LoPair Cultural Exchange

Program Reviews

Martina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Au pair in Beijing

I strongly recommend LoPair for an experience as an au pair in China.

The staff has always been helpful whenever i had questions and they were extremely supportive throughout my experience.

Not only is this an amazing opportunity to learn more about the culture, history and traditions of the country, but it’s also an excellent way to learn the Chinese language and make new friends.

Every month the staff will also plan a cultural activity for all au pairs, giving us the chance to try different crafts and meet up together.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Make sure you communicate all your needs and concerns to the LoPair staff, they are always willing to help you out and give you all the support that you need, even before you actually arrive in China.
Clara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best experience ever

I highly recommend this agency to anyone looking for a safe and inspiring au pair experience.
They have proven to be extremely reliable, and the staff is always available to help with any questions or concerns, providing constant support that truly makes a difference. Living here is an incredible opportunity: it’s not just about work, but a deep dive into a new culture, fascinating traditions, and daily life—perfect for improving the language naturally. A professional, caring, and exceptionally well-organized agency!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
A quick word of advice: trust the agency’s guidance during the matching process. They are experts at finding the right fit, and their constant availability ensures you feel at home right from the start.
N
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Do it for the growth and being uncomfortable

This program is not for the weak hearted. But it will certainly leave an impact.

China is gaining a lot of popularity more than ever for the food, quality of life, beauty and culture, but it goes without saying holidaying there vs taking care and teaching a child whilst living with a group of strangers you have never met are completely different experiences.

You will encounter conflicts in this program. You will discover a lot about yourself - good and bad, what you can handle and not, and your values in life might even shift. You might find your path going forward might even change as a result of this program.

From the moment of contact, interviewing with host families, to applying for visa and eventually landing in China has been a seamless experience from the team. Very organised and could not be more stress free. I also loved my Chinese classes with my teacher.

I do wish there was more organised events with other appliants during my stay though.

The real challenge is getting along with the child/children, and integrating with a family you've never met - but once you pass that third month mark (even sooner for some), things become better overall. The resilience will pay off.

During conflicts with the family I was with, the 24/7 support given from the LoPair team was immediate and that sense of being lost was soon forgotten.

The team will feel like a massive anchor in these times to ground you and remind that these kinds of experiences is part of the program. It's not about you having done something wrong, but perspective.

I still think of the family and the kid, and will always be grateful I chose this program. If you are afraid or hesistant of going, why is this? Afraid of failing, or thinking if it's a bad experience?

This is one of the things you'll end up discovering, you'll naturally end up reflecting what is really important in your life.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
This dish called "Yu Xing Cao" (it's like a plant that's green and purple in colour) and it ended up being my favourite dish ever. The family is shocked I ended up craving it because foreigners might find the taste weird lol. It's crunchy and satisfingly sour.
Pros
  • Growth
  • Learning how to navigate conflict
  • Childcare experience
Cons
  • Upfront costs (visa, agency fee)
  • Language barrier
Vittoria
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Perfect Balance: Work, Study, and Travel with LoPair

If you’re looking for a safe way to travel while earning some money, I think being an au pair is one of the best options.

You get a great homestay, your meals are covered, and there’s a good balance between duty hours and free time.

With LoPair in particular, you also have the chance to seriously study Chinese at one of China’s most popular universities, especially if you’re placed in Shanghai.

It is an such an amazing opportunity for both personal and even professional growth.

Shoutout to Alison and Erica, who have always supported us whenever we faced any kind of issue, from visa problems to host family situations.

Leena
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

By far the best Aupair Agency

Choosing an Au Pair agency is always a daunting task but I must tell you guys, Lopair really was there for me even when me and my Host family went through some tougher times! I do not think any other agency is as engaged as they are! So if you're looking for safety and security as well as a good agency that always has your back, you should definitely choose Lopair. Other than that, Lopair also is a really affordable option. They literally payed for almost everything. Flights and accommodation if things go wrong, really it’s great! So if you’re still unsure, this can be your push in the right direction! Also a shout out to Alison and Erica my Coordinators here in Shanghai, they’ve been so helpful and kind to me throughout the entire time I was here! Love them to bits!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be open to the culture and don’t worry about your attitude towards other people too much, many families are so open and great and I know it’s generic advice but be yourself!
Acha-Mint
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

This experience changed my life

Hi ! My name is Acha and I was Au pairing with Lopair from February to November 2025. To say this experience changed my life is an understatement, I had one of the best host family one could ask for and we definitely hit it off ! I traveled with them for months going to amusement parks with the kids and having the time of my life. My Chinese improved a lot and by the end I could maintained a full conversation! And after this I loved Shanghai so much I came back to work here with the help of my host family which I am still in contact with to this day :)

Thanks to Alison for organizing very fun outings, always trust her for food, she knows her stuff! And thanks to Erica for always being here when needed <3

Take a chance and come in China with Lopair !!!

