Siqi Sun is a postgraduate student with the major of English translation and interpreting. She grew up in northern China, and is currently working for Wanderlust Exchange located in Shanghai.
What is your favorite travel memory?
My favorite travel memory will be the one to the snow sculpture competition in Harbin. I went there as a volunteer to help with the organization of the competition and the communication between the organizers and competitors.
In spite of the extremely cold weather, I had the opportunity to meet a lot of artists from various countries, and to appreciate their marvelous work.
The concept and theme of their work also inspired me a lot. Whether it's the co-existence of human and nature or simply the love between a couple, it's great to see that we, human beings as a whole, are pursuing the same goals and eager for the same things in life, which will not be limited or restricted by nationalities, races, or religions.
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
I definitely learned to be more planned. I'll write down my to-do list for the day every morning. It helps me to have a clear vision about the schedule of the day. And the simple action of ticking the tasks on the list one by one gives me a sense of relief and helps me to be more motivated to finish the rest tasks.
Another thing that I learned by working for WE is to think out of box. Our team will have brain storms from time to time. We will speak out our ideas for cultural activities, bucket list of summer activities, questions in feedback questionnaires, etc. It's always a great fun to see how many amazing ideas we can come up with simply by talking and listening to each other.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
During our au pair Michael's stay in China (which coincided with the Chinese New Year Holiday Period), the family booked a 2 week holiday to Africa and he was also invited to go. A 2 week safari in Africa came as a surprise for both WE and Michael! It just goes to show that, when you put yourself out there and try something new the possibilities, are endless!
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
I will definitely choose the Au Pair China Program. Because it will be such a great opportunity to explore the country I've always been interested into. I would be able to experience everything about the country without paying any fees. By being an au pair, I won't see the country from the perspective of a tourist, but a resident here. And only in that way, can I get the most authentic experience and impression about the country.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
WE focuses on not only the student's experience as an au pair, but also as a resident in the city, and try to provide them with the most authentic experience of living in China.
The thing that I'm especially proud of my team is the friendly and healthy working environment. Every team member is always ready to help with each other. We set goals for ourselves instead of competing with each other. Therefore, we are always working in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
I think the biggest factor will be to have a goal of making positive changes to the society or even the world as a whole. In that way, the company will always be motivated to grow so that it can dedicate more to the society. And in return, the society will support the company to develop further and bring greater benefits to the world. Such a development pattern is healthy and sustainable for it creates a virtuous circle.
