Apply Now
How to Become an Au Pair in China โ€“ Step-by-Step Guide (2025) | Masons Au Pair
Masons Au Pair ยท Chengdu, China
Step-by-Step Guide ยท 2025 Edition

How to Become an Au Pair
in China

From application to arrival โ€” your complete guide to starting an au pair experience in China with Masons.

300+
Au Pairs Placed
18โ€“29
Age Range
X2
Student Visa
24/7
Support Team
Free
Mandarin Classes

Becoming an
Au Pair in China

Becoming an au pair in China is more than just an adventure โ€” it's a structured cultural exchange program that opens the door to real immersion in Chinese life.

Whether you're curious about the opportunity or ready to apply, this complete guide explains how to become an au pair in China step by step: you'll learn about eligibility, required documents, the matching process with a Chinese host family, and what your daily life will look like once you arrive.

Follow this guide to start your au pair experience in China with confidence.

Masons Au Pair group photo China

Eligibility & Requirements to
Become an Au Pair in China

01
Age 18โ€“29 Years Old

You must be between 18 and 29 years old to participate in the au pair program in China.

02
Fluent in English

Be fluent in English or have a strong proficiency โ€” you'll be teaching English to your host family's children.

03
Clear Criminal Record

A clean criminal background check is required for the visa application and host family matching.

04
In Good Health

You'll need to provide a medical certificate confirming you are in good physical and mental health.

05
Single / Unmarried

The au pair program is designed for single individuals seeking cultural exchange and personal growth.

06
Ready for Adventure

An open mind, flexibility, and genuine curiosity for Chinese culture are the most important qualities.

Live in China Learn Mandarin Grow as a person Cultural Immersion Host Family Experience X2 Student Visa 300+ Au Pairs Placed Chengdu, Sichuan Live in China Learn Mandarin Grow as a person Cultural Immersion Host Family Experience X2 Student Visa 300+ Au Pairs Placed Chengdu, Sichuan

Everything Included
in Your Program

When you join our program, you receive full support from day one โ€” so you can focus on the experience, not the logistics.

  • โ†’
    Round-trip flight tickets โ€” based on project duration
  • โ†’
    Visa support โ€” full X2 student visa guidance
  • โ†’
    Insurance coverage for the full duration
  • โ†’
    Mandarin courses with professional teachers โ€” face to face classes
  • โ†’
    Cultural exchange activities every month
  • โ†’
    Au Pair training sessions before and after arrival
  • โ†’
    24/7 agency support from our local Chengdu team
  • โ†’
    SIM card for China โ€” stay connected from day one
  • โ†’
    VPN access for international apps & services
  • โ†’
    Police Registration โ€” handled on your behalf

10 Steps to Your
Au Pair Journey

01
Fill the form

Start by submitting your application with personal details, availability, and childcare experience.

02
Interview with Masons

Join a video interview with our team to confirm your motivation and complete your application.

03
Match with a family

We carefully match you with a Chinese host family based on your language skills, childcare preferences, and cultural fit.

04
Interview with family

Connect with your potential host family to discuss expectations, schedule, and ensure a successful cultural exchange.

05
Schedule & task approval

Define your au pair duties, English tutoring hours, and free time before signing your China au pair agreement.

06
Contract approval

Sign your official au pair contract confirming your responsibilities, host family conditions, and visa documentation.

07
Visa & flight booking

Apply for your Chinese X2 student visa and book your flight to begin your cultural immersion.

08
Arrival in Chengdu

Arrive in China and meet our support team in Chengdu before starting your live-in au pair experience.

09
2-day orientation

Join a 2-day orientation in Chengdu to prepare for daily life, Mandarin basics, childcare routines, and local culture.

10
Welcome to host family

Move in with your Chinese host family and officially begin your au pair placement and cultural exchange adventure.