What was your funniest moment?
When I got lost in the Chinese country side and got surrounded by a bunch of Chinese people who saw a foreigner for the first time ! But they were very helpful in helping me find my way 😆
Marianna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

6 Months in Hangzhou

Having completed my 6 month program in Hangzhou, I can say with certainty that I have no regrets about my decision to participate in this program and I am so grateful for this experience. From the beginning, Lopair supported me and eased any of my worries, they made the application process very streamlined and matched me with a wonderful family! I have experienced things in China that I would never have been able to alone, and I really felt like I could integrate into life here. Despite the initial culture shock, I was lucky to have a good support system here, through the agency, my host family and close friends I made through the program. Even when there were hardships, I was never made to feel like I made the wrong choice coming here, and I feel that, above all else, I have grown so incredibly much as a person thanks to my time here! I couldn't recommend it enough, especially to others who may have been like me, finishing high school without a clear sense of direction and wanting a new environment. There is no better way to truly observe Chinese life than by becoming a part of a family, and Lopair facilitates that so well. As the days before my departure tick down, I am sure that I will work with Lopair again to come back to China, and I would recommend this agency without reservation.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Having completed my 6 month program in Hangzhou, I can say with certainty that I have no regrets about my decision to participate in this program and I am so grateful for this experience. From the beginning, Lopair supported me and eased any of my worries, they made the application process very streamlined and matched me with a wonderful family! I have experienced things in China that I would never have been able to alone, and I really felt like I could integrate into life here. Despite the initial culture shock, I was lucky to have a good support system here, through the agency, my host family and close friends I made through the program. Even when there were hardships, I was never made to feel like I made the wrong choice coming here, and I feel that, above all else, I have grown so incredibly much as a person thanks to my time here! I couldn't recommend it enough, especially to others who may have been like me, finishing high school without a clear sense of direction and wanting a new environment. There is no better way to truly observe Chinese life than by becoming a part of a family, and Lopair facilitates that so well. As the days before my departure tick down, I am sure that I will work with Lopair again to come back to China, and I would recommend this agency without reservation.
Pros
  • Unique travel opportunity
  • Strong support
  • A new way to experience a country
Niobé
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Au pair in Beijing

I am a 19 year old French girl who arrived in Beijing in November 2025.

I had a first experience with a family which I thought was perfect for me but turned out that I was not the person for them. Lo Pair found me a new family really quickly and now it is going really really good. I thank them so much for their reactivity and I see this family change as a positive and great thing. It doesn’t have to be perfect right away!! Right now it’s going so good with the children, I love them like my own. I absolutely love my Mandarin classes : I’ve made good friends from all across the world and I’m so happy about it. We learn very fast and my curiosity keeps growing bigger and bigger everyday about this language. The teachers are really nice, such as all the school staff in general. I’m really glad I’m getting more and more autonomous, I know it will help me for the rest of my life. Of course, at some point my family and my habits are starting to be missing a little but I think about the great holiday I’m going to take next month ;)
Thank you Lo Pair for this crazy enriching experience !!!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
When I arrived here I was not expecting Chinese people (not all of them haha) to be so unbothered about spitting or burping, being very loud about this, etc 😹😹. It took me off guard !
Pros
  • Learning a new language
  • Develop your childcare skills !
  • Staying abroad “for free”
Cons
  • The pressure sometimes (it’s a cultural difference)
Fabian
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Exactly the right choice

I can sincerely recommend participating in this program. I think there is no better way to learn Chinese and to experience Chinese culture. My Chinese skills improved quicker than I could have imagined, I met really fun people at the language school and I still had the time to do a lot of sightseeing. While taking care of a kid is exhausting at times, it's also incredibly rewarding and the host families make sure to take you on all sorts of fun activities. Furthermore, I didn't only teach the kid English, but he taught me quite some Chinese as well. Naturally, there weren't only good days and as with anything in life, I encountered one or two challenges. The program staff was incredibly helpful with this and didn't only guide me through them, but also made me feel well taken care of. If I had the choice, I would definitely do this program again, maybe I will in a few years.

What was your funniest moment?
When my host family took me on vacation to see the grandparents. We had dinner in a group of around 15 people and they made me try all the foods on the table, eagerly awaiting my reaction. Noone spoke good English, so they tried to pantomimicly tell me what each dish was.
Pros
  • Very good guidance by the staff.
  • Deep immersion in Chinese culture and daily life.
  • All expenses taken care of, I essentially didn't have to spend any of my savings.
Cons
  • Can be exhausting at times, because you take in so many new experiences.
Martha
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

AuPair in Beijing

I have only been in the program for not even 2 months, but I am really enjoying it. The LoPair stuff is really kind and helpful. If you have any issues or questions, they are always there for you and try their best to help you. In addition, the organization plans monthly meetups with other AuPairs in your city, which are very fun. Some examples of those meetups, which I attended are a photoshoot in traditional clothing and doing pottery. It is not only fun to do those activities, but also learn more about the culture and are able to exchange your experiences with other AuPairs and make contacts.

Another great point is the language course. You get to learn more about the language and culture and meet new people with similar interests. And it is very helpful to improve your Chinese to understand the culture better and to navigate through daily life. 

Lastly staying with a host family is also a great experience, although it can come with some challenges. It gives you the insight of the local life in China and they accompany you on your journey. You get to eat a lot of local dishes, learn about the culture like Chinese new year and get to learn how things can be different in other cultures. You can also see new places with your host family. My family for example took me to Hangzhou and Anji for Chinese New year. But also know, that language barriers and cultural difference are also part of the experience and one can struggle a bit. Just be sure to be open and accept the differences, try to communicate and learn. But don't worry, the company will even help you with that.

Overall LoPair will give you a great service and always tries their best to help you.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Always be open and accepting of other cultures and try to communicate. (It is always helpful to have a translation app. A lot of people don't speak English) The program will help you learn and grow, while experiencing a complete different culture.
Pros
  • Learning about a new culture and language
  • Making new contacts and friends
  • Having a supporting company
Cons
  • Language barriers