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Video Tips:
- Once you have decided which family you’d like to meet, we’ll send you their contact information
- Then you’ll send them a text/email to set up a video call
- You might say something like:
“Hi [host mum’s name], my name is ____ and I’d love to set up a video call to meet you guys. I really like how your family [something you liked in their profile].
I live in [your city] which is [time difference] hours behind [their city]. Could we have a video call this week? I’m available [option 1], [option 2], or [option 3]. If none of those work for you, let me know what works and I’ll do my best to accommodate your schedule.
The easiest way for me would be on WhatsApp and my number is ____. If you prefer a different method, just let me know. I’m looking forward to meeting you!”
- You might say something like:
- Pay close attention to your WhatsApp and email during this time so you can set up a video call
- Keep us posted on when you’re having the call and we can send a Google calendar invite via email (this really helps with the time difference!)
- This call is not too long (usually 20-30 min) to help you see if you’d be a good fit
- Possible agenda for the video call:
- Introductions
- Host mom/dad will describe their family, daily routines, hopes, and general expectations
- Traveler will introduce themselves, describe their experience in childcare, explain previous travel experience, and express their reasons for wanting to live abroad with a host family
- Both Traveler and Host will ask each other a few questions (check out our list to get ideas of what to ask!)
- End call
- Keep talking! Ask them questions via text, potentially plan another video call, and get to know each other
- After the call, send them a follow-up text message
- You might say “Hi_____, it was so great to meet you and hear about your family! Your kids sound like ____. I’m looking forward to getting to know you better and ____.”
- We’ll ask you for feedback about the call
- If the family likes you and you like them, we’ll prepare agreements for signature
- If things didn’t click, we’ll explore other family options
Be prepared to describe yourself!
Here are some possible topics:
- Where you’re from
- Your family, friends, and pets
- Your hobbies, any special skills, passions, or talents you have
- Your interests in sports, music, books, movies, etc.
- What kind of work you’ve done or are currently doing
- What you’re currently studying or what you studied in school
- Details about your childcare experience (kids’ ages, duration, and type of care)
- Your plans for the future
- Your motivation for wanting to live abroad!
Choose good surroundings:
- What can be seen in the background?
- Consider the image you’re projecting
- Make sure everything around you is clean and tidy
- Remove distractions
- Have an excellent WiFi connection
- Be sure that:
- The lighting is good
- Your face is clearly visible
- You can be easily heard
- You are indoors
Look nice:
- Put in the extra effort to properly dress yourself head to toe
- You’ll feel more professional and exude that confidence
- The focus is going to be on your face
Be aware of your body language:
- Look directly at the camera lens, rather than at yourself (especially when you’re speaking)
- This gives the impression that you’re focused on the person you’re speaking with
- Although it’s easy to look away when answering questions, try to keep your eyes on the camera
- Refrain from touching your face and hair (this doesn’t look professional)
Smile, smile, smile:
- Host families want their Rome Abroad Travelers to be engaging and energetic with their children
- How you act on the video call will largely affect their impression of you
- Learning English through interaction with a boring person is no fun for anyone
- Smile and be friendly — smiling will also help you feel less nervous!
- Ask questions to get to know them better
- Being shy or quiet is going to give your host family the impression that you’re going to be quiet and shy with their kids
- So relax, be yourself, and engage with them
WhatsApp profile:
- Think of your profile like a type of resume — is it clean?
- What are you representing in your picture and status?
- Be sure to have a profile photo!
- It adds a personal touch to your conversations and will be nice for your host family
- After you and your host family have signed the agreements, we can send their contact information on WhatsApp