Frequently Asked Questions                             

The Au Pair China Program

Q:What are the minimum requirements to participate in the APC?

A:All participants must be between 18 and 29 years old, be at least high school graduates, be fluent in English, have a clear criminal record and possess a strong motivation to learn about Chinese culture. Although always an advantage, childcare experience or university education is not required by the guidelines of the China Au Pair Association (CAPA).

Q:What is the amount of duty hours required of a typical Au Pair in China? How is it different from that of other countries?

A:As set forth by the China Au Pair Association guidelines, the maximum weekly workload required is 25 hours. These include both childcare/ tutoring hours, as well as light household chores hours.

 

Host Families

Q:What is a typical Chinese Host Family like?

A:The typical Chinese Host Family is usually made up of 3 people: Host mother, Host father and Host son/daughter. Although this is infrequent due to the “one child policy”, some families may have more than one child. It is not unlikely that families have live-in grandparents.

Q:Do Host Families employ other staff other than the Au Pair?

A:Yes, some of our families employ live-in nannies or domestic helpers who take care of household chores such as cooking and cleaning.

Q:What is the age of the host child/children?

A:The age of host children may vary. Some of our families have really young children (as young as 3 years old) but, as a tendency, we noticed the Au Pair China program is becoming increasingly popular among families with teenage children.

Q:Where will a typical Host Family be located? (city center, countryside?)

A:Our Host Families are typically located in and around Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province. Although we do have families who are located in cities such as Ningbo,Shenzhen or Shanghai, our 2012 placement focus is within Zhejiang province.

     

     Application Process

     Q:Do you want an Au Pair to sign a LoPair  agreement even though they apply through us?

    A:Yes. Even though Au Pairs apply through an International Partner Agency, we do require that they sign our own agreement, as this contains conditions specific to the LoPair Au Pair China Program

     Q: Can we use our own forms or do we have to use those provided by LoPair?

    A:LoPair always provides its partner with all the necessary application documents: if you wish to use your own please make sure you contact your International Relations Manager to discuss about this.

     Q:Do you accept applicants to apply when they are still 17 years of age?

     A:Yes, as long as they will have turned 18 by the time they arrive in China.

     Q:Do you accept First Aid/Education certificates in languages other than English?

     A:Yes we do, but you should make sure that they are properly translated into English and you should take responsibility in case the translation does not match the original

       Q:Do you require minimum hours of childcare experience?

     A:Although childcare experience is not required and we do not ask for minimum hours of childcare experience, childcare references will for sure be a welcome plus to a candidate’s application.  

     Q:Are there any other references that would “look good” on a candidate’s application?

     A:Yes, if a candidate has had previous teaching experience in the TESOL (Teaching of English as a Second Language) field, this is definitely good. Make sure to hand in any material that may help to certify this, such as TEFL, TESOL or CELTA certificates.

     Q:Can we accept candidates from other countries who find our site through various search engines?

     A:Yes, as long as it is convenient for you to interview them and easy for them to be in contact with you.

     

      Passport, Visa and Customs

     Q:Do you have special requirements for Au Pair passports?

     A:Au Pairs’ passports should be valid at least 6 months after the entry date and have at least one blank page for their Entry Visa.

     Q:What kind of visa will be issued?

    A:An F Visa will be issued. This is a cultural and business exchange visa usually valid between 30 and 90 days (up 10 180 days for some countries). Should it be necessary,

     towards the visa expiration date, LoPair will provide all the assistance needed to get an extension at no extra cost for the Au Pair.

     Q:What can the Au Pair do in China on such a visa?

A:Apart from staying with their Host Family as Au Pairs, our participants can travel around China on their F Visa. However, they are not permitted to take any employment on their F Visa.

Q: Will you provide customized assistance as to where and how to apply for a Chinese visa in our country?

     A:Yes, LoPair will provide you with all the relevant information on where and how to apply for a Chinese Visa.

 

     During the Program

     Q:Who will meet the Au Pair at the airport?

     A: A representative from LoPair will meet the Au Pairs at the airport to take them to the hotel where they will spend the first 3 nights of their stay, while they participate in the Arrival Orientation Training Camp.

     Q:Do Au Pairs meet their Host Families on the first day?

     A:No. All of our participants take part in a 3-day training program before moving in with their host families on day 4.

     Q:Is the orientation camp compulsory?

     A:Yes. Our Arrival Orientation Training Camp is compulsory as well as highly recommended to all our participants! As an important part of our Program, the training cost is offered at no extra cost for Au Pairs

 

Study Component

Q:How important is the study component in your program?

A:The study component is very important in our Au Pair China Program. Although not compulsory, Mandarin classes are designed to give our Au Pairs the tools and competences to start communicating with their Host Families right from the start and a 75% minimum attendance rate is required in order to qualify for the completion bonus. Chinese Culture classes give Au Pairs the chance to explore the culture of this fascinating and ancient country.   

Q:One of my applicants is a University student majoring in Chinese language. Can she study at University  during her stay?

A:This is not possible at the moment, but LoPair can assist applicants who wish to extend their stay by enrolling in a Chinese University after their Au Pair China Program has ended.