Life in the Netherlands: Au Pair Stories from the Philippines
Moving from the Philippines to the Netherlands is a leap — different climate, different culture, different everything. But for the Filipino au pairs who've made that journey with Sunshine Au Pair, it's been one of the most transformative experiences of their lives. We sat down with some of them to hear what life in Holland is really like.
The Biggest Surprises
Ask any Filipino au pair about their first weeks in the Netherlands and you'll hear about the weather — always the weather. Moving from tropical heat to Dutch winters is a genuine culture shock. But beyond the cold, there are subtler surprises: the directness of Dutch communication, the independence children are given, and how cycling is a genuine mode of transport rather than something you do for fun on weekends.
Several of our au pairs mentioned being surprised by the work-life balance. In the Philippines, long working hours are common. The structured au pair schedule — maximum 30 hours per week with clear days off — felt unfamiliar at first but quickly became something they valued deeply. Having time to explore, study Dutch, and build friendships changed how they thought about work and life.
What They Miss (and What They Don't)
Filipino food tops the homesickness list every time. The warmth of family gatherings, the noise and energy of home, and the familiar comfort of adobo and sinigang — these are hard to replicate in a Dutch kitchen. But many au pairs discover that cooking Filipino dishes for their host family becomes a beautiful point of connection, introducing their culture through food.
What they don't miss? The commute. In the Philippines, hours in traffic are normal. In the Netherlands, you hop on a bike and you're there in minutes. The freedom of cycling — and the safety of Dutch cycling infrastructure — is something almost every Filipino au pair falls in love with.
More Stories from Our Au Pairs
Advice from Filipino Au Pairs to Future Au Pairs
The advice our Filipino au pairs share most often? Be open. Open to trying new foods, open to the cold, open to different parenting styles, and open to making mistakes with the Dutch language (everyone appreciates the effort, even when you get it wrong).
They also emphasise the importance of connecting with other au pairs. Sunshine Au Pair organises regular events and meet-ups, and these become a lifeline — especially in the first few months when everything feels new. Having friends who understand exactly what you're going through makes the adjustment so much smoother.
Pack your favourite spices and condiments from home — you can find some Filipino products in Asian supermarkets in the Netherlands, but having your favourites from day one makes a real difference when homesickness hits.
A Life-Changing Experience
For many Filipino au pairs, the year in the Netherlands marks a turning point. They return home with improved English, a new language (Dutch!), a broader worldview, and friendships that span continents. Some go on to pursue international careers, others bring new perspectives to their communities back home. All of them carry the experience with them forever.
If you're a young person in the Philippines considering the au pair program, these stories are proof that it's possible — and that the challenges are worth it. You won't just survive in the Netherlands. You'll grow in ways you can't yet imagine.
Ready to start your adventure?
Join hundreds of Filipino au pairs who've made the Netherlands their home away from home.
Apply as an Au Pair