New Experience

Hi, 

I want to share my experience with Scotia Personnel Ltd. I had just graduated college (2009) and decided I wanted to have a new experience possibly out of Canada. I had heard from a friend about her experience as an Au Pair with Au Pair in America. I did my re-search online and thought it looked like an amazing and fun opportunity. I signed up to receive more information, and the next day I received a phone call from Scotia Personnel. I was thrilled to have received a call so quickly and without even having to track down a number to call or find an agency! They told me everything I needed to know about the program...the steps that would be taken, etc. Everything I needed to know they told me, and any questions I had were answered. It was a comforting feeling to know I was not heading into this alone. With never having done something like this before it was nice to know they were there. I was then emailed the application for the Au Pair in America program, as well as a list of documents I would need or form's I would need filled out (Health Forms completed by a doctor, References, Criminal Record Checks, etc. All things that just take a few minutes and minimal effort on your part to complete!)

After I had completed the paperwork on my part, I was scheduled to go and have my interview at their office in Halifax. I thoroughly enjoyed my interview, as they are professional and really made me feel comfortable. They asked me all types of questions about what type of family I was looking for, where in the United States I wanted to go, how many children, what ages,etc. I feel they very much care about your wants, after all your the one who is spending a year living with a family in a different country. After the interview I was told it could be a few weeks before I hear from a family, and that it would be the family contacting me directly, either phone or email. I was so excited leaving their office, and made sure to keep an eye on my email over the next few weeks.

I then heard from a family, and was in immediate contact with Scotia Personnel because I had questions. I was always met with kindness and a quick response. The family that contacted me was perfect! It was exactly what I told Scotia Personnel I wanted. After exchanging a few emails and a few telephone conversations with the family, we decided to match. I then let Scotia Personnel know and they took it from there. I was a little nervous about matching with the first family, but Scotia Personnel reassured me that it's OK, and if it feels right, then it is. I was told about the fee's in advance by Scotia Personnel so there was absolutely no shock about having to pay. Part of which I would be getting back at the end of my year, and the other was for health/medical. Perfectly understandable to me. From that point on Scotia Personnel took over, they obtained my J1 and DS2019 papers that I needed to enter the United States as an Au Pair and everything was mailed to me. I was told then that I would be receiving my flight information! A big thumbs up for not having to search for your own flight!

I spent an AMAZING 2 years living in New Jersey, and I could not have done it without the great help from Scotia Personnel. They were there for me every step of the way. I cannot thank them enough for helping me with this experience. I returned from the USA in Sept 2011 and am still in contact with my host family in NJ, whom I miss dearly.

So now it's 2012 and I'm ready for my next big adventure. I had been home in Canada for a few months, and was ready to experience something new. I didn't even think about it, and when straight to Scotia Personnel for help. I took a look at their website, and saw all the countries that are possibly work places. Having quite a few very good friend's in Holland I decided to go for it. I immediately sent a message to Scotia Personnel, and with-in the week I had already spoken to them, received the application, and scheduled my interview. Like last time I was first told about any fee's including the non-refundable fee paid to Scotia Personnel. They made sure I understood everything before we got into the process of applying. No shocking moments!
I had to re-schedule my interview because of weather and they could not have been more understanding about it. It was nice to be met with such kindness when working together with an agency. 

During my interview we went though what I was looking for, locations, how many children, ages, why I chose the Netherlands, etc. Everything was explained to me about the process including how the agency they work with in Holland would be prematching me with families. I would then receive a families profile and then it would be my decision if I wanted to contact the family to talk further. I had heard about a few families but didn't think they were for me. It was no problem to Scotia Personnel. I then heard from a family and was luckily travelling in Europe at the time. I had the chance to meet with the family, which is a little unheard of. They were great! I kept in constant contact with Scotia Personnel during this time, and never felt like I was alone in this process. Unfortunately due to circumstances out of my control, the match with the family did not work out. I was very upset, and disappointed, but Scotia Personnel stood by me, and helped me continue my search.

After about a month of not hearing anything I was so excited to receive an email from Scotia Personnel telling me about a family. One thing that I really like about Scotia Personnel is that when they email you, they also call you. I think it's a friendly touch to how they work with their clients. I spoke with my interviewer and told her I would be emailing the family! I ran into a bit of a problem when the families application didn't include there email address. One email later, I was told that they (Scotia Personnel) would be in contact with the Holland agency and they would get back to me ASAP. The very next morning I had received a lovely message from the Host Mother! I was thankful for the quick help that Scotia Personnel always provides. 

I have been speaking with the family for about a month now, a match has been made and I am leaving for Holland in August. Over the course of our matching process, questions have come up and Scotia Personnel has been there to answer them. My flight to Holland was booked today so I sent an email to Scotia Personnel telling them when I would be leaving and also asking them a few questions. I was responded to very quickly and this afternoon I called them. I spoke to my interviewer as well as there companies president. They are very excited for me and happy that everything has worked out so well. I was told to keep in touch and to send pictures. I feel like they really care about their clients and have their best interests at heart. I would recommend Scotia Personnel to anyone as you will NOT find a better group of professionals. I owe them such a BIG thank you! I really could not have done it without them! 

Kelcey