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Gap Year in China: Live with a Host Family & Learn Mandarin
Gap Year in China: Live with a Host Family & Learn Mandarin
Bella Vista Guided Arrivals
Bella Vista Guided Arrivals
5 · 1 review
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Bella Vista Guided Arrivals

 5 · 1 review
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Location
  • China
    • Shanghai
    • Beijing
    • Guangzhou
    • Shenzhen
    • Hong Kong
Length
4 - 52 weeks
Program Tags
Adventure Travel Au Pair Conservation Cultural Immersion Language Immersion Learning Differences Study Abroad Teach Abroad Volunteer Abroad Work Exchanges
Health & Safety
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Program Details

Activities
City Exploring Remote Exploring Sightseeing
Timeframe
Year Round
Housing
Host Family
Primary Language
English
Age Min.
18
Age Max
30

Pricing

$0
Price Details
We don’t charge program fees. But we recommend you to save at least $3,000 for travel, emergencies and other situations. Participants cover necessary travel expenses (such as flights) *in advance*. These costs will be partially reimbursed after you have committed to the program for an agreed period of time. More will be discussed when we have online interviews.
What's Included
Accommodation Some Activities Airfare Airport Transfers Meals SIM cards Tour Guide Transportation Travel Insurance Visa Wifi
What's Included (Extra)

More than enough monthly allowance, mandarin classes at a local high-quality school, monthly cultural activities, sightseeing tours, departure guidance, au pair guidance orientation, 24/7 local support, etc.

What's Not Included
Equipment
Sep 11, 2025
Wish List
6 travelers are looking at this program

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to help you plan with confidence.

About Program

Spend your gap year in China as an Au Pair with Bella Vista Guided Arrivals.

Live with a welcoming Chinese host family, care for children, and experience daily life from the inside. In addition to pocket money and flight stipend, you’ll receive Mandarin lessons arranged with professional schools and take part in monthly cultural activities.

Our placements are highly customized - from family routines to support services - so you’ll feel guided yet independent. Whether you stay for 3, 6, or 12 months, this is a chance to immerse yourself in Chinese culture, build lifelong connections, and return home with new language skills and perspectives.

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Program Highlights

  • Live with a local host family and experience authentic Chinese daily life
  • Receive Mandarin lessons at accredited local language schools
  • Monthly cultural events: calligraphy, dumpling-making, Chinese festivals
  • Pocket money + flight stipend provided
  • Flexible program length: 3 - 12 months

Video and Photos

You will be helping your kids with homework
You will be helping your kids with homework

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Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 1 review
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  • Housing 5
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Value 5
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 reviews
Umberto
Male
Italy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience. I’d rate BVGA 100 out of 10.

Sep 11, 2025

Coming to China as an au pair was one of the biggest decisions I’ve ever made. I had never been to Asia before, and at first everything felt new and overwhelming. I came across Bella Vista Au Pair through another website, and soon after, Cherie, the manager, reached out to me. From the very first message, she was patient, clear, and supportive. She guided me step by step through the visa process, Mandarin school registration, and all the practical details that would have been impossible to manage on my own.

What stood out the most was the personal care. With my psychology background, I was curious about cultural differences, and I quickly noticed that Chinese parents raise their children in ways that are very different from Western families. At times it felt surprising, but whenever I had doubts or needed reassurance, Cherie was always there. She really helped me under stand what was nuances and wasn’t being said. Her support made me feel confident and safe, and I never felt alone in this journey.

I stayed in China for around five months, and it turned out to be an unforgettable experience. The Mandarin school was excellent — not only for language learning but also for cultural activities. One of my favorite memories was during the Dragon Boat Festival, when we learned how to make zongzi. It was both fun and meaningful, a perfect mix of learning and celebration.

Looking back, I can say that choosing Bella Vista Au Pair was the best decision I could have made. I had an amazing time, grew personally, and made memories I’ll never forget. For anyone considering coming to China as an au pair, I highly recommend this agency — you’ll be supported every step of the way and leave with experiences that stay with you for life.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Honestly, it was intestines in hot pot — they have duck intestine, beef intestine… all kinds. At first I was really hesitant; the idea sounded scary to me. But they clean it very carefully, and when it’s served on ice and then cooked in the hot pot, it turns out surprisingly crispy and delicious. It was totally out of my comfort zone, something I never imagined myself trying — but I did, and it impressed me so much that I’d definitely eat it again!
Pros
  • Strong support system – Cherie and the agency were always available whenever I had questions or challenges, which made me feel safe and well-guided.
  • Cultural immersion – Between Mandarin classes and activities like making zongzi for the Dragon Boat Festival, I experienced authentic Chinese culture up close
  • Personal growth – Living with a Chinese family and adapting to new routines gave me more independence, patience, and confidence than I expected.
What other participants should know
  • Cultural differences – it’s fascinating but also annoying. It’s out there. Some people (just like other countiess) are loud, they scream and spit in the street. You can’t deny it.
  • Language barrier – daily conversations could be challenging, especially in the beginning. Let alone the cultural differences.
  • Too far from home - sometimes I feel homesick and would cook myself some decent Italian food. It’s like a pain but There’s a way to overcome it
78 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
Me and my own Zongzi 🥰
The welcome pack includes two cute fluffy Chinese hamburger (Rou Jia Mo) 😲
First mandarin class. Loved it!

Community Questions

About Bella Vista Guided Arrivals

Bella Vista is a boutique au pair agency that helps Chinese families connect with warm, open-minded au pairs from around the world. We focus on long-term emotional support, mutual cultural respect, and a placement experience that feels more like a relationship than a transaction. Our approach is personal, intentional, and human-centered. We don’t...

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