Yohoo Au Pair China Culture Exchange Program

Yohoo International Culture Exchange Co. Ltd.

Why choose Yohoo International Culture Exchange Co. Ltd.?

Yohoo International is a longstanding organization specializing in international cultural exchange. With a wealth of experience, they have been facilitating the Au Pair to China program, fostering cross-cultural connections and enriching the experiences of participants for many years. Through their dedicated efforts, Yohoo International aims to create meaningful cultural exchanges and lasting connections between individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Founded
2015

Reviews

Janne
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

AuPair in Beijing

I had a great experience with Yohoo AuPair. After finishing school I didn’t really know what to do, and I happened to read about the agency by accident. Since I had nothing to lose I thought I would just give it a try.

At first, I had an introductory call with the agency so they could get to know me better. After that, I filled out some information about myself and recorded an introduction video. They then told me they would start looking for a potential host family. I expected this to take quite some time, but after only a few weeks I already received a family profile.

I agreed to have a call with the mother and someone from the agency joined us to provide translation and support. After the call, the agency asked me how I felt about it and suggested another call so I could also get to know the two children (7 and 10 years old). I had a good feeling and agreed. The children were very shy so it was kind of a blind box how they would be in person but I thought I’ll just see myself. After the second call, we all came to the conclusion that we were a good match.

At that time, I still had two trips planned. One was already fixed, and the other was not fully arranged yet. I stayed in contact with the agency and they helped me organize everything so I would have enough time in China and for my other trip to South America before university starts. They also supported me with the visa process and all the necessary preparations.

In September, I went to Beijing to start the program. On my first day, I went out with a woman from the agency who helped me get a Chinese SIM card. She also asked the mother about her expectations and the daily schedule. At first, I felt a little anxious, especially after the woman left. However, I knew I could contact them at any time which gave me reassurance.

Over time, I realized that I truly matched with my host family. They were all incredibly kind and I never once felt the need to contact the agency for any complaints. Occasionally, we stayed in touch for cultural events with other au pairs where we did activities together such as taking pictures in traditional outfits or painting.

During my time in China, I also attended a language school. There, I had lessons with a very nice girl from Estonia and we spent a lot of time together during the day.

My weekly schedule was pretty convenient Three times a week, I went to school with the children in the morning. We always went with a driver who was very nice. On the other two days, I attended language school. The children came home at 5 p.m. and I had to be back at that time as well. We had dinner together and afterwards I played with the 7year old boy and did some reading with him. When the home tutor finished with the 10year old girl, I would read with her, and we often had lovely conversations. It was always impressive how good their English already was. I wouldn’t say I was really teaching them English. They already knew a lot but weren’t used to actively speaking it. I tried created an English speaking atmosphere where they could practice and build confidence.

On the weekends, I helped them with their English homework, played with them, went to their hobbies and accompanied them to their Sunday English class with the tutor or the mom. Sometimes the family had special activities planned such as going to Universal Studios for Halloween and they always took me with them.

I also had the opportunity to travel and visited five other cities during my stay. The family trusted me to take care of myself, which I truly appreciated. In general, I always felt comfortable expressing my needs and they were always willing to help.

They also had the loveliest nanny. Even though she didn’t speak English we still managed to communicate using a translator app and we had a great time together. She cooked the most amazing food. I still miss it every single day!

Looking back, I can clearly see that I had a positive influence on the children’s English skills. My biggest concern beforehand was that the family might regret getting an au pair, but I truly hope they don’t. I felt like a real part of the family.

Unfortunately, my time there was a bit short (3,5 months) because I didn’t have more time available. However, I would always come back if both the family and I had the opportunity again.

I would encourage anyone to take this chance. And really stay at least 3,5 months - the more the better if you have a good match. Of course, you need to be lucky with your host family. I was very lucky that we matched so well. It could have been different. I have heard that there is also an option to rematch if things don’t work out. I don’t know exactly how that process works but everyone at the agency was so kind and supportive that I believe they would provide great assistance if needed.

If you truly match with your host family, I promise you will have an amazing time and once you return home, you will definitely miss it!

Thank you, Yohoo AuPair, for this opportunity!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I think chicken feed haha incredibly spicy I can tell
Pros
  • Bonding with a New foreign family
  • To be a role model
  • To get to know more about yourself
Cons
  • Possible miss match
  • Maybe no other au pair people you get along wih
Anna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

It’s good to be brave

Thanks to the Yohoo Au Pair program I experienced a life in a new country, met many new friends and learned new language. The agent was helpful in every situation.

