Becoming an au pair through an international exchange program is more than just traveling abroad — it’s a life-changing cultural exchange that allows you to immerse yourself in a new language and culture, explore different cultures, and gain valuable international experience. With Masons Au Pair Agency, international students can enjoy a rewarding and enriching study abroad journey in China by living with a host family, discovering authentic cuisine, and experiencing the dynamic blend of tradition and modernity.
Before you begin this cultural immersion, proper preparation is essential — from setting your personal goals, building basic language skills, understanding host family expectations, to organizing your packing and documents. Whether you’re on a gap year, preparing for an academic year abroad, or joining a student exchange program, clear planning will make your experience smoother and more meaningful.
This comprehensive handbook by Masons Au Pair Agency will guide you through every stage of your homestay program, helping you confidently transition into your new life abroad and make the most of this intercultural adventure.
1. Mental Preparation: Are You Ready for a Whole New Cultural Experience?
Joining Masons Au Pair Agency and coming to China through a student exchange program is the beginning of an exciting intercultural exchange experience. As an international student or foreign exchange student, it’s crucial to prepare yourself mentally to embrace different cultures, daily family routines, and values that may differ significantly from what you’re used to in your home country. These cultural shifts are what make the journey so enriching and rewarding, even though they may also bring moments of emotional adjustment.
Your idea of China might come from documentaries or social media — perhaps you expect spicy food, vibrant language and culture, or large cities buzzing with energy. But the real China offers even more: a high-tech, ultra-connected lifestyle where face or palm recognition is used for payments, and 24/7 convenience is the norm. This fast-paced reality often surprises students participating in exchange programs or study abroad experiences.
As part of a homestay program, however, you’ll also face subtle but meaningful cultural differences. In many host families, there is a strong emphasis on education — academic success is often seen as central to a child’s future. Understanding this priority is vital to your role as an au pair. Culture shock is perfectly normal and part of every authentic international exchange. Feeling unsure at first is natural — but those challenges are what help you grow.
This exchange opportunity allows you to stretch beyond your comfort zone. By staying open-minded, embracing change, and showing respect for other cultures, you’ll gain more than just experience — you’ll gain confidence, independence, and the intercultural awareness that employers and universities truly value.
2. Language Preparation: It’s okay if you don’t know Chinese, but learning a little will definitely help!
Don’t worry if you don’t speak Chinese yet — many international students and exchange students begin their au pair program in China without any prior knowledge of the language. At Masons Au Pair Agency, most au pairs arrive without speaking Mandarin but still enjoy a rewarding cultural exchange and deep immersion into Chinese language and culture.
Many host families in our homestay program speak basic English, and our team provides full support with translation and communication when needed. However, starting with a few simple phrases or completing a basic language course beforehand will make your arrival smoother and help you adjust more confidently to your new environment.
Chinese people are very welcoming toward foreigners and open to intercultural exchange. Even small efforts — saying “nǐ hǎo” (hello), “xièxiè” (thank you), or “wǒ è le” (I’m hungry) — will impress your host parents and show respect for their culture. Children especially will love interacting with you when they see you’re trying to speak their language — a simple but powerful way to strengthen your host family relationship.
We strongly recommend using beginner-friendly apps before your study abroad departure, such as:
Pleco – a highly rated Chinese-English dictionary;
HelloChinese – designed for speaking and listening practice;
Duolingo Chinese – great for building basic vocabulary and grammar.
Once you arrive in China, Masons Au Pair Agency provides free language school courses tailored to au pairs. These face-to-face classes focus on practical conversation and daily communication, helping you develop essential skills in a supportive environment.
Learning a new language takes time, but the process is incredibly enriching. With patience and motivation, what once seemed like a barrier will soon become your biggest strength during your international exchange program in China.
3. Pre-Departure Packing: What to Bring and What You Don’t Need
Packing is a crucial part of your preparation before joining an exchange program or study abroad experience in China as an au pair. Many international students, interns, or first-time travelers feel tempted to bring everything — but with the right strategy, you can pack efficiently and confidently for your upcoming homestay with a host family.
✅ Must-Bring Essentials – What you need to bring:
Passport & student visa documents: These are essential for your travel abroad. Keep both physical copies and digital backups easily accessible.
Basic medications: Bring familiar over-the-counter meds (cold, stomach, allergy), as alternatives in China may differ.
Electronics & power adapters: China uses 220V and type A/I plugs. A universal adapter is a must.
Climate-appropriate clothing: Pack outfits suited to your host city. For example, Chengdu has very hot summers and chilly winters.
Toiletries: While most products are available locally, bringing your preferred brands helps ease your first weeks of transition.
These items are especially important if you’re joining a homestay program as part of an international exchange, whether for an academic year, a gap year, or a cultural exchange program.
