{"id":3570,"date":"2025-07-04T02:48:31","date_gmt":"2025-07-04T02:48:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/masons-aupair.com\/the-ultimate-guide-to-experiencing-life-as-an-au-pair-in-china\/"},"modified":"2025-09-09T08:21:25","modified_gmt":"2025-09-09T08:21:25","slug":"the-ultimate-guide-to-experiencing-life-as-an-au-pair-in-china","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/masons-aupair.com\/es\/the-ultimate-guide-to-experiencing-life-as-an-au-pair-in-china\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Guide to Experiencing Life as an Au Pair in China"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Becoming an au pair in China<\/strong> is not just a job \u2014 it’s a rewarding study-abroad experience<\/strong> that blends childcare, language immersion, and cultural discovery<\/strong>. By joining a trusted exchange program<\/strong>, international students and young learners can live with a Chinese host family<\/strong> in a true homestay setting<\/strong>, developing deep cross-cultural connections while supporting the family with language instruction<\/strong> and daily childcare<\/strong>.<\/p>

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Through this language-training experience<\/strong>, au pairs not only help children improve their English grammar<\/strong> and conversational skills but also get the chance to learn Mandarin<\/strong> and explore Chinese culture firsthand. Whether you’re taking a gap year, looking to enroll in a language school<\/strong>, or simply want to live abroad for an academic year<\/strong>, this program is ideal for any international student<\/strong> or future ESL teacher. In this guide, you’ll learn everything \u2014 from what it’s like to live in a homestay, to how to handle language proficiency<\/strong>, visa requirements, and everyday life in China.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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What to Expect as an Au Pair in China ? <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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\ud83d\udc68\u200d\ud83d\udc69\u200d\ud83d\udc67 Living with a Chinese Host Family<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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As part of a structured exchange program<\/strong>, au pairs live in a traditional Chinese homestay<\/strong> with a local host family<\/strong>, providing an immersive way to experience Chinese culture<\/strong> and daily life. This setting allows international students<\/strong> and young travelers to become more than just guests \u2014 you’ll be welcomed as a temporary family member, sharing meals, family time, and everyday household routines.<\/p>

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This type of study-abroad experience<\/strong> offers direct exposure to foreign language use<\/strong> and cross-cultural interaction. You’ll participate in traditional Chinese festivals<\/strong> like Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival, and join in on family outings and weekend activities<\/strong>, all while exchanging values, customs, and traditions from your home-country<\/strong>.<\/p>

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At the same time, you\u2019ll be encouraged to contribute to the family by sharing your native language and culture<\/strong>, helping children develop their second-language skills<\/strong> through daily conversations and playful learning. This makes your stay in China not only a language-learning opportunity<\/strong> but also a deeply human experience of mutual exchange.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\ud83c\udf5c Daily Life and Cultural Immersion<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Your day-to-day routine as an au pair in China will be a unique blend of cultural exchange<\/strong>, language instruction<\/strong>, and family immersion<\/strong>. As part of your homestay program<\/strong>, you\u2019ll take part in everyday family activities and support the children\u2019s foreign language learning<\/strong> in a relaxed, home-based environment.

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Here\u2019s what your daily life might include:<\/p>

  • Preparing simple meals together with your host family<\/strong>, learning about local ingredients and customs<\/p><\/li>

  • Joining family storytelling sessions or conversational games<\/strong> to build emotional bonds<\/p><\/li>

  • Practicing English grammar and vocabulary<\/strong> with the children through songs, reading, or playful learning \u2014 a form of informal language-training<\/strong> often more effective than a formal language course<\/strong><\/p><\/li><\/ul>

    Outside your responsibilities, you\u2019ll have many opportunities to explore Chinese culture<\/strong>:<\/p>

    • Enjoy authentic cuisine like dumplings, hotpot, baozi, or bubble tea<\/p><\/li>

    • Visit historic temples, cultural landmarks, and participate in traditional rituals<\/strong><\/p><\/li>

    • Learn about Confucian values, etiquette, and the structure of Chinese family life<\/strong>, which offers valuable context for anyone interested in international education<\/strong> or cross-cultural communication<\/strong><\/p><\/li><\/ul>

      This experience supports your growth as a language learner<\/strong>, international traveler, and exchange program<\/strong> participant \u2014 all while making unforgettable memories.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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      Your Responsibilities as an Au Pair in China<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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      \ud83c\udf7c Childcare with a Cross-Cultural Twist<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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      As an au pair participating in a study-abroad program<\/strong>, your primary responsibility is to provide childcare<\/strong> while introducing your native language<\/strong> and cultural background to the host family\u2019s children. This role blends language instruction<\/strong> with cultural guidance, allowing you to become a true cultural ambassador<\/strong> in a homestay setting<\/strong>.<\/p>

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      Most au pair programs in China<\/strong> focus heavily on English language practice<\/strong> \u2014 especially speaking, listening, and basic grammar<\/strong>. You’ll help children develop their second-language proficiency<\/strong> through fun, everyday activities like reading stories, playing games, and singing songs. These informal lessons are often more effective than traditional ESL classes and can complement the child\u2019s language school curriculum<\/strong>.<\/p>

