Your son or daughter has just told you they want to spend months living with a family in China. It's completely normal to feel proud and worried at the same time. Is it safe? Is it legal? Who will help if something goes wrong? This guide answers the questions parents ask us most, so you can support their decision with confidence.
If you're asking "is it safe to be an au pair in China", the short answer is yes, when the placement goes through a legal program, with screened families and a local team on the ground. Here's what that means in practice.
For parents, in one paragraph: with Masons Au Pair, your child travels on a legal X2 student visa, lives with a personally screened host family in Chengdu, studies Mandarin at our partner school, is covered by insurance, and can reach our local team 24/7. Everything, from hours to the pocket money paid by the family, is agreed in writing before departure.
1. Is Being an Au Pair in China Legal?
Yes, when it's done properly. Au pairs in China travel on an X2 student visa, the visa for short-term study, because they take part in a cultural exchange program that includes Mandarin classes at a registered school. Coming on a tourist visa to "help a family" is not legal, and a serious agency will never suggest it.
We explain the legal framework in detail in is being an au pair in China legal, and the visa process in how to get your Chinese visa.
2. Is China Safe for Young People?
Chinese cities generally have low levels of street crime, and Chengdu has a reputation as one of the most relaxed and liveable cities in the country. Of course, common sense applies anywhere: keeping valuables safe, being careful with traffic and following local rules.
Our guide to staying safe and healthy in China covers health, food, transport and emergencies, and it's worth reading together with your child.
3. Who Are the Host Families?
Host families are usually Chinese families who want their children to grow up speaking natural English and to learn about other cultures. With Masons Au Pair, every family is met and screened by our team before matching. We discuss the household, the children, the daily schedule, the room your child will live in and the family's expectations.
Your child also has a video interview with us, so we can match them with a family that fits their personality and interests. Learn more about family life in our homestay guide.
4. What Exactly Will My Child Do?
An au pair is not a nanny or a domestic worker. Their role is to be an older sibling and English language companion: playing, reading, talking and helping children practise English, usually up to 30 hours a week. The rest of the time they study Mandarin, join cultural activities and explore the city.
See what a normal day looks like in a day in the life of an au pair in China.
5. What Is Included in the Program?
Many of the biggest costs of living abroad are already covered. With Masons Au Pair, the following are included:
- Round-trip flight tickets, based on the length of the placement
- X2 student visa support and the official invitation letter
- Insurance coverage for the full duration
- Free Mandarin classes at our partner school XMandarin
- A private room and meals with the host family, who also give ¥2,000 of monthly pocket money
- Airport pickup, orientation, SIM card, VPN access and police registration assistance
- 24/7 support from our local team in Chengdu
See every detail in our au pair services.
The most important question to ask any agency: "Who will my child call at 2am, and how fast can you be there?"
6. How Will We Stay in Touch?
Many Western apps don't work normally in China. That's why Masons Au Pair provides a local SIM card and VPN access on arrival, so your child can call and message you as usual. We recommend you also install WeChat, the app everyone uses in China: it's an easy way to send messages, photos and video calls.
7. What If It Doesn't Work Out With the Family?
Sometimes a family and an au pair simply aren't the right fit. When that happens, our local team mediates first and, if needed, organises a rematch with a new family. Michele's first match didn't work out; three days later he had a new family that became a second home. Read his story in Au Pair Stories: Michele.
8. How to Choose the Right Agency
Not every offer online is safe. Before your child signs anything, check that the agency offers a legal visa route, screens families, puts everything in writing and has a team in the city. We list the warning signs in how to choose a safe au pair agency in China.
Questions to ask the agency
- Which visa will my child use?
- How are families screened?
- What is included, in writing?
- Who is the local contact?
- What happens if there's a problem?
Warning signs
- "Just come on a tourist visa"
- No contract or written agreement
- Money requested without paperwork
- No one in the host city
- Unusually high "salary"
9. What Your Child Will Bring Home
Beyond the memories, an au pair year builds real skills: independence, cross-cultural communication, responsibility and a language very few young people speak. These are exactly the things employers and universities look for. Read how to put au pair experience on a resume and why many participants go on to study in China.
Frequently Asked Questions from Parents
How old does my child need to be?
Au pairs with Masons Au Pair are between 18 and 29 years old. See the full au pair in China requirements.
How long does the program last?
Placements run from 3 to 12 months, with 6 months being the most common. The process from application to departure usually takes 4 to 8 weeks.
Does my child need to speak Chinese?
No. Host families want English at home, and free Mandarin classes are part of the program. Most au pairs arrive as complete beginners.
Can we talk to the agency before deciding?
Of course. Parents are welcome to contact us with any question about safety, families, visas or costs before their child applies.
Have questions as a parent?
We're happy to talk with parents directly. Ask us anything about safety, host families, visas and support in Chengdu.
Contact Masons Au Pair