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.
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.