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      You\u2019ll usually spend up to 30 hours per week<\/strong> with the children, which may include weekend activities, school pickups, or evening tutoring<\/strong>. While you’re there to support the family, you’re not expected to take on heavy chores \u2014 many host families<\/strong> in China have household staff for that.<\/p>

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      Remember: you’re not a nanny or a maid. As an au pair, your value lies in offering language programs at home<\/strong>, sharing your international perspective<\/strong>, and helping children grow into globally minded learners<\/strong>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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      \ud83d\udcd8 Educational Support and Language Exchange<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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      As part of your au pair responsibilities<\/strong>, you’ll actively contribute to the child’s language development<\/strong> by assisting with:<\/p>

      • Homework and reading assignments<\/strong> that build vocabulary, comprehension, and basic grammar<\/strong> skills<\/p><\/li>

      • Designing and leading creative educational activities<\/strong> that make foreign language learning<\/strong> fun and engaging<\/p><\/li>

      • Conversing in English or your native language<\/strong> to strengthen the child’s second-language fluency<\/strong> through immersion<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

        These informal yet powerful forms of language instruction<\/strong> complement the child\u2019s formal education, especially if they\u2019re already enrolled in a local language school<\/strong> or ESL program<\/strong>.<\/p>

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        In addition to helping others, many au pairs take the chance to enroll in Mandarin Chinese courses<\/strong> themselves. Whether you choose a private language course<\/strong>, group class, or mobile app, learning Mandarin during your stay transforms your study-abroad experience<\/strong> and improves your communication with the host family and local community.<\/p>

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        This dual-language environment makes the program a win-win: the children learn from you, and you get to learn a new language<\/strong> in an authentic, real-life setting.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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        Navigating the Challenges: Culture Shock & Language Barriers<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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        \ud83e\udde0 Dealing with Cultural Differences<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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        For many international students<\/strong> and young au pairs, adapting to Chinese culture<\/strong> can be a surprising \u2014 yet incredibly rewarding \u2014 part of the journey. Living in a Chinese homestay<\/strong> means you\u2019ll be fully immersed in local customs, habits, and social norms from the moment you arrive.<\/p>

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        Here are a few cultural differences you can expect:<\/p>

        • Eating habits<\/strong> may include using chopsticks, sharing food from communal dishes<\/strong>, and following mealtime etiquette<\/p><\/li>

        • Deep respect for elders<\/strong> and strict family hierarchy<\/strong> are core values in Chinese society<\/p><\/li>

        • Communication tends to be more indirect or nuanced<\/strong>, which can feel unfamiliar if you’re used to Western-style expression<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

          These early adjustments are part of the study-abroad learning curve<\/strong>, and they help you develop sensitivity to foreign traditions<\/strong> and global perspectives. Fortunately, you\u2019ll receive guidance and emotional support from your host family<\/strong>, your agency, and fellow au pairs.<\/p>

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          Over time, most au pairs not only grow comfortable with the culture \u2014 they come to love and appreciate Chinese customs<\/strong>, building strong bonds with their host families and creating lifelong memories rooted in genuine cultural exchange<\/strong>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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          \ud83d\udde3 Learning Mandarin <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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          While knowing Mandarin isn\u2019t a strict requirement for becoming an au pair in China, developing basic Mandarin language skills<\/strong> can significantly improve your overall study-abroad experience<\/strong>. Even a few essential phrases will help you navigate daily life, communicate better with your host family<\/strong>, and connect more deeply with the local community.<\/p>

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          Many au pair programs in China<\/strong> offer free or subsidized Mandarin language courses<\/strong> through local language schools<\/strong> or cultural centers. These lessons are tailored for international students<\/strong> and beginners, focusing on real-life vocabulary, pronunciation, and simple grammar structures relevant to daily life in China<\/strong>.<\/p>

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          In addition to in-person instruction, you can accelerate your progress with user-friendly language apps<\/strong> like HelloChinese<\/strong>, Duolingo<\/strong>, or Pleco<\/strong>. These tools are ideal for mastering vocabulary, building language proficiency<\/strong>, and reviewing grammar on the go \u2014 especially helpful during your time as a live-in au pair.<\/p>

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          Investing in learning a new language<\/strong> like Mandarin not only makes your time in China more enriching, but it also boosts your resume and sets you apart in future academic or professional opportunities.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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          Support Systems: Choosing the Right Au Pair Agency<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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          \ud83e\udd1d Why an Agency Matters<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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          Partnering with a reliable au pair agency<\/strong> like Masons Au Pair<\/strong> is one of the most important steps in ensuring a safe, smooth, and enriching study-abroad experience<\/strong> in China. A well-established exchange program<\/strong> provides the structure and support needed to help international students<\/strong> thrive in their new environment.<\/p>

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          Here\u2019s what a trusted agency will offer:<\/p>

          • Carefully screened host families<\/strong> for a safe and comfortable homestay<\/strong><\/p><\/li>

