What is Au Pair?

What is Au Pair?

The term “Au Pair” comes from French and literally means “on equal terms”. As an Au Pair in China, you are not a servant or a full‑time nanny – you are a temporary member of the host family, who helps with children and language while sharing your culture.

Live with a Chinese family · Support the children · Learn Mandarin · Share your own culture

Au Pair = cultural exchange + family life

Being an Au Pair means living inside a real local home instead of just visiting as a tourist. You join the family’s daily routine, become a “big brother / big sister” to the children, and experience how people in China actually live, eat, study and relax.

  • Stay with a carefully selected host family in China’s main cities.
  • Have your own room, meals and daily life with the family.
  • Build a warm, respectful relationship rather than a boss–employee relationship.

What will you do in the family?

Your main role is to be a language and culture companion for the children, not a housekeeper. Most of our host families already have their own domestic help and do not expect you to do heavy housework.

  • Speak English or your native language with the children in daily situations.
  • Help with homework, reading time, and simple learning games.
  • Do activities like music, drawing, crafts, board games and storytelling.
  • Play outdoor sports, go to the park, ride bicycles and explore the neighborhood together.
  • Help with light tasks related to the children (tidying toys, preparing simple snacks), if agreed in advance.

This is definitely not a full‑time nanny or cleaning job – the focus is on children’s development and cultural exchange.

How long can you stay? Where can you go?

You can choose to stay from 3 months up to 12 months, depending on your study plans, visa type and the agreement with your host family.

  • Flexible program length: short‑term (3–6 months) or longer stays (9–12 months).
  • Placements available in major cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Qingdao, Wuhan and other urban areas.
  • Some families live in quieter residential communities, giving you a calmer daily rhythm while still close to big‑city life.

No matter which city you choose, we aim to match you with a family whose lifestyle and expectations fit your personality and goals.

What can you gain from being an Au Pair in China?

An Au Pair experience is not only about helping a family – it is also an investment in yourself.

  • Language: real‑life Mandarin practice in class and at home.
  • Confidence: living abroad, handling daily life and communicating across cultures.
  • CV / résumé value: international experience that shows responsibility and openness.
  • Connections: a Chinese “second family” and friends from around the world.

For many Au Pairs, this year becomes a turning point: they discover new interests, new strengths and sometimes a new direction for their future studies or career.

Mandarin classes & support

To help you make the most of your time in China, we encourage every Au Pair to combine family life with structured learning.

  • Host families provide a monthly pocket money and cover your daily living expenses at home.
  • Chinese language courses are offered as a free option, paid for by the host family (with a private tutor or at a partner school / university, depending on the program).
  • We and our partners offer guidance on how to set realistic language goals during your stay.
  • You will also receive support in practical matters like transportation, phone, and basic daily life in China.
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