Sweden: Our Feature Country
Welcoming a Swedish au pair into your home is the perfect way to introduce your family to a rich culture, simultaneously traditional yet strikingly modern. Sweden, or The Land of the Midnight Sun, is located on the Scandinavian Peninsula. Swedish culture has been uniquely influenced by their cold weather, natural beauty, and progressive philosophies, fostering a deep respect for the natural world and fellow human beings. Find out how Swedish au pairs will bring their unique culture into your home and make excellent caregivers for your children. Meet some of our Swedish au pairs now.
Family Values
Swedes have the highest level of education in all of Europe and the majority of Swedes speak English from they time they start elementary school. In Sweden, much importance is placed on early childhood development and gender equality. They are a generous, worldly, and responsible people and their views on childcare are modeled throughout all of Europe. As a result, Swedish au pairs will make affectionate and reliable caregivers. Swedes are also very environmentally conscious and recycling is second nature to them. Families find that this is an important attribute that Swedish au pairs can demonstrate to children early on.
Music
Swedes treasure folk music, a lively jazz scene, and a longstanding choral tradition. More recently, Sweden has produced some of the world's most renowned pop bands, including ABBA, Ace of Base, and the Cardigans. Sweden also debuted the Eurovision Song Contest in 1958 and have since participated 48 times!
Festivals
Swedish culture is closely tied to nature and they celebrate unique holidays that are usually associated with the changing of the seasons. These include Midsummer, a celebration of the summer solstice, and Saint Lucia, the day of the Giver of Light, both occasions that celebrate warmth after a long, cold winter. In August, they celebrate an annual crayfish festival, equipped with silly hats and singing. One of the important aspects of the au pair program is the cultural exchange that au pairs and families share; Swedish au pairs are excited to share native traditions such as these with your family.
Food
Swedish cuisine is hearty and traditional. Smorgasbords, or lavish buffets, include foods such as pickled herring, boiled potatoes, an assortment of delicious breads and meat, and mouth watering cinnamon rolls. The typical holiday meal might include pea soup, pancakes and lingonberry jam, which is similar to a cranberry. However, Swedish cities are very international so it is not uncommon to see someone sipping a latte or eating a hotdog from a street stand! Swedish au pairs are thrilled to teach you about their traditional meals and are just as excited to learn about American cuisine.
Sports
Swedes are a physically active people, and are highly regarded in the international athletic community. The country has won over 588 Olympic medals, quite staggering for a country of such a modest size. The most popular sports are soccer and ice hockey, and a sport called Bandy, which is played like soccer on an ice rink. Swedish au pairs, with their appreciation for athleticism and the great outdoors, will make a perfect match for active families with school-age children.
Sara
Sara is 18 years old and from Trollhattan. Sara describes her self as "open-minded and curious of new people, cultures, and religions." She plays basketball and dances and is actively involved with the youth in her church. She spends her summers working at a Kindergarten or spending time with her two younger brothers. Sara has also been a swimming instructor for children ages 5-8; she like the challenge of coming up with new games and is very creative and active. Sara has a very positive attitude and is very mature and welcomes the task of adjusting to new surroundings.
Caroline
Caroline is 20 years old and from Gothenburg. Caroline has participated in an exchange program before in high school—she loves to travel and experience new things, and speaks both English and Spanish in addition to Swedish. She has two younger sisters and one younger brother, and grew up taking care of them. When it comes to her year abroad, Caroline says it's most important to be "responsible and playful" with the children and "have an open dialogue and honest communication" with the parents. She is cheerful, fun and outgoing—she has worked as a cheerleading coach and as a babysitter. She is familiar both with the process of living in another country and caring for other families children and welcomes the opportunity to do so in the U.S.
Erik
Erik is 18 years old and from Rimbo. He loves children and looks forward to being both an older brother and a responsible caregiver. He spends his time studying, playing soccer and hanging out with his friends. When he returns from the U.S. he plans to finish his studies and become a ski instructor, before settling down and starting a family. Erik is a calm and confident person; he is sociable and good at getting along with lots of different types of people. He comes from a professional family, and is very close with his younger sister. With her he learned at a young age how to "play and interact with children with a creative mind and a lot of humor and still maintain the role of an adult."
Emma
Emma is 18 years old and from Molndal. She has three sisters and is very close to her family. When she returns from her year abroad, she plans on pursuing a degree in Child Psychology. She is very good student as has terrific grades! Emma has spent a lot of time babysitting neighbors' children; they describe her as punctual and respectful, and that "she can play all day without getting bored. Emma loves to try new things and loves to travel, and says it's very important to have a vivid imagination. When it comes to children, Emma says it is important to "have a good sense of humor, take responsibility, be positive, and talk easily to new people."
Izabelle
Izabelle is 19 years old and from Skanninge. She has one younger brother and one younger sister that she is very close to, and has worked at two different daycare centers. She describes herself as extremely active with sports and one day plans to become a physical therapist—she is not afraid of a challenge! Izabelle is very mature and reliable; she grew up taking care of her siblings and is currently working at a kindergarten. She is an ambitious and intelligent girl with an active imagination, and would be a perfect after school homework helper!
Pernilla
Pernilla is 18 years old and has lived in both Gothenburg and Uddeualla, and grew up less than a block from the beach. She has traveled frequently to Australia and England and has studied English for over 10 years! She lives with both of her parents and is very close with her younger brother. Once Pernilla finishes her time abroad she plans to return to school. In Sweden, she spent her days as babysitter, student, and swim instructor for a class of 30 kids. She has spent time already in an English-speaking country and welcomes the opportunity to develop her language skills and do what she does best: care for children! She is a fast learner; she loves to cook, paint, bake cakes, and do arts and crafts with the children she cares for.
Frida
Frida is 18 years old and from Karlskrona. She has seven siblings and has cared for children of different ages starting from a very young age. She is an excellent student, and has received scholarships that she will use for educational purposes, and she describes this opportunity as "a dream come true." After her time as an au pair, Frida will return to Sweden and plans to become a preschool teacher. She is responsible and good at prioritizing, having worked as a nanny while attending school fulltime. Frida says she likes "to play with children, prepare meals, and help children with their schoolwork."
Amanda
Amanda is 19 years old and from Eskilstuna. She is from a family of professionals and lives at home with both of her parents and little sisters. After spending time abroad, she plans to return home and get a degree. She grew up caring for her cousins and she works at a supermarket playroom where she cares for children ages 3-7. She says that the most important thing in this process is “to learn the rules of the family” and to be fun and lovable while still being firm. Amanda is reliable and mature and she treasures the company of children. She likes to prepare meals and exercise and is very comfortable connecting with new people.
Matilda
Matilda is 19 years old and was born in Stockholm, then moved to Smaland and Kalmar. She has been to America before to learn about horses and gain practical experience for schooling. She is close to her family and her two sisters and lives at home with both parents. When she finishes her time as an au pair, Matilda plans to continue schooling or pursue a career with horses. She has a lot of experience working with children in different situations, including babysitting for neighbors, caring for a handicapped girl, and teaching classes in horseback riding. Matilda says she is "creative, sociable, and sporty, and can easily get along with new people and situations."
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