Some people come to China for business, others for study, others for travel. Most stay in hotels or private apartments, mingling with other foreigners and generally staying out of touch with the real China.
The reason I chose to au pair in China was because I wanted to learn Mandarin in the fastest way possible - total immersion! Living with a Chinese family in Beijing has given me the WILD and highly uncommon opportunity to improve my language skills daily as well as witness, understand and take part in authentic Chinese culture. This is something no amount of "touristing" can provide.
My three greatest treasures have been my part-time language classes (completely sponsored by my host family), immersion in Chinese cuture, and the friendships I have forged. I consider my language journey highly successful - I had zero background upon my arrival and now, less than a year later, I have passed my HSK 4 with high scores and am studying HSK 5.
Of course, there are certainly challenges, but these often turn out to be the greatest achievements. Living in your work environment can be tiring, and children can be frustrating, but suddenly vivid snapshot-like memories fill my mind...Skiiing on the snowy slopes of Chongli. New Year fireworks against an starry midnight sky. Sandcastles on a beach in the south. The first time a child smiles and call you his friend. Qingdao beer at an open-air concert.
All is not fun and games. Being an au pair is quite emotionally demanding and often language barriers can be uncomfortable or discouraging. BUT for those individuals who truly have a desire to experience the world, to grow as a person, to gain practical knowledge and skills, forge relationships, and emerge an enriched and stronger person -
For you and me, an opportunity like this is treasure.
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Come with two things: an open mind and an open heart.
An open mind is necessary to accept situations, people and culture that will differ from your own experience, or even your preconceived idea of China. Your daily schedule, your responsibilities, your studies, your relationships, your opportunities...all these and more may differ to what you expect. Different doesn't necessarily mean bad. Make sure you are ready to give anything a try, rather than immediately try to change it to fit your ideals.
An open heart is necessary to appreciate the opportunity to experience China in this way. Gratitude is the key! If you join a host family, keep in mind the effort and financial expense they have gone to in order to allow you to come. Be grateful for the incredible hospitality, comfortable accomodation, delicious meals, daily conversations, study opportunities, travel and so much more that they offer you so graciously. Respect your Chinese hosts for taking the step of welcoming a total stranger into their family.
I guarantee you that these two attitudes will at least triple the value and sheer enjoyment of your time in China, and as a bonus they will also get you through many little misunderstandings or mishaps that otherwise might taint the experience. Relish every moment; the good ones as treasured memories and the less enjoyable ones as valuable experience.
Cheers to you - your adventure is just beginning!
Pros
- Travel! My hosts took my across Chinese province and cities to famous tourist sites, museums and restaurants.
- Language! My hosts patiently helped me practice my Chinese daily and gave me constant encouragement and congratulation.
- Provision! My hosts generously made sure I had everything I could possibly need and took care of me as a family member. I never needed to worry about extra costs, provisions or transport.
Cons
- Working schedule! There were no fixed working hours. Because of the kids' busy schedule, I was often expected to be on call for homework until 11:00pm, or be home and available at any time during weekends. This minimized my personal time and social life.
- Attitude from kids! Some children can be very difficult, due to lack of discipline. It can take a lot of perseverance and emotional strength to work with them, especially when the au pair is not permitted to discipline.
- Language! Without a knowledge of Chinese, entering a family can be intimidating and lead to awkward situations. For language lovers, this is great, but for those whose strength is not language, the experience will be more difficult.
Response from Wanderlust Exchange
Hello Haykuhi,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We are thrilled to hear that your two months in China have been so enriching and fulfilling. It’s wonderful to know that this program helped you realize your childhood dream of discovering China, and that you’ve had the opportunity to explore so many places with your host family and on your own.
We’re especially happy to hear about your positive experiences with your Chinese teacher—having someone who feels like both a teacher and a friend can make such a difference!
Your story about the kind comments from people on the street is heartwarming. It's great to know you’ve felt welcomed and appreciated, and that it added to the beauty of your time in China.
We’re delighted that this program has deepened your love for China, and we look forward to hopefully welcoming you back again in the future. Thank you for recommending us, and we wish you even more exciting adventures during your stay!