Sharing a Family Responsibility - Being an Au Pair

Au pair jobs in China are technically not ‘jobs’—they are more of cultural immersion experiences. You are not there as an employee who receives wages for the work you've done. Rather, you do different tasks—such as helping with light housework and tutoring the kids—because you are a part of your host family. Both the family and the au pair have their fair share of responsibilities.

But don’t worry. Au pair jobs in China are not heavy on household chores and childcare. Since most Chinese parents want their children to learn the English language, they do not usually require their au pairs to help in the house—they just want you to focus on tutoring their children. Many host families say that their kids speak better English when they are taught by au pairs rather than ESL teachers. For this reason, au pair agencies in China are looking for applicants who are fluent in English and are interested in living like a local in China for 3 to 6 months. You don't need to know how to speak Mandarin or be a teacher to qualify.

The host family is vetted to ensure that they can provide a decent home for the au pair. This includes a private room, some pocket money, and three meals per day. They should also ensure that you feel at home by treating you as a real family member and respecting your weekly working hours. In China, au pairs also have the privilege of learning the Mandarin language for free. They will send you to a Mandarin school or a proper language program. And with your day to day exposure to the language, you will speak Mandarin in no time.

The key to a great au pair experience is to find a reliable agency. The best agencies are capable of finding you the right match by considering your expectations as well as the expectations of the host.