Monday 9 May 2011

Au Pair



I spent yesterday finding a job as an au pair instead of studying for my exams.


I had to find something to do after I finish my studies,
I've thought about continuing my studies but unless I get a scholarship,
there's no way I can do that.


Malaysia unis don't offer master's degree in French.
=(


I remembered Dawn telling me about au pair jobs.
So I googled for them.


In case you don't know what Au Pair is,
well, 
it's kinda like maid/nanny service in other countries.


You get paid for taking care of children/ doing some light house chores.
And on top of that,
you get free lodging, food,
and practice the language.


For obvious reasons,
I chose to go to France.


But going through the families and their preferences,
I find that I am disadvantaged for being a Malaysian.


Usually 
when families take in au pairs,
they'd like the au pair to teach their children a foreign language.


As a Malaysian,
we're not particularly famous for any language.
(please note that BM is not a famous foreign language)


Even if I say that I am fluent in English and Mandarin,
I can't beat those that are from UK, Australia, New Zealand or China and Taiwan or other countries.


Because a handful of people know that (some) Malaysians speak Mandarin as their mother tongue.
Some people (from around the world) even think that ALL Malaysians are called Malay.


Laugh at them, but it's true.
Think about it,
what has Malaysia (as a nation) done that could make the world know us better?
What is so special about Malaysia?


Other than being the most FB active country.
(which I think a ginormous group of people have no idea about).


Since Malaysia as a country can't make our cultures known to the world,
it's up to us as citizens to do it.


Instead of wasting time being concerned about which religion might take over the old official religion
(which is what we all know is impossible)
or what religion the Prime Minister has to practice.
(Click here to read report about religionist person who gave statements about it)
* you know racist and sexist? So you should understand religionist* =p


why not use that time to do something useful for the country?


For those who are going to have semester breaks or holidays,
why not consider being an au pair?
All you have to pay for is the air-ticket and the transport to get to the place.


Some families even provide computers and a car for their au pairs,
because they might need you to drive and fetch the kids to and from school.
The good thing about the kids going to school
is that usually you have that time to yourself.


You can drive around the place,
explore and meet new people.


You basically are paid to be a big sister/brother to their kids.
And you get to introduce Malaysia to them.


What's the best part?


Malaysian Airlines are having promotions to Europe. 
Click here for more details.


Air Asia is flying to France too. 
^_____________^


Double *like* for the perfect time for promotions.
^_____________^


that's what J_Fish has to say~ Au Revoir~


p.s. 


I think our politics has taken a bad turn.
If nothing is done to those who keep adding oil to the fire,
513 is bound to happen again.


Why is religion being discussed?


I thought it's a sensitive issue?