FAQ for Sunny Au Pair China program
- 1.What is the fee for applying to the Sunny Au Pair China program (The company, hereinafter referred to as 'SAP')?
Sunny Au Pair China program doesn’t charge any fees for the registration process for applicants but, you do need to pay a $600 deposit after we successfully match you to a family. The SAP will refund the full deposit after you finish the program.
- 2.Do I need to buy the flight ticket or will SAP buy the ticket for me?
All Au Pairs need to buy tickets by themselves. Please provide the invoice of the flight ticket after you land in China. SAP pay a monthly ticket reimbursement 1000 RMB per month.
- 3.What’s the process of applying to the Sunny Au Pair China program
The basic process is ① to submit the application form, ②get interviewed, ③get matched to a family,④ submit documents, ⑤pay the deposit, ⑥apply for a visa,⑦ purchase your flight ticket and ⑧land at the airport. For more details please refer to “program procedures”.
- 4.What do I need to do in the Chinese family?
There are three aspects about your main responsibilities：Language tutoring, kids-care and cultural exchange.
Language tutoring: teaching the host kids English or any other language you may know. You can teach the kids by playing games with them or any other interesting methods you may have.
Kids-care: If your host kid is very young, it is not necessary for Au Pairs to independently take care of them, such as preparing baby foods or sleep him. Family members will handle the child care responsibilities while the Au Pair plays a supporting role in guiding intellectual development and engaging in playtime activities.
Cultural exchange: Au Pairs can engage in various activities and initiatives. They can start by sharing their own cultural traditions, customs, and language with the host family members. This could involve teaching them about traditional dishes, music, festivals or even basic phrases in their native language. If Au Pairs in China have any questions or new experiences, they can also discuss and share them with their host families.
- 5.What is my daily time schedule?
There will be a few days given to you for jet lag and adapting to life after joining your new family. And then you need to do your Au Pair duties following the “Au Pair work schedule”.
Basic principle: You will have Chinese classes and free time in the mornings and Au Pair work after the kids finish school in the afternoon and nights. 25-30 hours per week. You will have 1 day off a week.
Specific responsibilities and time schedules differ from family to family.
- 6.Which city will I be placed in? Can I choose my own family?
Most of our families are in Beijing. There are other families in other cities 2-3 hours away from Beijing by train. You can specify your selection requirements about the family during the application process such as age and number of children. We will recommend you to the appropriate families and we will send you the family's information if the family is interested in you. You can get to know this family if you like this family. Of course we will provide you with a new family if you don't like this family.
- 7.Am I able to go out when I want to see friends in my free time?
Yes, you can. However, if you want to go out for a long time you need to inform your host family where you are going and when you plan to come back.
- 8.If I stay for a year, can I take vacation on my own?
Every 3 months you will have a 3 days paid vacation.
- 9.Is there a salary for the work I do?
Every month you can get 2000 RMB pocket money from SAP. And Plus your flight reimbursements, you will get 3000 RMB per months from SAP. It will cover your basic life expense in China. When you complete Sunny Au Pair China program, you will also receive a one-time project completion reward.
- 10.What about my Chinese class?
We will try our best to match you with a school that is close to your host family. It could be a university or a language school. Universities usually have large classes, while language training schools often offer small group classes or one-on-one lessons. You will have 4-6 hours of Chinese lessons per week. All the Mandarin classes tuition is paid by host family.
- 11.What’s the monthly social activity?
Every month SAP will organize one social session for Au Pairs, such as sightseeing, dining or a trip to the museum.
- 12.Will I have to feed the children or put them to bed like a nanny?
You don't need to cook or put the kids to bed. Chinese Au Pairs focus on cultural exchange. Normally the host families have other nanny to do housework. But normally you need to help dress the kids, play with them, and keep them tidy.
- 13.Do all families focus on English tutoring?
Most families focus on learning English. But as an "elder sister or brother", it’s more important for you to keep a happy life style with your host kids.
- 14.What if I expect my privacy, day-off and personal stuff to be respected by families?
As for these things you need to inform to your host family before you go to the family. Normally the families respect your privacy and culture. But culture shocks are inevitable. Maybe sometimes you do something you think is normal, but Chinese people think is unacceptable. But all of these different things are just what you want to experience. If you are the kind of person who would like everything to be easy, you would not choose to go abroad!
15. What is arrival orientation?
After you arrive, your local coordinator and the host family will pick you up at the airport and your local coordinator will tell you the arrival orientation time. The orientation consists of 2 parts. One is "the life as an Au Pair in China" and one is "The life in China". Usually it will take about 3 hours. Our coordinator will also help you download some helpful apps in China. And take you to the bank to apply for one Chinese bank card.
16. How long will it take from the beginning of the application process to landing in China?
Normally it takes 6 to 8 weeks. The procedures are,
matching family --- about 2 weeks
communicate with family--- about 1 week
prepare paper work --- about 1 week
apply for a visa --- about 2 weeks
Book a ticket and prepare to come to China --- about 2 weeks
Of course, if you can provide paper work faster and everything goes well, you can reduce the amount of time it takes.
17. Who will pick me up from the airport, the family or someone else from the SAP?
SAP local coordinator will go with the host family to pick you up and give you the transportation card, phone card and family handbook. After coordinator makes sure everything is settled with the family she will leave.
18. Will I be able to extend my program in China?
Within your visa valid period you are able to extend your program by no more than 12 months.
19. Do I have to pay the family for food or private room?
You will be provided with a private room and food and these are free of charge.
20. Can I apply for this program if I can’t speak Chinese? How will I communicate with people?
You are eligible to apply for this program even if you can’t speak Chinese. Your family will help you with the Chinese language. After landing in China we will start your Chinese courses in university or institution. Don't worry. If you live with a family who can’t speak English, it is perfect for you because it will force you to learn Chinese faster!!
21.I am interested in trying to get work experience while in China and am wondering if the Sunny Au Pair program is the right option.
The Sunny Au Pair program is a cultural exchange program and we provide X visa. You can't do any paid jobs with a student visa in China. You can look for some opportunities and get interviewed. After the Sunny Au Pair program you can take the jobs.
22. If I want to participate in the Sunny Au Pair China program, how much budget do I need to prepare?
1. A $600 deposit.
2. Airfare. The price of air tickets varies depending on your country of departure, ranging from approximately $700 to $1200.
3. Living expenses for the first month. This will amount to around $500
