"Dear Family" Letter:

What profession did you choose and why did you do so?

I decided on this profession through two internships in the field of occupational therapy. I completed these internships at an occupational therapy practice and a hospital. I knew immediately that this profession is the right one for me. I enjoy working with people of all ages. I am happy when I see the development and improvements after a period of intensive therapy. During my training through four different areas, I realized that it was the right profession. I especially enjoyed the internship in the pediatric area in the practice.

Why did you decide to work as a care professional abroad?

Working in a family in another country is a special challenge for me to improve my English and my professional skills. I think it is also good for my personality. I want to gain a lot of experience and meet new people during this year. I also hope that it will improve my self-confidence.

Why are you the best fit for a family and what are your specials skills when working with children?

I know what it is like to live in a loving family because of my own family in Germany and so it is possible for me to bring that kind of life to the children of another family. I am able to keep calm when the children get nervous or loud. I am a very loving and warm person. I have also had a lot of experience with children of all ages. Besides, I am a very punctual person and I also follow the given rules that exist in the family.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I am a member of two show dance groups and have been actively dancing in the groups since 2013. In one of the two groups I dance together with my sister. I have also added a photo of that. In my free time I like to do sports in a gym and go jogging a little bit. I also like to be with friends. For example, with my friends I like to go out to eat, have game nights or go to a lake.

How would you describe your driving skills?

I have my own car and have to drive at least 60 kilometers every day. I have experience in driving in villages, small or bigger cities and on highways. In addition, I have often driven for longer hours at a time. Until now I had no accident. I have experience transporting other people in a car.

What would you like to tell your host children and their parents?

Hello dear future host family my name is Henrike, but you can also call me Henny. I currently live in Virginia with my host family. My host child, what I am taking care of, will be 18 next year and for this reason I am looking for a new family. My daily routine consists of waking him up, preparing each meal for him, and helping him eat the meals. Furthermore, I do activities with Him, drive him to his therapy. In the evening I bathe him and put him to bed. Every day I try to help my host child to interact more independently in everyday life and I am happy to see a new, even if small, progress every time. This is exactly why I love my job, because I love working with children and supporting them through every hurdle. I also have my driver's license here and drive here daily, so I have had a lot of experience driving here in the US. I would be very happy to be a part of your family and guide your children through their days. I look forward to sharing experiences with their family and sharing mine with you as well. I tend to be a quiet person and take some time to open up in the beginning. That being said, you will have a lot of fun with me and I bring a great sense of humor. I need a little time to myself in the evening when the day is over. Also, I am a loving and trustworthy person who always has an open ear for the problems of others. Also, I am a very responsible person in relation to their child or children. You can expect stress resistance and resilience from me. In addition, I am an asset to the family in every way, as I will take care of your child or children professionally. By the way, I always try to do my best and meet their requirements that they ask me and I am a very responsible person towards their children. I would love to share the love of music and sports with your children and explore and experience many new things or places together with them. I like to play board games, also with the kids. I live in a small rural village in South Lower Saxony in Germany with about 800 inhabitants. The village is called Hilwartshausen. There are no other shopping facilities here. So you have to rely on a car. In my area it is very mountainous and there are good bike paths. In addition, these paths are also good for walks. You are very connected to nature. Nevertheless, I also like to visit bigger cities. I am also a very animal-loving person. At home, my family and I always had a cat until it passed away. Currently we have only six chickens at home. Another important part of my life is the carnival parade in our village. The parade takes place one day between February and March. I have been participating in this parade since I was little. Since a few years I also have my own group. You can see this group on one of the pictures. Each group chooses a theme, dresses up and builds a carnival float to match the theme. My family also participates in other groups. I hope I could convince them and their children about me and I am happy about a positive feedback.

What else should a family know about you?

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More about Henrike

12 month Extension Candidate: Henrike is a 23 year old Occupational Therapist who is both infant care and special needs care qualified. She has experience working with ADHD, developmental delay, SPD and Angelman syndrome. Henrike has been with a host family since her arrival in January 2022 and is responsible for working with their 17 year old son. She enjoys spending time with friends, working out at a gym, and being at the beach! She has been driving for 5 years and has obtained her VA driver's license and drives daily! Henrike is looking forward to joining a West Coast family to support your children beginning at the end of January 2023!

  • Interested in ages:
  • Currently lives in Germany
Dietary considerations

I eat everything

Highest degree

Vocational Training (Berufsausbildung)

Profession

Occupational Therapist

Ideal family location

United States

What are some ways you can think of to prevent and deal with culture shock and home sickness when they arise?

Until now I havn't any problem with being away from home but if somthing like that appears I think it's important for me to contact my family.

Important qualities and skill of the Au Pair:

They need to be experience working with 1-2 year olds and preschool age children.

For the 1-2 year old they need to be comfortable getting down on the ground and helping Finn with his gross and fine motor skills. They need to love to read, do art or play music to engage him creatively as well.

For our 4 year old, just be fun and loving! She loves ballet, dramatic play, baking, arts and crafts. So someone who is able to make up activities easily!

Most important things when selecting an Au Pair:

  1. 1) Experience with 1-4 year olds. Mainly important with the younger kids as they will spend more time with him.
  2. 2) Independent.
  3. 3) Engaging with the kids - loves spending time with kids!
  4. 4) Organized and proactive around the house.

List of responsibilities the Au Pair will have:

  1. 1) Helping with breakfast and/or making lunch for Evie
  2. 2) Pick up and/or drop off (one kid - depends on the day).
  3. 3) On certain days being with Finn and taking him on walks, to the library, music class, swimming, playground, gymnastics.
  4. 4) Help with dinner, bath, bed time. So light cooking for the kids and clean up.
  5. 5) Help with random errands to the grocery store.

Most important rules at home:

  1. 1) Clean up after yourself and the kids.
  2. 2) Take shoes off in the house.
  3. 3) Be proactive if you see something that needs to be cleaned.

Post secondary accredited educational opportunities in hometown area:

Au Pair's private bedroom:

It is private with its own pedestrian entrance.

It has its own shower/bathroom, a queen bed, chairs, a pelaton, fridge, sink, kettle, and microwave. So its pretty amazing! Very light and pretty room.

It is by the swimming pool and hot tub so in the summer on weekends we will likely be down there.

Transportation Available?

Car, walking distance to downtown with shops.

Desired languages:

English

Ideal Au Pair's personality:

Fun, energetic, happy, easy-going, intelligent, considerate, caring, patient, creative, proactive/takes initiative.

Sale activity

Average estimated value for a flat in HG2:

£271,401

£7,710 (-2.762%) Over the last 12 months
In the last 12 months
Average sale price

£267,606

Properties sold

51

Image Description

Send a message to Henrike


More information

Available to start: January 2022

English, German

0-6 Months, 6-12 Months, 1-2, 3-6, 7-10, 11-15, 16-18

Occupational Therapist

4 years of English study

  • Country of origin:
    Germany
  • Pet allergies or fears:
    No

* Get in touch now to learn more about Henrike.

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