Location
  • China
    • Shanghai
    • Beijing
    • Hangzhou
    • Ningbo
    • Shenzhen
Length
52+ weeks
Financial Support
General grants/scholarships, Work exchange

Program Details

Timeframe
Academic Year Fall Spring Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Host Family
Primary Language
English
Age Min.
18
Age Max
30

Pricing

Price Details
You do not pay any program fee, but you will be in charge of your own flights (however, flights stipend will be offered during your stay).

Program time span: 3-12 months
You give: 30 hours of childcare&English tutoring per week
You get: 2000 RMB pocket money/month
You get: Up to 12000 RMB as ticket stipend
You get: 8-10 hours of Mandarin classes/week
You get: Monthly culture activities
You get: 1.5 days off/week
You get: Medical insurance
You get: visa application fee&renewal reimbursement
Program fee: $0
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airfare Domestic Airfare Airport Transfers Meals Tour Guide Travel Insurance Visa Wifi
What's Included (Extra)

* Mandarin classes
* Culture activities
* Medical insurance
* 24/7 support
* Orientation and sightseeing tour
* Airport pick-up

Jan 18, 2024
Apr 03, 2024
83 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Wanderlust Au Pair China Program integrates educational travel, Mandarin learning, childcare and English tutoring together for overseas youngsters to experience China with an authentic touch by staying with Chinese host families.

By offering 30 hours of live-in childcare and English teaching per week, you have an opportunity to explore Chinese culture through weekly Mandarin classes, culture immersion activities held by Wanderlust and your day-to-day colorful life with your host family.

We are culture enthusiasts, we love different languages, we love the tenderness in your eyes when you see children's smile. Fundamentally, we love what we do: helping you go through an off-beat experience that could potentially change your life.

Find your second home in China!

Program fee: 0 $

Video and Photos

Impact

Ethical Impact

This volunteer program gives you the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of deserving children. Additionally, you will also have the opportunity to explore one of the most modern and exciting cities in China - Shanghai. As a volunteer, you will be stationed at an orphanage that is located in a children’s hospital. Children residing in this orphanage often arrive from other orphanages in more rural areas of China to receive better medical treatment. With your commitment, love, and care you have the chance to make a difference in their recovery.

Program Highlights

  • Experience authentic Chinese culture through living with a host family!
  • Flight stipend up to 1800 USD
  • Mandarin course paid by your host family
  • Monthly culture activities
  • Scholarship up to 1300 USD for TEFL certified participants!

Program Reviews

4.81 Rating
based on 86 reviews
  • 5 rating 81.4%
  • 4 rating 18.6%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Housing 4.9
  • Support 4.75
  • Fun 4.55
  • Value 4.75
  • Safety 4.95
Showing 9 - 16 of 86 reviews
Default avatar
Adrija
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My au-pair experience in China,Shanghai

My experience as an au-pair in Shanghai has truly been one of a kind! The family, culture, food, city, friends, Mandarin classes, new lifestyle...... everything was amazing. While it took some time to get used to this new life in one of the biggest cities in the world, the experience was completely worth it. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have lived with such welcoming host family, tutor adorable kids English and be like a bigger sister to them, while also being able to learn Mandarin, explore Shanghai and meet so many amazing people here! For those who are looking for immersion in Chinese culture, working as an English educator, building meaningful connections and making precious memories - Au-pair program in China with Wanderlust Exchange might just be what you are looking for.

What was your funniest moment?
Working with children opens possibilities to hear the most bizarre and funny sentences ever. One of the funniest moments was when I was playing "would you rather?" game with my 7y.o. girl, and to the question " Would you rather know every language or could play every instrument?" she very confidently said "Every language, because when I will go to Japan I will say "Bonjour" ". It genuinely made me laugh!
Pros
  • Getting to know Chinese culture and experience it first-hand
  • Making meaningful connections with the host family and new friends
  • Learning Mandarin
Cons
  • Work with children can be more tiring than imagined
  • Inevitably being exposed to family's personal problems can be quite awkward
28 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Rachel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An amazing au pair experience in Shanghai

My adventure in Shanghai is about to end soon and I am sad I’ll have to leave. I have been working with one of the most loving and caring family I have ever met. Since day one, I have been treated like a family member and this made my experience very special. I am taking care of two adorable little girls with which I created a genuine and unique special bond: they are like my sisters now. I love spending time with them both when it comes to playing or studying. The parents are also very kind to me and always made their best to make me feel home. I will definitely stay in touch with them and visit them in the future. This was a once in a lifetime adventure that I will always remember. A huge thank you to Wanderlust Exchange for making it happen. ❤️

