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Wanderlust Exchange

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.

Scholarships

Wanderlust Summer Scholarship Cultural Ambassador Program

The Cultural Ambassador Summer Program 2025 is your gateway to an immersive cultural adventure in China. Designed exclusively for students from English-speaking countries studying at QS top 200 universities, this program offers a unique two to three-month experience in some of China’s most dynamic cities: Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Shenzhen. As a cultural ambassador, you’ll not only teach English and become a big sibling to your host family’s children but also share your own culture, creating a deep and meaningful exchange.

Participants in this program receive an array of benefits. 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.

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.

Reviews

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Aadi
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Wanderlust Exchange Review

I started this program in October of 2024. My arrival was very smooth as I received lots of help my co-ordinator was there to collect me from the airport and everyone ensured I had what I needed. The families and the agency were all very nice and a massive help with the transition to life in China. Despite small challenges they were easy to overcome with the help of the agency. This was a truly unforgettable experience. I recommend taking the big jump and trying this experience even if afraid xx

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice for future travellers would be to prepare yourself for the different cuisine in China by doing research as you might not fully enjoy all Chinese dishes
Pros
  • Teaching Experience
  • Cultural exchange
  • New friends/family
Cons
  • Different Cuisine
  • Cultural shock
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Deniza
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

DenizaG

Living and working in China as part of a cultural exchange program can be an incredibly enriching and transformative experience. If you love children, this program could be perfect for you. It offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in a foreign culture while also making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people. The experience is fun, rewarding, and will stay with you long after you return home.

One of the most exciting aspects of living in China is the chance to explore the country's beauty. China is a vast and diverse country, with something for everyone—breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, historical landmarks, and a rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re strolling through the bustling streets of Beijing, hiking the ancient Great Wall, or exploring tranquil tea fields in the countryside, there’s always something new to discover. The country is steeped in history and tradition, and living there gives immense opportunities

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Knarik
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing adventure

Good opportunity to discover China and Chinese cilture. I had 6 wonderful months, gained new experiences, and had fun with my cool host family.I have learned Mandarin and for sure it will be useful in my life. I would like to mention that being China is really different feeling and doesn't match our thoughts before coming. Everyone should visit China even for one time and AuPair program giving us that opportunity. China is so safe and has kind people which we need to wnjoy our life. I like China and Chinese people, hope to be back again🫶🏻❤️❤️

What was your funniest moment?
When I was speaking Chinese and everyone getting shocked, and when I was mading them to speak English whenever I couldn't understand Mandarin.
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Clàudia
2/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Expect the unexpected

The overall experience was a mixed bag, but mostly enjoyable. I would think this is related to needing a long time to get used to my host family's lifestyle which was worlds different from my own, both due to cultural differences and their social status. "It is important to know beforehand what your role in the household will be exactly so that you can mentally prepare accordingly!" is what I would say to myself if I were to go back in time before my trip! I think that would have made my stay much more pleasant.

Besides that fact, my family was very sweet and respectful towards me and tagged me along for almost anything, which let me see a lot about the city of Beijing! It is a most beautiful place, that one, it never lacks for anything to do or have fun with.

The food was also a plus! The family's Ayi had her ways with a wok and whipped up some of the most flavorful cuisine I have ever had, even if the spice destroyed my stomach on occasion. The house was always clean and tidy and the commune we were in was very pretty and had great views. I didn't go out on my own often due to a lack of free time ( which was very taxing ) but even if I stayed out late, it always felt safe to be out on the streets, even as a solo female traveler, though I wouldn't recommend straying from popular streets at night, just in case.

When it comes to my experience with the kids, I was in a family of five, with three kids under the age of 10. Here is where the subversion of expectations comes into play, for it was quite a twist to come across such young children who were so intelligent and academically smart and at the same time rude and wild. It was tricky to figure out how to approach them and guard them with their capricious nature and constant tantrums (which often involved me getting slapped, kicked, and bitten), and even at the end of my stay I still didn't fully understand how to manage with them, although they had been quite pacified by then. But when they were calm and in a happy mood they were, although very ecitable, regular children and we played and learned just fine (as stated, they were beyond their years when it came to schoolwork).

In summary, it was quite an experience. Time off was scarce but very welcome as I enjoyed being a tourist quite a lot. My experience as an Au Pair was rather harsh with the kids and that is why I wish I had known what kind of household I was going to, but that is very complicated to know with precision before you get there - It's quite the gamble.

