Aupairia

So having never traveled alone before, never having lived anywhere else except in my home country coming to stay in China as an Au pair for six months was quite a big leap for me. And it took me a while to settle in and feel comfortable as just the general culture shock just totally numbed me. But now that I am coming to the end it's been an absolutely incredible experience and I have gained so much experience and growth from it. I like to think I have changed in my way of thinking, my perspectives on the world and my life, and also I have learned so much about a different culture and a new language which I have managed to learned a lot in. It's a great experience as you get to explore a new city and travel but also get to live with a family who practice the traditions, who celebrate different festivals, who you can learn more about culture and lifestyle from. Overall, it's been just so amazing and I have no regrets getting involved.

The reason that I came to China was because I had nothing to do back home for 5 months and wanted to do something exciting, and that's exactly what I found. I had the opportunity to live with a local family, attend Chinese lessons, and do various activities with the company to learn more about the history and culture of China. This company has also been very proactive and is there to help every step of the way. Any time you have a question or need help, you can just message a staff member and they will get right back to you. The company also arranged for us to attend classes at the local university with students, which was an amazing opportunity to see how university is different in different countries. This was really a once in a lifetime opportunity and I'm glad I chose this company.

Perhaps the highlight of my time here in China with Aupairia has been the astounding community feel that has come from being a group of students/young adults being thrown together in a largely unfamiliar country. All au pairs tend to get on very well, with lots of plans being made to visit one another in the years to come. Most of us also have good experiences with the company as well, with some good friendships forged between au pairs and staff (shoutout to Neil xoxo). Some characteristics of this programme, which I know to be at the very least rare among Chinese au pair agencies, which are particularly brilliant are the lessons in Mandarin Chinese at a well-known Chinese university in addition to cultural classes put on by both Aupairia and the university. Recent examples in April 2019 have included a trip to the Badaling section of the Great Wall as well as interestingly intense lessons in Chinese chess. These have all helped us au pairs to create closer community ties to one another as well as the company.

The company were very welcoming, and extremely helpful in helping to settle into China, and also with the preliminary application procedures. Candy was very helpful in the infamous Chinese visa application process - in fact, her help was invaluable. On arrival in China, we are well-cared for, with help setting up SIM cards etc. Then we are introduced in person to our host families.

My only complaint regarding Aupairia would likely be as a result of what I have heard from other au pair friends with Aupairia. Some have complained of unfairness when the company attempts to mediate between au pairs and families when disputes arise. However it must be noted that I myself have not encountered this, despite my host family deciding 5.5 months into a 6 month programme that my performance was unacceptable, and kicking me out. Quite the opposite in fact, Aupairia sorted me out a place to stay for the remaining two weeks at extremely short notice, and I ended up staying with the head of the company's (Tina's) delightful family.

Overall I have enjoyed my time in Beijing with Aupairia a lot, and I would recommend it looking to get some decent Chinese learning in! Just be careful which family you choose, of course, as you can never be too careful.

I had a really great experience with Aupairia! I lived with a Chinese family for 6 months and studied Mandarin. I really learned a lot about Beijing and China. I would love to do this program again!

I was worried about coming to China at first, but Candy and the other Aupairia staff made me feel welcomed and supported me through the process. My host family was also very welcoming and helped me feel at home. My host kids were very fun and a handful to deal with at first, but I got used to them shortly. The host mom was very easy going with my schedule and the grandma did everything to make my adjustment easier even though she didn't speak much English.

Studying Mandarin at BFSU was great! I especially enjoyed the cultural classes, where I learned a lot about Chinese ways and mannerisms. I learned a lot and made many friends through university. After class and during our free time we got to go out and explore the city as well as other parts of China. I got to visit major tourist sites as well as lesser known places. I came to know Beijing very well, and learned how to get around and communicate my needs.

This was the best way to get a foot in China especially if you have always wanted to visit China. You get your flight paid for, health insurance, Mandarin courses, housing and meals paid for and some pocket money to pay for your necessities. Beijing is a really big city and has a lot of different places you can visit. Its a great place for you to site see and develop a further understanding of China. Being an au pair is a great way for you to learn more about Chinese culture, especially because you will live with a host family. You can learn a lot by living with them, for example, what their beliefs are, their cooking style and activities they do. If you don't know any Mandarin or have a basic foundation of the language, by the time you are done with the program you will know how to speak or understand Mandarin for the most part. That's if you are here for six months.