Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Selecting an
ā
yí
needs to be treated just like any employment situation, so this means
clarifying such things as holidays and national days, hours, insurance, sick leave, overtime
and penalty rates, bonuses, meal times, health checks, vaccinations, and salary review peri-
od. Try to get a feel for her personality and whether or not the two of you will click.
Questions to Ask the
Ā
yí
Agency
• What are the fees and refund policies?
• What is the agency's process for changing
ā
yí
or dealing with problems? Is there a trial
period?
• What training does the
ā
yí
have? (Look for agencies that provide regular first aid training
as well as cleaning and child-care training)
• Why did she leave her last job?
• What are the salary expectations?
• How much experience does she have with other expat families, particularly those with
children?
• Does she speak or read English? How well?
• How does she feel about animals?
• What days and hours is she available?
• Is she able to cook, and if so, what kinds of food can she cook?
• If you need a live-in
ā
yí,
find out what her personal needs are.
Training Your
Ā
yí
Once you do get an
ā
yí,
take some time to train her to work for you in the way that you
prefer. Remember, every family has different standards and ideas, so it will take her a while
to adjust from her last family. If you're not happy, however, don't be afraid to speak to the
agency and ask for a new
ā
yí.
Be straightforward, clear, and precise with your
ā
yí,
but also try to be patient and com-
passionate. Many
ā
yí
come from rural areas where the culture is very different, particularly
toward child rearing. You may find that they do too much for your children, picking them
up without allowing them to explore for themselves, or trying to pacify them the second
they make a sound. You may need to be quite firm to ensure they follow through with your
own methods. If they are cooking for you, you may need to specify where you want the
food bought and how you would like it cleaned and prepared. Many
ā
yí
shop at the local
markets and may not wash fruit and vegetables as you feel they should be washed.
