The au pairs hold a professional degree in Occupational Therapy from Germany and had the opportunity to network with American Occupational Therapists and students, attend educational seminars, and learn more about the latest technology in their field. They also had the chance to build their career skills by talking with attendees about their experience as a professional au pair. They were fantastic ambassadors of the au pair program!
German Professional Au Pair and Occupational Therapist Jacqueline Johannsen observed that it was nice to talk with American students and Occupational Therapists and fun to see how they practice their profession. She noted that she made a connection at the Conference with a Program Director of a local college near her host family home in New Jersey. As a result, Jacqueline has been invited to speak to the Occupational Therapy students at the school.
Jacqueline further noted that “I attended an autism class that was really interesting. I learned about things that I can apply to caring for my host child.” All in all, the conference was an inspiring cross-cultural experience for the entire PROaupair team and professional au pairs that attended!