China as an insider

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!