Wanderlust Exchange

Program Reviews

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Melissa
2/5
No, I don't recommend this program

RUN AWAY

If you want to be an aupair in China, just avoid this agency for your security.

The experience to be an aupair was at first a nightmare... I was mistreated physically, and mentally by my first host family. When i informed the agency, they clearly said it was normal for them and they will not change anything. Let me pay everything by myself whereas i win only 2000rmb per month?

Hopefully some girls who was fired, succeeded to help me. I change my family but it was clearly not thanks to the agency.

They prefer defend horrible host family to get their money, and don't care about their aupair rights.

Whereas we are in a new country that we don't even know. We are very young some are only 18.

So many story about aupairs sleeping outside because the agency don't know how to settle a rematch, or just let them being kick out from their family.

Some aupairs just letting by themselves alone to go in an another city by train ? everything is in chinese, its really difficult for aupairs just arrived.

If you complain about something they will make a pressure on you and try to don't give you the stipend money, even if you finish your contract :)

.... So many stories i am not even able to tell everything just run away.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
i ate some snake.
Pros
  • discovering china (when you have a good family who don't make you overwork)
  • the food (when your family allows you to eat)
  • my friends
Cons
  • the incapacity of the agency
  • no assistance from the agency
  • no help from the agency
Response from Wanderlust Exchange

We are truly saddened to receive an overall score that reflects your dissatisfaction with our agency. While we strive to provide the best possible experience for both au pairs and host families, we acknowledge that not every situation is perfect, and our processes may have room for improvement.

We genuinely appreciate that you took the time to share how you felt during your time with the first host family, and we are equally glad to know that through our communication, you were able to bond well with your second host family. Your ability to find a better experience is something we are pleased about, even though the journey started off in a difficult way.

We welcome constructive feedback, and while the way it was presented feels disheartening, we respect your right to express your concerns. We always aim to learn and grow from the experiences shared by our au pairs, and your feedback will help us reassess and improve our processes to better support future participants.

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Haykuhi
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Wonderful Experience

I've only been here for two months, but I can say that I've been too many places in two months, both with my host family and by myself. It was a dream for me to be in China since I was a child and this program was an incentive for me to come to China and discover China. Thank you very much and I suggest everyone who likes China to apply for this program because this is a good way to discover China.I also want to talk about the Chinese teacher, very kind, I can say that she was not just a teacher for me, but also a friend. It was also interesting for me that people were very kind on the street, when I was walking they made comments to me and said that I am very beautiful and also that my Chinese speaking is very good.I don't think this was a funny moment but at the same time we were laughing,but there were very interesting and beautiful moments when I was walking on the street, everyone told me that my nose and eyes were big and that I was very beautiful, and I was happy with every word. The program was very interesting on my free days and by myself I visited interesting places together with the host family, I discovered Beijing, which aroused great and beautiful interest in me and my love for China grew even more. Thanks to this program, I came to China, which was my dream. And I think I will try to come to China again with this program in the future

Pros
  • kind and interesting people
  • delicious food
  • interesting and historical places
Cons
  • mosquito
  • extremely hot weather
  • hot water everywhere
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!

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Ashlyn
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great program!

Wanderlust has been super helpful along the whole way of my program! They always reply to messages super fast! Definitely a great experience I think anyone would enjoy! I got to see so many amazing sights and try so many amazing foods. Definitely an experience I will never forget! I think one of my favorite parts of the program is getting to truly bond with the kids and have a family like relationship with them. I would recommend this program to anyone who has ever been curious as to what Chinese culture is all about.

What was your funniest moment?
I think all the times I got to see cultural sights with my host family. For example I got to see West Lake and Lingyin temples which are both beautiful!
Pros
  • Traveling and cultural experience
Cons
  • Work hours sometimes are a lot
Response from Wanderlust Exchange

Dear Ashlyn,

Thank you for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a memorable experience and that our team was able to assist you promptly throughout your journey.

It’s wonderful that you got to explore so many amazing sights and try delicious food, but even more special to hear about the strong bond you formed with the kids and the family-like connection you experienced.

Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we’re so happy this program helped you discover and connect with Chinese culture. We hope your memories from this adventure stay with you for a lifetime, and we’d love to welcome you back anytime!

We truly appreciate your feedback to us in making our work better as well.

