How to Become an Au Pair in China
Step-by-Step Guide (2025)
From application to arrival — your full au pair guide.
Start Here
Becoming an au pair in China is more than just an adventure — 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.
Start Here
Becoming an au pair in China is more than just an adventure — 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.
Eligibility & Requirements to Become an Au Pair in China
Be between 18 and 29 years old
Be fluent in English or have strong proficiency
Have a clear criminal record
Be in good health
Be single/unmarried
Ready for Adventure !
What we provide
When you join our program, you receive:
Round-trip flight tickets – Based on Project Duration –
Visa support
Insurance coverage
Mandarin courses with professional teachers ( Face to Face classes )
Cultural exchange activities every month
Au Pair training sessions
24/7 agency support
SIM card for China
VPN access
- Police Registration
Our Matching Process
Our Matching Process at Masons au Pair
Start your au pair China journey by submitting your application form with personal details, availability, and childcare experience.
Our Matching Process at Masons au Pair
Join a video interview with our team to confirm your motivation and complete your au pair China application process.
Our Matching Process at Masons au Pair
We carefully match you with a Chinese host family based on your language skills, childcare preferences, and cultural fit.
Our Matching Process at Masons au Pair
Connect with your potential host family in China to discuss expectations, schedule, and ensure a successful cultural exchange.
Our Matching Process at Masons au Pair
Define your au pair duties, English tutoring hours, and free time clearly before signing your China au pair agreement.
Our Matching Process at Masons au Pair
Sign your official au pair contract confirming your responsibilities, host family conditions, and visa documentation.
Our Matching Process at Masons au Pair
Apply for your Chinese X2 student visa and book your flight to begin your cultural immersion as an au pair in China.
Our Matching Process at Masons au Pair
Arrive in China and meet our support team in Chengdu before starting your live-in au pair experience.
Our Matching Process at Masons au Pair
Join a 2-day orientation in Chengdu to prepare for daily life, Mandarin basics, childcare routines, and local culture.
Our Matching Process at Masons au Pair
Move in with your Chinese host family and officially begin your au pair placement and cultural exchange adventure.
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.
👉 Apply now and join the growing number of young adults who’ve already begun their au pair journey 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.
👉 Apply now and join the growing number of young adults who’ve already begun their au pair journey in China!
📘 Download Our Free Au Pair in China Brochure (2025 Edition)
Still curious about the program details, life in China, or what to expect as an Au Pair?
📩 Get our complete brochure — 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
👉 Download the brochure now and start planning your unforgettable Au Pair adventure in China with Masons Au Pair.
FAQ
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?
Becoming an au pair in China is a unique cultural exchange opportunity. You’ll explore one of the most dynamic countries in the world, improve your Mandarin, gain childcare experience, and receive full support from an agency. With growing demand in 2025 for English-speaking au pairs, it’s the perfect time to go.
What are the requirements to become an au pair in China?
To join our au pair program, you must be between 18 and 29 years old, in good health, fluent or proficient in English, have no criminal record, be single/unmarried, and ready for a cultural adventure. See our full list of eligibility criteria above.
Do I need a visa to become an au pair in China?
Yes, most au pairs enter China with an X2 student visa. Our team helps with the full visa process, including document support and enrollment in a Chinese language school. Learn more about the visa process here.
How long is the au pair program in China?
Programs typically last from 3 to 6 months, but we also offer flexible options. The most popular duration is 6 months, allowing you to experience a full cultural cycle and develop stronger Mandarin and childcare skills.
What do I receive as an au pair in China?
You will receive free accommodation in a private room, full board (meals), a monthly stipend, Mandarin classes, a SIM card, local support, cultural activities, and a certificate upon completion.
Can I choose my host family?
Yes. After your first interviews, we match you with families based on your preferences and availability. You’ll have an online meeting with the family before confirming. Your satisfaction and safety are our priority.
Is it safe to become an au pair in China?
Absolutely. Our agency works only with verified host families and provides 24/7 local support in Chengdu. We assist with all logistics, orientation, and emergency response if needed.
Do I need experience in childcare or teaching?
Not necessarily. While experience is a plus, many of our au pairs are first-timers. We offer pre-departure tips and training materials to help you succeed.
How do I apply to the Masons Au Pair Program?
Simply fill out our online application form with your personal details, availability, and experience. Our team will guide you step by step—from your first call to your arrival in China.
What’s included when you become an au pair in China?
When you become an au pair in China, you don’t just join a childcare program — you step into a fully structured cultural exchange experience. As an au pair in China, you will live with a verified Chinese host family, receive accommodation and meals, and be immersed in Mandarin language and local traditions every day.
The au pair in China program includes full visa support, health insurance, and registration assistance so you can legally stay in the country under the X2 student visa. We also provide Mandarin lessons with certified teachers, monthly cultural activities, and 24/7 support from the Masons Au Pair team.
