Wanderlust Exchange

Going to China has always been something I wanted to do. Taking a gap year finally meant I was able to do this. Looking online for the right program so I could stay in China, I ended up with Wanderlust Exhange.
After arriving in my host family, the beginning was quite tough for me. However, the family has been very kind and gave me the time to get used to everything here. After a few days it went better and better.
Connecting with the hostchild was maybe the most challenging part of my experience. After a few weeks our relationship improved: the child was open to learn more English besides just playing with me.
Over the weekends I would join the family in their activities (having lunch outdoors, going to a park, visiting the grandparents, going to a park etc.) and during weekdays I'd have time to see more of the city and attend my Chinese classes.
Besides seeing more of the country and learning a little bit of the language, I also learned more about tutoring a child and finding ways to make learning more fun.
So I would say this program is a chance to experience the best of both worlds and I would recommend this program to anyone who's up for a (learning) adventure!

First I wanted to be in Shanghai but when I discover the host family who wanted to be with me it was a perfect match !

WAC helped me in all my steps to be able to come to China by answering my questions. more the welcome and the approaches to my arrival were warmest. I am happy to have been with this company during my 6 months in China and I thank them very much for finding me the perfect family in China.

followed in approaches for visa, hosted on arrival in Shanghai, filed at the hotel to leave the business and rest with documents the agency more a small card welcome, the next day visit the agency to focus on the progress and operation in China, followed a visit Shanghai and next day take the train to go to the city of destination Ningbo ! where to me I have been received by the mother very warm with a bunch of flower. even if I were stressed in the plane before arriving in China and despite some technical problems staff this experience with the agency and my family home will forever engraved in my memory and is for me the most beautiful it is !

Wow, I can't believe my two months in China as an AU Pair is already coming to an end!

What an experience, not an easy one by any means, but definitely a completely fulfilling one.

Wanderlust has made this journey a very smooth and simple one. From the airport pickup to the constant support no matter what the issue is (including numerous phone calls while I was in Hong Kong to renew my visa, they were with me every step of the way.

The family I have was matched with have been incredible, the 2 kids are great fun and we enjoy playing sports, games and doing homework everyday. The family have been amazing, they have really shown me around this great city and made me feel at home. In addition, we went on a 2 week holiday to Africa and saw amazing things together. It just goes to show if you put yourself in these kinds of situations anything can happen :)

As an Au pair in China, you shouldn't expect an easy ride, but you should expect a new cultural experience with new things to learn and see everyday . Dive right in and you will be able to make the most of it!

To those contemplating going to China as an Au Pair, I can highly recommend Wanderlust, they have made my journey here so great and I haven't once felt as though there was a problem I couldn't overcome, they have been such a great help to me!

Thanks everyone :)

Mike

I always knew that I wanted to do something different after I graduate. All my friends kept talking about going to the US or Australia, but somehow that didn't have too much appeal for me. One day I accidentally stumbled upon China and I figured, why not? So I packed all my stuff and went on my adventure in the far east.
I have been living in the beautiful City of Shanghai for nearly 6 months now - with another 6 months to go. Time is flying way too quickly.
From the moment I stepped into the country I was treated like a part of the family. I have a 5 year old host kid that I absolutely adore, she really makes my day brighter. My Hostfamily gave me the amazing opportunity to visit Hangzhou, Tonglu and Beijing with them. Who doesn't want to stand on the Great Wall once in their life? I made so many amazing friends along the way. I even traveled 18 hours in a train with one of them to visit Guilin, in South of China. This year already gave me so many amazing opportunities and it is not even halfway over.
Adjusting to the local 'Lifestyle' and Food had been no problem at all for me. Especially since I like to eat spicy. Seriously, that makes your life a lot easier.
What had been quite of a challenge at first for little ol' german me was the spontaneity of the people here. I tend to stick to plans and if you're like me, that might take some adjustment time.
Now, a few months later, I am proud to say that I got way more spontaneous though.
I also love the fact that we're able to study the language in a local language school. After 6 months I am able to understand quite a lot, but I must admit that speaking is still very hard for me.
Shanghai has quite a lot of English speakers, sometimes you gotta push yourself to speak Chinese in public - to leave your comfort zone.
I am very thankful for everything my Hostfamily did and still does for me. They take me out for amazing activities, and make sure that I always feel comfortable and welcome. They grew so close to my heart and I feel very grateful to be able to stay in such a wonderful family.
Hazel, Ginger and Lisa have been very helpful and are always there for you if you have any questions. I really made the right decision to come to a country with such a diverse culture, amazing food and the nicest people.
I'm looking forward to see what the next 6 months will bring me

I love Shanghai and would not trade this experience for the world! It is not for someone who's intentions are to travel the world and not be willing to put in the work. Get ready to have your patience tested and to be put in uncomfortable situations. These things have helped me grow so much as a person. Being an au pair means being able to be spontaneous and sometimes you probably will feel very confused on what you're supposed to do. But don't worry! If you have any questions or ANY concerns Wanderlust helps with all communication barriers you might have with your family. They work very hard to help you settle into Shanghai upon arrival and will try to help you feel comfortable through meeting the other au pairs immediately! I've learned to really care about my host kid and the family, you will definitely create bonds that are unforgettable with the people you meet :)