Why South Africans Should Consider Becoming an Au Pair in China

In a world that’s becoming more connected by the day, the opportunity to live and work abroad is no longer just a dream, it’s a real, accessible adventure. For young South Africans, one of the most exciting and rewarding ways to explore the world is through an au pair experience. Which grants you the freedom that you crave for, in a safe and controlled environment with a host family and agency acting as a safety net at all times. While Europe and the USA are popular choices, China is quickly emerging as a dynamic and life-changing destination.

We have noticed a trend in the market where more Chinese families seek to welcome someone from the West into their homes for an authentic cultural exchange experience. This comes at a benefit to the family who utilizes the opportunity to improve their English language skills while the Au Pair gets to immerse themselves fully in the culture.

At World Voyage we do not believe in selling experiences, we believe in living them. We believe in our programs so much that we embark on those adventures ourselves. We do this to go through the visa process and bureaucratic processes ourselves to ensure that we can educate and assist our clients to the best of our ability. This is typically also used as a golden opportunity to determine if it is a good program to offer to potential candidates. Recently I have sent myself over on a 2 month excursion to China, where this blog is being written from.

In over as little as a week we have been able to make some very important conclusions about the Au Pair in China program that World Voyage offers.

Here’s why more South Africans should consider au pairing in China.

A Cultural Adventure Like No Other

China offers a rich, deep-rooted culture that stretches back thousands of years. As an au pair, you’re not just a tourist passing through, you get to live with a host family, experience authentic Chinese customs, and take part in traditional festivals like Chinese New Year, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and Dragon Boat Festival. Mundane acts like having breakfast or dinner will be a cultural experience where you will immerse yourself in traditional cuisine. The host families are very eager to share their culture with you and will use every opportunity to not only introduce you to new dishes or snacks, they will also teach and educate you about their customs and culture.

From learning Mandarin phrases with the kids, to eating dumplings at a local night market, the cultural immersion is full-on and unforgettable. For South Africans, who are already accustomed to diversity, adapting to a new cultural rhythm is a challenge worth embracing.

Learn to Adapt and Thrive

Living in China builds resilience and adaptability, two traits that will benefit you for life. You’ll learn to navigate new transportation systems, adapt to different food, overcome language barriers, and work within a different family structure. It is important to be open-minded at all times, whether it comes to food, family dynamics and the daily life of the host family.

These experiences broaden your worldview and boost your confidence. South Africans often find that their warm, open personalities make it easier to connect with Chinese families and form lasting bonds.

I took my host children to a Safari Park where we spent the day learning the English names for various animals.

Be Part of the Child’s Global Learning Journey

Many Chinese families host au pairs because they want their children to be exposed to different cultures and languages from a young age. As a South African au pair, you bring a unique perspective to the household, especially if you can share some Afrikaans, isiZulu, Xhosa, or even stories about South African wildlife and heritage.

The exchange is mutual: you teach them, they teach you. Mandarin is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, and there’s no better way to learn it than by living with locals. You will also be attending Mandarin language classes as part of your visa agreement, which directly grants you the opportunity to educate yourself in the process with one of the most spoken languages in the world - this will open many doors for you in the future!

Experience Modern Cities and Ancient Wonders

China is a land of contrasts. One moment you're walking through a centuries-old temple, and the next you're standing in a 120-floor skyscraper. Whether you're based in Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, or a smaller city, there’s always something new to explore.

China’s high-speed rail system makes it easy to travel around the country, from the Great Wall to the tropical beaches of Hainan. The public transport is accessible and affordable. In China they also have other e-hailing alternatives which can take you to any location of your choosing at very affordable costs.

Free Accommodation, Food, and a Monthly Stipend

As an au pair, your basic living costs are covered. Most Chinese host families provide:

• Free accommodation in a private room

• Three meals a day

• A monthly stipend/pocket money

• Mandarin language classes

• Cultural activities like calligraphy, martial arts, or tea ceremonies

• Reimbursement for visa fees

• Reimbursement for flights

  
  

This makes the experience budget-friendly, especially for young South Africans wanting to live abroad without going into debt.

Join us on our adventure!

Becoming an au pair in China isn’t just a job—it’s an adventure that shapes who you are. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone, learning from one of the world’s oldest civilizations, and discovering your ability to adapt, connect, and grow.

So if you’re a South African dreaming of travel, cultural exchange, and unforgettable memories, China might just be the perfect next chapter in your journey.

Ready to start your journey to China?

Get in touch with us and let’s help you explore this exciting opportunity to live, learn, and grow across the world.

2025/07/15