Choosing to be an au pair in China is not just about traveling — it’s about growing. You’ll build teaching skills, gain childcare experience, and develop independence in one of the world’s most dynamic cultures. Whether you’re coming for 2 months or 6, your au pair experience in China will help you grow personally and professionally.
Hundreds of young adults have already joined our au pair China program to explore the language, culture, and everyday life of Chinese families. If you’re ready for a meaningful experience abroad, becoming an au pair in China might just be the opportunity of a lifetime.
What is the difference between an au pair and a nanny?
The main difference between an au pair and a nanny lies in their purpose, legal status, and the cultural exchange experience they provide. A nanny is a professional childcare worker, often local to the family’s home country, who is employed on a contractual basis to provide full-time child care services in exchange for a fixed salary. Nannies usually have specific childcare qualifications or degrees in early childhood education, and their relationship with the family is professional and transactional.
On the other hand, an au pair is typically an international student, recent graduate, or young person aged 18–30 who travels abroad to live with a host family in a foreign country. They participate in a cultural exchange program, providing light childcare and assistance with household chores in exchange for room and board, a private bedroom, meals a day, and weekly pocket money or a stipend. The goal of an au pair placement is not just childcare—it’s a mutual exchange of language, culture, and daily life experiences.
At Masons Au Pair, we make it clear: au pairs are not nannies. Our participants join a homestay program that prioritizes language learning, cultural immersion, and international education. You’ll attend Mandarin classes at our partner language school, XMandarin, and become a true member of the family—not an employee. While nannies are hired for their professional skills, au pairs are welcomed for who they are, offering families an authentic connection to another culture and language.
Additionally, visa requirements differ significantly. Nannies work under employment contracts, whereas au pairs typically enter a country on a student visa, residence permit, or a specific au pair visa, depending on the country’s policies. In China, our program ensures full support with visa guidance, orientation, and 24/7 local coordinator assistance throughout the entire application process.
In short, being an au pair is about more than working with children—it’s about living with a family, experiencing another culture, and growing personally and globally in a safe and supportive environment.
How much does an au pair get paid?
Although au pairs do not get a salary in the form of a conventional employee’s pay, they do get a complete room and board, meals, and a stipend or a monthly allowance known as “pocket money”—typically between 1,500 to 2,000 RMB a month in China. At Masons Au Pair, we guarantee your hosting family satisfies all the program standards for providing a private room, three meals a day, and frequent cultural activities.
Apart from that, we also provide Mandarin classes, visa assistance, and 24/7 support. Although the comprehensive cultural exposure, language pick-up, and self-improvement scope are the real values.
Is living with a host family awkward?
It’s completely normal to wonder if living with a host family will feel awkward — especially when you’re stepping into a new country, culture, and home. But while the first few days may feel unfamiliar, most international students, au pairs, or participants in an exchange program quickly realize that this temporary discomfort is just part of the cultural adaptation process.
At Masons Au Pair, we carefully match each participant with vetted host families who are warm, experienced, and genuinely excited to welcome a foreign exchange student into their lives. These families go through a complete background check, orientation, and interviews to ensure a safe and welcoming experience. From day one, you’re treated like a family member, not just a guest. You’ll share meals per day, have your own private bedroom, and participate in everyday routines — which quickly helps break the ice.
Yes, there may be cultural differences — from meal times and house rules to parenting styles and communication. But this is exactly what makes the homestay program such a powerful intercultural exchange. You’ll learn to adapt, communicate respectfully, and develop a deeper understanding of life in a foreign country. In return, your host parents and host siblings will also get to know your culture, language, and traditions. It’s a reciprocal experience that fosters real connection, empathy, and global awareness.
Most exchange students report that the initial awkwardness fades within the first week. Daily conversations, language learning, shared chores, and laughter over meals help turn your placement into a home away from home. Many au pairs even stay in touch with their host families long after their academic year, gap year, or youth exchange ends — some even visit again in the future!
So yes — living with a host family might feel awkward for the first few days. But give it time, and you’ll likely find it becomes one of the most rewarding, enriching, and life-changing aspects of your entire international exchange program.
Why do people stay with host families?
Staying with a host family is one of the most enriching aspects of any cultural exchange program, especially for international students, au pairs, or participants in a study abroad or student exchange program. It offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in daily life, language, and local customs, while receiving room and board, emotional support, and a true sense of belonging in your host country.
Many foreign exchange students and international au pairs choose homestays because they want more than just accommodation — they want to become part of a family abroad. This experience creates deep cross-cultural connections, improves language proficiency, and provides a strong support system. Living with a screened and vetted host family means you’re not just a visitor; you’re treated like a member of the family, sharing meals, traditions, and everyday life.