          • Full support with visa application<\/strong>, flights<\/strong>, and safe travel arrangements<\/strong><\/p><\/li>

          • An in-depth orientation program<\/strong> upon arrival to help you adjust to local customs, daily life, and your new role as an au pair<\/p><\/li>

          • Ongoing support<\/strong> throughout your stay, including emergency contacts and dedicated advisors<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

            Beyond logistics, agencies like Masons Au Pair also enrich your cultural and educational journey by organizing:<\/p>

            • Group Mandarin language classes<\/strong> and cultural workshops<\/p><\/li>

            • Local excursions<\/strong>, sightseeing tours, and city explorations<\/p><\/li>

            • Au pair meetups<\/strong>, allowing you to connect with fellow participants from around the world<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

              Choosing the right agency turns your time in China into a structured, memorable, and truly transformative language and cultural exchange experience<\/strong>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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              \ud83e\uddf3 Pre-departure & Arrival Support<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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              A professional au pair agency<\/strong> does more than match you with a host family<\/strong> \u2014 it provides comprehensive support before, during, and after your arrival in China. This is especially important for international students<\/strong> and first-time travelers participating in a study-abroad program<\/strong>.<\/p>

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              Most agencies help with:<\/p>

              • Preparing and organizing your visa application documents<\/strong> to ensure approval<\/p><\/li>

              • Booking your international flight<\/strong> and arranging airport pickup<\/strong> for a hassle-free arrival<\/p><\/li>

              • Introducing you to other au pairs in your host city<\/strong> so you can build a social network<\/p><\/li>

              • Offering access to emergency contacts<\/strong>, regular follow-ups, and check-ins to monitor your well-being<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                A reliable agency acts as your safety net abroad, making your transition to life in China<\/strong> smooth, secure, and enjoyable. With the right support, your journey becomes more than an exchange \u2014 it becomes a life-changing experience of language and culture immersion<\/strong>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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                \ud83e\udde0 Learning a Language While Living in China: Tips for Au Pairs & Students <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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                For many au pairs<\/strong> and international students, life in China is not just about cultural immersion \u2014 it\u2019s also an opportunity to join a language program<\/strong> and improve your language skills<\/strong> in real-world situations.<\/p>

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                You may choose to learn Mandarin Chinese<\/strong> through language immersion programs<\/strong>, attend a language class<\/strong> at your local school, or practice conversation with your host children. This form of language acquisition<\/strong> is highly effective, especially when paired with structured language study<\/strong> or tutoring.<\/p>

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                Some au pairs even take placement tests<\/strong> to determine their level before enrolling in a language academy<\/strong>. These programs often focus on reading and writing<\/strong>, speaking<\/strong>, and grammar<\/strong> for non-native speakers.<\/p>

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                While some focus on learning Chinese, others improve their English as a second language<\/strong> or even teach it informally as a language tutor<\/strong>. Bilingual au pairs often become language role models, helping host children develop strong multilingual<\/strong> or world-language<\/strong> exposure.<\/p>

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                Whether you\u2019re fluent or just starting out, being in China gives you the perfect environment to study a language<\/strong>, communicate across cultures<\/strong>, and develop confidence. You\u2019ll learn much faster than through books alone \u2014 and that\u2019s one of the greatest advantages of any language program abroad<\/strong>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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                Foreign Language Teaching: Becoming a Role Model as an Au Pair <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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                Many au pairs find themselves playing a key role in foreign language teaching<\/strong> within their host families \u2014 especially when coming from an English-speaking background<\/strong> or fluent in multiple world languages<\/strong>. You don\u2019t need a TESOL certificate<\/strong> or be a professional language teacher<\/strong> to contribute.<\/p>

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                In everyday life, you might help host children with their English writing skills<\/strong>, pronunciation, or basic grammar. This form of communicative language teaching<\/strong> can boost their confidence and give them an authentic connection to another international language<\/strong>.<\/p>

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                By exposing children to different instructional styles<\/strong> and cultural expressions like American culture<\/strong>, songs, or games, au pairs often become informal language role models<\/strong>. It\u2019s one of the most rewarding parts of the cultural exchange \u2014 and an excellent learning experience<\/strong> for both the au pair and the child.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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                Learning Multiple Languages While Staying Safe Abroad <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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                China attracts au pairs and students from all over the world \u2014 many of whom speak or study languages like Arabic<\/strong>, Portuguese<\/strong>, or French<\/strong> in addition to English or Mandarin. While navigating a new culture, it\u2019s common to enroll in a school of languages<\/strong> or follow an intensive English program<\/strong> to keep progressing.<\/p>

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                For those pursuing a degree in applied linguistics<\/strong>, living abroad also provides a real-world learning experience<\/strong> in language studies<\/strong> and cultural communication<\/strong>. It\u2019s not just about learning Mandarin \u2014 many au pairs take the opportunity to learn a foreign language<\/strong> they hadn\u2019t considered before, surrounded by peers from all continents.<\/p>

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                Staying safe and healthy<\/strong> abroad goes hand-in-hand with understanding different cultural contexts<\/strong>, including how language reflects norms, customs, and even health communication.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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