🎁 Gift Ideas for Your Host Family – Build lasting connections:
Arriving with a small, thoughtful gift shows appreciation and creates a great first impression with your host parents. Here are some suggestions:
Regional chocolates or candies (check import restrictions);
Postcards or souvenirs from your home country;
Small crafts, magnets, or educational games for children.
You don’t need to spend a lot — the gesture matters more than the price. A small toy or English-language board game can help you bond with the children and enhance your intercultural connection.
❌ What Not to Pack – Travel light, live smart:
Too many clothes: Most Chinese cities offer cheap, fast online shopping. You can easily buy what you need after arrival.
Bedding: Provided by your host family as part of your room and board arrangement.
Kitchenware or heavy items: These are unnecessary and only take up space — your host home is already well-equipped.
Packing for a cultural exchange is all about being practical, lightweight, and intentional. Make a checklist in advance, leave room for souvenirs, and focus on the essentials that support your success during your exchange experience in China. With the right preparation and mindset, you’ll arrive fully equipped to begin this life-changing journey.
4. Preparation for Learning and Career Goals: What Do You Want to Gain from This Experience?
Becoming an au pair in China isn’t just a “come and see” trip — it’s a life-changing cultural exchange program that expands your worldview, boosts your intercultural competence, and becomes a standout experience on your resume. For many international students and exchange program participants, it’s a defining chapter of their international education, shaping both their personal development and career trajectory.
Ask yourself: what do you want to gain from this study abroad journey? Maybe you aim to enhance your language skills, visit new cities, gain hands-on childcare and education experience, or become more adaptable in a cross-cultural setting. Setting goals ahead of time gives your homestay in China greater meaning and focus.
✅ Development Opportunities as an Au Pair
Language skills: Learning Mandarin — even at a basic level — will improve your communication and set you apart in global academic or professional settings.
Cross-cultural communication: Living with a host family, caring for children, and navigating daily routines provide deep, practical insight into different cultures and improve your ability to connect across borders.
Childcare and education experience: This is ideal for future teachers, psychologists, or anyone studying language and culture, giving you real-world experience in nurturing and guiding young learners.
Personal growth and independence: Living far from your home country helps you develop autonomy, emotional resilience, and a strong sense of responsibility — all of which are vital for any intern, student, or young professional.
Travel and exploration: Use your free time to explore nearby destinations like Jiuzhaigou National Park, the Giant Panda Base, or the vibrant city of Chongqing — all enriching parts of your international exchange experience.
📝 Pro Tip: Create Your “Personal Au Pair Plan”
Before your departure, we recommend writing a short, informal plan to clarify your intentions. This will help you make the most of your exchange experience and monitor your personal growth.
Include:
3 personal or academic goals (e.g., improve Chinese listening skills, gain confidence in childcare);
New habits or cultural activities to try with your host parents;
Monthly micro-goals like: “Teach a child an English song” or “Order food in Mandarin without help.”
This habit not only sharpens your focus but also adds structure and meaning to your cultural exchange, helping you reflect proudly on your progress.
5. Communication and Contract Preparation: Advance Communication Is Key!
A successful au pair program begins with clear communication and a well-defined au pair contract. In most exchange programs, misunderstandings aren’t caused by bad intentions — they arise from unclear or unspoken expectations. That’s why, before starting your homestay in China, it’s crucial to engage in open, respectful conversations with your host family to clarify your role and daily responsibilities. Fortunately, Masons Au Pair Agency supports you through the entire application process and matching phase.
📌What to Discuss with Your Host Family Before Arrival
Every host family is unique, and their expectations may vary based on culture, values, and routines. Key points to discuss include:
Number of childcare hours per week and typical daily schedule;
Whether you’re expected to help with tutoring or English homework;
Your days off, rest time, and holiday arrangements;
The children’s personalities and learning styles;
The parents’ preferences and household expectations.
Before your first meeting, Masons Au Pair Agency will provide you with a detailed checklist to guide your discussion and ensure you cover everything. Our staff also participates in the initial video call to facilitate intercultural communication and make sure everyone is aligned from the start.
📄 Review Your Au Pair Contract Carefully
We provide a standardized au pair agreement that outlines all important details:
Weekly work hours, tasks, and childcare responsibilities;
Monthly stipend and provided room and board;
Access to a language course or local language school;
Accommodation details and household expectations (house rules).
Before signing, make sure to:
Read every section carefully;
Ask questions if anything seems unclear;
Confirm that the contract reflects a fair balance between responsibilities and benefits.
Masons Au Pair Agency is here to support and adjust the terms based on your needs and your host family’s situation — because clarity, fairness, and mutual respect are the foundations of a successful study abroad or student exchange experience.
