Overseas Nannies, Tutors and Governess Jobs

Overseas

Have you ever considered, or are you currently considering, furthering your career in the childcare arena? Utilising your childcare skills, qualifications and experience can be a rewarding and interesting change of pace. If you are fed up with the British weather or just feel you would like to try something a little more challenging, then why not consider a job overseas.

Mary Poppins

British Nannies, Tutors and Governesses are believed by many families worldwide to be the best available if they have professional training, previous experience and, of course, English language skills. This perception is further increased by the quintessential 'Mary Poppins' image and, more recently, television programmes such as 'Supernanny' (featuring Jo Frost).

Reality TV

Some families may even expect you to have similar 'Supernanny' skills and be able to transform their 'little devil' into a 'little angel' within a week! The truth is obviously different from reality TV programmes, but this does go some way towards explaining why some families have such high expectations of their nanny.

Formal Dress?

Many nannies are recruited because they are trained in childcare, are able to teach manners and etiquette, have good vocabulary and English language skills. Many families will also require their nanny to have some knowledge of Early Years Education and be able to assist with homework and language development. Some families will insist that the nanny dresses fairly formally whilst at work, even requiring a uniform, whilst others take a more informal approach.

Decisions

However, it is important to remember that not all British nannies follow the stereotype, nor do all families want such a formal arrangement. As a nanny, governess or tutor looking for an overseas role it is strongly recommend that you spend a considerable amount of time deciding on the type of family you are actually looking for and this should be done at the beginning of the process.

Questions

It is worth asking yourself some questions to help clarify whether an overseas nanny, tutor or governess position would suit you.

• Would you prefer working with younger or older children? More mature children can be easier to deal with, but often nannies will prefer babies.

• 2. Do you want to work for a VIP family - if so, are you ready for the added needs and responsibilities such as flexible hours, security considerations, frequent travel, long hours etc.?
• 3. Could you cope with your authority being undermined by a family who only spend short periods with their child and may therefore not be keen to discipline them?
• 4. How does the possibility of working alongside other household staff, even local nannies fit in with your expectations?
• 5. In many cases there is no real relationship with the parents except as an employee and there may be little time off - would you be able to cope with this?

Contact the Experts

Although these questions may make the option of becoming an overseas nanny, tutor or governess seem daunting, they are just one side of the story. The possibilities of travel, experiencing a different (often exotic) lifestyle, mixing with and meeting interesting people and, of course, the financial rewards can easily outweigh any perceived drawbacks.

For more information, or to start your job search, why not contact one of Britain's leading Nanny, Governess and Tutor Recruitment Agencies at www.simplyangelic.co.uk.