A Rome Abroad Au Pair’s Birthday Week: Beach Days, Vatican Tickets, and a Surprise Trip to Prague
One of our Italy au pairs shares what happened when her birthday landed in the middle of her placement: her host family surprised her with a cake, Vatican City tickets, and a spot on their family vacation to Prague. It’s a real, first-person look at how far a host family relationship can grow just a few months into an au pair year.
Key Takeaways
- Host families often go out of their way to celebrate au pairs’ birthdays and milestones, even ones that fall far from home.
- Missing a favorite holiday, like the 4th of July, is a normal and valid part of homesickness while abroad ? it doesn’t mean the placement isn’t going well.
- Everyday moments with host kids, like making pancakes together, are often the ones au pairs remember most.
- Some host families include their au pair in family vacations, which can mean exploring an entirely new country, like a weekend trip to Prague.
- Strong bonds with a host family can form in just a few weeks, turning a placement into something that feels like a second family.
Grateful For: The Sweetest Host Family
The best part of her week was her host family. They bought her a birthday cake and did everything they could to help her have a great birthday while she was away from her own family and friends.
The Hardest Part: Missing the 4th of July
The 4th of July is her favorite holiday, and she was sad not to be in the U.S. for the fireworks. It’s one of the more common challenges au pairs run into: even a wonderful placement doesn’t erase missing the traditions you grew up with.
The “Wow” Moment: Nutella Pancake Tacos
This week’s standout moment was simple: she and the host kids made pancakes for breakfast. The kids loved flipping the pancakes and experimenting with different creations from the batter. Afterward, they covered them in Nutella and ate them folded up like tacos.
An Au Pair Experience in Italy: Birthday Celebrations, Beach Days & a Family Vacation to Prague
One of the most rewarding parts of becoming an au pair in Italy is the opportunity to experience everyday life as part of a local host family. For one Rome Abroad au pair, what began as a typical summer placement quickly became an unforgettable cultural exchange filled with travel, meaningful relationships, and lifelong memories.
A Birthday to Remember with Her Italian Host Family
Her adventure began with a relaxing day at the beach?collecting seashells, swimming in the sea, and enjoying the Italian sunshine. A few days later, it was her birthday, and her host family in Italy made sure it was a celebration she would never forget.
They surprised her with a beautiful birthday cake, gifted her a pass to explore Vatican City, and spent the day singing ?Happy Birthday? and celebrating together.
“Not only did they make my birthday the best, they also took me with them on their family vacation. I have fallen in love with this family ? they are the most giving people, and in a few short weeks have become a part of my family.”
Moments like these are what make the au pair experience so unique. You?re not simply living abroad?you?re becoming part of a family?s daily life and creating genuine connections.
Traveling Europe as an Au Pair: A Weekend in Prague
One of the unexpected benefits of being an au pair in Europe is the opportunity to travel alongside your host family. During the weekend, they invited her to join them on a family trip to Prague, Czech Republic.
She quickly fell in love with the city?s historic streets, especially the quiet mornings before the crowds arrived.
During the trip she enjoyed:
- Touring Prague on a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus
- Exploring the historic Prague Castle
- Renting pedal boats with views of the Charles Bridge
- Trying traditional Czech trdeln?k
- Taking a horse-and-carriage ride through the Old Town
Stories like this are common among our au pairs in Italy, where host families often treat their au pair as part of the family from the very start.
Become Part of an Italian Host Family
Experiences like this are common for many Rome Abroad au pairs. While every host family in Italy is different, many welcome their au pair as a true member of the family?sharing birthdays, holidays, weekend outings, and even family vacations.
If you?re dreaming of living in Italy, improving your Italian, traveling throughout Europe, and becoming part of a caring Italian host family, an au pair placement with Rome Abroad could be the perfect opportunity.
See if you?re eligible to become an au pair in Italy and start your adventure with Rome Abroad today.
FAQ: Celebrating Birthdays and Holidays as an Au Pair
Do host families celebrate an au pair?s birthday?
Many host families in Italy enjoy celebrating their au pair?s birthday and understand that being away from home can be emotional. Every family is different, but thoughtful gestures like a birthday cake, a special meal, small gifts, or a day trip are common. These moments often become some of the most memorable parts of the au pair experience.
Is it normal to miss holidays and family traditions while living abroad?
Yes. Feeling homesick during birthdays, holidays, or family celebrations is a normal part of living abroad as an au pair. Missing home doesn?t mean your placement isn?t going well?it simply means you?re adjusting to a new culture. At Rome Abroad, we prepare you for these emotions before you leave and provide ongoing support throughout your placement, so you always have someone to turn to.
Do au pairs travel with their host family?
Some Italian host families invite their au pair to join family vacations, weekend trips, or local outings. While travel is never guaranteed and varies by family, many au pairs have the opportunity to explore new destinations and experience everyday life alongside their host family.
How long does it take to bond with a host family?
Every au pair placement is different, but many au pairs begin to feel like part of the family within the first few weeks or months. As you settle into daily routines, build trust, and share experiences together, those relationships often grow into lifelong friendships. At Rome Abroad, we prepare you before departure and continue coaching you through the adjustment period, helping you build a positive relationship with your host family from the very beginning.
If you?re dreaming of celebrating birthdays abroad, experiencing authentic Italian culture, traveling with a host family, and creating lifelong memories, becoming an au pair in Italy could be the perfect opportunity.
See if you?re eligible to become an au pair in Italy with Rome Abroad.
Kailee is an American-Italian photographer, writer, and traveler who fell in love with her roots and never looked back. She first lived in Rome as an au pair in 2019, an experience that changed everything. Since then, she’s explored over 50 cities and towns across Italy and now spends part of the year in her family’s home in the peaceful hills of Rieti. She currently lives in the UK, where she's working for charities, managing their socials. Deeply passionate about language, cultural connection, and soulful storytelling, Kailee shares honest reflections, travel tips, and glimpses of slow, intentional living around the world. Follow her journey at www.kaileesmart.com and use code KAILEE for $70 off your own RomeAbroad adventure.
