6 reasons to do Au pair in Beijing

6 reasons to do Au pair in Beijing

Many youths choose to take up an au pair role for their gap year and China has become a hotspot for youths looking to get involved in this program. This is due to the fact that China is a highly developing country and has great potential for boosting businesses, especially Beijing and Shanghai, which encompass the cultural, economic and political centers of China. Listed below are benefits of taking part in an au pair program in China.

1. It is the best place to learn mandarin

Being one of the largest populated places on earth, there are so many languages spoken in China, Mandarin being the most spoken language. This tends to attract au pair’s who choose China, as they want to learn or improve their mandarin. The citizens of Beijing speak the simpler and standard mandarin while people from other provinces all tend to have different tones when speaking mandarin. So if you can speak some level of mandarin, communicating will people wouldn’t be an issue. You will also find people always happy to teach or correct you when you try to speak mandarin. They would usually teach you slangs or easier ways of saying a particular word, which is mostly used in everyday settings unlike the methods used in various language textbooks. And as an Au pair, your host Chinese family would be your best language teachers. Most Beijing families tend to speak the proper mandarin when at home, though grandparents or relatives from other provinces, may have different tones and accent which might take sometime getting used to.

2. There are so many places to visit during your stay

There are various stunning attractions in Beijing, the capital of China. As one of the birthplaces of the Chinese civilization and one of the six ancient capital cities in China, most of the locations of authority are in Beijing. For example, the Forbidden City, when you visit this place, the magnificent and splendid palaces will stun you, its structures and architecture will amaze you. There is so much history in the designs and structures you find in this place, showing how past royalties lived their lives. The Summer palace is also another stunning attraction in Beijing. With a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens and palaces, it is one of the top destinations for tourists in China. The Great Wall, another magnificent structure in human history is located in Beijing. The wall has so much history dating back to the 7th century BC. Every Chinese citizen would be happy to tell you stories about the Great Wall. Beijing also has the famous 798 arts gallery, comprising of decommissioned military factory buildings and artistic figures and structures, the things you see here will amaze you.
Apart from these listed places, China still has so many attractions to explore, with beautiful scenery and culture.

3. Leisure and Entertainment

There are so many fun things to do during au pair program in China. In Beijing, the two most famous entertainment hotspots are in “Sanlitun” and ”Wudaokou”. These are different locations in the city where you can find clubs, bars, shopping centers and many more. Clubbing in China is an experience on its own, as each place has something to offer.

4. Convenient Transportation.

China boosts a great transportation system, making it very easy for you to explore and move around. During your days off, you can explore Beijing with its convenient subway stations. Transportation is really cheap and for about 3-6 RMB, you can travel any in the city and on time. The subway signs are very clear with instructions in English making it easier for you to navigate your way. The trains are available from 5am to 11pm and it takes about five minutes for the next train to arrive.
During holidays or planned trips the trains are also easy and assessable for transportation to any destination in China. The trains are fast and comfortable and depending on your preferences, you could choose to sit or sleep on a bed during your journey. Within 6 hours, you could tke the train from Beijing to Xi’an to visit the famous Terra-Cotta Warriors.
There are also flights available If you choose to visit places in the south of China. The airport is not far from the city center and with the train you could get to it in minutes. Whatever mode of transport you choose, you can be assured to get there safe and on time.
5. The amazing Chinese food
Beijing is a huge city with mixed people from all over China, so it has all kinds of food from different places in China. The Beijing famous Roast Duck is a traditional Beijing food, that tastes and looks great. You would be amazed at how it is prepared and presented when you order this delicacy in a restaurant. If you love spicy food, try the “chengdu” hotpot, which can be extremely spicy. You can also find foreign restaurants, such as Mcdonalds and KFC in China. As an au pair, you will be fed the traditional Chinese food in your host family home. Chinese families enjoy eating vegetables and try to have balanced diets.

6. Things are cheap

Although Beijing being the capital of China possesses the scenery of modern structures and high life, things are actually cheap in comparison to Europe and America. The Chinese currency is 1/7 for dollars and 1/8 for euros. A beer costs around 5 RMB. You can also find cheap clothes, shoes and bags in stores around the city
You can also shop online on the website ”Taobao” where you will find every thing you want at a very cheap price. The seller always pay the freight and you just stay at home and wait for your goods to arrive. If you live in Beijing, your goods arrive even quicker in just 2 to 3 days.