In programs like Masons Au Pair, participants are matched with host parents who are carefully selected through a thorough application process, including criminal background checks and interviews. These families provide a private bedroom, meals per day, and participate in intercultural activities. It’s not uncommon for au pairs and exchange students to form lifelong friendships with their host families, even returning for future visits or maintaining long-distance relationships years after their academic year or gap year abroad.
Living in a homestay also enhances your language learning experience. You’ll practice your English or Mandarin skills daily, gain insight into local parenting styles, help with childcare or household chores, and be exposed to cultural differences in a safe, welcoming environment. Whether you’re studying abroad, working as a caregiver, or joining a student exchange, the homestay program fosters real-life learning that simply can’t be taught in a classroom.
In short, people stay with host families because it transforms their time abroad from a trip into a life-changing experience. It’s the heart of what makes international exchange programs truly meaningful — connection, cultural understanding, and becoming part of something bigger than yourself.
What are au pairs not allowed to do?
Au pairs are not domestic workers, full-time nannies, or household staff. Instead, they are young individuals participating in a structured cultural exchange program, such as Masons Au Pair, designed to provide international experience, language immersion, and cross-cultural learning through homestay placements with a host family in a foreign country.
In China, au pairs live with carefully selected host parents and act more like an extended family member than an employee. Their role is centered around light childcare and language exchange, not housekeeping or full-time work. Tasks typically include:
Practicing English speaking with the host child
Assisting with homework and language learning
Playing educational games and organizing after-school activities
Helping during bedtime routines or meal preparation for the child only
However, an au pair is not allowed to:
Perform heavy household chores like deep cleaning, laundry for the entire family, or yard work
Cook full meals for the entire family on a daily basis
Take on a full-time babysitting job or any paid work outside the host family
Start their own business or accept other forms of employment (as per visa and residence permit laws in China)
This distinction is crucial for families and international students joining the student exchange program. The goal of being an au pair is intercultural exchange, not employment. Au pairs receive room and board, a private bedroom, pocket money, and access to language courses or Mandarin classes through our partner language school, but they are not hired as professional nannies or domestic staff.
By maintaining this balance, the au pair experience remains a mutual exchange that enriches both the host family and the student — offering a rewarding, life-changing opportunity to live abroad, gain cultural fluency, and build lifelong friendships through a carefully managed international student exchange.
What is the difference between a host family and a homestay?
While the terms host family and homestay are often used interchangeably in the context of student exchange programs or au pair placements, they actually refer to two slightly different aspects of the international student experience.
A host family refers specifically to the people who welcome you into their private home — usually host parents (and sometimes siblings) who open their doors to foreign exchange students, au pairs, or international interns. These families provide more than just room and board — they offer a supportive, family-style environment where you can immerse yourself in a new culture, practice the local language, and feel like a true member of the family. At Masons Au Pair, all our host families are carefully screened, interviewed, and trained to ensure a safe, enriching, and authentic cultural exchange experience.
A homestay, on the other hand, refers to the program structure or living arrangement itself. It’s part of a larger cultural exchange program, youth exchange, or international education initiative where the student or au pair lives in a private household rather than in a school dormitory or apartment. A homestay includes everything from meals per day, a private bedroom, and participation in daily family routines — all of which support full intercultural immersion.
In short:
The host family = the people.
The homestay = the program or setup.
Living with a host family through a homestay program offers a unique, life-changing experience for international students, allowing them to study abroad, build language proficiency, and gain cross-cultural understanding in a truly personal and enriching way.
What are the different types of international experience?
An international experience refers to any opportunity where individuals — especially students, au pairs, or interns — live, study, or work in a foreign country as part of a structured exchange program, study abroad program, or cultural immersion initiative. It involves stepping outside your home country and adapting to a new culture, language, and way of life, whether through an academic semester, a gap year, or a homestay program.
In a typical international student exchange, participants live with a host family, attend language school, take part in cultural activities, and often provide childcare or English tutoring in return for room and board, pocket money, and a private bedroom. This setup — common in au pair programs like those offered by Masons Au Pair — allows for a truly immersive cultural experience. You don’t just visit a new country — you become part of it.
An international experience:
Helps develop language proficiency (through Mandarin, ESL, or TEFL courses)
Enhances global awareness and cross-cultural communication skills
Builds independence, adaptability, and confidence
Offers a rewarding journey of personal and professional growth
Often includes volunteering, work and travel, or childcare responsibilities
For many young people, an international experience is life-changing. It opens doors to international education, career opportunities abroad, and lifelong friendships with people from different countries. Whether you’re helping with after-school homework, practicing language and culture in a homestay, or navigating local transportation systems, every moment abroad becomes part of your story.
If you’re considering becoming an au pair in China or joining a student exchange program, your international experience starts here — with support, structure, and a community that helps you thrive abroad.