“I was 18. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life—only that I wanted to speak French and discover something new.”
That spark of curiosity and a desire to learn led Sophia, a young woman from the U.S., to cross the Atlantic and become an au pair in France. What was meant to be a short cultural adventure turned into something much deeper—a new home, a new language, and even a new family.
A first match… and a perfect fit
Sophia discovered the au pair experience through her high school French teacher, who had once been an au pair herself. Inspired, Sophia began researching, which led her to Butrfly—then in its early days.
After connecting with Anne-Claire, the founder, and interviewing with her potential host family, the connection was instant. “It was the first family I spoke with and the first au pair they considered. We just clicked right away,” Sophia recalls. In September 2018, right after high school, she packed her bags and moved to Bordeaux.
Finding belonging, fast
From the moment she arrived, Sophia felt something rare and precious: a true sense of belonging. Her host family welcomed her into their lives completely—dinners together, weekend trips, and genuine conversations that helped her improve her French and feel at home.
Sophia was placed with two young children, and her role quickly became more than childcare—it was about building trust, sharing daily life, and being part of something bigger.
Staying longer… and falling in love
Sophia had planned to stay one year. But just a few months in, she knew she wanted more. She extended her stay with the same family and began preparing for life in France: figuring out her studies, navigating visas (with Butrfly’s support), and eventually, meeting the man who would become her husband.
“I came for a year of reflection. I ended up building a whole new life.”
A new chapter in France
Today, Sophia is still in Bordeaux. She’s now a mother of two, raising her children bilingual—speaking English at home while fully immersed in French life. “Speaking English with them is important to me. It keeps our cultural link strong and gives them a true gift: being at home in two worlds.”
She’s also studying for a TEFL certification to teach English, in a way that aligns with her family life and her passion for language and connection.
What being an Au Pair gave her
Sophia’s journey illustrates what au pairing can offer when done with care and mutual respect. It gave her time to grow, space to explore, and a deep cultural connection that shaped her forever.
She still sees her host family, especially the children, and cherishes the bond they’ve maintained. And now, as a Butrfly ambassador, she’s eager to support other young women who are considering taking the same leap.
Her advice to future Au Pairs… and host families
To those considering the au pair experience, Sophia’s message is clear:
“Don’t let fear stop you. It’s okay to be scared. But what’s on the other side is so worth it.”
She also emphasizes the importance of having support:
“Having an agency like Butrfly behind you makes all the difference. It reassures both the au pair and the host family, and helps things run smoothly when challenges come up.”
To families, her advice is heartfelt:
“Make your au pair feel like part of the family. Invite them to dinner, include them in your daily life, and take the time to get to know them. That’s what made the experience so powerful for me.”
Looking ahead
Sophia now dreams of one day hosting an au pair herself—passing on what she received. “I’d love for my children to experience another culture at home, just like I did. I want to share our life and give another young woman the chance to grow and discover herself—just like I did.”
