This summer, University students will be spending their days soaking up the sun in exotic locations, speaking in foreign tongues and receiving stipends while they absorb the culture of some of the most scenic places on earth.

No, it’s not study abroad. These students plan to au pair.

Au pairs usually live with a host family and take care of their children. It includes duties similar to a nanny, involving some sort of light housekeeping, but mainly requires the au pair spend time with the children and encourage them to learn and converse in English.

For people who choose to au pair, the benefits far outweigh the light cleaning and looking after the kids.

“The possibility of living in another country — in Paris — was too great to pass up,” Samantha Hagood, Spanish instructor, said. “I was only 23 at the time and didn’t have any real ties [in Athens], so it seemed like perfect timing. I had also studied French for about eight years when this opportunity came up, so I was thrilled at the opportunity to use and improve my language skills.”

Hagood heard about the opportunity from a friend who had previously stayed with the family, although most au pairs are placed through agencies.

Hagood spent her time with the family’s 6-year-old, Iris, picking her up for lunch and then spending afternoons in the local park. The two would return home, where Hagood made sure Iris and her older sisters, Marie and Garance, finished their homework while she cooked dinner.

During her stay in Paris, Hagood realized she was accomplishing more than just being an au pair.

“Most of the time, I honestly felt like I was being paid to eat good bread and look at beautiful buildings,” Hagood said. “Most of all, living on my own and so far from the oversight of my parents really helped me grow as an adult. Knowing that I could make my way in such a big city, an environment that I wasn’t used to at all, gave me a lot of confidence. I truly stepped out of my comfort zone when I went to Paris.”

University senior Emily Middendorf plans to be an au pair starting this summer in Spain.

After graduating in May, the experience will allow her to determine what she wants to do with the rest of her life. Middendorf is undeterred by her expected duties as an au pair.

“I will be a part of their family and help out and contribute like any other family member,” Middendorf said. “I’ll be working five hours a day, five days a week. The rest is free time to do what I want.”

Middendorf wants to pursue a master’s in Spanish literature and culture and believes being an au pair and living in Spain for a year will aid her in graduate school. She also looks forward to connecting with the people in her new community.

“I am very passionate about meeting new people and forming new relationships,” she said. “What I am passionate about is fostering the sense of community between people because then people start to look out for one another.”