Stepping out onto Chinese soil at Beijing Airport, I couldn't suppress the mix of apprehension and thrill that washed over me. My big move—working as an au pair there for six months—promised to alter everything from this very instant onward. Compared to fellow English teachers abroad often seen popping up in China, I chose something different from the start: immersing myself via a homestay relationship where cultural bonding was paramount.
1. The Role of an Au Pair in China
So, why do Chinese families shell out a pretty penny to have a foreign au pair in their home when they could hire a local ayi or a Filipino nanny who would not only care for their kids but also tackle household chores? The wish to introduce their kids to Western values and culture is the answer. Parents who want to live with an au pair from abroad think their kids will easily pick up another culture, just like a sponge picks up water. And what better way to do so than by having an older foreign "brother" or "sister" living under the same roof?
As a rule, au pairs are not hired to teach English to their charges, but rather to engage in activities that promote cultural exchange and understanding. This means that my days were filled with playtime, storytelling, and singing silly songs with my host kids, all while sharing my own cultural traditions and values with them.
"I loved how my au pair, Rachel, would tell us stories about her childhood in America," says Emma, a 9-year-old who had an au pair for a year. It was similar to inviting international friends over regularly with a sleepover vibe every night. For Emma's mom, that’s exactly why an au pair went far beyond childcare—it actively helped her children explore and appreciate the world outside their own by sharing fresh perspectives from another country.
2. The Application Process
Before I arrived in China, I went through a rigorous application process, which involved submitting my resume, a motivational letter, and a police background check. I also had to video chat with the family I would be staying with to go over expectations and get to know them. After that, it was a waiting game until my visa was approved and I could book my ticket to China.
3. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Let's face it – being an au pair in China isn't always easy. Feeling as though you're stuck in a culture shock can result from acting badly around your host family or from not understanding the subtleties of Chines