Sincerely,
WE Team

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Angelica
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Times

My overall personal experience with the au pair program has been nothing short of amazing! The company did well in getting me in contact with families, choosing a family, figuring out how to get my visa, and setting up my stay with the necessary items and information needed to be successful. Any time I needed help, the company was right there to do so every step of the way. Thankfully, I was lucky to get a family I work extremely well with, so everything has been nothing short of fun! I would do this again in the future for sure.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
For sure the most nerve wracking moment had to be traveling around the city by myself. I originally come from a very small town in the states, so I’ve never had to use or rely on public transportation to get around, and my anxiety disorders certainly didn’t help. I was extremely nervous about getting lost, and the first time I took the metro train, I did get lost, and lost my phone signal while I was at it, so I had to rely completely on myself and the train map to figure out how to get to my destination. Thankfully, after taking a minute to breath and calm myself down, I was able to figure it out and make it safely!
Pros
  • Great orientation to introduce the city to you
  • Pleasant and helpful staff
  • Diverse choices in families
Cons
  • Personally, they could choose a better mandarin school to partner with. The teachers English wasn’t bad, but was hard to understand at times in a learning environment and there were a lot of questions they couldn’t answer because of the language barrier.
  • The company does not check in on you or the family often throughout your stay. Though it was fine for me personally, many of my au pair friends I made described similar issues of not working well with their families, but not being able to speak up.
  • Some immediate and third party staff were odd. One staff member complained about the company being greedy and how she doesn’t like certain co-workers. A hired language teacher tried to get money out of a friend. The staff should be checked on more as well
Response from Wanderlust Exchange

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience!

We’re thrilled to hear that your time as an au pair has been so positive and that our team was able to support you throughout the process, from family matching to visa assistance and beyond. It’s fantastic to know that you’ve found a great match with your host family and that your time together has been so fun and rewarding!

We’re so grateful for your kind words, and it’s exciting to hear that you’d consider joining us again in the future. We look forward to welcoming you back whenever you’re ready for another adventure!

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Zara
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Au pair for 3 boys in Beijing

My experience with wanderlust has been an overall positive one. Communication is very efficient and they are reachable at all hours of the day, which was very reassuring.
I never had any issues with my host family but I felt confident they would respond quickly if I did.
The main communication I had with them was before I arrived in china - arranging the family. And as I was about to leave - arranging the stipend.
The school they arranged was very good, I only wished I received more information before I arrived. I was only told the location and the schedule a week into living in china.
Again my experience was positive but this was down to my host family being so accommodating. I would defiantly recommend taking time to find the right family for your lifestyle.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
This type of job takes a lot of energy, confidence and discipline. It is fun but there can be some difficult situations.
Make sure to set boundaries with the family and again chose a family that suits your lifestyle.
Response from Wanderlust Exchange

Hello Zara,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We’re glad to hear that overall, your time with Wanderlust was positive, and that our communication provided reassurance and support throughout your journey. It’s great to know that your host family was such a good match and that the school arrangements worked out well for you.

We appreciate your feedback about receiving more detailed information before your arrival, and we’ll definitely work on improving that aspect to ensure future participants feel fully prepared. Your advice about taking the time to find the right family is so important, and we’re grateful for your recommendation!

Thank you again for being part of our program, and we wish you all the best in your future adventures!

WE Team

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Pascal
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Incredibly Safe and Rewarding Experience

Wanderlust Exchange's au pair program was not an easy experience, but the most difficult part has to be going back to my home country! It has been so incredible going to China for the first time, making so many new friends, and learning so many new things. It's not easy learning to live together with a host family and, with limited experience like I had, learning to teach children. Ultimately, though, my time with the program has been truly invaluable, and all I can think about is when I'll be able to go back again. The incredible people at Wanderlust Exchange also made me feel supported the entire time I was there. In particular, when I was facing some health issues, I was so grateful to the team that stayed up late to assist me in arranging a visit to the doctor. This program was so fun, so safe, and really helped me grow and improve so many skills.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Cicadas! I'm very familiar with the sound of them in the summer, but not so much with the sight of them on my plate!
Pros
  • Safe
  • Cost-effective
  • Resume building
Cons
  • Challenging work
  • Difficult to practice target language
  • Demands strong social and conflict resolution skills
Response from Wanderlust Exchange

Dear Pascal,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We’re truly touched to hear that your time in China was so impactful, and it’s heartwarming to know that going home was the hardest part of the journey! It’s wonderful that you made new friends, learned so much, and experienced such personal growth during your time with us.

We understand that adjusting to life with a host family and teaching children can be challenging, but we’re thrilled to hear that you felt supported every step of the way. It’s especially rewarding to know that our team was able to assist you during your health concerns and make sure you felt safe and cared for.

