Location
  • China
    • Shanghai
    • Beijing
    • Hangzhou
    • Ningbo
    • Shenzhen
Length
52+ weeks
General grants/scholarships, Work study, Work exchange

Program Details

Timeframe
Academic Year Fall Spring Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Host Family
Primary Language
English
Age Min.
18
Age Max
30

Pricing

Price Details
You do not pay any program fee, but you will be in charge of your own flights (however, flights stipend will be offered during your stay).

Program time span: 3-12 months
You give: 30 hours of childcare&English tutoring per week
You get: 2000 RMB pocket money/month
You get: Up to 12000 RMB as ticket stipend
You get: 8-10 hours of Mandarin classes/week
You get: Monthly culture activities
You get: 1.5 days off/week
You get: Medical insurance
You get: visa application fee&renewal reimbursement
Program fee: $0
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airfare Domestic Airfare Airport Transfers Meals Tour Guide Travel Insurance Visa Wifi
What's Included (Extra)

* Mandarin classes
* Culture activities
* Medical insurance
* 24/7 support
* Orientation and sightseeing tour
* Airport pick-up

Jan 18, 2024
Jun 30, 2025
98 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Wanderlust Au Pair China Program integrates educational travel, Mandarin learning, childcare and English tutoring together for overseas youngsters to experience China with an authentic touch by staying with Chinese host families.

By offering 30 hours of live-in childcare and English teaching per week, you have an opportunity to explore Chinese culture through weekly Mandarin classes, culture immersion activities held by Wanderlust and your day-to-day colorful life with your host family.

We are culture enthusiasts, we love different languages, we love the tenderness in your eyes when you see children's smile. Fundamentally, we love what we do: helping you go through an off-beat experience that could potentially change your life.

Find your second home in China!

Program fee: 0 $

Video and Photos

Impact 🌎

Participants in this program receive an array of benefits to enhance their journey. From fully covered return flights to free Mandarin classes and engaging cultural activities, every aspect is designed to ensure a rewarding experience. Additionally, you’ll receive a stipend to cover personal expenses, making it easier to immerse yourself in the vibrant life of your host city.

This program goes beyond just a summer abroad; it’s an opportunity to grow personally and professionally. By living with a Chinese family, you’ll gain insights into the daily life and traditions of one of the world’s oldest civilizations, all while contributing to a global exchange of ideas and perspectives. This journey will equip you with the skills and understanding needed to thrive in an increasingly connected world.

Program Highlights

  • Experience authentic Chinese culture through living with a host family!
  • Flight stipend up to 1800 USD
  • Mandarin course paid by your host family
  • Monthly culture activities
  • Scholarship up to 1300 USD for TEFL certified participants!

Related Programs

Program Reviews

4.72 Rating
based on 121 reviews
  • 5 rating 75.21%
  • 4 rating 23.14%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 1.65%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Housing 4.8
  • Support 4.6
  • Fun 4.5
  • Value 4.7
  • Safety 4.9
Showing 25 - 32 of 121 reviews
Default avatar
E
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Experience as an Au Pair in Shanghai

I was an au pair with Wanderlust for 4 months, and it was an absolutely amazing experience. Wanderlust was so helpful everything starting from the interview process all the way to the end of my time as an au pair. They were very prompt with answering my messages when I needed help. Staying away from home for so long was definitely quite nerve-wracking, but having the agency be there as support in case I ran into any problems allowed me to feel relief.

The family and the kid, who was 7 years old, was also wonderful to be with. The kid and I developed a very close bond. The family welcomed me with open arms and went above and beyond to make sure my stay here in China was comfortable. All in all, I am so grateful to be able to teach English while also learning Chinese here in China. I couldn't have had such an amazing experience had it not been for the family and most importantly, Wanderlust.

45 people found this review helpful.
Response from Wanderlust Exchange

Dear E X,
Thank you so much for your joining our program.
We genuinely hope that your engagement with our traditions and daily life, fostered a profound understanding of our culture and language.

Hope you all well in your future endeavours.

Wanderlust Team

Default avatar
Marin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Experience as an au pair in Beijing

The experience I benefited from the agency and the family was insane. The agency did the job, the contact I had was extremely helpful and their relation with the family was very fluid.

About the family, I don't think I could think of any bad points. From the beginning to the end, they have been super reliable in terms of communication, proposition of activities and even support (I was finding an internship in France at that time so I had many interviews and the family was understanding that). The two amazing points are : the kid was super smart and mature (14yo) and the family has had a long experience dealing with au pairs.The extra good point was the absence of language barrier (with my Chinese level and the English level of the mum and the kid). They made the conditions for me to really

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice is to take time to choose the right family, to reach the previous au pair in order to ask what he thinks of the program. The experience 90% depends on the relation you have with the parents and with the kids.
Pros
  • Good communication from the agency and the family
  • Good rhythm with Chinese language school the morning
  • The possibility to quickly improve my Chinese level (which was the main goal for me)
Cons
  • I would have of course loved to have more free days to travel in China but that's the contract
46 people found this review helpful.
Response from Wanderlust Exchange

Hello Marin,

Thank you so much for your joining our program.

During your stay in the Beijing host,you have brought a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and a genuine interest in becoming part of the family. The mutual exchange of knowledge and experiences is tremendously valuable for the family kid.

Hope this experience in China deepened your understanding of Chinese culture and history.

