Should I be a Language Au-Pair in China?

[Ayane]

Well, I've been thinking of saving up money and taking a trip to China after my senior year in high school. Originally, I was just going to go for two weeks, stay at a hotel, and travel around Beijing to see the sights and practice speaking Mandarin with the locals. Then I learned about the HHSCenter, which has an au-pair program for those who want to learn/improve their Chinese and experience Chinese culture. You either have the option of being a Child Care au-pair (which really isn't for me xD hehe) or you can be a Language Partner au-pair and teach a family English, which is the one I'd prefer. I thought it was a pretty neat idea, since it comes with all these features:

Free room and board with free internet access

- Compensation of 600RMB or more

- Visa Invitation Letter

- Free metro card and city map (If applicable)

- Free SIM card which includes 50RMB phone fare

- 24/7 emergency call number

- Airport/train pick-up

- Assigned coordinator

- International travel insurance

- Assistance registering with the local authorities

- 3 month programs 1250RMB travel stipend

6 month programs 2500RMB travel stipend

12 month programs 5000RMB travel stipend

- Monthly newsletter

- HHS Activities

- Arrival Orientation

- Free Chinese classes up to a year

http://www.hhscenter.com/en/item.asp?ClassID=37

-----

If I did this, I'd be doing the program for 3 months (during the summer time before going to college).

Well, the thing is the program seems to require you to teach English for 4 hours (though, I might have read it wrong and maybe it includes teaching English and the extra work you do around the house), which seems like a lot to me...I guess I wouldn't have to do it all in one sitting, but that seems hard for someone who has never taught a foreign language before, but I guess it isn't impossible. Another thing is that, you only get 600RMB for a month, it's not really "pay" either, it's just for helping you get around in the country. Comparing it to Au-Pairs that go to work in America, Australia, or England and actually get paid weekly (minimum wage...but that's what I'd earn anyway being a highschool/college student, right?) it seems...not so equal, you know? However, it seems the program isn't really a "job" as it is an opportunity to go to China without having to spend money on a hotel and learning about the country on your own (since you'd be living with a family who could show you around) and in turn would save me money and also would let me stay in China longer. Though, when I thought about "pay", I realized maybe the money that could have been earned is geared to the free Chinese classes, which would other wise cost several hundred/thousand USD. (http://www.hhscenter.com/en/item.asp?ClassId=81)

I think that this would be kinda fun to do, I could meet lots of new people, improve on my Mandarin (since I'd be around Chinese people 24/7 and I'd be in a class with a small amount of students making it easier to learn then I would at a public school) , and learn about a totally different culture then my own. I'd choose to live with a family in Beijing (though they have lots of other cities to choose from)...thought I can't decide if I'd prefer to stay with a family with kids (hopefully with a daughter around my age who could show me around Beijing and someone who would be easier to talk to then a little kid >w< ) or a family with just adults. u.u;

Hmm, I'm still thinking on whether it's a good idea...What do you guys think?

(admin note: Yes, I know this looks entirely like a shill post. But as far as can tell it's legit, so benefit of the doubt)

[feihong]

It seems interesting but I wouldn't even consider it without talking to at least one person who has gone through the program.

Also, the free Chinese class might well be entirely worthless (since it's, you know, free). But if you already know some Mandarin then you'll have plenty of opportunities for practice once you hit the streets of Beijing.

[Ayane]

Hmm, but I'm not sure if I would be able to talk with someone who has gone through the program...

I wouldn't know how too anyway. >w<

I know "some" Mandarin, but not really an amazing amount or anything to get very far. u.u;

[anonymoose]

If you really want to do that, then why not? But personally I wouldn't. I'd prefer to get a proper teaching job with proper pay and condition, and if you can't do that without a college degree, then I'd get a degree first.

[c6ray]

the program seems to require you to teach English for 4 hours

You might be interested in TourBoarding. Exchange 2 hours per day teaching English for homestay lodging plus two meals. The map page shows number of hosts by area.

[annie- baxter]

hi ayane,

Just wondering if you did actually end up doing this program? what was it like? what was good/bad? I'm thinking of doing it sometime next year.

would love to hear yoru thoughts. thanks.

annie.