Marli, tata a Genève

Dear Family,

My name is Marli. I am a 21 year-old (female) American who migrated to Europe with a teaching degree in English and have been tutoring children and families. I have 2 years experience teaching in a primary school in the United States and 5 years of experience with nanny and personal assistance for families.

I come from a family of 5: My mother and grandmother grew up speaking French and Spanish around me and they are fluent. My grandmother migrated from Argentina, and my father has German and Scottish background. I am currently studying Spanish and have a good knowledge of it, as well as being a Native English speaker. When I arrive in Geneva, I will study an intensive French course so that I can become fluent. I have an older brother with Autism who is 23, and a sister who is 16.

In about a year or two I plan to pursue a master’s degree, but I am yet to make up my mind concerning my future area of specialization. So, at the moment, I would like to continue working with children, teaching English, and learning new languages.

I am nevertheless aware that learning a language within a classroom context is by itself, incomplete. So, in order to really be at ease in French, I feel that a cultural immersion would do me a lot of good. Through my mother and grandmother, I have learnt a lot about France, the French and life in France. I am particularly interested in experiencing family life in Switzerland, since it offers a cultural context that is undoubtedly different from mine and I plan to move there to be closer with my Fiancé. For this reason, I would very much like to find a nice family to live with and work for in Switzerland.

When it comes to child care experience, I have looked after children in both formal and informal contexts. Last year, as part of my university studies in teaching English, I spent a six month internship period working in children’s elementary school teaching children ages 3-12. Among others, I provided after-school tuition to children aged between 5 to 10 years. I also organized for them and took part in recreational indoor and outdoor activities: we sang, danced, played games, role played, drew, painted, and narrated stories. We also visited the public library, recreational center, the local park; I cooked nutritious meals for them and maintained cleaning chores around the house for the family as well.

I have helped my parents look after my brother and sister since birth. Although my looking after them is now restricted to my life abroad, as a teenager, I was nevertheless much more involved in caring for them on a daily basis. In addition, I babysat my mother’s friend’s children ages 6, 3, and 6 months. I can genuinely say that I sincerely enjoy spending time with children and it is a rewarding experience working with them for me.

When it comes to leisure, I take pleasure in the simple things in life. I enjoy being outdoors, being with my friends, going for walks, visiting places I have not been to, and reading a good book. I also enjoy painting I write in my journal daily, and I enjoy classical music concerts and going to see the ballet. I grew up taking ballet and other dance classes myself, and am currently pursuing Pilates and Yoga.

As far as preferences are concerned, I am looking for a live-out arrangement with a host family which would be happy to have me work for them. I also am qualified to do personal assistant work, cleaning, and transportation. I am willing and able to work with any age group of children.

I would be happy to have the opportunity to speak with you: to answer whatever questions you may have about me or my childcare experiences; to learn more about your family; your interests and to know more about what you expect from the au pair arrangement.

Thank you very much for your interest in my application!
I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours Sincerely,
Marli