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Why China is the Best Place to Become an Au Pair Abroad

Published on February 21, 2018

China is a country steeped in over 5000 years of history, which has developed into a modern day global super power with one of the fastest growing economies in the world. It is little wonder that today China ranks among the top tourist destinations in the world. China boasts much more than you would expect; from the ultra-modern skyscrapers of Shanghai to the Chengdu Panda Research Center and the magnificent Great Wall of China, there is so much for visitors to discover in China. 

Participants of the Summer EduCare Program

Participants of the Summer EduCare Program

6 reasons au pair jobs in China are the best

There’s no better way to experience the real China then by becoming an au pair. If you want to experience a real cultural exchange then come and au pair in China. Here are just a few of the reasons why China is the best place to become an au pair abroad:

1. The Chinese Way of Life

Living with a local family will allow you to experience the Chinese way of life and become part of the strong bond that is present in any Chinese family. The vast majority of Chinese host families live in large metropolitans, such as Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou. These cities represent the highest level of development and best standards of living in all of China. 

In your amply free time, you can meet up with other au pairs to experience historical sites, natural beauty, cultural relics, and local customs in whatever Chinese city you choose. While living and working as an au pair in China, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of real Chinese society and have plenty of chances to improve your Mandarin too. Mandarin and Chinese cultural classes, which are typically included in au pair placement packages, will equip you with the knowledge to explore deep into the soul of the country.

Your au pair in China experience will shape your worldview in a way that can't be done from merely visiting as a tourist.

Au pair in a Chinese culture class

Au pair in a Chinese culture class

2. Job Opportunities Aplenty

There are more opportunities than ever before to au pair in China. Therefore, the Chinese au pair job market promises huge potential, especially for those with a good Mandarin fluency level. And once you finish your au pair in China experience, it will continue to benefit you professionally for years to come.

Au pairing is a growing industry in China, as evidenced by the number of Chinese families seeking foreign au pairs. The idea of cultural exchange, which provides their children with a different viewpoint on life, is becoming more and more important to Chinese parents. Parents are more interested in developing an international way of communicating to, educating, and caring for their children. However, the supply of foreign au pairs in China is not adequate to satisfy the demand in the market -- fantastic news for you!

GET STARTED: Browse Au Pair Jobs in China

Exploring the mountain ranges of China

Exploring the mountain ranges of China

3. One-of-a-Kind Working Environment

Au pair programs in China offer flexible working hours that don’t always add up to a full time job, and they typically include more educational components than au pair programs offered in other countries. For au pairs in China, the role of an au pair is slightly different than you might expect (you won’t be doing any housework!), offering a unique work environment unlike anything you’ve likely encountered before. Chinese parents expect au pairs to become good friends with their children. They hire au pairs to be excellent role-models, a big brother or big sister to their children, and allow their children to experience Western values firsthand. 

RECOMMENDED PROGRAM: Spend 6 Weeks Au Pairing in China

4. ESL Teaching Skill Development

The main responsibility of au pairs in China will be teaching English or other languages to their host family’s kids. Chinese parents are focusing more and more on their children’s English language studies because they regard English skills as the key to their children having a successful future career. To help their children learn the language best, they want to immerse them in an English speaking environment, while also allowing them to expand their horizons and learn more about the world.

Chinese parents are relatively open-minded, and more modern and progressive in the way they think, so they will respect your efforts to teaching English to their children. The highly focused educational sessions that result will be extremely rewarding, since you will see the children’s language ability quickly blossom while also developing your own communication skills and skills as an educator.

LoPair participants in a city tour

LoPair participants in a city tour

Keep in mind: host families’ English speaking skills cover a range of abilities, but the majority will be good enough for basic conversation. Through the interview process, pick the family that suits your desire English skill level best. If you want to learn Mandarin, there will never be a better setting than a family with limited English language skills! There is the perfect family for you out there, all you have to do is find the right organization to connect you to them.

GET STARTED: Au Pair in China with LoPair

5. Real Chinese Food

Apart from the professional development, cultural experience, and unique opportunities you’ll have as an au pair in China, the glorious Chinese food you’ll be able to sample is world renowned. Living in China with a local family will give you the chance to taste countless delicious, home-cooked, traditional dishes, as well as having the opportunity to sample Chinese street food. We are certain you will miss the authentic Chinese food when you return home.

Au pair in a host family event

Au pair in a host family event

6. Worth the Challenges

China is an extremely safe country, but the stories are true, living in China is, at times, going to be difficult. Chinese people speak a totally different language from yours and their habits and customs will be quite different as well. You may feel lonely and homesick at first, which is completely normal. Having an open mind is a definite must to be a successful au pair in China. Always keep in mind that you are moving to a different country, which means different rules, different traditions, and different customs than yours. 

Thankfully, there are lots of professional au pair agencies to help you every step of the way to become an au pair in China. On arrival, you will be oriented on life in China, including cultural differences, difficulties living with a family that is not your own, advice on teaching English, and how to optimize your time as an au pair in China. Take advantage of their advice to make the most of the au pair in China experience!

KEEP READING: Why You Should Consider Summer Au Pair Jobs

Forbidden City

Visiting the Forbidden City is a true highlight for au pairs in China!

It's more than just au pairing

What you’ll gain from the au pair in China experience will be much more than an au pair job abroad.

The Au Pair China Package

As an au pair in China, you will likely get to take Mandarin lessons to help you integrate smoothly into the Chinese way of life as well as fascinating Chinese cultural courses to build up your knowledge of Chinese culture. You will become a real family member and assist them with live-in educational childcare, and some light household chores only, up to 30 hours a week — and you'll also probably be provided with a room of your own, meals, insurance, and international round trip flight tickets!

On top of this, you will have plenty of chances to explore on your own, with other au pairs and with your family, while receiving a stipend and/or pocket money every month. Chinese au pairs often use this money to travel all over China in small groups on their rest days and holidays.

Becoming an active member of another family will enable you to become a more well-rounded individual. It will teach you important life lessons and give you an amazing experience that will take you out of your comfort zone, so you may feel a bit of culture shock before you fall in love with the great country that is China. The education you will receive through au pairing in China can’t simply be learned from a textbook -- that’s for sure!

Art activity with the kids

Art activity with the kids

How to become an au pair in China ASAP

Getting an au pair job in China in your youth will be an exciting and unforgettable adventure. While setting sail for a new journey, it is very important that you choose the right au pair agency to back you up throughout your stay in China.

Tips to Find a Reputable Au Pair Jobs in China

  1. Do your research carefully. Visit their website and learn more about them through their social media presence to see if they are an active agency.
  2. Read program reviews on GoAbroad.com (or other authorized websites). Find out what actual people who have experienced an au pair job in China with different agencies have to say to decide which sounds the best for you. Start with these au pair job reviews.
  3. Avoid DIY au pair jobs in China. Although feasible, makeshift au pair programs are not reliable. They can be unsafe and also lead to au pairs working very long hours without proper services like mandarin classes or opportunities to meet other au pairs. This route tends to have an extremely high dropout percentage.

Don’t miss out on the fantastic opportunity -- Find an au pair job in China now!

This article was sponsored by LoPair. Founded in 2011, LoPair (the 2017 IAPA Au Pair of the Year Award Winner) is dedicated to promoting mutual understanding and intercultural learning to the world.

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