A Timeline of Lies

I paid $250 to be placed with a family for my October 21st arrival in Buenos Aires, with the expectation that I could arrive in BA with a job, agency support and family connections. After a successful Skype interview with the family, I could expect to be placed.

They promised me this for the two months before my arrival. Ultimately, they left me stranded in Buenos Aires with no family, no support and refusal to refund the $250 fee.

How the “flakey Argentines” affect AuPairInArgentina.com’s service

Me: How long does it generally take to get placed with a family? (July 27)

Isabel Glover : “It usually takes around 2 weeks to month to place you depending on the circumstances.” (July 28)

Anna Templeton: “Argentines can be quite flakey so it is hard to tie them down. So although 2 months might seem like a long time to you, it can be a short time to secure a family.” (October 22)

For two months, they told me they were “confident” about interviewing and placing me with a family in time for my October 21st arrival.

During this time, I wasn’t offered a single interview. Look at the number of times I followed up.

Me: Do you have anything for me? (August 18)

No response.

Me: Do you have anything for me? (August 25)

Representative: “I apologize…been a little busy!”

(We have a Skype meeting. She says she’ll have something for me.)

Me: Do you have anything for me? (September 5)

Representative: “We have sent your profile to several families and we will be in contact very soon to arrange an interview with the family via Skype… I’ll be in touch soon regarding a family!”

Me: Do you have anything for me? (September 9)

Representative: “We’ll start putting your profile forward officially so we can find you a family…We’ll be in touch!” (September 9)

Me: Do you have anything for me? (September 23)

Representative: “We have sent out your profile to several families and are currently awaiting responses. We’ll let you know as soon as we know anything, I’m confident we’ll have you something in time for your arrival on the 20th!…We’ll be in touch soon.”

Me: Do you have anything for me? (October 3)

No response.

Question: I’m coming to BA in like, 2 weeks. Do you have anything for me? (October 5)

Representative: “Sorry for the late response, things have been a bit busy here! We are still waiting on a response from the families, so I will be in touch as soon as I hear anything. If it looks like there may be a delay in finding you a live-in placement I will let you know by the end of the week so we can help you with any alternative accommodation arrangements that may be necessary. However I don’t think there will be a big delay. Thanks for keeping in touch, and I will be in contact the second I know more!” (October 5)

Me: Let me know soon if there will be a delay so I can budget for it.” (October 7)

No response.

Me: Please Skype with me so I know what’s going on. (October 10)

Representative: “More than happy to!” (October 10)

We Skype. She admits there’s not much demand for live-in au pairs, so I agree to live-out au pair opportunities too.

Representative’s first ever follow-up email: “…Unfortunately at this stage it might be best if you have a look at hostels for your first days here.”