Teach Abroad Gap Year Programs Career Break / Mid-Career

It’s hard to describe with words this experience but I will do my best to share with you my feelings about it. It was my first time as an au pair and I couldn’t have lived a better experience than that. My host family was amazing. Even if I couldn’t communicate much with the parents because they couldn’t speak any English and my Chinese wasn’t better, I could feel how generous and supportive they were. I learned so much about the Chinese culture with them and their daughter and I always felt at home. It’s crazy to think that people that you never met before, that doesn’t share the same culture and language can at the end become your friend or family. It was very challenging to live in such a different culture but amazing for personal growth. I also discovered a real passion for Chinese painting and Chinese calligraphy. I had one lesson per week with a private teacher and we had such a great time sharing each other culture. Because my au pair program with LoPair was also that, discovering the culture together. We did many activities with the other au pairs and Mickey from LoPair to experience the Chinese culture. I would say that the highlights of my journey as an au pair in China were : - My host parents and their daughter who were such generous and amazing people - My calligraphy and Chinese painting classes with an incredible teacher - All the encounters I had, both with the other au pairs and with Chinese friends I will never forget this experience, I wish for everyone to be this lucky and to discover this amazing culture like I did.

I stayed in Costa Rica for 4 months and for my Gap Year with Maximo and it was the best choice I could’ve made. I did the customized path with Spanish Immersion and Volunteering with Children. They were extremely accommodating to my needs and made sure I had the best experience. From the close proximity to many beaches to my classes to my host family. This program was everything I could’ve dreamed of and more. So much so that I already planned my next journey back for the New Year!