Location
  • China
    • Shanghai
    • Beijing
    • Hangzhou
    • Ningbo
    • Shenzhen
Length
52+ weeks
Financial Support
General grants/scholarships, 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

Aug 07, 2023
Dec 16, 2023
75 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

Ethical Impact

This volunteer program gives you the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of deserving children. Additionally, you will also have the opportunity to explore one of the most modern and exciting cities in China - Shanghai. As a volunteer, you will be stationed at an orphanage that is located in a children’s hospital. Children residing in this orphanage often arrive from other orphanages in more rural areas of China to receive better medical treatment. With your commitment, love, and care you have the chance to make a difference in their recovery.

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!

Current Jobs

View the latest job postings by Wanderlust Exchange.

Program Reviews

4.83 Rating
based on 81 reviews
  • 5 rating 82.72%
  • 4 rating 17.28%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Housing 4.9
  • Support 4.75
  • Fun 4.6
  • Value 4.75
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 8 of 81 reviews
Default avatar
Aseah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

"Engaging Cultures: My Teaching Adventure in Hangzhou, China"

My five-month experience with the Wanderlust Culture Home-stay English Teaching Program in Hangzhou, China, was an enriching journey of cultural exchange and personal growth. Living with a welcoming local family, I not only taught English to two enthusiastic children but also delved into the depths of Chinese culture, language, and customs.

The program, while offering flexibility in teaching, could benefit from more structured educational resources. My host family, especially Mr. Lou, provided a warm and genuine insight into Chinese daily life, making me feel like a part of their family.

Exploring Hangzhou's historical sites and natural beauty added to this immersive experience. The program is a fantastic opportunity for those looking to combine educational impact with cultural exploration in China.

What was your funniest moment?
At the dinner table with the family and kids, while sharing stories about how each other’s day went.
Pros
  • Fun and exciting
  • Learned a lot in terms of Chinese culture, lifestyle, language and cuisine
  • Earned a new family in China
Cons
  • Cultural differences
  • Difference in lifestyle
  • Language differences
1 person found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Vivianne
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great way to experience China on a budget!

I have just finished a three month au pair programme in Shanghai and I am so glad that I went through Wanderlust Exchange. The host family I was matched with was perfect for me; the application process/paperwork was super smooth, and my recruiter (Jiali) was super kind and always available to answer my questions. Once I had arrived in Shanghai, having the agency to turn to made me feel really safe and supported.

And Shanghai as a city was an amazing place to live in. It has everything you'd expect of a big city (amazing nightlife, food, shopping...), and at the same time, there were sooo many cafés, parks, quiet small streets if you want to take it slow.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
If you want to live in China and study Mandarin but are on a budget, I really really recommend considering the au pair programme. Though I would say, only if you also genuinely enjoy teaching and playing with children because you will be spending a lot of time with your host children — and no matter how sweet they are, they will test your patience at times! I'd also make sure to ask about things like curfew and a rough working schedule during your interviews so you know what to expect & can choose a family that suits you.

If you have any questions feel free to message me on Instagram (@viviannewei) and I'll do my best to answer! :))
Pros
  • Free accom and Mandarin classes
  • Costs of living in China relatively low even in big cities when you don't need to pay rent, pocket money is enough to live quite comfortably
Cons
  • Taking care of children can get tiring!
2 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Patrick
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

2023 4 Month Au Pair Program Beijing

I took the Au Pair program from September till end December in Beijing. I came here wanting to learn about Chinese culture and travel and it has been incredible. The agency is very helpful when you have questions or problems during your time here. I never had any problems with my family, but those who had were always able to contact them and they would help them. Besides being an Au Pair you get daily Chinese classes which has probably been the best as you get to meet a lot of people like you who do the same program or just other foreigners. Overall this has been an incredible experience.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Try learn as much Chinese as you can and be open to learning about the Chinese unique culture.
Pros
  • Good support from the agency if anything goes wrong
  • Very good and social chinese classes (in Beijing)
Cons
  • May not be for everyone as being an Au Pair can be demanding
3 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Adrija
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My au-pair experience in China,Shanghai

My experience as an au-pair in Shanghai has truly been one of a kind! The family, culture, food, city, friends, Mandarin classes, new lifestyle...... everything was amazing. While it took some time to get used to this new life in one of the biggest cities in the world, the experience was completely worth it. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have lived with such welcoming host family, tutor adorable kids English and be like a bigger sister to them, while also being able to learn Mandarin, explore Shanghai and meet so many amazing people here! For those who are looking for immersion in Chinese culture, working as an English educator, building meaningful connections and making precious memories - Au-pair program in China with Wanderlust Exchange might just be what you are looking for.