Pros
  • I learned Chinese very quickly, the school program is intense but very good
  • I made lots of friends here in Shanghai, friends for life
  • The city of Shanghai is huge and has a lot to offer
Cons
  • You can get homesick sometimes
  • Losing my total independence was not always easy as I was used to live by myself for years
29 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Trinity
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Wanderlust Au pairing (Beijing)

If you’re seeking to discover China through the perspective of a local and enjoy looking after children, this is the programme for you! The programme gives you a unique insight into China, immersing you in all aspects: the language via daily language classes, food and the culture. Not only this, but you get to see the child(ren) you look after and teach develop their English abilities!

I can’t recommend more the programme: the three months I spent in Beijing was truly one of the best times of my life. It was stimulating and jam packed with new experiences: from trips to Shanghai and Datong to trying all the different regional hotpots! So much so that I’ve already got my next trip to China planned!

Pros
  • Truly immersive cultural programme
  • Cost effective way to visit China for students
36 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Arthur
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Au Pair Hangzhou Experience

My experience of being an Au Pair in Hangzhou was fantastic. I stayed here for 3 Months which was too short, I'd like to continue my great life here in China. The family was really nice and I quickly had a great connection with the Au Pair kid. Teaching him English and how to play tennis was an unique experience which I wouldn't have liked to miss. In my freetime I got around in the province Zhejiang which has wonderful cities like Shaoxing, Ningbo, Shanghai and of course Hangzhou with the pretty West Lake. Although there weren't many Au Pairs in my area I quickly got to know foreigners from the Chinese class and some soccer groups. My Chinese improved a lot in those 3 Months even though I was talking mostly in English to the Au Pair kid because his English was already on a high level. The family offered me to always come back to China and made me receive this unforgettable stay! I recommend this to anyone who wants to have a new life in an Asian country and wants to have an special period of life in his/her CV.

Pros
  • Luxurious living
  • Nice people, family
  • Language improvements
Cons
  • Not that many au pairs in Hangzhou
38 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Desztics
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Au pair program

I had an incredible experience with the au pair agency. The support I received throughout the entire process was truly exceptional. From the moment I signed up, the staff was incredibly helpful and attentive to my needs. They guided me through the application, interview, and matching process with patience and understanding. The agency's team went above and beyond to address any concerns I had, making sure I felt completely prepared for my new adventure as an au pair. Their genuine kindness and approachability made me feel like part of a caring community. Their attention to detail really put my mind at ease and allowed me to focus on forming meaningful connections with my host family. I'm so grateful for the support I received from the agency. If you're looking for an au pair agency that truly cares about your experience, I wholeheartedly recommend them.

Pros
  • Their support was outstanding, guiding me at every step.
  • The staff's warmth and friendliness made me feel at home
  • They emphasized safety, offering resources for a secure experience.
Cons
  • Choices of host families were a bit restricted, yet they found good matches.
  • The visa application had intricate steps, but their help made it easier.
47 people found this review helpful.
Response from Wanderlust Exchange

Dear Eszti,

Your feedback truly warms our hearts, and we're grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of your au pair journey. It's incredibly rewarding to hear that your experience with our agency was nothing short of exceptional.

We're thrilled to have been by your side every step of the way, from the initial sign-up to your journey as an au pair. Our team is dedicated to providing the highest level of support, and your kind words about our helpfulness and attentiveness mean a lot to us. It's wonderful to know that our guidance through the application, interview, and matching process was of value to you.

At Wanderlust Exchange, we believe that addressing concerns and ensuring your comfort is paramount. We're delighted that our efforts helped you feel well-prepared for this exciting chapter of your life. Creating a sense of community and belonging is at the core of our mission, and we're glad that our genuine kindness and approachability made you feel connected and cared for.

Your mention of our attention to detail is heartening. We understand that the little things can make a big difference, and we're pleased that this allowed you to focus on what truly matters – forming those meaningful connections with your host family and embracing the cultural exchange experience.

Your recommendation means the world to us. Knowing that you wholeheartedly endorse our agency is a testament to the dedication and passion we pour into each au pair's journey.

As you continue to create cherished memories and connections, please know that we're here to support you in any way we can. Your journey is an inspiration, and we're excited to see where it leads you.

Wishing you continued joy, growth, and unforgettable experiences as an au pair.

