Chinese Au Pairs

Overview of Chinese Culture and Chinese Au Pairs

The Chinese government opened its doors to foreign business in the 1970s and has not looked back since. Business is booming and statistics show that by 2025, China will be the world's largest economy! China has low unemployment due to their strong economy and au pairs do not have difficulty paying fees to sign up with au pair agencies. China is known as a state of etiquette and ceremonies. Courtesy to others, especially one's elder, is still very important in Chinese culture. The "one child only policy" still exists in China, so remember most, if not all, au pairs are an "only child" and are not used to large families with sisters or brothers (but that is slowly changing).

China's economic miracle impresses all those who travel there. As you stroll through major cities, you will see signs of progress everywhere: tall new office buildings, posh five-star hotels, gleaming, new and high-speed trains and modern and sleek airports, fancy residential towers and beautiful shopping malls that offer all the newest designer "goodies."

However, despite the new, rich and modern China, there is significant poverty for most of the population. Because of a vast disparity of income levels and a developing "class" system, some au pairs will have difficulty finding the money to pay for program fees.

So, we should expect that most of the Chinese au pairs arriving in the U.S.A are from the new and prosperous families who have the financial resources to foot the bill to send their daughter to America.

What are Chinese au pairs' main motivations to become au pairs and spend a year abroad in America? What are their Potential Strengths, their Potential Weaknesses?

Can Chinese au pairs drive well enough for busy American families? What about their English skills - do they pass with flying colors or is this a skill that needs more work?

Matching with a Chinese au pair is a bold move and a leap of faith - there are many cultural differences between Americans and the Chinese beyond the driving and communication. The positive side includes their patience with children and their hard work, the negatives are few, but can raise key questions before a family decides to host an au pair from China.

One of the most critical motivations American parents have in hiring a Chinese au pair is exposing their children to Mandarin - predicted to become the next language spoken in business worldwide, replacing English.

Read more about Chinese au pairs in our comprehensive review of China, Chinese au pairs and why they may be a good fit for your family's childcare needs! We review the strengths and weaknesses around hosting an au pair from China.

Read the entire article on Chinese Au Pairs

For more information about Chinese Au Pairs, read our exclusive interview with Tanna Wilson, an expert in hosting Chinese au pairs. Tanna Wilson is the Managing Director of goAUPAIR, one of several leading agencies recruiting Chinese au pairs for American families.