Lopair came to Algonquin College and came to speak to the Child and Youth Care first year students. Lopair provided insightful and intriguing information inviting some of the students to ask for further information about the program.
I chose this program because it offered an opportunity to experience a different culture and language. This program also offers a chance to use the knowledge I have gained from my education and put it into practice.
I have recently been interested in learning Mandarin, and I also wanted to be able to assist someone learn English as a second language. This program enabled me to improve my Chinese as well as learn from teaching the child.
The Webinar for the pre-departure was very helpful and insightful. The Program Coordinator assisted me by answering questions and concerns about interactions with families, cultural differences, and other questions via WeChat. Having the Program Coordinator made the transition into the host family very smooth.
As for what we have to organize by ourselves, we try to find times in our schedules when we are all available and meet up. This can be challenging at times when all of us have different "off" days
One piece of advice I'd give is to bring some extra spending cash. If the family pays the aupair closer to the end of the month, you won't have any money for snacks or souvenirs.
Especially in China, I'd recommend buying a translator app (I bought a 3 month subscription with Speak and Translate) as well as VPN so you are able to access more familiar sites such as Google, Youtube, and Facebook.
An average week consists of 5 hours or so teaching the host child English. The host family is very welcoming and kind, always trying to get the aupair to eat more.
During the afternoon, I'd sometimes wander the streets near the neighborhood or just go for a walk. If anyone is available at the same time, we try to meet up.
My biggest fear was to be more outgoing and be more of an extrovert. I'm not very adventurous, and it is my first time travelling abroad alone. I've always had my family within a close proximity, so these three months was a challenge for myself to become more independent.
I am more of an introvert and prefer to be in a familiar environment. However, as I have travelled half way around the world, it seems silly of me to try and stay inside when I'm in a different country. So I'm making more of an effort to travel around nearby cities.
Of course there are other aupairs with you with whom you can talk to and share experiences with. At first, I'd want to be with a friend when exploring, but now I feel confident enough to venture on my own without the need of another to be present.