We’re so grateful to have been part of your journey, and we look forward to welcoming you back to China in the future! Wishing you all the best in your next adventure.

WE Team

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Silvia
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Language Exchange and Culture Exchange

Hello, I'm Silvia. I did the Au Pair program with Wanderlust in Shanghai for 3 months. I recommend this program for college or university students as it's a good way to experience and learn about a new country, language and culture. The company is also extremely helpful when you need something! This is my second time doing an Au Pair program here in China and I really enjoy visiting. As a college student who enjoys traveling and learning languages and cultures, I think this is an experience that you'll remember.

Thank you,

Silvia,

Response from Wanderlust Exchange

Dear Silvia,

Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We’re happy to hear that you had a positive time during your three months in Shanghai as part of our Au Pair program.

Your recommendation for college and university students is greatly appreciated, as we believe this opportunity truly enriches cultural understanding and language skills.

It’s wonderful to know that our team was helpful and that you enjoyed your time in China enough to return for a second experience! Your passion for traveling, learning languages, and immersing yourself in new cultures is inspiring.

Thank you for being a part of our program, and we hope your future travels bring even more amazing experiences!

WE Team

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Abdi
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

1 year in Beijing

I spent one year in Beijing. When I first came to China, I did not know what to expect. I heard a lot of things, and had a lot of expectations but when I came to China I found it to be quite a comfortable experience. The company and the family were both extremely supportive towards me and made my experience totally worth it. I learned a lot and made many long lasting friendships. Overall a great experience. One that opened many new opportunities for me in the future. I will definitely come back to china.

What was your funniest moment?
Interacting with locals in their mother tongue was an amazing experience.
Pros
  • Learn Chinese
  • Meet new friends
  • Eat new food
Response from Wanderlust Exchange

Dear Abdi,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us!

We’re delighted to hear that your year in Beijing turned out to be a comfortable and rewarding journey. It’s wonderful to know that both our team and your host family provided the support you needed to make the most of your time in China.

Building lasting friendships and discovering new opportunities is truly what this experience is all about, and we’re thrilled that it opened so many doors for you. We can’t wait to welcome you back to China for another adventure in the future!

Best wishes,
WE Team

That's me
Fatimazahra
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

China is the best

Wanderlust Exchange has been a lifeline during my time as a homestay teacher in China. The program's cultural immersion, language support, and travel assistance were invaluable. As I prepare to return home, their logistical aid and emotional support have made the transition smooth and comforting. A heartfelt thank you to the team for making my experience in China truly memorable.
I won good friends and beautiful memories so I'm happy because I had the chance to come.
For me I don't want to say goodbye Because i will come in the future for sure

Response from Wanderlust Exchange

Dear Fatima,

Thank you so much for sharing your heartfelt experience with Wanderlust Exchange!

We’re thrilled to hear that our program served as a lifeline during your time as a homestay teacher in China. It’s wonderful to know that the cultural immersion, language support, and travel assistance helped make your journey memorable and enriching.

We’re especially glad that our logistical and emotional support made your transition back home smoother. Building good friendships and creating beautiful memories is what this experience is all about, and we’re so grateful you were able to enjoy both.

We look forward to welcoming you back to China in the future!

Warm regards,
WE Team

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Lusine
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Wonders of the Wonderland China

Living in Shenzhen and sharing a household with Nadya’s family has truly been the best decision of my life—and I’ve made dozens of significant choices before this. Nadya and her family are incredibly sweet, understanding, and flexible, creating a warm and welcoming environment that made my stay unforgettable.

The children were absolutely delightful, and I know I will miss the oldest daughter for the rest of my days. We've journeyed to over 10 incredible locations, delving into the rich tapestry of Chinese culture and savoring a myriad of delicious cuisines. These past two months have felt like living a dream, with each day offering new adventures and unforgettable experiences.

I am deeply thankful for this amazing opportunity and the wonderful memories we created together. This experience has truly been life-changing, and I will cherish it forever.

What was your funniest moment?
Citrea trying to pronounce Armenian words and making them part of her daily vocabulary and lifestyle!
Pros
  • Adventure
  • Out of Comfort zone
  • Excitement
Cons
  • Being far
  • Adjusting the food
Response from Wanderlust Exchange

Dear Lusine,
Thank you so much for your joining our program. Your proficient tutoring and loving childcare has left an unique mark on Nadya family. Hope this experience in China deepens your understanding of Chinese culture and history, being immersed in a Mandarin-speaking environment enhanced your language skills, valuable for both personal and professional growth.

Hope you all well in your future endeavours.
Live long and prosperous.

Wanderlust Team