Excellent community feel

Perhaps the highlight of my time here in China with Aupairia has been the astounding community feel that has come from being a group of students/young adults being thrown together in a largely unfamiliar country. All au pairs tend to get on very well, with lots of plans being made to visit one another in the years to come. Most of us also have good experiences with the company as well, with some good friendships forged between au pairs and staff (shoutout to Neil xoxo). Some characteristics of this programme, which I know to be at the very least rare among Chinese au pair agencies, which are particularly brilliant are the lessons in Mandarin Chinese at a well-known Chinese university in addition to cultural classes put on by both Aupairia and the university. Recent examples in April 2019 have included a trip to the Badaling section of the Great Wall as well as interestingly intense lessons in Chinese chess. These have all helped us au pairs to create closer community ties to one another as well as the company.

The company were very welcoming, and extremely helpful in helping to settle into China, and also with the preliminary application procedures. Candy was very helpful in the infamous Chinese visa application process - in fact, her help was invaluable. On arrival in China, we are well-cared for, with help setting up SIM cards etc. Then we are introduced in person to our host families.

My only complaint regarding Aupairia would likely be as a result of what I have heard from other au pair friends with Aupairia. Some have complained of unfairness when the company attempts to mediate between au pairs and families when disputes arise. However it must be noted that I myself have not encountered this, despite my host family deciding 5.5 months into a 6 month programme that my performance was unacceptable, and kicking me out. Quite the opposite in fact, Aupairia sorted me out a place to stay for the remaining two weeks at extremely short notice, and I ended up staying with the head of the company's (Tina's) delightful family.

Overall I have enjoyed my time in Beijing with Aupairia a lot, and I would recommend it looking to get some decent Chinese learning in! Just be careful which family you choose, of course, as you can never be too careful.