Wanderlust Cultural Homestay Tutoring (Au Pair in China) Program

Back when I registered for this program and matched with a host family, I still didn't know what to expect, it was my first time going abroad and away from my family and friends - I basically moved out of my bubble😅 and then put into another unfamiliar bubble thousands of kilometres away. It was scary experiencing that culture shock and the struggle of communication when some people can't speak anything other than Chinese and even the food was different! But I survived through it all I've lived in china for a year now and there are still some struggles that I can't seem to escape because I'm foreigner of course😄but all of those scary and unfamiliar moments is what makes us stronger and more determined to do what we set out to do and I did with the help of Wanderlust staff members I was able go longer than I expected (because my plan was to stay for only 6 months) because of all the places I got visit, the people I met and the opportunity to see the growth and development of my little student MY LITTLE SISTER. It was all worth it in the end and I'm very thankful for Wanderlust and the host families I stayed with.
感谢Wanderlust Exchange！🗺️🎉🇿🇦✈️🇨🇳

I had an absolutely wonderful and meaningful 5 months as an au pair in Shanghai. From the beginning, Wanderlust made it a very seamless and simple process to be placed with a host family of my choice and become a part of their family. I not only improved my language skills in ways that would not have been possible elsewhere, but I also feel like I gained a second family in China and made so many friends. It was so rewarding to teach English and watch how the family's child improved and grew throughout my time. Immersing myself and integrating into Chinese culture was truly a life changing and eye opening experience that I am so grateful for. Wanderlust was there every step of the way to help if I needed anything and provide support or guidance.

When I started to think about being an au pair, I didn’t even realize that China could be my place. I’m so glad that wanderlust reached out to me and suggested me to come. Now I have realized how good and fitting this place was to me. My trip was unique because I had so different family around me that I have at home. I got so many new experiences with that family. They wanted to take me everywhere and show their lifestyle.
In my case I learned new language and got a lot of new friends around the world too.

I grew up so much in person during the trip. I took responsibility a different way what I hadn’t experienced never before. I got to feel how it feels like to be part of different family with a different breeding method. So now my way of thinking is much more open-minded and I can use what I have learned later.

I think China was a best choise for me, because there was so much new what I didn’t knew before. I learned more about the culture. Being an European in Asia was first a big cultural shock but eventually I learned to like these things. Definitely I suggest to try to be an au pair and go around the world. I would choose this country and this agency any time again!

I came to Beijing as a post-grad from university, and it has been a great experience to live abroad with the safety network of the program and your Chinese family! I've had a great time playing with and teaching the kids, the ayis at home make amazing food, and going out to explore the city with the friends I've made from the mandarin school.

Every au pair experience will be very different, so here are some things to consider before you come to ask your family and the agency (things that I wish I had asked before): will you live on your own or with the family, where is your home located and how long is your commute to school, what a typical weekly schedule looks like for the family, and any travel plans that the family has during your stay (and if your vacation days will be used while they are traveling). The cultural difference between western and Chinese norms aren't always the same, so it's best to ask any little thing you're not sure of, just to make sure there's no confusion.

This experience can be amazing and can not be amazing, but it's really what you make of it! Take advantage of the free time you have and explore your city, try to make friends with the people in the Chinese school, and make an effort to make your own routine in China! The initial learning curve of getting used to everything here can be hard but if you put in the work, it'll be so worth it in the end!

From applying to the au pair program to arriving in Beijing, took around 1 month. It was a very spontaneous decision from my part but not at all regretful. I went in on this journey with an open mind eager to explore a new country and it’s culture and language. I got to stay with a family in Beijing for 6 months (dec-june), pretty close to the Center of the city, 3rd ring road. The family have 2 girls that I taught and we got along well together. I had my own separate living space from the family which made the stay more pleasant as I could separate work space and my personal space. The commute to the school was 40 minutes with subway and bus which was quite convenient, and after getting used to the subway system it’s very easy getting around Beijing. The bikes are also a plus, very enjoyable riding around the city and you get to see a lot more of the hidden streets.

Coming to China was one of the best decisions i’ve made. Every Au Pair will have a unique experience, whether good or bad, but going with Wanderlust Exchange made sure that my experience was only positive!

The agency is always super helpful and friendly. They’re always willing to
help out and offer support making my life here in China much better! Wanderlust is also very keen on making sure the families they have on record are legit. My family is probably the best family I could ask for! I get along super well with the parents and I just adore their children.

Thanks to this program I was able to go from not knowing any chinese at all, to being able to hold full conversations and even message people in chinese!

If you’re looking for a way to spend your gap year that’s cheap, fun and educational, this is definitely the way to do it!

I did a 3 months experience in China as an au pair for a family in Wuhan. It has been an amazing experience! The family was lovely and the agency gave me a lot of support especially during the first period of the stay.
In the experience is also included a very useful language course that really adapts to everyone needs, personally I used it to prepare some of my university exams.
I would 100% recommend this experience to everyone who is deciding whether to do it or not. I think it is an experience that everyone should try at least once!

After spending 6 months in Shanghai as an AU pair, I have gained lots of experience and interesting stories to tell.
Upon arriving in Shanghai I was greeted by a welcoming family and a comfortable living environment. My host family was extremely generous and kind. I do have to say, there was a huge cultural shock as the values and mindset are very different. I have been to many parts of the world but China gave me the biggest culture shock. On the other hand, if you are an adventure-seeking individual this is for you and could be the experience of your lifetime. After a few weeks, I got used to my new environment and was enjoying most aspects of my stay. Being immersed in the beautiful Mandarin language was the most unique part of the trip. If you have a love for languages I highly recommend this program, as there is no better way to learn Mandarin than to stay with a native family and practice every day.
The staff at Wanderlust Exchange were all very helpful. Any question I had got answered almost immediately. I also found myself writing to them late at night(as most of the day was busy) and they still gave me an answer the same day. Moreover, they organize regular cultural events to help the AU pairs settle in, find friends, and just enjoy their stay in general.
Overall, I highly recommend this program if you are an extroverted and thrill-seeking person looking for an adventure. If you love stepping out of your comfort zone or would like to try for the first time this is a great starting point for you. It all boils down to what you are looking for in life. Nevertheless, I'm sure most people can find many benefits with this program, and hey, what better place to start than China?