What was your funniest moment?
Working with children opens possibilities to hear the most bizarre and funny sentences ever. One of the funniest moments was when I was playing "would you rather?" game with my 7y.o. girl, and to the question " Would you rather know every language or could play every instrument?" she very confidently said "Every language, because when I will go to Japan I will say "Bonjour" ". It genuinely made me laugh!
Pros
  • Getting to know Chinese culture and experience it first-hand
  • Making meaningful connections with the host family and new friends
  • Learning Mandarin
Cons
  • Work with children can be more tiring than imagined
  • Inevitably being exposed to family's personal problems can be quite awkward
6 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Rachel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An amazing au pair experience in Shanghai

My adventure in Shanghai is about to end soon and I am sad I’ll have to leave. I have been working with one of the most loving and caring family I have ever met. Since day one, I have been treated like a family member and this made my experience very special. I am taking care of two adorable little girls with which I created a genuine and unique special bond: they are like my sisters now. I love spending time with them both when it comes to playing or studying. The parents are also very kind to me and always made their best to make me feel home. I will definitely stay in touch with them and visit them in the future. This was a once in a lifetime adventure that I will always remember. A huge thank you to Wanderlust Exchange for making it happen. ❤️

Pros
  • I learned Chinese very quickly, the school program is intense but very good
  • I made lots of friends here in Shanghai, friends for life
  • The city of Shanghai is huge and has a lot to offer
Cons
  • You can get homesick sometimes
  • Losing my total independence was not always easy as I was used to live by myself for years
8 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Trinity
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Wanderlust Au pairing (Beijing)

If you’re seeking to discover China through the perspective of a local and enjoy looking after children, this is the programme for you! The programme gives you a unique insight into China, immersing you in all aspects: the language via daily language classes, food and the culture. Not only this, but you get to see the child(ren) you look after and teach develop their English abilities!

I can’t recommend more the programme: the three months I spent in Beijing was truly one of the best times of my life. It was stimulating and jam packed with new experiences: from trips to Shanghai and Datong to trying all the different regional hotpots! So much so that I’ve already got my next trip to China planned!

Pros
  • Truly immersive cultural programme
  • Cost effective way to visit China for students
12 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Arthur
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Au Pair Hangzhou Experience

My experience of being an Au Pair in Hangzhou was fantastic. I stayed here for 3 Months which was too short, I'd like to continue my great life here in China. The family was really nice and I quickly had a great connection with the Au Pair kid. Teaching him English and how to play tennis was an unique experience which I wouldn't have liked to miss. In my freetime I got around in the province Zhejiang which has wonderful cities like Shaoxing, Ningbo, Shanghai and of course Hangzhou with the pretty West Lake. Although there weren't many Au Pairs in my area I quickly got to know foreigners from the Chinese class and some soccer groups. My Chinese improved a lot in those 3 Months even though I was talking mostly in English to the Au Pair kid because his English was already on a high level. The family offered me to always come back to China and made me receive this unforgettable stay! I recommend this to anyone who wants to have a new life in an Asian country and wants to have an special period of life in his/her CV.

Pros
  • Luxurious living
  • Nice people, family
  • Language improvements
Cons
  • Not that many au pairs in Hangzhou
25 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Desztics
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Au pair program

I had an incredible experience with the au pair agency. The support I received throughout the entire process was truly exceptional. From the moment I signed up, the staff was incredibly helpful and attentive to my needs. They guided me through the application, interview, and matching process with patience and understanding. The agency's team went above and beyond to address any concerns I had, making sure I felt completely prepared for my new adventure as an au pair. Their genuine kindness and approachability made me feel like part of a caring community. Their attention to detail really put my mind at ease and allowed me to focus on forming meaningful connections with my host family. I'm so grateful for the support I received from the agency. If you're looking for an au pair agency that truly cares about your experience, I wholeheartedly recommend them.

Pros
  • Their support was outstanding, guiding me at every step.
  • The staff's warmth and friendliness made me feel at home
  • They emphasized safety, offering resources for a secure experience.
Cons
  • Choices of host families were a bit restricted, yet they found good matches.
  • The visa application had intricate steps, but their help made it easier.
32 people found this review helpful.
Response from Wanderlust Exchange

Dear Eszti,

Your feedback truly warms our hearts, and we're grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of your au pair journey. It's incredibly rewarding to hear that your experience with our agency was nothing short of exceptional.

We're thrilled to have been by your side every step of the way, from the initial sign-up to your journey as an au pair. Our team is dedicated to providing the highest level of support, and your kind words about our helpfulness and attentiveness mean a lot to us. It's wonderful to know that our guidance through the application, interview, and matching process was of value to you.

At Wanderlust Exchange, we believe that addressing concerns and ensuring your comfort is paramount. We're delighted that our efforts helped you feel well-prepared for this exciting chapter of your life. Creating a sense of community and belonging is at the core of our mission, and we're glad that our genuine kindness and approachability made you feel connected and cared for.

Your mention of our attention to detail is heartening. We understand that the little things can make a big difference, and we're pleased that this allowed you to focus on what truly matters – forming those meaningful connections with your host family and embracing the cultural exchange experience.

Your recommendation means the world to us. Knowing that you wholeheartedly endorse our agency is a testament to the dedication and passion we pour into each au pair's journey.

As you continue to create cherished memories and connections, please know that we're here to support you in any way we can. Your journey is an inspiration, and we're excited to see where it leads you.

Wishing you continued joy, growth, and unforgettable experiences as an au pair.

Warm regards,

Wanderlust Exchange

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...