Chinese Au Pairs

Hiring a Chinese Au Pair is becoming a growing trend for American families. According to the New York Times, the drive behind this trend is the “desire among ambitious parents to ensure their children’s worldliness, as such parents assume that China’s expanding influence will make Mandarin the sophisticates’ language decades hence.” So here are some interesting facts about China and Chinese Au Pairs:

China is known to be a country full of history and ceremonies. Appropriate manners are expected from everyone, especially towards the elderly. China’s total land area comprises more than 9.6 million square kilometers with four time zones. The national language is Mandarin, which is one of the five working languages in the United Nations. Cantonese is also one of the local dialects, more common in the south of China. The Chinese language has been in use for over 6,000 years. The country's total population is 1.328 billion (2008) and it comprises about 22 percent of total population in the world. China is also one of the four oldest civilizations in the world with a written history of more than 4,000 years. 

Chinese youth want to become Au Pairs in U.S. to improve their English and experience some of the American culture. Taking college credits in the U.S. increases their potential for a better career when they go back home.  They also want to share their traditions and backgrounds with American families.

Potential Strengths of the Chinese Au Pair
1. Bright, eager and willing to work hard.
2. Well mannered and respectful of host parents and elders.
3. Can expose your children to the Mandarin language.
4. May adapt quickly to a new culture without significant homesickness or depression.

Possible Weaknesses of the Chinese Au Pair
1. May not be used to large families and become overwhelmed with lots of children.
2. She may not be accustomed to American children, who are generally outspoken and direct. Be patient, have a sit-down talk with her and explain the cultural differences between American and Asian children.
3. She may be very quiet in the beginning and you may feel she is not happy, but be patient and usually she will begin to open up as she gets to know and care for your family.

Most of our Chinese Au Pairs have worked or volunteered as tutors for younger children. Nearly all of our Au Pairs from China are qualified to work with infants based on their daycare and babysitting experience. goAUPAIR has had successful experiences matching American families and Chinese Au Pairs, for that reason we are always pleased to help families find their perfect match. If you are interested in Chinese Au Pairs, feel free to let us know or search for them in the Au Pair Preview.

China is the Featured Country for February at goAUPAIR, which mean Host Families that match with an Au Pair from China get $100 off Au Pair program fees.

For more information:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/05/us/05aupair.html
http://www.articlesbase.com/parenting-articles/chinese-au-pairs-on-the-rise-834810.html