Your Au Pair
Experience in China

Becoming an au pair in China is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to live with a Chinese host family, gain hands-on childcare experience, and explore one of the world's richest cultures.

With Masons Au Pair, the process is simple and fully supported from the start. You'll get help with your X2 student visa, take Mandarin language classes, join cultural immersion activities, and benefit from 24/7 personalized assistance.

Whether you want to improve your language skills, travel abroad with purpose, or build experience for a future career in education, this au pair program in China is designed to help you grow personally and professionally.

Masons Au Pair team Chengdu
Masons Au Pair โ€” Chengdu, Sichuan
Masons Au Pair brochure 2025

Download Our Free
Au Pair Brochure

Still curious about the program details, life in China, or what to expect as an Au Pair? Get our complete brochure โ€” packed with practical info on eligibility, cultural exchange, host families, support services, and the full step-by-step enrollment process.

Inside, you'll find:

  • Everything you need to apply successfully
  • An overview of your responsibilities and benefits
  • How we match you with the perfect host family
  • What to expect before, during, and after arrival

Life as an Au Pair
in China

Frequently Asked
Questions

What is an Au Pair and how does it work in China?
+
An au pair is a young person who lives with a Chinese host family to provide childcare and teach English in exchange for free accommodation, meals, cultural immersion, and Mandarin classes. In China, au pair programs also help participants experience everyday Chinese life while gaining valuable international experience.
Why choose to become an au pair in China in 2025?
+
China is one of the world's most fascinating cultures and fastest-growing economies. As an au pair in Chengdu, you'll learn Mandarin, build international work experience, immerse yourself in Chinese daily life, and make connections that last a lifetime โ€” all for free.
What are the requirements to become an au pair in China?
+
You must be aged 18โ€“29, fluent in English, single, in good health, and have a clean criminal record. No prior childcare experience is required, though it's a plus. An open mind and genuine curiosity for Chinese culture are the most important qualities.
Do I need a visa to become an au pair in China?
+
Yes. You'll need an X2 student visa, which Masons Au Pair helps you obtain. We guide you through the full visa process โ€” from documentation to submission โ€” so you arrive ready to start your experience.
How long is the au pair program in China?
+
Programs typically run from 3 to 12 months, with the most common placement being 6 months. Duration is agreed upon with your host family before signing the contract.
What do I receive as an au pair in China?
+
You receive round-trip flights (based on duration), X2 visa support, insurance, free Mandarin classes with certified teachers, monthly cultural activities, au pair training, 24/7 support, a SIM card, VPN access, and police registration.
Can I choose my host family?
+
You don't choose directly, but we carefully match you based on your preferences, language skills, and childcare experience. Before confirming, you'll have a video interview with the host family to ensure it's the right fit for both sides.
Is it safe to become an au pair in China?
+
Yes. Chengdu is one of China's safest and most liveable cities. All host families are thoroughly screened by Masons Au Pair, and our local team is available 24/7 for any concerns or emergencies throughout your stay.
Do I need experience in childcare or teaching?
+
No prior experience is required. You'll receive au pair training sessions before and after arrival. What matters most is enthusiasm, patience, and a genuine interest in working with children.
How do I apply to the Masons Au Pair Program?
+
Simply fill in our online application form, and our team will reach out within 48 hours to schedule your interview. The full process from application to departure takes approximately 4โ€“8 weeks.
What is the difference between an au pair and a nanny?
+
A nanny is a paid professional employee. An au pair is a cultural exchange participant who lives with the family as a guest, receives accommodation and meals in return for light childcare and English tutoring. The relationship is much more personal and reciprocal.
How much does an au pair get paid?
+
Au pairs in China receive free accommodation, meals, Mandarin classes, flights, and insurance rather than a traditional salary. Some host families also provide a small monthly allowance. The full package is valued at several thousand euros.

Ready to Start Your
Chinese Adventure?

Join hundreds of au pairs who've discovered what it truly means to live, learn, and grow in China.