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Wanderlust Exchange

4.72 Rating
129 reviews
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Why choose Wanderlust Exchange?

Wanderlust Exchange combines travel with educational exchange opportunities through several programs where participants have the opportunity to learn Mandarin, teach English as an au pair, volunteer with children, act as a cultural ambassador, or even coach tennis. Each of our programs encourages cultural immersion and exchange by giving participants the chance to experience China firsthand.

Wanderlust Exchange provide students with quality, authentic cultural experiences with an aim to bridge cultural divides. Our programs encourage participants to develop the self-awareness and cross-cultural competencies necessary to be active global citizens.

Wanderlust Exchange is a member of International Au Pair Association (IAPA), a global not-for-profit organization, and a member of WYSE Travel Confederation, the only global not-for-profit membership organization representing the entire youth, student and educational travel industry.

2025 Cultural Ambassador Summer Program- Return Flights Covered!

Founded
2014
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Community Photos

immersing in the culture
learning chinese games
trying authentic chinese cuisine
exploring Taiyuan
fun activities together
Harbin Ice and Snow World
Shanghai
Xintiandi pan long shanghai
my little friend
QingLong Temple in Xi’An
Hong Kong
Hainan
Even been part of volunteering team😍
Bird café with my host sister
Scenic Site
This is west lake!

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Community Awards

  • Go Overseas Award
  • Go Overseas Award
  • Go Overseas Award
  • Go Overseas Award

Impact 🌎

Participants in this program receive an array of benefits to enhance their journey. From fully covered return flights to free Mandarin classes and engaging cultural activities, every aspect is designed to ensure a rewarding experience. Additionally, you’ll receive a stipend to cover personal expenses, making it easier to immerse yourself in the vibrant life of your host city.

This program goes beyond just a summer abroad; it’s an opportunity to grow personally and professionally. By living with a Chinese family, you’ll gain insights into the daily life and traditions of one of the world’s oldest civilizations, all while contributing to a global exchange of ideas and perspectives. This journey will equip you with the skills and understanding needed to thrive in an increasingly connected world.
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Reviews

Eleonora
22
Female
Italy
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Wanderlust Cultural Homestay Tutoring (Au Pair in China) Program

An unforgettable cultural exchange

Aug 25, 2025

Wanderlust Exchange helped me realize my dream of coming to China after so many years of studying the Chinese language, culture, and history, and for that I am forever grateful. Thanks to the daily Chinese classes and frequent interactions with my host families, I was able to significantly improve my skills, especially in listening comprehension and speaking. I also had the chance to experience real day-to-day life in China and ask questions about many aspects of Chinese culture, which deepened my understanding.
Working with children was a new and rewarding discovery for me, helping me develop skills I didn't know I had. Although there were some challenges along the way, Wanderlust Exchange supported me throughout and solved them promptly. I truly value the lessons I gained from this experience and the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. I am grateful to both host families for welcoming me into their homes and wish them all the best for the future.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
If I did this all over again, I would probably arrange more video calls with the host family before makir my final choice. That way, I could better align my expectations with theirs and gain a clearer understanding of what they were hoping for from me. In the end, every experience is valuable, even if i doesn't always feel positive at the time, because it helps you grow and learn.
Pros
  • Significant language improvement
  • First-hand experience of life in China
  • Valuable international experience for my CV
Cons
  • Clearer alignment of expectations and responsibilities
  • Challenging emotional adjustment
  • Difficulties with the organization of the schedule
fun activities together
exploring Taiyuan
trying authentic chinese cuisine
learning chinese games
immersing in the culture
Anonymous
Prefer not to say
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Wanderlust Cultural Homestay Tutoring (Au Pair in China) Program

Beijing

Aug 24, 2025

It's been an amazing journey of growth and independence. Finding yourself, and getting out of your comfort one. This experience honestly changed the way I view things now. I've grown a lot! My student could not speak English when I arrived. My lessons plans and constant efforts that I had put in, finally paid off. I was so happy when we could finally have a conversation, share jokes, and discuss different topics in English. Kris, has also been wonderful throughout my 10 months in China. Thanks to Lily for picking me up at the airport, and Walter for his guidance throughout the Visa process. Wishing you all the best!

