In her final week as an au pair in Italy, Rome Abroad alumna P wrote about what those last days actually feel like: a mix of gratitude, homesickness, one really good surprise from home, and a lot of hugs she wasn’t ready to let go of. Her week captures something every au pair eventually faces — the goodbye is often harder than the hello.
Key Takeaways
- The last week of an au pair placement is often an emotional mix of gratitude, homesickness, and last-minute adventures.
- Small care packages from home can turn an ordinary night abroad into a highlight of the whole placement.
- Getting sick while abroad happens, and a supportive host family often steps in to help you rest and recover.
- Simple last days — a lake afternoon, an amusement park visit, a family dinner — tend to become the most memorable ones.
- Saying goodbye to a host family, especially the kids, is usually the hardest part of coming home.
A Week of Highs and Lows
P described her final week in Italy as “a rollercoaster” — high highs and low lows, all part of the experience. She spent as much time as possible with her host family, knowing it was their last week together. Even a run of thunderstorms felt like a welcome change of pace after weeks of sun.
P’s Week, in Three Questions
- Grateful for: “Beautiful weather!”
- Hardest part: “I got sick over the weekend, and that was so hard to be away from home.”
- A “wow” moment: “We went to Leolandia today, so fun!”
A Surprise Package From Home
A care package from P’s mom arrived midweek, and unwrapping it felt like Christmas morning. Her host family’s son kept saying, in Italian, that they’d gotten presents from Santa. Inside were a cactus pillow, a cactus ornament, and a stash of American candy that the family had fun taste-testing together — a small reminder that a package from home can turn an ordinary Wednesday into one of the best nights of a placement.
Getting Sick During Her Final Days
P woke up Friday with a cold, right as her time with the family was running out. She’d made it almost the entire placement without getting sick, which made the timing especially tough. Her host mom let her rest that afternoon, and she still managed to take her host son out for gelato and a movie. That evening, the family took her to dinner with her host dad’s brother and his wife, who she was glad to finally meet.
Saturday was a wash, spent entirely in bed. By Sunday she felt well enough to head to Lake Maggiore in Arona for lunch and a quiet afternoon by the water.
One Last Adventure at Leolandia
To close out the week, the family spent a day at Leolandia, riding mini rollercoasters and soaking up one last bit of fun together. It’s the kind of ordinary outing that becomes a core memory once you know your time in the country is almost up — the same way many au pairs placed in Italy describe their final weeks with a host family.
Saying Goodbye to Her Host Family
“I’ve loved my cute Italian host family. They are some of the best people I have ever known, and I’m so honored to have been able to share two months of their lives with them. They will forever be special to me, and I am so grateful to know them.”
FAQ: Saying Goodbye to a Host Family in Italy
Is it normal to feel emotional at the end of an au pair placement?
Yes. Feeling emotional at the end of your au pair experience is completely normal. After spending months living with your host family, sharing daily life, and building meaningful relationships, saying goodbye can be one of the hardest parts of living abroad. It’s a sign you’ve created genuine connections and memories that will stay with you long after your au pair placement ends.
What if I get sick during my last days abroad?
Getting sick during your au pair placement can happen, especially after months of travel, childcare, and adjusting to life abroad. Most host families are understanding and will help you rest and recover if you’re unwell. At Rome Abroad, we’re also here to guide and support you throughout your placement, so you’ll always have someone to reach out to if you need advice.
How long do au pair placements in Italy usually last?
Most au pair placements in Italy last anywhere from 2 to 12 months, depending on the host family’s needs, your visa eligibility, and the time of year. Whether you’re looking for a short summer placement or a longer cultural exchange experience, Rome Abroad helps match you with a carefully selected host family in Italy and supports you throughout your entire au pair journey.
What kinds of activities do au pairs do with their host families?
Every au pair experience is different, but many au pairs become part of everyday family life. You might help with school pick-ups, enjoy family meals, explore local markets, attend festivals, spend weekends at the beach or lakes, or visit famous cities together. Living with a host family gives you an authentic way to experience Italian culture while creating lifelong memories.
Ready to become an au pair in Italy?
If stories like P’s—filled with meaningful relationships, personal growth, travel, and unforgettable memories—inspire you, an au pair program in Italy could be the perfect next step. At Rome Abroad, we don’t just help you find a host family. We prepare you before you leave, coach you throughout your placement, and support you every step of your journey abroad.
Part of the Rome Abroad team helping young women live and work abroad as au pairs since 2015.
