How many times people wanted this scheme to be abolished in Norway? As I remember and read the old news, it's been many times. Yet, nothing has changed.
I was au pair myself 4 years back and since 2017, I already heard that au pair program in Norway was planned to be closed down by the govt. However, it never happened.
The perception of au pair in Norway is so bad. I watched a lot of Norwegian shows that include rich family who's typically and stereotypically having au pair. Au pair in Norway is perceived as a second mother "from Manila", a maid, and their status is not even equal to host family's pet. I heard one story that the host family even cares more about if their dog has eaten than if their au pair has. In one comedy show I watched, they told a joke that one rich family could even afford two au pairs at one time to work a lot in cleaning the house and pick up dog poop. So pitty.
Sure, this program could give me (and other fellow au pairs) a chance to explore Norway. But the reality was not that pretty. My life for 2 years was harsh and I even asked myself multiple times, "What am I doing in Norway?!" As I know, most Asian au pairs take this chance to even continue their study and try to get a better life after. But after Norway introduces tuition fees for international students, gradually young people rethink to be an au pair in Norway. I know that some Filipino au pairs could still benefit from this as there are some bible schools out there as an option. But for me, enough is enough. Norway is just a normal place to be. The experience to live there, yes, is amazing. But to live there as an au pair, hell no!
Yes, there are still some super nice Norwegian host families out there! BUT too bad, there are more villain host families. Giving them e-learning preparation is surely never enough and the fact is, it didn't work out. They just want a cheaper 24/7 maid and babysitter, not a real family member. The host families always think they have the power to control au pairs. They even threaten them a lot with, "I paid a lot to invite you here!". Such a manipulating behavior!
I think this is the right thing to do; to close down this program. I support it and wish that there are no more au pairs suffering just because they are afraid to be kicked out of the country, losing money and the chance to experience the country better.
I was au pair myself 4 years back and since 2017, I already heard that au pair program in Norway was planned to be closed down by the govt. However, it never happened.
The perception of au pair in Norway is so bad. I watched a lot of Norwegian shows that include rich family who's typically and stereotypically having au pair. Au pair in Norway is perceived as a second mother "from Manila", a maid, and their status is not even equal to host family's pet. I heard one story that the host family even cares more about if their dog has eaten than if their au pair has. In one comedy show I watched, they told a joke that one rich family could even afford two au pairs at one time to work a lot in cleaning the house and pick up dog poop. So pitty.
Sure, this program could give me (and other fellow au pairs) a chance to explore Norway. But the reality was not that pretty. My life for 2 years was harsh and I even asked myself multiple times, "What am I doing in Norway?!" As I know, most Asian au pairs take this chance to even continue their study and try to get a better life after. But after Norway introduces tuition fees for international students, gradually young people rethink to be an au pair in Norway. I know that some Filipino au pairs could still benefit from this as there are some bible schools out there as an option. But for me, enough is enough. Norway is just a normal place to be. The experience to live there, yes, is amazing. But to live there as an au pair, hell no!
Yes, there are still some super nice Norwegian host families out there! BUT too bad, there are more villain host families. Giving them e-learning preparation is surely never enough and the fact is, it didn't work out. They just want a cheaper 24/7 maid and babysitter, not a real family member. The host families always think they have the power to control au pairs. They even threaten them a lot with, "I paid a lot to invite you here!". Such a manipulating behavior!
I think this is the right thing to do; to close down this program. I support it and wish that there are no more au pairs suffering just because they are afraid to be kicked out of the country, losing money and the chance to experience the country better.