But then again, it was not the end-all-be-all of my stay for me. I would recommend daring and curious people to check it out and become an au pair. This experience taught me about myself, about what it's like to be far from home, about my boundaries and my needs. The only thing I would see as a definitive requisite for anyone willing to try this out is patience!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
You had better be somehwat fluent in Chinese or quickly make some chinese friends to hang out with, because almost no one understands or speaks english over there! It will boost your language skills through sheer necessity!
Pros
  • Discovering a completely new culture
  • Making new international friends and aquaintances
  • Improving your language skills
Cons
  • Might take a long time to adapt
  • Food is not always pleasant (that can't be helped hehe)
  • Might be hard to move around alone if you don't know a lot of Chinese
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Jolana
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My stay in china

I spent many months in China as an Au Pair under Wanderlust Exchange in a few cities.
I got contacted by them and signed up because I was interested in coming to China without having to study at a uni. And they were a lot more efficient and fast than the other agency I was planning to go with so I chose them. Personally, the recruitment, family matching and visa process was really smooth for me due to them laying out specific instructions. Though for the family interviews I wish I had had my current experience and knowledge, the choice of the hostfamily is really crucial for your experience.
So after two months I arrived in China and my coordinator/recruiter picked me up and brought me to the train station, managed the settling in into the family and reached out from time to time to ask about how things were going, plus relaying the feedback from my hostmum. I went on a two-day city tour and got my Chinese bank card.
The visa extension process in HongKong was also super smooth, I prepared all the paperwork with WE, got instructions etc. Due to flight delays I arrived at my hotel very late, I remember that one of my visa-coordinators stayed till 1am up to make sure I arrived and checked in safely in the hotel. The rest of the trip went smoothly, but make sure to have lots of savings for your time there.
I think sometimes some things can be inconsistent. Like Au Pairs in Shanghai benefit from in-person classes and also the extra group speaking sessions that SN school provides, I believe. But some of their culture activities are online. I've only ever had online classes but all my culture activities were in person and some of them were solo-classes too. I feel very grateful to have had a Hanfu-event, that was the coolest. Not all aupairs did that. I also did pottery, Chinese art activities, archery etc. Not all recruiters, coordinators act the same, are as dedicated etc, it depends on luck who you get, just like with the hostfamilies.
Also, for the first few months I didn't have culture activities, but when I and a few others in my city reminded them they arranged for us to catch up to all the activities, which we did.
Still, I wouldn't change anything about this year here, I've grown a lot and learned a lot. China has given me the opportunity to meet many great friends here, both Chinese and foreigners. The social circle of the Au Pairs is really supportive and it's easy to find friends that way. My stay with my hostfamilies was full of ups and downs, but overall I will look back gladly on both the nice parts and "bad" parts, both taught me a lot about myself and life. I'm so grateful for having met all my hostsiblings, for the time I spent with them, for the love they gave me :)) My 中国弟弟&妹妹 <3
I'm glad I signed up, though I'm also glad to start something else now. Au Pairing has its' highs and lows and it's difficult sometimes so you have to be prepared to face the challenges. Be sure to have lots of savings though in case some unexpected events or emergencies happen, be very careful regarding the hostfamily-matching, don't be scared to ask for a rematch if you feel it's not right or safe and build a supporting social circle.

What would you improve about this program?
I think the choice of your hostfamily is the thing that can make or break this experience. That's why I believe that:
1. Families should have to go through a mandatory orientation/course where they are educated about the exact role an Au Pair will play, how they should be treated and what standards they should be held up to. Some families have expectations that are very hard or sometimes impossible to reach, even if you try your best, like regarding the speed of improvement of their child's English or how you should act as an Au Pair, your duties and non-duties etc.
2. Au Pairs should be able to contact a family's previous Au Pairs to get a good look for how a family is behind closed doors before they sign a contract. Au Pairs move across the world to go live with a family they have never met previously, basically strangers. It would be safer if you can contact and connect with others and get a 2nd opinion aside from the agency. If it's the family's first time in a program like that they should pass necessary safety-screenings beforehand.
Pros
  • Lots of families are part of the program - lots to interview woth and choose from
  • Social scene is great in the big cities
  • For ~me~ personally everything has always been efficient and fast with WE
Cons
  • Smaller cities get boring and isolating quickly even if your family is great
  • Things with agency were chaotic sometimes, esp when coordinators changed
  • Some families don't respect 1,5 days off/ 30h workweek and other boundaries, WE isn't strict enough with them imo
Response from Wanderlust Exchange

Dear Jolana,

Thank you so much for sharing your detailed and heartfelt experience with Wanderlust Exchange! We are truly happy to hear that your time in China was filled with personal growth, new friendships, and memorable cultural activities. It's wonderful to know that, despite some challenges, you look back on both the highs and lows as valuable learning experiences.

We appreciate your feedback about the recruitment and visa process running smoothly, as well as your insights on host family matching and the importance of preparation. We understand that every au pair’s journey is unique, and we're always striving to make each experience as rewarding and supportive as possible. We're glad that you felt supported by your coordinator and were able to catch up on cultural activities when needed, it means a lot to us!

We also recognize your point about some inconsistencies between coordinators and activities in different cities, and we will certainly take this into account as we continue to improve our services.

Thank you for your kind words and your thoughtful reflections. We wish you the very best in your next adventure, and we're grateful to have been a part of your journey in China!

WE Team

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

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

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

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.

Professional Associations

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