21 Feb Ask an Au Pair: Catherine’s drive to master the language elevates her Paris experience
This week, we asked the questions to Catherine, a 22-year old from Washington. She lives with her host family in Neuilly-sur-Seine, in the outskirts of Paris. Here are excerpts from her responses:
What inspires you about Paris?
This is a difficult concept to articulate because there are so many incredible, inspiring things about Paris. But the more time I spend here and the more I get to know the city and the people, I’m finding that one of my favorite things is how intellectually and culturally motivated people are. Everyone is well read and enjoys discussing politics and art and film; discussion and argument have become one and the same in the most surprising locations. It’s such a fun atmosphere to be a part of, and it definitely inspires me to learn and expose myself to more.
What tools, information or tactics did you find helpful in supporting yourself and the children after the terrorist attacks in Paris?
I think first and foremost I felt so grateful for my immediate support system. I was lucky to be with close friends when they happened, so we were able to be there for each other to talk through feelings and emotions- both immediately after and the weeks/months that followed. Next to that was my host family who made sure to make contact with me and offer anything, whether it was someone to talk to or just to spend time with them. I felt so supported that it was easier to cope moving forward. In terms of the children I turned to my host parents for guidance: what did the kids know, how did they feel, how should I approach it? In my situation the kids didn’t really talk to me about it, but I also found asking other au pairs how they were handling the situation helpful, because it was affirming to know that my circumstances were similar to others.
What is the best way to meet Parisians?
In my experience I’ve met Parisians in the most random of places; through my host family, in cafes, in bars. It obviously happens everywhere, but the most important thing is to be open to speaking French with them. If you approach any conversation in French, I’ve found that they love to do an exchange: practice French with them and then they can practice English with you.
How do you improve or master your French language skills?
Attending school is an important component, but at times it can feel very grammatically structured and less conversational. So I like to make sure I’m gaining conversational experience as well, through friends and listening to the radio, films, etc. I’ve also taken to translating everything I say in my head, even when I’m not speaking to someone. This way you train yourself to always be thinking/speaking in terms of both languages, better preparing yourself for when people approach you in French. Its also helpful to remember learning another language is a process, but one that you have to put practice into every day.
What is your favorite neighborhood?
Saint-Germain-des-Pres, Montmartre, Le Marais
What is your favorite café and/or the best meal you’ve had in Paris so far?
My favorite cafe is actually the cafe attached to Shakespeare and Co! For being an English speaking place and staff, I’ve met a surprising number of Parisians there, and the coffee/snacks are great! The best meal I’ve ever had was meant to be a meal but ended up being tapas- this is how my favorite places are usually discovered, by accident! It’s a little place in the 6th, I can’t even remember the name.
What is your favorite shop?
La Vaissellerie in the 8th
What is your favorite museum?
Musée D’Orsay
What is your favorite secret Paris spot?
Chez Georges, a Jewish cave club underneath a bar
What do you dislike most about living in Paris?
There are a lot of personal likes and dislikes about Paris, but I would say among the au pairs the most common dislikes are the cost of living in the city (even food- its hard to find a meal under 12 euros) and that most supermarkets are closed on Sundays!
What advice would you give to incoming au pairs?
Have an idea of what you want out of your year in Paris. Being an au pair is an amazing opportunity to discover the city and improve your language skills, but there can also be a disconnect as it can be an emotionally draining job. Do as much research as you possibly can before coming- what do you want to see, what do you want to do, volunteering, museums, cafes, bars, restaurants, music, art, literature. A lot of people come here in a time in their lives where they’re not sure what they want to do or where they want to go, but coming with a very specific idea of what you’re doing this year is so helpful and gives you purpose and motivation.
ASK AN AU PAIR SERIES
Get to know Paris, from an au pair’s perspective. Our “Ask an Au Pair” series was so popular that we’ve decided to continue it with our next round of au pairs! We pose a dozen questions about the City of Light to those who are seeing it with fresh eyes and learning all of its wonderful intricacies. And, we decided to expand this series by adding a question about adapting to life in Paris after the 2015 terrorist attacks.
Read more from the Ask an Au Pair series