Wanderlust Team

Default avatar
Unis
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Adventure awaits in China

My experience was unique, because I had the opportunity to find an amazing host family. They welcomed me with open arms and has given me the best experience which I'll never forget. Most importantly I got to be an older sister and best friend to the most amazing little girl. We had some good and hard times together, but even through that you get to experience how much this little person will grow in building confidence, leaning new skills and improving their language skills. To be able to experience that is a truly rewarding feeling. This experience has also given me the chance to study Mandarin, see some of the most beautiful places in China and meeting new people everywhere I went to. So come and find your next adventure in China because it's waiting for you;)!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be patient, when you find yourself in a situation and it feels like you can't go on. Remember there is always a solution to every problem or situation you find yourself in.
Be open to learn new skills and experience the beautiful life in China. Don't be afraid, take a chance and give it your best.
Pros
  • Learning new skills
  • Travel
  • Meeting new people
Cons
  • You will encounter situations that will test you.
  • Homesickness
  • Hardest part is saying goodbye to your amazing host family
51 people found this review helpful.
Response from Wanderlust Exchange

Dear Unis,

Thank you for choosing China and the Wanderlust program,we are dedicated to combine cultural immersion and language acquisition in a unique way over the decade.
We really appreciate your commitment in building a respectful and harmonious relationship with your host.

Hope you all well in your future endeavours.

Wanderlust Team

Default avatar
Sophie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fantastic experience

Coming to China was by far the best experience on my gap year and I am very grateful to wanderlust exchange for all the help and support throughout my stay. I was hesitant at first as I didn’t know what to expect but after this trip I have developed such a love for Chinese culture and language which will stay with me for life. I stayed with a very welcoming and kind family who I have become very close with. I definitely recommend this experience to anyone wanting to explore a new culture or language!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Figuring out all the Chinese apps like Alipay and Wechat was nerve-racking at the beginning but now it’s very strange going back to using card and cash in my home country!
57 people found this review helpful.
Response from Wanderlust Exchange

Dear Sophie,

Thank you so much for your joining our program. Your proficient tutoring and loving childcare has left an unique mark on Nadya family. Hope this experience in China deepens your understanding of Chinese culture and history, being immersed in a Mandarin-speaking environment enhanced your language skills, valuable for both personal and professional growth.

Hope you all well in your future endeavours.

Wanderlust Team

Default avatar
Fransisca
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My aupair experience

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!🗺️🎉🇿🇦✈️🇨🇳

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
To be an aupair comes with patience, determination, hard work and also guts😅 I think the most important things I would suggest is that you make sure you chose the right family because the host family you will stay with determines your whole experience and yes you can change to another host family if you want but it's easier when you and your host family have things in common and you both can agree on each other's thoughts and meanings and also your connection with them and your student have to be good because communication is essential, when you need help with something ask your host parents or Wanderlust staff members. And make sure that you have fun and can be yourself around them.
Pros
  • Free delicious food if your host family has a nanny
  • Traveling with your host family is amazing
  • Rich and meaningful experience with your student ( host family's child)
Cons
  • Culture shock
  • Language barrier
  • Homesickness
53 people found this review helpful.
Response from Wanderlust Exchange

Dear Fransisca,

Thank you for choosing China and the Wanderlust program,we are dedicated to combine cultural immersion and language acquisition in a unique way over the decade.
We really appreciate your commitment in building a respectful and harmonious relationship with your host.

Hope you all well in your future endeavours.

Wanderlust Team

Default avatar
Paige
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience as au pair in Shanghai

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.

50 people found this review helpful.
Response from Wanderlust Exchange

Hello Paige,

Thank you for choosing China and the Wanderlust program,we are dedicated to combine cultural immersion and language acquisition in a unique way over the decade.

Hope this experience in China deepened your understanding of Chinese culture and history.

Wanderlust Team

Default avatar
Kamilla
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Thank you <3

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!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Food was a whole new world to me. I got to experience so many strange foods that now I can almost say that I have tried everything! I think the weirdest thing was a whole crab and you put it in your mouth and spit out all the shells. Same thing with the cochlea.
Pros
  • Growing in person
  • New way to look different cultures
  • Get friends
Cons
  • Far from relatives
  • Have to make it on your own
  • Language barriers
47 people found this review helpful.
Response from Wanderlust Exchange

Dear Kamilla,

Thank you so much for your joining our program. Your proficient tutoring and loving childcare has left an unique mark on your host family. Hope this experience in China deepens your understanding of Chinese culture and history, being immersed in a Mandarin-speaking environment enhanced your language skills, valuable for both personal and professional growth.

Hope you all well in your future endeavours.

Wanderlust Team

Default avatar
Megan
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

6 months abroad!

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!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
Choose a family closer to the city center, live on my own
Pros
  • Fun to play with kids
  • Good opportunity to meet friends from mandarin school
  • The pay is enough to get around and have fun
Cons
  • Agency doesn't always tell you important things in advance
  • 1.5 days off is sometimes too short
53 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

Hello Joanna, Thank you for your question and interest in Wanderlust Au Pair China Program. I would like to answer your questions in three aspects: how au pairs can get ready for their trip to China; what support they will have from Wanderlust; what's to be expected of your daily life with the host family. In regards to how au pairs can get themselves prepared for the trip to China, here are some...