Being an au pair allows you to gain a lot of knowledge about yourself and the environment. The most important things you will get are patience, independence, and unforgettable memories.

If you are scared to start, do it scared, because I promise whenever something goes wrong, you will get help from this agency. Agents will make sure you feel comfortable and happy in the new house and city.

I will be forever grateful for this program and I recommend you to try it if you seek adventures.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
You are going to have better and worse moments, but those are crucial if you want to grow. Stay kind, open, and at peace.
Pros
  • New friends
  • Unforgettable moments
  • Possibly finding your place
Cons
  • Errors in communication
  • Stressful situations
  • -
Timothy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Life-Changing Cultural Experience in China

I joined the Yohoo Au Pair China program and spent 6 months living in Liyang, a peaceful city surrounded by beautiful scenery and kind people. From the very beginning, my host family made me feel completely welcome - they treated me like part of the family, not just a guest. I spent my days helping the children with English, playing games, eating together, and joining in their daily routines.

The cultural exchange was the most rewarding part of this experience. I shared my country’s traditions and holidays with my host family, and they taught me so much about Chinese culture - from trying traditional foods to celebrating local festivals together. Yohoo also organized fun activities like sightseeing trips and workshops, which made it easy to meet other au pairs and learn more about the culture.

This program helped me grow in confidence, patience, and independence. I improved my communication skills, learned basic Mandarin, and gained a deeper appreciation for cultural differences. Living in another country taught me how to adapt, connect with people, and find joy in the little things.

Some of my funniest and most memorable moments were playing the creative games the kids invented. They would turn household objects into props, mix English and Chinese words, and make me act out their imaginative stories. Their laughter and energy made every day feel like an adventure.

I also loved the moments when I taught English in fun and creative ways, such as storytelling, singing, or role-playing. Seeing the kids’ eyes light up when they learned something new made every challenge worthwhile.

Of course, there were small challenges, such as language barriers and adjusting to the family’s daily schedule, but overcoming them was part of the experience.

For anyone considering this program, my advice is:

Be open-minded - things will be different, but that’s what makes it amazing.

Learn a few Mandarin phrases before you come; it really helps you bond with your family.

Embrace every moment, even the challenging ones - they’re all part of the experience.

Yohoo provided great support throughout the process, from matching me with the right family to checking in regularly to make sure I was doing well. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to explore China, gain life experience, and make meaningful connections that last beyond your stay.

What was your funniest moment?
The funniest part of my days was joining the kids in their creative games. They could turn anything — from spoons to socks — into part of an elaborate story. I loved how their imagination reminded me not to take life too seriously.
Pros
  • Warm, welcoming host family
  • Excellent cultural exchange and local experiences
  • Supportive and communicative Yohoo staff
Cons
  • Adjusting to subtle cultural communication styles
  • Learning local transportation and city norms
  • Limited entertainment and shopping options in Liyang compared to bigger cities.
Mia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An exceptionally valuable program experience

I participated in Au Pair program with Yohoo. My host family was in Beijing, and they were incredibly warm and welcoming, treating me like their own daughter. This decision was the best one I've ever made. I experienced firsthand China's culture and its wonderful people. At first, I was also worried about the challenges I'd face after coming to China—language barriers, cultural differences, and so on. But Yohoo gave me tremendous help. If you're also interested in joining the au pair program, I wholeheartedly recommend choosing Yohoo and heading to Beijing! This experience has been absolutely amazing!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I ate duck tongues. It looks strange, but it tastes absolutely amazing!!!
Pros
  • Language
  • Worldview
  • Self Growth
Cons
  • Gain weight
  • The weather is a bit hot.
  • Time too short
MAISARAH MAARUF
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An unforgettable journey in Kunming

Looking back on my three-month au pair experience in Kunming, it feels like a precious journey filled with warmth, joy and unforgettable memories. Kunming itself is a city that left a deep impression on me from the very beginning—its natural beauty is simply breathtaking. The clear blue skies, lush greenery everywhere and the pleasant climate made every day here a delight, and it was such a wonderful backdrop for the time I spent with the family.​

The highlight of this experience was undoubtedly the time I shared with the little girl in the host family. We did so many lovely things together that I will cherish forever. We would sit down to read interesting storybooks, getting lost in the magical worlds of the tales; we picked up paintbrushes and created colorful artworks, letting our imaginations run wild on the paper; and one of the most exciting activities was going horse riding together. Feeling the wind on our faces as we rode slowly, watching her eyes light up with excitement, those moments were truly priceless. Even though our time together was only three months, a deep and special bond grew between us. When it was time for me to leave, I felt a strong sense of reluctance—saying goodbye to her was one of the hardest parts of ending this journey.​

I am also extremely grateful to my host family for their kindness and generosity. They went out of their way to show me around Kunming and Shanghai, taking me to explore its charming streets, beautiful parks, and unique cultural spots.

