For a social care professional living and working abroad, there is no “typical” day. While some candidates may work Monday through Friday during traditional business hours, others may have a schedule that varies from week to week. All social care professionals work 45 hours per week or less.

Below is a sample of a particular day’s schedule for Lena, an Occupational Therapist living and working near Chicago, Illinois and taking care of ten-year-old Max and six-year-old Susie. Max has autism and attends a special school/therapy program.

Schedule – Wednesday, June 10th
  • 6:00

    Wake up

  • 7:00

    Wake up Max and Susie – prepare breakfast and pack lunches

  • 7:30

    Help kids get ready to leave for school (brush teeth, comb hair, get books, etc.)

  • 7:50

    Drive Max and Susie to the school bus stop to wait for Max’s bus; drop Susie off at school

  • 8:10

    Return home and clean up breakfast dishes, tidy children’s rooms

  • 9:30

    Volunteer at Max’s school to observe the instruction and meet with teachers

  • 11:00 - 14:00

    Free time – take a yoga class at the local gym and eat lunch

  • 14:30

    Meet Max at bus stop, come home and have a snack

  • 16:00

    Pick up Susie from school and take kids to their swimming lessons

  • 17:30

    Return home; help Max and Susie with homework and start dinner

  • 18:30

    Host parents home from work. Have a family dinner

  • 19:00

    Finish work for the day

  • 20:00

    Night out with friends – movie and coffee