🤝 Full Support from Start to Finish
From your initial inquiry to your safe arrival in China, our team walks with you every step of the way. We assist with everything — interview coordination, paperwork, insurance, and cultural adaptation — ensuring a smooth transition into your homestay program.
With a strong support system, a compatible family match, and a well-prepared contract, you’ll be equipped to thrive in your international exchange experience — both personally and professionally.
6. Safety and Support: You Are Never Alone
Traveling abroad as part of a study abroad or student exchange program is an exciting adventure — but it’s also normal to feel some uncertainty, especially when preparing to live in a foreign country for several months.
Many future exchange students and international au pairs ask us: “What if something goes wrong after I arrive in China?” The answer is simple: you’re never alone.
With Masons Au Pair Agency, you receive full, personalized support before departure, during your stay with your host family, and throughout your entire homestay program. We make sure your exchange experience is smooth, safe, and enjoyable from day one.
🩺 Before Departure: Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance
Before beginning your au pair journey, securing international travel insurance is a crucial step in your application process. This insurance protects you in case of:
Medical emergencies or accidents;
Lost or delayed luggage;
Unexpected issues during your stay abroad.
No need to spend hours comparing plans — we’ve selected the most suitable travel insurance specifically tailored for au pairs in China, and we cover the full cost for you. ✅
This ensures you can travel the world with peace of mind, knowing you’re protected from the moment you leave your home country to the moment you return.
📞 After Arrival: Full Local Support Throughout Your Au Pair Journey
Once you arrive in China to begin your au pair program, our team is here to ensure a smooth and comfortable transition into your homestay experience. With Masons Au Pair Agency, you’ll feel supported, secure, and ready to start your new chapter as an international student in Chengdu.
✅ Airport Pickup Service: A member of our team will welcome you at the airport and take you directly to your accommodation so you can rest after your flight — no stress or confusion.
✅ Orientation Training: Within your first two days, you’ll participate in a complete orientation session. We’ll help you get a Chinese SIM card, register your accommodation, and install key apps like WeChat and Baidu Maps. This makes your first steps in a foreign country much easier.
✅ 24/7 Emergency Contact: Whether you feel unwell, face unexpected challenges, or simply need help navigating something new, our team is available day and night.
✅ Dedicated Local Coordinator: Every au pair is assigned a personal coordinator for ongoing support. If needed, they will assist you in person and provide rapid, effective solutions.
Thanks to our local presence and exclusive focus on the Chengdu region, we can provide responsive help and reliable guidance. Our experienced staff has supported hundreds of exchange students, interns, and international exchange participants through every step of their international experience.
🧑🤝🧑 You’re Not Alone: Join a Community of Au Pairs
Our au pair program in Chengdu is built on community. All participants live nearby, take part in Mandarin language courses, and quickly become friends. From the start, you’ll join a vibrant group of young people engaged in meaningful cultural exchange.
We organize regular social and cultural activities, including:
Group visits to landmarks and scenic spots;
Hands-on experiences during traditional Chinese festivals (dumpling making, tea ceremonies, lantern crafts);
Birthday parties and themed gatherings;
Intercultural events with other international students and exchange students.
These shared moments are the foundation for building strong friendships, exchanging ideas, and creating a global network that lasts long after your student exchange program ends.
🌟 You’re Supported Every Step of the Way
Moving abroad is a big step, but with Masons Au Pair Agency, you’re never alone.
You will have:
A screened and welcoming host family to live with;
A trained local coordinator to support you;
A dynamic community to explore China with.
This isn’t just a study-abroad placement — it’s a complete international education experience designed to help you thrive both personally and professionally.
So take the leap. Your unforgettable au pair adventure in China starts here — and we’ll be with you every step of the way.
7. Ready? Then Let’s Go!
Becoming an au pair in China is more than just a trip — it’s a life-changing international experience that sparks personal growth, deepens your understanding of language and culture, and leaves you with unforgettable memories. While you may face challenges, you’ll also gain new friendships, stronger communication skills, and a powerful sense of independence that stays with you for life.
By preparing yourself mentally, emotionally, and practically — from packing your bags and setting goals to building trust with your host family — your exchange program becomes not only smoother, but also more rewarding and meaningful. Soon, you’ll look back at the version of yourself thriving in China: speaking Mandarin, caring for children, navigating a new culture, and forming deep intercultural connections. That version of you will be more confident, open-minded, and ready for the world ✨
Still have questions before beginning your study abroad adventure? That’s perfectly normal. At Masons Au Pair Agency, we’re here to guide you — from your first message to the final day of your homestay — with full, ongoing support.
So don’t hesitate to reach out. Share your questions, ideas, or dreams with us.
Your international education journey starts now.
China is waiting for you. Are you ready to begin this exciting new chapter? 🇨🇳🌍