If you are considering doing an au pair for your gap year and still have some doubts, you can be assured that China is a very good choice. Beijing boost really friendly people and is a nice place for youths. Here you will have so many opportunities that would benefit you in the long run.

Going to China on a budget

This program aims to provide a quality experience for youths around the world interested in exploring China at a wallet friendly rate.

China has become a hotspot for youths around the world looking for adventure or work experience. Apart from the huge benefits of making new friends, experiencing a new culture and learning a new language, many youths choose to travel to China because as a rapidly developing country, there are so many opportunities to be explored. However, the cost of travel and support can be an issue to most youths wishing to come to China, as they are either sponsored by their parents or part time jobs. YAC aims to solve this problem by assisting youths create personalised and low budget programs.

5000 USD Budget
With a budget of 5000 USD, this allows you personalize your time, goal and program that suits you.
If your goal is to learn the Chinese language, Mandarin, during your trip, YAC provides study programs in various established universities or training schools around China.
Universities offering language programs usually follow a syllabus and provide a certificate at the end of the program. Most universities provide semester programs ranging from 4 to 6 weeks or semester year programs for more intensive programs. Applications must be submitted before the deadlines. Tuitions range from 1500-3000 USD, while accommodation fees range from 40-100 RMB per day and finally, flight tickets and other service fees, which should all be covered in the 5000 USD budget.

However, training language schools are more flexible and customizable. The program time, syllabus and duration can be discussed with the coordinator who will also arrange accommodation. Usually, classes would include less than 10 students, making it easier for the teachers focus on your requirements. The teachers can also structure your study plan allowing you decide when and what to learn. Some training schools have branch offices in different cities, providing the opportunity to study in several cities during your trip. This will enable you experience more of China.

Youths looking for work experience can also choose the internship programs provided by YAC in China. From the YAC website, you can choose one intern agency in china and tell them your requirements about your internship. The agencies will then recommend companies according to your requirements. Apart from boosting you CV and making you more marketable, this gives you the opportunity to either remain in the company after your internship or apply to another company during your trip.

3000 USD budget
With a budget of 3000 USD, YAC provides volunteering in china, where you have the opportunity to help poor children, take care of orphans, feed pandas and protect the forests. This personalised program are for youths who which to make a positive difference in China. The volunteer program fees range from 400—1000 USD. It also includes some other Chinese culture activities. You will harvest thanks from the people you helped and many best memories.
You can also attend travel in china program for a short time. You can choose the capital of china Beijing to visit the Forbidden city, The great wall, the Summer Place and etc. Or you can choose Shanghai or Xi’an. Every city in China has its typical culture. Nice Chinese food and good scenery will fill all your journey. You will fall in love china even in a short time.

Budget around 1500 USD
The money I have only can afford the flight to China, can I still have the chance to explore china? Of course yes. Aupair program in china will help you realize your Chinese dream. Chinese aupair programs are quite different from the western programs. Non-house work, non-nanny work, only with respect as a family member. It is more like half-study and half-teach combined program. You will live in a Chinese family and experience real Chinese life. You can enjoy free Chinese classes and culture activities by your agency. About 25 work hours per week to teach host kid English or play with them. You can also enjoy travel with host family. Chinese aupair program usually don’t need to pay fees. But you need to pay about 500 usd deposit for your visa documents. If you like children, Chinese aupair program is an economic choice.

Budget less than 1000 USD
If you can’t afford any fees or deposit for going to china. Don’t worry, there is also solution. Are you an English native speaker or have good English skill? If yes, you can find a good teach in china program. English teacher demands in china is huge. You can send your CV to one agency and they will recommend Chinese schools for you. If you fixed one offer with Chinese school, the agency will help you to do visa and other arrangement. You will get 8000—20000 rmb per month. It will support you enjoy a good life in china. The teaching job is not full of the day, you can explore the city in your free time. Some school provide accommodation for teachers and some will reimburse your accommodation fees.

Obviously there is no patterned relations between the programs and budget. Many factors affect your final decision to go to china. Whatever Chinese program you take you will achieve a lot from your trip in china. If you have more questions, you can consult from YAC supporter. Or you can contact some participants directly. All programs in China are ready to help you experience china in different ways. Don’t hesitate and apply now !