China now defines an au pair very differently than the West does, departing significantly from Western conceptions of the role. Beyond assisting with light chores and providing care during their stay in China, young foreign volunteers often called 'au pairs' also teach English and introduce Western culture. Chinese parents, in many cases, view their au pair as a cultural emissary, bringing a piece of the Western world into their home.
The expectations placed upon an au pair in China can be quite overwhelming, with many parents expecting them to be proficient in both childcare and cultural ambassadorship. While these tasks present challenges from time to time, engaging with them builds not only important skills for development but also widens our understanding of different cultures. As a result, the role of an au pair in China has become a complex and multifaceted one, requiring a high degree of flexibility, adaptability, and cultural awareness.
In many ways, the au pair's role in China represents a microcosm of the country's own complex relationship with the West, with the au pair serving as a kind of cultural intermediary between the two worlds.