LoPair Cultural Exchange Reviews

I have learnt so much being an Au Pair in China. It's an unbelievable experience if you're open to it. Sometimes the language barrier is hard when you're on your own exploring, but it helps you to grow and learn to think on your feet. The cultural differences are also a challenge to get used to, and can become a little bit grating at times, but you get the most amazing pay off, you get to join amazing families, and watch/help the kids learn and grow in spectacular ways.

This program is a truly fascinating and unique experience! You get to experience how people in China actually live and get first-hand experience with the language and the culture. Everyone that I have met has been very nice and supportive, when asking for directions or when I try to speak Chinese. As long as you put the effort into the program it turns out well. Of course there are challenges with language barriers etc... but they can be managed and never get to be to much of a problem.

Facing an entirely different culture, particularly one as different as the Chinese, requires a total change of perspectives. The help and guidance by Lopair in this setting was fantastic and with the language lessons it was possible to quickly adapt to the culture.

Most days followed a similar format with the first part of the day free and then spending the afternoon with the children. This allowed exploration of the city I was in and to enjoy what China had to offer. I had a fantastic time getting to know people and also getting to know the family I was with. Meeting other people when out with the children was a wonderful experience. Also being accepted as one of the family and travelling to places with them was a fantastic thing to do.

My experience as an Au Pair in China has completely changed my life in terms of academics and personal growth. The full immersion into Chinese culture cannot be understood until it is experienced and has provided me with the insight useful for my career goals. As an international business student, the Chinese economy is extremely appealing at the moment and now I have the extra knowledge most of my fellow peers do not. I spent most of my days teaching the children basic words and action words, playing games and creating games that would help them learn English without realizing they were learning. The mandarin classes were very helpful in getting around the country when traveling on my own. I got the chance to travel all over the country and my host family even took me to Malaysia. Since doing this exchange I have returned to Hong Kong to study and I have kept in touch with my host family. I will go and visit them very soon and I know I have made friends for life. I did go through culture shock, but I learned to embrace it and learn from it. Many people struggle with the overwhelming amount of culture shock associated with the au pairing experience, however, it is important to continue on because it gets much better and you end up with an experience that changes the way you see the world. I would recommend and exchange like this to any student looking to learn more about asian culture and seeking a character building experience.

One thing is sure: you will encounter difficulties. Cultural shock, communication problems with the family or the kids will hate you. But if you have prepared for anything than you will have a great time here, because you will realize these problems will be just daily challenges that will make you days even more interesting. The food is great, nothing like what you would find in Europe. And it is a life-changing experience to discover the modern Far East.

The Au Pair programme is a really good opportunity to experience another culture; the good and the bad. It has given me a good chance to learn chinese, we have a great teacher and get assigned homework which helps us progress with our language skills. It is good that the families have a high living standard, but sometimes there can be some communication problems within the family which can cause some problems. The children have different upbringings and can come across as spoilt due to this, also they have very different values to ones that you are used to; which can be a shock to some. Lopair are always there for you if there are any issues with the family.
The situation when you arrive in China is good and easy for making friends, as we all added eachother on Wechat and met up whenever possible. Although what could make it easier would be if the families all gave the Au pairs the same day off when it is possible. Also for the weekends off, it would be good if the families were already aware of the Au pairs wanting to have the same day off, and just how it works (48 hours from friday evening to Sunday evening) as me and my friends all had some misunderstandings with the host families when asking for this off.
The programme is good for personal growth, the experiences that I have gained in China are unique and would not be experienced any where else. The mix of traditional culture and modern lifestyle is something that can only be found in China.

Lopair's program is a great way to experience real China and not just see it through the eyes of a westerner coming to visit as a tourist. Being an aupair gives you the possibility to share the everyday life of a typical Chinese family.
Your main tasks will be to teach English to the host kid(s) and take care of them, playing with them, taking them to school or other activities or helping them with homework. Some people aply for this program thinking they'll be going to China just to have fun and visit new places. It's not just that! Remember that you are going to be working (yes, you do get paid!) and you will have to follow a working schedule of up to 30 hours/week. Don't worry though, you will still have time to go out and explore with friends. The Mandarin classes you will have generally twice a week are a good way not only to learn some Chinese, but also to meet new people and make friends, both with locals and westerners.
A big plus is that Chinese families are very warmhearted, they will immediately make you feel welcome and treat you as a family member - which means you will have your duties too - but they will also spoil you as a special guest.
During my stay in Shanghai I was placed with a wonderful host family. Everything went smoothly and I've never had any problem with them. In fact we are still in touch even now that I'm back home and I am going back to visit them next year.
I know other aupairs who, on the other hand, had some issues mainly due to cultural differences, so my advice to Lopair's staff would be that of making it more clear to aupairs as what to expect from the program before they apply, and give a little more support in case of problems or misunderstandings with the family. Other than that, you're all doing a great job planning get-togethers with aupairs and making us feel very welcome in this beautiful country. Keep it up!

I love being an Au pair, I really enjoy staying with my host family in Beijing and teaching the kids English-even if they aren't always as keen to learn as I am to teach them. The Mandarin classes have been very good, but be prepared to travel quite far to get to them. Overall, I'm really happy with how my China experience has turned out.

Where to begin?! I am two months into my 6 month program here with lopair and so far I cannot fault the support they have provided. Every member of staff makes you feel welcome, and are available 24/7 if you need help - even when they're not technically on working hours they will always respond if you need them.

Included in the lopair program are language and culture classes, both of which I have thoroughly enjoyed so far. Me and my classmates often have lunch with our teacher (also helpful for reading menus for us, thank you Jora!) and she always listens if we have suggestions or ideas about what we want to learn.

Not only this, but at lopair support is offered for after the program, whether it's to provide references for future careers elsewhere or even assist in helping au pairs search for further work in China. I would recommend this program to anybody who is considering working abroad, as you have the knowledge that a reliable support network is there for you no matter what.

As soon as I arrived the Lopair staff were so welcoming and friendly towards me. I am very pleased that their support is available 24/7 if I ever need anything and how they are always looking for way for my stay to be more comfortable.