Au Pair in China
You will work as an Au Pair for up to 30 hours per week, with responsibilities such as playing with children, teaching English, and helping with school tasks.
Families looking to hire an Au Pair hope to expose their children to the English language, as well as widen their cultural education. Au Pairs and host families are carefully screened and deliberately matched prior to departure, to ensure that the Au Pair arrangement is successful.
After landing in China, you will be able to join other new Au Pairs for a 2-day arrival orientation and training camp. This will equip you with the skills needed to be a successful Au Pair, and give you time to adjust to a new culture. You'll have time to socialise with other international Au Pairs working in your area, before leaving to meet your host family.
Each host family is unique and has their own schedules, traditions and hobbies, so no Au Pair experience is exactly the same. As stated above, Smaller Earth will strive to match you with your host family based on shared interests and expectations as part of your individual service.
Choosing to be an Au Pair offers a variety of opportunities. There are three different program lengths to choose from - nine weeks, three months, or six months. You can also choose to extend your stay up to 12 months once you are in China and having the time of your life.
Working as an Au Pair abroad in China gives you a perspective on the culture as well as valuable childcare experience. Living in Shanghai, Hangzhou, Shenzhen or Beijing, with all accommodation and meals provided by your family, you will have plenty of time to gain an insight into this fascinating country. You will also receive a monthly allowance to cover any personal expenses.
You will be welcomed into a new home with open arms as you adjust to family life in China. Proudly home to some of the oldest historical wonders of the world, this program will enable you to gain an insight into this fascinating country.
It can be difficult for foreign Au Pairs to get used to living with a new Chinese family, but remember - it is equally as difficult for your Chinese host family to get used to a new person in their home. They'll welcome you into their lives, so it will help to welcome them into yours. It's a good idea to take a small gift from your country for the family, to show them your heritage and culture.
Communication is key - make sure you speak regularly with your new family. Be respectful of house rules, and don't be afraid to ask any questions. Your host family will be happy to figure out on a schedule that works for both parties. It's important that you don't come home late or stay out overnight without prior notice/consent. Ask the family before inviting friends into your new home.
Cleanliness and personal hygiene is important, so figure out an agreement with your host family about things like when you can use the washing machine. Keep your personal space clean and tidy, and treat the rest of the home as you would your own. During meal times and other family activities, try to be on time, help with washing and cleaning up (unless you are asked not to). Chinese people look highly upon hospitality treats, such as offering tea to the house guests. Respect and be open-minded to the eating habits of your host family. Different cultures have different definitions and views on privacy, so it's okay to discuss this topic with your host family.
The main purpose of the position is to develop the English language skills, of those you are Au Pairing, through tutoring and conversation. You will be a role model for the children in your care and they will look up to you for guidance and support. As part of the Au Pair program, you will receive 60 class-hours of Mandarin classes per 3 month stay.
Having the ability to speak the world's most widely spoken language will certainly enhance your CV for future employers and will give you a competitive edge. With additional support of a small classroom size and great teachers, your Chinese will improve at a fast rate.
Wherever you're located, your local coordinator will create social opportunities so you can meet other Au Pairs. Your assigned coordinator will ensure that you make friends with others in your area, so you always have groups to hang out with in the local coffee shop!
There will also be organised trips to see the local sites and explore the wonders China has to offer. You will be going through your arrival orientation with other Au Pairs and will spend this quality time together as you adjust to life in China. You will also be able to meet up with your new friends at your Mandarin lessons and culture courses.
Most Au Pairs are located in Shanghai, Hangzhou and Beijing. Chinese families typically live in big, gated apartment complexes, and it is normal for three generations of the same family to live together in the family home.
You will have your own bedroom and will normally share a bathroom.
Between the ages of 18 and 29
You must have at least graduated high school
You must be fluent in English
You should ideally have some form of childcare or babysitting experience
You should be in good health and reasonably physically fit
Have a clean criminal record
Have a strong interest in China and a willingness to be open minded
The programme is currently paused due to the ongoing pandemic, however we will revisit this in the future.
When you arrive in China, you will be met by our partner at the airport. They will take you through 8 hours of intensive training at the 'Arrival Orientation and Training Camp' (AOTC). During your orientation you will train alongside new Au Pairs and will learn everything you need to know about your placement. Your local coordinator will be in contact with you throughout your placement to provide you with full support. Your coordinator will provide you with the contact details of the other Au Pairs in the surrounding area so you can arrange social events with new friends during your time off.
It can take up to 12 weeks for a suitable host family match to be made.
Au Pairs can expect to help their host family for up to 30 hours per week duties may include, but are not limited to, childcare, tutoring English and some light household duties.
An Au Pair can expect at least 1.5 days off per week, one full weekend off per month and 3 additional vacation days every 3 months. Your time off schedule will vary from family to family and it may not be consecutive days.
You will receive monthly pocket money of at least 1,500 RMB, you may also receive a quarterly and completion bonus. The cost of living in China is relevantly cheap, for example a meal at McDonalds is £1.50, lunches up to £1 and a Chinese beer 25p.