Program Reviews

Having spent a year as an au pair in the United States, I understand the importance of having agency support throughout the process. When I decided to pursue a similar opportunity in China, I extensively researched various agencies and ultimately chose Star Exchange . I was impressed by their professionalism and efficiency. One aspect I particularly appreciated was their rigorous screening process for host families. Unlike some agencies that might accept any family willing to pay, Star Exchange and its Chinese brand Rising Star ensures that only suitable families are selected. For instance, a neighbor who obtained their contact information through my Chinese host family was not approved after a home visit. This incident piqued my curiosity, and when I inquired about it, my host mother said she heard that the team member of my agency did the home visit and found the grandparents of that family were not fully supportive of hosting a foreign individual in their home. Recognizing the potential impact on the future relationship between the Chinese family and the au pair, SE made the decision not to proceed. This level of attention to detail and commitment to ensuring a positive experience for both au pairs and host families sets Star Exchange apart, making them my top recommendation for anyone considering an au pair experience in China.

I had the pleasure of spending three delightful months in China, coinciding with the winter holidays of Chinese children. My journey to China was facilitated by Star Exchange, and I must say, it was an amazing experience. During my time there, I delved deeply into the rich tapestry of Chinese culture, particularly immersing myself in the grandeur of Chinese New Year celebrations.
One aspect that truly stood out was the honesty, transparency, and directness exhibited by Star Exchange throughout the entire process. Even before matching with a host family , they consistently communicated with me about potential cultural differences that might make me feel uncomfortable. For instance, they forewarned me about the bustling atmosphere during the Spring Festival, with families gathering in large numbers and the streets crowded with travelers.I deeply appreciated their proactive efforts to address any potential concerns, fostering a sense of trust and reliability.

I highly recommend Star Exchange for anyone considering an exchange program. They are responsible and organized, from matching host families to assisting with visa processing and providing training to adapt to life in China. Each participant, including myself, has a personal coordinator who guides us through procedures and answers our questions. Every aspect is handled by dedicated staff members, such as booking flights and training sessions. The professionalism and kindness of every staff member are commendable. When I needed to extend my visa in March and encountered flight cancellations, the Star Exchange team responded promptly and helped me rebook my flights. I am truly grateful for their support.

During my six-month stay in Beijing, Star Exchange’s professionalism and support were outstanding. From matching me with a host family to assisting with visa procedures, their efficiency was remarkable. Their training for adapting to life in China was practical, and I learned a great deal. Additionally, their bonus system is excellent! Every effort I made was recognized, and both myself and fellow au pairs received completion and excellence bonuses. I really enjoyed my time in China - thank you!

As a high school graduate from the Netherlands unsure about my future academic path, I decided to embark on a gap year in China as an au pair. After comparing various agencies online, I chose Star Exchange for its exceptional benefits for au pairs , including work hours, flight tickets, and bonuses.My experience with Star Exchange was great . They matched me with my lovely Chinese host family. From handling visa procedures to organizing training sessions, their commitment to ensuring a smooth and enriching experience is evident.
Despite initial challenges adjusting to cultural differences, such as crowded public transportation, my ten months in China were enriching and rewarding.

I had the pleasure of spending 12 months in Beijing, China, through the Star Exchange Au Pair in China Program and I couldn't be more satisfied with my experience. From the moment I arrived, my Chinese host family welcomed me with warmth and kindness. Star Exchange and their Chinese brand (Rising Star) facilitated every step of the process, ensuring clarity and efficiency throughout.
One of the aspects I appreciated the most was the personalized scheduling assistance provided by them. They helped me and my host family create a schedule, which was immensely valuable. Knowing exactly my schedule with my host kids each day allowed me to have my routine and make the best use of my time.
Moreover, they offered cultural training both before and after my arrival in China, which proved to be incredibly beneficial. This training helped me navigate the cultural differences seamlessly, especially concerning planning. I learned to adapt to the Chinese approach of not planning too far in advance, understanding that sometimes, parents couldn't commit to plans until receiving school notifications. I'm grateful for the support provided by my Chinese family in such a different cultural setting.
Overall, my experience with Star Exchange in China was enriching, and I am thankful for the opportunity to explore a new culture while creating lasting memories.

I enrolled in the Star Exchange Au Pair in China program after graduating from high school in 2023, and it was a decision I will never regret. From the moment I signed up, I was impressed by their professionalism and expertise. Within three days of registration, I had a video call with their staff who patiently addressed all my queries and took the time to understand my expectations regarding China and my future host family.

Receiving the profile of my Chinese host family within days further cemented my decision. Despite not having met them yet, I instantly felt a connection. Subsequent video calls only solidified my excitement. Star Exchange efficiently assisted me in obtaining my visa, and soon I found myself in Beijing.

During my six months in China, I was very happy. My host family was kind and friendly, making me feel like I had a second home in China. I embraced cultural differences positively because their training were very useful. I became more open minded. I am grateful to Star Exchange for matching me with such a wonderful family. This summer, I plan to bring my Danish family to visit my Chinese family, thanks to the unforgettable experience facilitated by Star Exchange. Highly recommended!

I participated in the Star Exchange program and traveled to China in the summer of 2023. My journey with this program began back in 2020 when I first applied, but due to the pandemic, my plans were postponed. However, Star Exchange had already matched me with a wonderful Chinese family back in 2020. Unfortunately, by 2023, they no longer required an au pair. Upon learning this, Star Exchange promptly reached out to me and quickly found another suitable family for me.

Just like the first family, the second one welcomed me with warmth and sincerity, making me feel right at home. My ten months in China were incredibly fulfilling and enjoyable. The training provided by Star Exchange proved invaluable, making my transition to life in China seamless. I highly recommend this organization; they are reliable and truly care about their participants' experiences.

I had a great experience with star exchange for several reasons.
First, they provided online training before my arrival in China, covering cultural differences and practical knowledge Upon reaching China, the three-day training was comprehensive, offering practical guidance on interacting with my host kids and navigating public transportation. The training provided by Star Exchange was hands-on and immensely helpful.

They also offered valuable guidance for my Chinese host family. This proactive approach in preparing both me and my host family contributed to a smooth and positive experience.

What stood out the most for me was Star Exchange's efficiency and sincerity from the initial contact. Whether it was the interview process, arranging video calls with my host family, or coordinating my arrival and Mandarin courses, they were prompt and straightforward. They may not use elaborate language, but every staff member is courteous, responsive, and action-oriented.

Having spent a year in China as an au pair, I highly recommend Star Exchange. Firstly, I have friends in Germany who came to China through Star Exchange after graduating from high school, and they had a long history and a good reputation in Germany. Secondly, their service network in China is extensive! They have many great families in Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing and other big cities . In China, they have their own brand called "Rising Star." Right from the matching process, I could tell that the staffs were very professional, taking the time to understand my qualities and preferences in detail, and recommending Chinese family that was a great fit for me in all aspects! Furthermore, I always had a personal coordinator who was kind and dedicated. She provided various forms of assistance from the moment I was matched with a family, and continued to help me after I moved in. China's major cities are vast, and at the beginning, I was worried about getting lost, but their training covered everything, not just theory but also practical guidance on things like taking the subway. My Chinese host family was wonderful! They treated me like family. I'm very grateful for this program and My agency.