AMERICA IS THE DREAM OF SO MANY THINGS Images and experiences of German speaking au pairs in the United States

The United States has long been an attractive destination for travellers, as well as long- and short-term migrants, such as students, seasonal workers, or au pairs. In a qualitative longitudinal study of German and Austrian au pairs, I have tried to analyse the image they have of the receiving country, how these images change over time and what they have in common. Using Moscovici's concept of figurative kernel, I suggest that all images share the 'grandness' as an underlying, historically stable, higher-order unit of thought. Positive aspects of this grandness are manifested in the American landmarks of 'big shape' and negative aspects concern assertions like America's 'great power claims'.