Au pair requirements for China
Here's who can join our language and cultural exchange. Not sure if you qualify? Ask us, we're happy to help.
Who can apply
Age
Aged 18 to 26 when your program starts.
Experience with children
Time spent with children, such as babysitting, tutoring, coaching or summer camps.
Language
Conversational English. No Mandarin needed: you will learn it here.
Education
Completed secondary school or equivalent.
Background check
A clean criminal record check from your home country.
Health
In good physical and mental health.
Program length
Able to stay for 3 months up to one year.
Passport
A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay.
The requirements explained
Why 18 to 26?
The program is designed for young adults taking a gap year, a year out from university or a break between studies, when a year of Mandarin and new experiences fits naturally into your plans.
What counts as experience with children?
More than you might think: babysitting younger siblings or neighbours, tutoring, coaching a sports team, helping at a summer camp, Sunday school or a youth club. Tell us about all of it.
How good does my English need to be?
You need to hold a relaxed conversation and read a story aloud. Native speakers are welcome, and so are fluent non-native speakers. Host families value a clear, friendly way of speaking more than a perfect accent.
Why a background check?
Host families trust you with their children, and we take that seriously. A clean record check from your home country is part of keeping every exchange safe for everyone.
Nice to have, not required
These won't decide your application, but host families love them, so mention them in your resume or video:
- A first aid course
- A skill to share: music, sport, art, dance, cooking or swimming
- Curiosity about Chinese culture and food
- Patience, warmth and a sense of humour
- Some experience of living or travelling away from home
Where applicants come from
We prioritise applicants from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada and the EU/EEA. Applicants from other countries can be considered if they are already in China.
Is this exchange right for you?
Meeting the requirements is the first step. The au pairs who enjoy China most are the ones who love spending time with children, feel excited rather than nervous about trying new food and customs, and want to learn Mandarin for real, not just collect photos. You will be part of a family's everyday life: school runs, homework, dinners, weekends and festivals. If that sounds like the adventure you're looking for, you're exactly who host families hope to meet. Seehow to become an au pair in China, step by step.
What you need to apply
- Your resume
- A one-minute video introducing yourself, in English
- A way to reach you: WhatsApp, WeChat or email
No resume yet? No problem: create a profile in one minute instead. Visa documents come later: see X1 and X2 student visas.
Apply nowReady for your year in China?
Applying takes a few minutes. No resume yet? Create a profile in one minute instead.