Do you want to travel the world, but first make some money? Have you finished school or a study and have a sense of adventure? Are you curious about the Chinese language, local people and 5000-year-old culture? Work as an au pair to experience Chinese family life and learn about Chinese culture in a unique way.
China Gap will find a host family that suits you, arrange all the paperwork and ensure a carefree stay. The only things you need to worry about are your au pair responsibilities.
Typical tasks
As an au pair you are really a part of the family. You take care of the child (most Chinese families have one child) and help with light household tasks. Typically, au pairs in China work about 30 hours per week and have two days off. Your working hours and tasks depend on the age of the child and the needs of the family.
Typical tasks of an au pair in a Chinese family include the following:
- Helping with breakfast and get dressed.
- Daytime childcare if the parents are at work.
- Playing together and going outside.
- Bringing children to school and picking them up.
- Helping with homework.
- Preparing simple meals for the child.
- Bathing and putting the child to bed.
- Teaching the child English.
- Tidying up the house and dishes.
- Vacuuming, sweeping and dusting.
- Making the bed of the child.
Au pairs are not responsible for larger household chores, such as cleaning windows, scrubbing the bathroom, mowing the lawn, or care for animals.
Compensation
Working as an au pair in China provides not only a great time, but also nice compensation. If you stay for 12 months, even your airfare is free.
You will receive:
- Room and board. The host family will provide you with your own private room and pay for your meals.
- Pocket Money. Each month you receive about 1000 CNY pocket money (which is about € 130, - depending on the exchange rate).
- Language course. You have the opportunity to participate in free Chinese language courses.
- Insurance. The local partner agency or your employer will organize your insurance.
- Travel Expenses. If you work for at least 6 months, your employer will reimburse you for your airfare to China. If you stay for at least 12 months, your employer will also reimburse your return airfare, which reduces your travel costs to zero. You are reimbursed after your stay is complete.
- Local contact. In China there is always a local contact for you if you need any support or assistance with anything.
Qualities
Of course, as an au pair you must be able to easily deal with children. But there are also some other requirements, which are as follows:
- You love children and can interact well with them.
- You are capable and willing to do light housework.
- You are capable and willing to live away from your family and friends for an extended period of time.
- You are curious about the Chinese culture and language.
- You are flexible and easygoing.
- You are naturally friendly and social.
- You are physically healthy.
In addition to the personal requirements, there are also formal requirements:
- You have a valid passport.
- You speak English or German fluently.
- You are not younger than 18 and not older than 29 years.
- You are not married.
- You can provide a certificate of good conduct or background check (China Gap helps you with the application).