I do not want to talk, as all good or all bad, can only to give a little advice. In fact, it all depends on the family and, of course, depends on you (like trite it may not sound). And from that, what goals you are going ...
Of course, everyone has different goals and motives. Someone goes to any means to stay (even illegally), someone to get married, and someone - just to get away from the parent of an eye, etc. etc. Everyone is going with a specific intent. I have no right to condemn anyone or say that it is bad, but it was good. I can only really share their experiences and those of other people - those who have gone through it all, or, like me, just to gain experience.

Choice Family

I would like to start by saying that we should not immediately give up everything and agree on the first proposal received. Because is not a game and not a lottery - it's your life, even at 1 year, but this year you'll be living with strangers and will fully depend on them. So, you need to think carefully before agreeing. But of course, is not excluded that the first sentence would be the best.

first conversation with the family

before first talking with your family, make a list of your questions (preferably in writing ) because that will get nervous and forget everything. Keep the focus on children. During a conversation (by phone) with your family pay attention to how and what they say - slowly and clearly or quickly and indistinctly. Why am I writing about this? This may to some extent show the ratio of family to the Au Pair (of course it's not 100%).
What else is important - if your family has had the potential Au Pair, then ask them to e-mail, or better still phone. This is a good recommendation, and indication of how they were the relations with the Au Pair before - if you refuse, you should think!

interview at the embassy

You have chosen a family and you need to be interviewed. I want to say straight away that it's not easy (morally). For you will press may say that the information which you told - a lie, etc. No need to argue and try to convince that they are right (especially if it's really not true) - may be confused and even more excitement all mixed up. Respond to the extent possible, quietly and look into the eyes (runs sight - a sign that people may lie). If you know that you are very vulnerable and very nervous, take a sedative beforehand, of course, not horse-dose:). Work through in advance all possible questions and prepare the correct answers to them. If you possess sufficient knowledge, I advise you to memorize all the questions with answers. Do not use complex structures in the responses, make a proposal as simple as possible. If you have friends who've had Au Pair, then look in the internet or ask your agency (since I did it myself).

arrival to the family

When I arrived in Germany, I was unable to meet the family, and I had the night travel by train with transfer 2 hours before the house. If you find yourself in the same situation, then do not panic. In fact, there are many good people who can help you buy a ticket, carry luggage, etc.

meeting with the family

At the first meeting with the family and the first conversation should not directly ask whether they pay you overtime, and how much per day you work. Try to immediately offer help and start a conversation. Ask about the eating habits of parents and children. Naladte as quickly as possible, contact with children and spend more time with them. Do not forget that first impression - this is important. Be the extent possible, sociable. Do not treat everyone with the point of view - it's my job! This should not be a job - it's your life and how you relate to it, and your family will accept you! Try and weekends, too, spending time with his family. For example, I was very hard to communicate, firstly, because I was afraid when speaking to make mistakes and so on, and secondly, I do not know what to talk to them. And it was my mistake! Because it should not be afraid to make mistakes, you need to talk as much as possible (over you no one will laugh or blame for something). Because the goal of the program is also learning the language. So do not be afraid to make mistakes.

unpleasant moments

course, there are not very pleasant part of your stay in another country. Perhaps, then, that people will relate to you not very friendly, sometimes not quite polite (especially if you have a different nationality, which stands out from the crowd). It is also possible, and that the family will fall is not very good. Because there are families who want to invite Au Pair only as a labor force. Naturally, as someone lucky. I'm really lucky, and my family is very good, and I have a lot of free time. But we should not blindly rely on the fact that everything will be fine. Because there is more hope than the heavier, if all turns out to be wrong. So mentally prepare for what will be hard (in the morally and physically, because I work with children and housework - is not easy).

Everything will be fine

Main - follow to the goal and never give up. Is it really worth all the costs and experiences!!!
I believe that all you get, and everything will be fine (just like me, and perhaps better:)). Anyway, I wish you all the best and hope that this instruction:) will help you.