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.