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When Romy Schwäbe arrived in the United States at age 21, she didn’t realize how much one decision would expand her world. She came from East Germany to the suburbs of Boston as an au pair, caring for two young boys. What started as a leap of faith became the catalyst for decades of growth, global experiences, and a lasting connection to cultural exchange—one she now pays forward.

Today, Romy supports families in the area as a local childcare consultant with Cultural Care Au Pair for Monte Sereno and downtown Los Gatos. She also works as a massage therapist and reiki practitioner. Her role is part-time, but her motivation is deeply personal: she knows what it means when a family opens their home to someone from another country.

Leaving the mill of life. Growing up in East Germany, Romy felt that her future was already decided. After training as a physical therapist, the unspoken expectation was a predictable routine: marry young, have children immediately, and spend your career at the same company. “I didn’t want to start that at 21,” Romy laughs.

Becoming an au pair gave her something she hadn’t experienced before—space and time to choose. For a self-described people- pleaser who had spent years putting others first, the distance from home created room to discover who she was outside of everyone else’s plans.

The experience wasn’t without challenges. The first family Romy matched was more private, so she pushed herself to explore opportunities to build community outside of the home. She explored her neighborhood and her new surroundings, and formed a close circle of international friends.

Their bond was so meaningful that 20 years later, they reunited in Boston for five days, flying in from around the world. Gaining confidence. What was meant to be a single gap year became a turning point. Now fluent in English and with growing independence, Romy began saying yes to opportunities that might once have felt out of reach. She moved to Australia to pursue a master’s degree in physical therapy. Her experience led to a role in the United Kingdom, where she worked with UK Athletics, supporting elite track- and-field athletes.

A wider world. Romy traveled extensively—first across the Americas, then on a longer trip around the world. “When you leave your family and friends, move to a different continent, and realize you can survive, earn money, and be happy—it gives you a unique confidence,” Romy says. “Whatever opportunity comes your way, you don’t overthink it. You just go for it.”

Paying it forward. Now a mother of two in a multicultural household, Romy has stayed connected to the cultural exchange experience that shaped her. Becoming a consultant has been a meaningful way for her to give back—helping host families and au pairs navigate the experience with confidence and care.

Romy supports both host families and au pairs as a mentor, mediator, and guide. She can empathize with the au pair experience, from excitement to homesickness. She understands host parents’ realities as a working mom navigating childcare needs. She helps bridge language and cultural differences.

Sometimes what looks like conflict is simply something getting lost in translation. Romy’s story is a reminder that cultural exchange can create confidence, empathy, and relationships that last far beyond a single year. Learn more. If you want to learn how the au pair program works locally, call me at 408-771-5219, or email angela.wuerz@lcc.

culturalcare.com.