Leading you to a Seamless and Rewarding Au Pair Experience
Embarking on an au pair journey is an exciting adventure that offers endless opportunities for personal growth, cultural exchange, and lifelong connections. However, navigating through the various stages of the au pair process, from application to arriving in a brand new country, to settling in with the host family, can be challenging and overwhelming to some extents. Especially for those who are new to be an au pair or live abroad, the journey may seem daunting.
Blow find 6 reasons why you should can pursue a smooth and fulfilling au pair experience by choosing an au pair agency.
1. successfully Matching with a host family
The journey begins with the application process with a host family, which can be complex and time-consuming, especially for first-time au pairs. There are tons of families in the pool and you wonder which one(s) may fit you the best. It’s difficult to choose because there are many aspects you need to consider before finalizing your decision.
You can always DIY your au pair journey and possibly find a great family. But the process is much easier to go with an agency where you can find the best solution with your preferences, interests, and compatibility (and it’s FREE for you). Wanderlust Exchange (WE) works with many high-quality families all over China. When recommending a family to au pairs, we always offer enough information of the family for the au pairs to decide whether to have an interview with the host family. It is crucial to have a harmonious match and WE work closely with au pairs and the host families to facilitate open and honest communication, enabling you to find a family that shares your values, expectations, and cultural interests.
The best scenario is that you connect with your ideal family in the first interview but it’s common that you have multiple interviews with recommended families and then pick the best for you. WE provides comprehensive support to au pairs. We have a team of experts who will review and translate your application and experiences, ensuring that you are presented in the best possible light to potential host families in China.
"WE helped me to find the perfect match family and provided me with a lot of information about the culture. They will help you in each step of your experience." - Lara, 24, from Germany
2. Visa, Language School and Contract Paperwork
Navigating the visa application process can be overwhelming, particularly for those who are new to international travel. WE has extensive experience in handling visa applications for au pairs, ensures you have all the documents and helps submit your application accurately and on time.
Additionally, paperworks are needed to apply for a local Mandarin school and WE got it all covered. WE has close contact with several language schools in your host city and will help you with the school and visa application.
Moreover, transparent communication and agreements are necessary before you arrive in China and WE is here to make sure you and the family agree on your working schedule, responsibility and every other issue involved in your au pair stay. Our dedicated team will help you with the required documents, so you get everything you need with ease. This will help you save a lot of considerations and time to prepare.
3. Preparations and Arrivals
WE assist with pre-arrival preparations, including travel arrangements, airport pickup, SIM card purchase, bank account and local orientation, easing your transition into China. At your arrival, WE local program coordinators and the host family will be there to welcome you and help you acclimate to your new surroundings. We will provide insights into the local culture, customs, and everyday life, ensuring that you feel prepared and confident as you embark on your au pair adventure.
Every month, your local program coordinator will hold FREE and fun cultural activities for you to immerse in Chinese culture. Our goal is to make you feel at home from the moment you arrive, and WE’s support extends well beyond the visa application process.
4. Cultural Support and Integration
After arriving in your host country, you may encounter cultural differences and adjustments. WE agency recognizes the significance of cultural integration and provides ongoing support to help you navigate these challenges. Before, we had witnessed cultural frictions between the west and the east, the senior and the junior, and oftentimes just misunderstandings out of language barriers and cultural differences.
Should any conflicts arise within your host family, WE and our program coordinators act as mediators, fostering effective, open and transparent communication and understanding between all parties involved. Our cultural orientations and regular follow-ups can ensure that you feel supported, understood, and equipped to adapt to your new environment throughout the whole au pair journey.
"I settled on Wanderlust as my agency of choice because based on online reviews I found them to be the most trustworthy agency." "The fact that they ensure that each family has a member that can at least speak some English is extremely important. They also check in with both au pair and family regularly just in case there are communication issues. The main draw for me was probably the Mandarin lessons. Wanderlust helps you every step of the way in video chatting with potential host families beforehand, assisting with visas, helping with logistics for Mandrin lessons, and even organizing events for the au pairs to help you make new friends while here!" - Leo, 24, from the United States
5. In Case Any Other Issues
Sometimes, other unexpected issues take place and an agency is a guarantee that you have other options. Say, you were promised with a single room with a toilet and privacy before the arrival but after arriving at the host house, you realize you had to share a room with the host kids. It means you may lose your privacy and you may have to provide childcare in your off time but this is NOT acceptable in WE. It is a serious violation to our bi-lateral agreements.
WE as the third party is here to ensure both au pair and the host family comply the consented contracts. Any violation of the rules is not acceptable. In very few case where the family may not be eligible for hosting the au pair, we will arrange a new family to optimize au pair's experiences - but we are always careful and attentive to make sure it does not happen.
6. Build Strong Relationships
One of the most rewarding aspects of being an au pair is the opportunity to form lasting connections with your host family. WE values the importance of nurturing these relationships and provides guidance on building a strong bond with your host family. We offer resources and tips on effective communication, conflict resolution, and creating a positive and inclusive home environment. Whether you need advice on childcare, household responsibilities, or cultural exchange activities, WE is there to support and guide you.
By cooperating with an agency, especially it’s FREE for au pairs, you can focus on what’s the most important, the cultural exchange, language learning, self-exploring and live-in childcare. Thus, your au pair journey can be an enriching experiences that truly offers personal growth, cultural immersion and lifelong memories. And by choosing Wanderlust Exchange, you are gaining a dedicated partner who will support and guide you through every step of your journey. WE is committed to ensuring a seamless and rewarding your au pair experience.
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Wanderlust Exchange encourages the exploration of self-awareness and personal development , and fostering of global understanding. We desire to bridge cultural divide and contribute to build the world with more trust, understanding and diversity among all.