Early Bird China

Why choose Early Bird China?

Located in Beijing, China, Early Bird Cultural Exchange has been specializing in providing qualified cultural exchange programs and internship programs to youth from all over the world. Since 2007, we have successfully added hundreds of our participants to our program as "Cultural Ambassadors".

We offer an assortment of programs from interning, au pair, teaching English and traveling. By placing our participants in a home stay, we provide a fully immersive cultural experience.

We care, we serve, we value our program's participants. All Early Bird's staff has an international background and are dedicated to offering the highest standard of service. In addition, ensuring the participant's safety is our top priority. Don't miss you chance to experience China!

Website

www.ebce.com.cn

Founded

2007

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Reviews

I stayed with a family in Beijing. I worked hard but it's been rewarding. I'm very happy with my family , they've been really nice and geneous with me.The staff at the agency look after us good. Guo keeps the au pairs communication with the agency;Michael thinks about potential problems before they happen and has always seemed approachable which is great. Vivian looks after us all in a fair way so we know what's going on. She is effecient, helpful and caring.

I was an au pair in northern Beijing for 3 months in a very kind hostfamily.

My experience in the family has been very good! They have two kids which I have been played and taught English to. They were very interested in me and really let me in as a family member. When I first came here I didn't speak any Chinese so it really helped that the family spoke quite good English already.

Beijing is such a cool city and I really recommend to live here for a couple of months. China is both very difficult to get to know but also very interesting. To stay here as an au pair in a Chinese family is a very good way to learn about the country and the language.

The agency was very helpful with very good language lessons and very fun activities to join. I had all help I needed and I found them very open for feedback!

If you are searching for a cheaper way of traveling and experience of a new culture and language, au pair in China is a very good choice.

I loved this program and I don't regret doing it. The staffs there are good. I am happy with Vivian as my coordinator. Anytime I asked for help, I got the needed help. I love Chinese food and made many friends in China.

What would you improve about this program?

The language, however I spoke Chinese all the time so I improve quite quickly.

I've been in China for eight months. It is a kindergarden. Kids there are very cute. The staff and host family are friendly. We had Chinese classes twice every week and learnt something of HSK. Everybody wants to get an HSK certification. It can really be a plus for further promotion. The coordinators of the agency are sweet. Even if it was just for a small question,they were willing to help.

What would you improve about this program?

The water made me itchy sometimes so I need to wash up with boiled water. The pollution can be very influential in my mood, but I just had to accept it.

I think I never won't regret coming to China. When I was looking for an Asien family Early Bird always supported me so thanks to them now I live with a great Chinese family. Of course I also was lucky.
This is my second Month here so everything is still new for me but my family really tries their best to make me comfortable. They took me for a trip to an other country, they keep me feeding so I already tried the most famous dishes of Beijing /China. They treat me like a real family member.
Since we have the language barrier sometimes it is difficult to discuss about things or problems but my family's English improved a lot and I learn Chinese as much as I can.
There are more Au-pairs here so it is also a good chance to make friends from other countries.
If you are interested in Asia, if you like the culture , the dishes and the language then this is the perfect choice for you!
Be a little Early Bird and make a lifelong experience in China.

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Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you decide to do a gap year with Early Bird China?

For many years I've been interested in China, both in the country and the language. I was recommended by a friend to look into the Early Bird China au pair program. When I searched for it, I found that the program was a good way to experience Chinese everyday life. The au pair program with its focus on cultural and language exchange was perfect for me.

What was one of the most memorable days/experiences of the trip?

Together with my host family, we arranged a Swedish and Chinese food evening. I invited my Swedish friends in Beijing and we had a great evening sharing different kinds of food! It was a great way of sharing culture and traditions from two very different countries.

My Chinese family took me to visit the Forbidden City which is a must-see and a great thing to do with them. My Chinese classes at the agency not only taught me some Chinese but also taught me a lot about China. Learning Chinese is the best way to learn about China.

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If you could go back and do something different, what would it be?

I would have tried to be more involved in my host family's life, with cooking and learning more about their traditions etc. I would also have tried to meet more Chinese people in my age group.

Tell me about one person you met.

I met a lot of au pairs and students from all over the world who I had a lot of fun with! It's very interesting to share each other's experience and opinions about China and other countries.

How has this experience impacted your future? (Personally, professionally, etc.)

I'm very interested in environmental science and think that my experience of the language and the country will be very valuable for me in the future with studies and work.

Personally I thought it was a great way to travel alone. You had to communicate with people, often with language problems but they became more easy to solve during the time there!

I now have friends for life who I definitely will visit again, and I really looking forward to see more of China again soon. : )

Mariann Botyánszki

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

What position do you hold at Early Bird? What led you to join them?

Hello, my name is Celia Lu, I am the program coordinator at Early Bird. I was very interested in this kind of program when I was at university. I planned to go to France. But I was unable to because of personal reasons. So I came to Early Bird. I love helping people who want come to China and know the Chinese culture.

What aspects of your role at Early Bird Link do you most enjoy?

With the cultural exchange students. Every student is very excited when they come to Beijing. I am so happy they like China. We also give them some suggestions about how to get along well with the family. I am very happy they are able to enjoy life here.

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What is your favorite story you've heard of a participant's experience with an Early Bird program?

Every student here knows a word "淘宝(Taobao)". It is Chinese Ebay. Lots of things there are cheap. And they have many choices. So students here like it very much. One girl bought many bags on Taobao before she left China, which made her luggage over weight.

What is one common misconception you've encountered about cultural exchange/internship programs?

The host families sometimes think that the students coming from a Western country can speak English well. Sometimes they treat the students as the teachers of the family. And they hope to practice English at home.

Any tips/insights for someone considering their first cultural exchange or internship program?

Get some information about the new environment and know some cultural differences in advance. It will be very helpful in adjusting to the new culture quickly.