Warm regards,

Wanderlust Exchange

Default avatar
desztics
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Au pair program

I had an incredible experience with the au pair agency. The support I received throughout the entire process was truly exceptional. From the moment I signed up, the staff was incredibly helpful and attentive to my needs. They guided me through the application, interview, and matching process with patience and understanding. The agency's team went above and beyond to address any concerns I had, making sure I felt completely prepared for my new adventure as an au pair. Their genuine kindness and approachability made me feel like part of a caring community. One of the things that stood out the most was the emphasis on safety. The agency took extensive measures to ensure my well-being, providing comprehensive information and resources. This attention to detail really put my mind at ease and allowed me to focus on forming meaningful connections with my host family. I'm so grateful for the support I received from the agency. If you're looking for an au pair agency that truly cares about your experience, I wholeheartedly recommend them.

Pros
  • Their support was outstanding, guiding me at every step.
  • The staff's warmth and friendliness made me feel at home.
  • They emphasized safety, offering resources for a secure experience.
Cons
  • Choices of host families were a bit restricted, yet they found good matches.
34 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
samira
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

my unforgetable experience as an aupair in china

on july 2023 i got an opportunity ti be an aupair in china with wonderlust organization. i am an international student in china and i wanted to utilize my summer break and decided to be an aupair.

It is my first time being an Au pair and wonderlust organization did a great job ,I love how informative and accommodating they were to me,i appreciated them giving us orentation . It opened my eyes to what to expect and it gave me a professional view of how to conduct myself with the family. they gave me crucial information, especially about cultural differences. it helped me a lot to prepare myself mentally and gave me a little bit of a glimpse of what to expect.

Living as an au pair, I had the chance Immersing myself in Chinese culture and having the opportunity to live like the Chinese people, I feel blessed. I got to eat things I never knew were edible like bamboo shoots when I opened my eye wide enough, I saw new ways to make friends, I saw how people work hard and sacrifice for their families, I saw how the Chinese government brought people out of poverty, I got a thriving entrepreneurial spirit and a new way of appreciating the world.

the programme fullfilled my expectation and even more.

Pros
  • great service
  • chinese classes
  • accomodating host
Cons
  • none
49 people found this review helpful.
Response from Wanderlust Exchange

Dear Samira,

We were thrilled to read your review and learn about your incredible experience as an au pair with Wanderlust Exchange in China. It warms our hearts to know that your first-time au pair journey was made memorable by our organization.

It's wonderful to hear that our informative and accommodating approach resonated with you. Providing a comprehensive orientation and insights into cultural differences is essential for a successful cross-cultural experience, and we're delighted that it helped you prepare both mentally and professionally for your role within the host family.

Immersing yourself in the Chinese culture and lifestyle sounds like an enriching experience. From trying new foods to observing the strong work ethic and family values, it's evident that you've truly embraced the essence of cultural exchange. Your observations about the thriving entrepreneurial spirit and newfound appreciation for the world resonate deeply with our mission of fostering meaningful connections and understanding across borders.

Wishing you all the best for the remaining duration of your adventure and your future endeavors. Keep embracing every moment and savoring the unique experiences that await you.

Warm regards,

Wanderlust Exchange

Default avatar
Rochelle
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Good company

I was excited to move to shanghai, I was paired with a good family. They gave me my own apartment(which is rare,I still live in it). The family was really shy at first because their english is not so good,but the little boy was really good at speaking nglish so he often translated between me and his mom.

We had our own lessons on Saturdays just the women, while the boys went out to play or toy shopping.We had some fun days inside, but due to the pandemic we often stay inside and play with legos and Elsa with his younger sister all day.I mostly have the whole family eating vegan during the week because I don't eat meat, but its random occasions that they will eat no meat. But they enjoy the no meat because they want to be more healthier so I was glad I could leave them with a piece of who I am. We've finally completed all of his english books before I left the family. I check on the kids often they are always sad to see me leave, they sometimes cry, so I check on them as much as I can after work.

It was nice being with this family.

What was your funniest moment?
taking the kids on the metro to go to the mall,They had never been on the train before so they were excited and scared at the same time. It was so cute.
130 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

Hello Joanna, Thank you for your question and interest in Wanderlust Au Pair China Program. I would like to answer your questions in three aspects: how au pairs can get ready for their trip to China; what support they will have from Wanderlust; what's to be expected of your daily life with the host family. In regards to how au pairs can get themselves prepared for the trip to China, here are some...