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.