LoPair Education: Au Pair Cultural Exchange Program in China had attracted my attention due to the experience they promised. A promise of travel to China, where I could experience a culture I have heard of but ultimately knew nothing about. As an Aupair, I knew I would also be able to continue to spend the time to teach but also meet people I would probably not ever have met in any other circumstances. As their motto states: Learn, Care and Explore.
Alumni Spotlight: Carina Kohne
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Carina is an adventurous young lady that enjoys travel, history and trying new things.
Why did you choose this program?
What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
The program is very helpful and assists with almost everything. They procured all necessary documents for me to apply for a visa, the actual visa application being the only thing I had to do by myself. The program sends the documents in both physical format and electronic format. They arranged plane tickets, housing, and transport to ensure I reached my final destination.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
My personal opinion is that when you do something like agreeing to go live in another country and culture for however long, is that you need to have an open mind. Things will most certainly be different. There will be things that you aren't happy with and there will be things you will ultimately miss the day you leave. Don't worry about the small things. Try everything at least once, otherwise, you'll never know what you've missed.
Don't worry about the small things. Try everything at least once, otherwise, you'll never know what you've missed.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
Weekdays, you have the mornings as free time (when the children are at school). This time can be used as personal time and what you do is up to you. Travel, sightseeing or just relaxing, you have many options. You may also be expected to take the children to extracurricular activities. Weekends are spent with the family and the children. Weekends can create many memories with your temporary family.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
I knew that I would be in a strange country, where I couldn't speak the language and I would be alone. The worry that something would go wrong and I would be stranded was a bit terrifying. The program and program officials actually helped a lot with this fear. They met me at the airport, ensured I got on the right bus and gave a three-day orientation based on the experience of previous program participants.
What if you don't get along
As with any family, I can almost promise there will be some disagreements, but that's normal with any family. Communication is a vital part to ensure everyone is happy. Speak to your family, get to know them. Talk, ask questions. Don't suffer in silence. Because if you get on the common ground, you will also get a new family out of the program.