Through these adventures, I got to know the city better and fell in love with its unique charm. What's more, they introduced me to a wide variety of delicious Chinese food. The diversity of Chinese cuisine is amazing—there were so many dishes I had never tasted before. Every meal was a new and interesting experience, and I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the local flavors with the family.​

This au pair project in Kunming has been an incredible chapter in my life. I not only made precious connections with the host family and the little girl but also got to experience the beauty of Kunming and the richness of Chinese culture and food. It's an experience I will always remember and treasure.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Drawing from my au pair experience, here’s concise advice to help you make the most of your journey and connect smoothly with your host family.
1. Adapt Using Local Environment
Leverage the local climate and scenery to settle in. Take short outings on free days—fresh air eases homesickness and gives you chat topics with the family. Keep a light layer handy for sudden weather changes.
2. Prioritize Quality Time with Kids
Small, interactive moments matter more than just planned activities. Ask about their favorite story details, praise their art ideas, and check their comfort level during activities. Patience and listening build trust.
3. Communicate Openly
Early on, ask about daily routines, kids’ habits, and family expectations to avoid misunderstandings. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, and share bits of your culture (e.g., traditional food) to deepen bonds. Say yes to family outings—they’re great for learning about local life.
4. Explore Local Culture Boldly
Try new local foods (mention dietary needs upfront) and ask questions during city trips. Learn basic local phrases—locals appreciate it, and it makes adventures more fun. Take photos (with permission) to keep memories.
5. Make Time for Yourself
Set aside weekly time for things you love—calling home, journaling, or exploring alone. It keeps you happy and energized for your au pair duties.
Au pair experiences are one-of-a-kind. Stay open, kind, and ready to embrace moments—you’ll create lasting memories!
Pros
  • Immersive Cultural Experience (Beyond Tourism)
  • Meaningful Emotional Connections
  • Flexible Growth Opportunities
Cons
  • Potential Homesickness and Culture Shock

Programs

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Staff Interviews

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

Issy Lin

Job Title
Marketing Director
Issy Lin is the market director of Yohoo Au Pair China, a cultural exchange organization connecting international au pairs with high-end Chinese families. She is passionate about creating meaningful cross-cultural experiences and empowering young people to explore the world through language and understanding.
Issy and students enjoy a meeting together

Staff Spotlight: Issy

What is your favorite travel memory?

One of my favorite travel memories was spending time with host families in Canada during a cultural exchange visit. I was deeply touched by how warmly they opened their homes and shared their traditions with me. It reminded me that travel is not only about seeing new places but about human connection—the shared meals, small conversations, and laughter that transcend language barriers. Those moments continue to inspire how I design cultural exchange programs today.
 

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

Leading Yohoo Au Pair China has helped me grow both as a professional and as a person. I’ve learned to navigate cultural differences with patience and empathy, and to build systems that balance compliance, service, and genuine human care. The experience has strengthened my belief that cultural exchange is not just business—it’s a mission to connect people, open minds, and make the world feel smaller and kinder.
 

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

One of our au pairs from Mexico shared how her experience in China changed her confidence completely. She started the program shy and unsure of her English teaching ability, but by the end, she could communicate fluently, cook Chinese dishes, and even teach her host kids Spanish songs. She said her time in China taught her that “home can be built anywhere if people are kind.” Stories like hers remind me why this work truly matters.
 

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

If I could, I would love to join our own Au Pair in China program—as a participant! I’d enjoy living with a local family, taking Chinese language lessons, and joining our weekend cultural activities like calligraphy, kung fu, or tea ceremonies. Experiencing the program firsthand would give me an even deeper understanding of the challenges and joys that au pairs face every day.
 

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

Yohoo Au Pair China stands out because we combine cultural empathy with professional structure. Our team ensures every placement is personal and supported, from visa processing to cultural adaptation. I was especially proud during the pandemic, when our staff worked tirelessly to support both au pairs and families, managing complex visa transitions and emotional stress. Their dedication proved that our strength lies in our care for people.
 

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

The biggest factor is trust—built through consistency, transparency, and genuine human connection. In cultural exchange, success is not just about matching numbers, but about ensuring every participant feels safe, respected, and enriched. A company that listens to its clients, learns from its mistakes, and keeps its mission centered on people will always stand the test of time.