What was your funniest moment?
My student saying, "When you leave to your country, put me in your pocket and take me with"
Pros
  • Seeing your sudent's English improve
Cons
  • I was not a fan of the food
Nana
23
Female
Georgia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Wanderlust Cultural Homestay Tutoring (Au Pair in China) Program

Au Pair in Harbin

Aug 19, 2025

I finished my second programme with Wanderlust Exchange. I did 3 months in Beijing and later I did 6 months in Harbin. It was a wonderful experience overall. During these 9 months i had a lot of travel opportunities with the host families or during my own free time. For me the most rewarding experience was learning chinese and practising it daily in the local environment. Working with the children can be tiring but rewarding as well after seeing their progress and how they open up to you. I've met many amazing people through this program and grown as a person all while getting to know china as a country. Wanderlust team has also been very supportive during my stay. This experience opened up so many opportunities for me, I would absolutely do it over again!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Always hold a clear communication with the host family or the Wanderlust team and be open to accept the cultural differences
Pros
  • Mandarin classes
  • Travel opportunities
  • Delicious local cuisine
Cons
  • Can be overwhelming at times
  • Might be difficult to adapt at first
  • Language barrier
Harbin Ice and Snow World
Naira
27
Female
Armenia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Wanderlust Cultural Homestay Tutoring (Au Pair in China) Program

Aupair Beijing

Jul 5, 2025

I am very excited about this program. It help my childhood dream, visiting China come true, here I met amazing people and made fun and precious memories. First days felt a little bit different and difficult to adapt, but you need just to wait some days, and everything will be perfect.

Beijing has such a unique and vibrant energy. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse myself in a rich cultural heritage, explore historic landmarks like the Great Wall, Forbidden City, hutongs, and buzzing night markets.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Follow your dreams, don’t be afraid of coming new culture, welcome every opportunity in this life
Pros
  • History, culture
  • Food and drinks
  • Meeting new people
Cons
  • Missing family members and your country
Lungelo
28
Female
South Africa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Wanderlust Cultural Homestay Tutoring (Au Pair in China) Program

Lungelo in China

Jun 30, 2025

I joined the Wanderlust Exchange program and spent six amazing months in Suzhou, China. From the moment I arrived it was a life changing experience. I got to live with a local family, learn about Chinese culture, and share my own.The main thing I enjoyed was shopping and going out every weekend with my host family. They really made me feel like part of the family. I also got to meet other au pairs and make new friends from around the world. I especially loved ordering food. It became my favorite hobby 😂 Because of my passion and love for the experience, Wanderlust even made me an Overseas Representative 🩷Throughout my journey we took many pictures and shared lots of stories. If you want to see what life in China was really like for me, you can check out my Instagram. I’ve posted highlights from the beginning of my trip all the way to now.Thank you Wanderlust for helping me grow, explore, and feel at home in a new country. If you’re thinking about joining, go for it. It’s an unforgettable adventure 🌏✈️

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Do as much research as you can before coming. It helps you feel more prepared. Also, book your flight tickets a few months before your departure. They are usually much cheaper if you book early. I made the mistake of booking mine too late, and when my plans changed, there was a slight delay in getting my refund.
Pros
  • ESL experience
  • Culture exchange
  • Beautiful country
Cons
  • Culture shock
  • Fat phobia
  • Colorism
Shanghai
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Programs

Displaying 1 - 5 of 5

Alumni Interviews

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

Soraya Shirin Stuehmer

Program
Wanderlust Cultural Homestay Tutoring (Au Pair in China) Program

Why did you choose this program?

