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Frequent Asked Questions

01/

Am I eligible for the program?

The program is open to recent high school graduates prior to university enrollment, current university students, and recently graduated students. You should be a native English speaker or have an advanced level of English. If unsure, get in touch.

02/

What qualities are considered to be very important as an EduPair in China?

Have a genuine love for children and enjoy spending time with them.

Open to cultural differences and understand that in a completely different culture, one's comfort zone will be constantly broadened.

Would like to proactively help the host children to learn English and prepare some activities.

03/

How early in advance should I start applying?

Naturally the earlier the better - placements are in high demand. Generally, 3 months prior to arrival provides ample time to arrange your placement and visa.

04/

When do applicants pay the downpayment? What does the downpayment cover?

The downpayment should be paid when the matching process is done, usually after choosing the host family. Although we require this downpayment, the entire downpayment will be completely returned to the EduPair upon their completion of the program. The downpayment is to ensure that each EduPair is committed to their participation in the program since host families must pay several costs upfront for the EduPair to be approved for the appropriate visa.

05/

What will my duty hours be like?

This will vary from family to family but typically a duty week under the program is no more than 30 hours of interaction with the child and no more than 7 hours per day. You are also guaranteed 1.5 days off every week.

06/

Do I need to be able to drive a car?

No. Most families in China do not require an EduPair to drive in China considering the traffic rules and driving habits can be distinctive. 

07/

I don't speak Mandarin. Would that be a problem?

You do not need to speak Mandarin to join our program. We’ll give you all the essential language skills you need to 
go about your daily routine by providing Mandarin lessons throughout your placement. 

08/

Will I be able to travel?

Yes. EduPairs may travel freely within China during your days off or paid holidays. Or sometimes travel together with your host family.

09/

Will I be able to travel abroad or back to my country during my stay in China?

 It depends on what type of visa you apply for and how many entries you are granted by the Chinese visa office. You will most likely receive a single entry visa to China, therefore, if you travel abroad during your stay in China, your visa will no longer be valid, thus you would have to reapply for a new Chinese visa.

10/

If I go alone, will it be easy to make friends in China?

Yes! You will find that in general, Chinese people are very friendly and interested in you as a visitor, so you shouldn’t have any trouble. You will meet other EduPairs at the Arrival and Orientation Training Course once you get to China. You will meet others learning Chinese at your Mandarin classes and  monthly cultural activities, included in your program.

11/

Do EduPairs clean the house or do other domestic duties?

No. An EduPair is treated as an extended member of the host family. Your duties as an EduPair will all relate to giving educational support of the childcare. These responsibilities may include picking up after the children, preparing some meals, playing with the children, etc. However, you will not be expected to clean the entire house, do the family laundry, or to regularly prepare meals for the entire family.

12/

What do I need to budget for?

On top of your placement downpayment, you also need to consider your visa and flights. We can guide you on all of this upon application.

13/

What visa do I need?

It depends on the length of stay. We’ll guide you through the visa process and which visa you need to get. We’ll take you through this after we have confirmed your placement. 

14/

When should I book my flights?

We recommend only booking flights once your visa has been confirmed. Naturally, we will keep in touch as this progresses.

15/

Do I book my own flight to China?

Sometimes you will be responsible for booking your flight to Xi'an, China. However, a flight stipend will be offered upon one's completion of the program.

16/

How long will I be able to stay in China after I complete my time with my host family?

Once you successfully complete your time with your host family, you have to leave China. However,  you can use your days off or paid holiday to travel around China; you are not permitted to work for money.

17/

When do EduPairs receive pocket money from host family each month?

EduPairs will receive their first installment of pocket money after the completion of their first month with the family. After you have completed your first month, your pocket money will typically be given to you at the start of each month.

18/

Do I need to open a bank account in China?

While you are with the family you’ll receive pocket money that will be given to you in cash or by bank transfer. You may also wish to open a bank account for easy daily usage. Our team can assist with this should you wish.

19/

How should I prepare beforehand?

We provide a comprehensive pre-departure guide that helps you to prepare for life in China, learning Chinese, tutoring children English. However, doing your own research is recommended as it helps you make the most of your experience. You can also speak to our team at any point during the application and pre-departure stages, or get in touch while you are away.

20/

What if something goes wrong?

Here at Willinshare, we take every measure to ensure that your time as an EduPair runs smoothly so that you do not need to rely on us while you are away. However, we understand that sometimes things go wrong, circumstances change, or something occurs that is simply beyond control. As such we are there for you throughout your stay to help you deal with any problems that arise.

21/

What vaccinations are recommended for going to China?

We are not professional doctors so we can't give you specific suggestions. We found some links for you to refer to and maybe can provide some advice. 

http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/49/china#Vaccine_recommendations

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china/health

You will be staying with a well-to-do family in a nice part of the city rather than rural areas. Probably you do not need many vaccinations, but it is your own decision.

22/

What is China's entry policy about the COVID-19?

China has fully opened its borders from March 15, 2023. All you need is a 48-hour antigen test or a nucleic acid test with a negative result to be allowed entry into China. 

23/

What are the advantages of finding a host family through Willinshare while there are so many offers without charges on the internet?

Participation in our EduPair China program is totally free of charge. The online agencies might charge some kind of fee and all they do is offer you a database of families whom you will have to select, check, distinguish and contact yourself. There is no guarantee that you will find a family for your desired destination and period of time. It could turn out to cost you more than expected, not only economically.
It is safer to be an au pair through an agency. We have a strict selection process for our host families as well as our EduPairs candidates. Only through a good match between family and EduPair will the experience be rewarding and enjoyable for all.We only accept families who are willing to welcome the EduPair as a real member of their family and understand that this program is based on a cultural exchange with its obligations as well as rights.
Willinshare is a full-service agency. We provide full support during the whole program.

24/

Why do I have to send all documentation before receiving information about host families?

When a family reach out to us to look for an EduPair, we demand all types of documentation from them, including photos, general information about the family, application form, welcome letter to the EduPair, Chinese ID cards, etc.  
The families will not be able to know the EduPairs candidates if we don't have the candidates' profiles based on concrete information. This enables the host families and the EduPairs know each other better before meeting in person.

Part of the documentation is required following the international agreement of Au Pair programs.

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