Program Reviews

Star Exchange is the most responsible and trustworthy agency I’ve encountered. During the summer of July 2024, I met my first host family through another agency in Guangzhou. they were kind people, but I must say the previous agency failed to provide the necessary support in coordinating things.
(I also want to advise anyone planning to come to China as an au pair not to prioritize the city. There are many major cities in China, all bustling and vibrant, not just the few commonly mentioned in the West. The quality of your host family is the most crucial factor affecting your experience, not the city itself.)
I then found Star Exchange , and from the start, they felt completely different. Their emails and application form showcased their professionalism. They assisted me throughout the entire process of arranging a video call with my new family, guiding us in openly asking each other questions and providing translation support when needed. My second host family is wonderful, and I appreciate Star Exchange’s regular follow-ups, as well as their guidance on how to communicate effectively with my host family. I highly recommend Star Exchange.

I highly recommend Star Exchange. I have just completed nine months of living in China, and thanks to them, I had an incredibly enjoyable time.
First of all, they are not an overly commercial agency, which means they are not money-driven. Believe me, this is quite rare among agencies (as I compared many, haha).
Additionally, they don’t over-promise. The entire team frequently emphasized the importance of understanding cultural differences. Their training was very detailed, not only listing all the key points clearly in a well-structured PowerPoint, but also addressing areas where cultural differences might make me feel uncomfortable. The training provided by their staff even included on-site guidance on how to respond and adjust to family life in a Chinese household.
Moreover, I feel they took great care in getting to know my preferences for an ideal host family and made a well-considered match. I am truly grateful that through them, I found my home in China. Yes, I can proudly say that my Chinese host family gave me a ‘home away from home’ – they were absolutely wonderful.
Thank you to everyone at the Star Exchange team!

I spent six wonderful months in China, and I am very grateful for the help provided by Star Exchange.
From the very beginning, when I was selecting an agency, I did extensive research and considered four different agencies. I ultimately chose Star Exchange because they clearly demonstrated a deeper understanding of the specific concerns faced by applicants from Germany, such as Kindergeld. Their guidance throughout the process, the documents they provided, and the speed of their responses all reflected a level of professionalism that set them apart from other agencies. Many of the staff members have lived and studied in Europe, and in China, I had a personal coordinator. Although she is Chinese, she lived in Austria for eight years, so she is very familiar with European culture.
They thoroughly understood my expectations for a Chinese host family and recommended a family that turned out to be perfect for me. My host family in China was open-minded, welcoming, and treated me very well.
I am truly thankful for this opportunity and am already looking forward to visiting my Chinese family again next summer.

I spent three wonderful months in Shenzhen, matched with a local family through SE. Every aspect of my experience was made seamless and enjoyable thanks to SE's professional and dedicated team.
From the beginning, I had a dedicated coordinator who managed the entire process, ensuring that everything was in place. SE staff helped me prepare necessary documents and guided me through the visa application, making it a stress-free experience.
Upon arriving in China, I received excellent training ，covering cultural differences and practical things, like using public transportation, which helped me settle in quickly.
My host family was amazing. With the agency’s support and guidance, we formed a strong bond and learned a lot from each other. This enriching cultural exchange made my time in Shenzhen truly memorable.
Thank you!

I had the privilege of spending 6 extraordinary months with a remarkable Chinese family in Beijing from the end of 2023. all made possible through Star Exchange. Opting for Star Exchange was a decision rooted in their extensive European (German) history and the presence of their dedicated Chinese team, Rising Star. Every staff member exhibited exceptional politeness, prompt responsiveness, and I was assigned a personal coordinator who meticulously guided me through every step of the journey.What truly stood out was their comprehensive approach in acquainting me with the program, China, and my host family, highlighting both the pros and cons. This level of transparency instilled a sense of security and greatly facilitated my adaptation process. Additionally, I received valuable training from other specialists of the team , which proved immensely beneficial. I wholeheartedly recommend Star Exchange to anyone seeking a unique and fulfilling international experience.

I had the pleasure of spending two delightful months with a Shanghai family last winter, all thanks to Star Exchange. What immediately endeared me to Star Exchange, after comparing several agencies, was their authenticity. Unlike others solely focused on highlighting program perks, they provided genuine insights. For instance, they preemptively addressed potential discomforts I might encounter, such as homesickness during new year or feeling overwhelmed by the bustling nature of Chinese New Year celebrations. Their keen understanding of both Western and Chinese cultures, coupled with continuous reminders of potential discomforts, was truly commendable. It was reassuring to know that my coordinator had extensive experience living in Europe, further enhancing the support provided. Additionally, I must commend their rewarding system, which surpasses other agencies . This aspect sets them apart and adds immense value to the overall experience.

I want to share a true story that happened to me. I'm a German girl who went to China as an au pair through Star Exchange in 2019. I had just graduated from high school that summer and was eager to experience Asian culture, so I signed up for Star Exchange's au pair China program. I was eventually matched with a family in Beijing. They are a family I still keep in touch with to this day, and I truly consider them my family.
I want to commend Star Exchange and their Chinese team, Rising Star. In early 2020, when the COVID-19 outbreak hit China just before the Chinese New Year, the staffs kept us au pairs constantly updated with various information about the situation and were very respectful of our wishes.
Due to fears about the pandemic, some au pairs immediately requested to return to their home countries. All the staff members responded promptly, cooperated efficiently, and provided various protective products such as masks and gloves. At that time, I wasn't too worried about the virus, so I decided to leave in March 2020. International flights were already scarce, but the staff from Star Exchange and Rising Star helped me book a ticket, accompanied me to the airport with my Chinese family, and prepared masks and gloves for all of us. At that time, entering Chinese airports required presenting a travel code (in green), but the Chinese travel code system was just starting to be implemented and wasn't very complete. It didn't have a function to input passport numbers, only Chinese ID information. Therefore, the staffs of SE and RS prepared an explanation letter for me in advance, explaining why I couldn't provide a travel code, and contacted the local airport ahead of time to ensure I boarded the plane smoothly. In comparison, I have a friend who found a family in Guilin, southern China, by herself two months after I arrived in China (because she only wanted to go to Guilin, but at that time there were no host families located in Guilin among the many host families of Star Exchange). When she wanted to return to Germany during the COVID-19 outbreak, everything seemed very difficult. She had a kind Chinese host family, but they were not familiar with arranging flights quickly or coordinating with airports, and at that time, the pandemic was severe. Her host family couldn't take her to the airport because they had to take care of their children (as schools in China were closed at that time), so they could only contact a taxi. I want to say that having a responsible organization is really fortunate! They truly have your best interests at heart.

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.