Life as an au pair.

Byline: Sharifah Arfah

BECOMING an au pair abroad is a great way for young people to develop a sense of independence and learn about other cultures, writes SHARIFAH ARFAH.

BANAFSHEH Bakavoli counts the year that she spent with her American host family in Chicago, Illinois, the United States three years ago as one of the most memorable times of her life.

As an au pair to the family, Banafsheh - who is of Iranian and Malay parentage - lived full-time with them and spent half of her day taking care of two small children under the age of four.

In her spare time, she attended The College of Lake County - a community college - where she took certificate courses in Business and Management.

Banafsheh, who now works at the front desk of a Kuala Lumpur hotel, also had the chance to travel to other parts of America - such as New York and Massachusetts - that year.

The 30-year-old attributes her confidence and enhanced communication skills to her experience as an au pair in the US. …