
Part of the Rome Abroad team helping young women live and work abroad as au pairs since 2015.
