What Our Au Pair Alumni Say About the Program
Wondering what it’s actually like to live abroad with Rome Abroad? We think the chance to live in another country as part of a host family is an incredible, life-changing opportunity — but don’t just take our word for it. Since 2015, we’ve placed au pairs with host families through our au pair program in Italy, and we asked graduates to share their honest, unfiltered thoughts.
Below, you’ll find real feedback from alumni on their host families, their favorite (and least favorite) parts of the program, and why they’d recommend it to a friend.
Every incoming participant also gets the chance to talk one-on-one with a program graduate before they go, to ask questions and hear what to expect. Most of the time, that graduate was hosted by the very same family you’ll be joining.
The Host Families
- “From the moment I arrived, my host family was incredibly kind and welcoming. They would go out of their way to make sure I was comfortable and happy while living with them.” — Brandi
- “My host family members are so loving and kind. They welcomed me as a part of their family!” — Katelyn
- “My host family was very warm and welcoming. They made my stay with them very comfortable. If ever there were a misunderstanding, we communicated through it immediately. The kids were amazing, there was never a dull moment! Leaving was the hardest part. You really form a bond and get into the groove of things within 3 months. It’s hard to say goodbye once you’re fully comfortable. Rome Abroad set me up with the most wonderful family. Leaving, I now feel like I have a second home.” — Savannah
- “My host family made me feel like part of the family before I even got to Italy. They were always making sure I had everything I needed and did everything they could to make sure I was having the best experience possible.” — Kayla
- “My host family was so welcoming and loving to me throughout the whole experience. They really were the best!!” — Sidney
- “My host family welcomed me into their home, included me in their weekend travels. They never skipped a week of paying me and sent me calendar invites to stay on top of my schedule with the kids. Very kind and fun people.” — Ashley
- “My host family all made me feel welcome and part of their family. I seriously can’t complain about Rome Abroad and my host family. I just got way more than what I expected.” — Antonio
- “My host family made me feel so much at home — they were so welcoming and kind and included me but also didn’t make me feel bad if I didn’t want to do what they were doing. I loved my host family so, so much.” — Megan
- “My host family members are the kindest, most loving people. They made sure I had a very positive experience. They were also helpful in making sure I knew the kids’ schedule and things happening, instead of just expecting me to know. The program is an easy way to travel and experience a new culture while getting placed with a family you know you can trust and that will take care of you.” — Casey
- “My host family was very sweet and accommodating. I lived in a beautiful area and I had the cutest kids ever.” — Taylor
Their Favorite Part of the Program
- “Being able to live in Italy as a local, but still be able to travel around like a tourist.” — Melissa
- “Traveling and meeting so many new people. I made some amazing friends through this program who made traveling and the whole experience so much greater than I was expecting.” — Jodi
- “Living in another country, meeting people from around the world, and learning a lot from the kids.” — Jordan
- “Getting to be with such a wonderful family.” — Olivia
- “Everything that I learned from living with an Italian family in the heart of an Italian city and learning valuable life lessons.” — Victoria
- “The incredible food and traveling to other European countries!” — Kortney
- “Traveling and experiencing Europe like a local.” — Kiyana
Their Least Favorite Part of the Program
- “My favorite part of the Rome Abroad experience was hanging out with my host family. My least favorite part was having to leave them.” — Holland
- “My least favorite part was that I wish I had more time to travel to other places!” — Bri
- “My least favorite part was that it puts you out of your comfort zone being away for so long. This can be uncomfortable at times, but I grew so much and am grateful for it!” — Jaidyn
Why They’d Recommend the Program
“Rome Abroad is a safe route to go for au pairs. You have a contract that both you and your host family sign, and there is always someone to speak to if things aren’t going well. You are not alone! Rome Abroad also has a lot of tips to help you prepare for the trip abroad — I really appreciated the tips on packing, kids’ activities, and culture!” — Emery
- “I would most definitely recommend this experience because it is such a cost-effective way to live in another country. It’s hard but rewarding.” — Annie
- “I met amazing people and now have life-long memories because of this program.” — Kaycee
- “It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!” — Paij
- “It’s absolutely a great experience — something everyone should do. It’s an affordable way to see the country.” — Celeste
FAQ: Au Pair Alumni Experiences
What do most au pair alumni say about their host families?
The overwhelming majority describe their host families as warm, welcoming, and quick to include them as one of their own — with many saying the hardest part of the program was saying goodbye at the end.
What’s the hardest part of being an au pair abroad, according to graduates?
Alumni most often point to being out of their comfort zone and, later, leaving the host family and kids they’ve grown close to. Both are described as challenges that turn into some of the most rewarding parts of the experience.
Can I talk to a program graduate before I apply?
Yes. Every participant is connected with an alumna before departure to ask questions — often someone who was hosted by the same family you’ll be joining.
Is becoming an au pair with Rome Abroad worth it?
Based on consistent alumni feedback, yes — graduates cite the relationships with their host family, the chance to live like a local, and the personal growth as the reasons they’d recommend it to a friend.
If reading these stories has you picturing yourself with a host family of your own, we’d love to help you get there.
Part of the Rome Abroad team helping young women live and work abroad as au pairs since 2015.