I chose this program because I already knew that I want to travel around after finishing school and learn more about different countries. I also love to work with children and teach them. China has always been a country that I am really interested in. So becoming an Au Pair in China was the best option for me. I can work with children and experience the Chinese life.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

The Agency really helped me with everything. Before I came here I applied for the visa and filled out a lot of forms but I could always text the company and they always helped me. So even when I needed to organize something on my own they helped me a lot. If I had questions I could always text them and they would answer me very fast. So the Agency helped me with everything and because of that I didn’t have any problems in China.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

You need to be very open minded. China is a different country with a different culture. If you come here and start to live with a Chinese family it’s very different from what you are used to. So try to be open minded for everything. Don’t be afraid to try new things. If you do that you will adapt very fast to the Chinese life.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

It depends on your host family. But normally you will have 1 1/2 days off in the week and work for 7 hours a day. If the children go to school you will have more freetime. The families want you to teach the children English. So you will read a Lot of English books with them and talk a lot of English with them. In the freetime you can go out with friends. On the weekends the families go out very often and you can see a lot of things of the city.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear was that I don’t like it and that I can’t adapt to the Chinese life. I was afraid that I don’t get along with my hostfamily. In the end everything was just a fear. My family is super nice and could adapt very fast to the Chinese life. I really love it in China and I learned a lot of new things through this experience. This experience really helped me to grow. You can overcome your fears if you just try out everything and don’t be afraid of something new.

Staff Interviews

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

Lilian Liu

Program
Wanderlust Cultural Homestay Tutoring (Au Pair in China) Program
Job Title
Project Coordinator
Lilian was born and raised in Shanghai, then studied in the UK and Australia. She moved to Sydney for work and decided to come back to Shanghai in 2018.

She started a small art classroom in Shanghai in August 2018, and because of her passion for international cultural exchange, she joined Wanderlust Exchange as a part-time project coordinator and starting to help running the company's Au Pair program in China.
Lilian Liu

What is your favorite travel memory?

My best travel memory would be to the small town in Germany named Regensburg. When we got there, it was their festival season; every shop is closed, and we saw people in traditional costumes celebrating on the streets.

We sat in front of the local church just to see how the sun moved on the church and cast beautiful shadows on the street. We felt so peaceful and joyous.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

This job really gives me a chance to get to know people from every corner of the world. I met people from Northern European countries as well as South America. Not only I get to share with them my cultures and heritages, but I also get to know their distinctive cultures and lifestyles when communicating with them. I made friends with some of our au pairs and volunteers, which I think it will be a life long friendship.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

Yes, we actually have many positive feedbacks from our au pairs and volunteers. One of the best stories I've heard is between our au pair in Ningbo and her host family.

They had such a great bonding that the kids really saw her as a close big sister and they wanted to be with her all the time, even wanted to sleep together with her. By the time she had to leave, both the au pair and the family were very emotional, but they still keep in touch with each other from time to time. This could be something that lasts for a lifetime for both the au pair and the family. Not to mention that the au pair's Chinese language skills also improved quite a lot during the program.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

I would definitely choose to be an au pair. Because this will give you the most authentic experience of what it's like living in China. For those who are interested in learning the Chinese language as well as the cultures, it will offer you a lot more than you can imagine. You get to see and experience so many things that you will not experience if you just come here as a student and live on campus.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

Our company is unique because of the fact that we put great effort in enhancing the experience of both our au pair program candidates and family candidates. We will provide service throughout the entire process and until the au pair leaves the family. We try to make each and every candidate feel they are taken care of and their needs will be attended to.

I was especially proud of seeing the growth of our team. We are a small but close-knit team. We share the same values and goals, and we also share a lot of common interests, which makes the work much more enjoyable. We have sharing sessions each week to share and discuss different interesting topics. We truly care for each other and aim to bring out the best outcome in our work.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

I think passion is really important so that the team can really have the motivation to keep improving and keep growing. Also, sharing the same values and goals is equally important so that you can truly work as a team and try to think about what will be the best for the team and the company. Wanderlust Exchange has both qualities, so I believe we are on our way to be successful.

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