Argentinian au pairs bring a unique blend of maturity, sociability, and enthusiasm for cultural exchange to their host families. They are excited to live abroad and are motivated by the chance to improve their English, grow personally, and expand their job prospects for when they return home. Read on to learn more about hosting an au pair from Argentina.
“The most memorable cultural experience with Camila has to be the World Cup. Every time Argentina played we watched the game together. My girls went to school talking about Argentina and I bought them Argentina jerseys to proudly where on game days. The day Argentina won the World Cup, it was like we were all from Argentina!” — Amy, host mom from New York
Cultural norms
Argentinian au pairs often come from close-knit, family-oriented backgrounds, where spending time with extended family is common. This experience makes them playful, affectionate, and supportive caregivers who fit seamlessly into family life. They genuinely enjoy being treated as part of the family and are often sociable, active, and independent.
Argentinian au pairs are often expressive and enjoy openly sharing their feelings. While this can lead to open communication, it can also come across as assertive, especially if they disagree with something. They enjoy social time with friends, which doesn’t mean they don’t want to spend time with host families—it simply means they appreciate a balanced social life. Body language is also expressive in Argentina, so expect to see lots of animated hand gestures during conversations!
English skills
English is widely taught in Argentina, with many students attending bilingual schools or taking English as a core part of their studies. Some even need to pass English exams to earn their degrees, which makes Argentina one of the top Latin American countries for English proficiency. Argentinian au pairs often have a strong grasp of English before arriving, and improve even more once immersed in the language.
“We knew Belén would fit in with our family from our very first phone call. She’s always volunteering to help and loves being involved in everything we do. Belén shares her culture with us through food (empanadas—yum!), language, and soccer! She’s taught our almost two-year-old twins to speak in Spanish. My heart melted when I heard, ‘Mama, te amo!’ this week.” —Jennifer, host mom from Texas
Driving skills
In Argentina, people can start driving at age 18. Most Argentinian au pairs are used to driving smaller vehicles on a mix of city streets and country roads. However, since snowy driving is less common in Argentina, they may have limited experience in winter conditions.
Childcare experience
Many Argentinian au pairs have hands-on experience in childcare, often gained through babysitting younger siblings or extended family members, coaching children’s sports teams, tutoring, or interning at childcare centers. This background gives them a well-rounded understanding of child development and care.
Family life
In Argentina, family is central to life, and it’s common for young people to live with their families until marriage. In some cases, au pairs from rural areas might live independently if they move to a new city for college. The typical Argentinian family has three to four children, and both parents often work or run family-owned businesses. Hosting an Argentinian au pair can bring warmth, family-centered values, and rich cultural traditions into your home.
When considering an au pair from Argentina, remember that while generalizations about a country’s culture are helpful, each au pair has their own unique journey, personality, and perspective. Our country spotlights aim to start a conversation and deepen your understanding of the diverse cultures your au pair brings to your family.