What inspired you to go abroad?
For me, I had never left my country before, and I wanted to see a new part of the world somehow. I think it is important to get out of your comfort zone at a young age, especially by exposing yourself to a new culture and new people. If I had to give another reason is that it is a great excuse to learn a new language, which is also a useful thing to have under your belt.
Why did you choose Masons Au Pair?
Well, actually, as wonderful as this organization is, I didn’t choose this one initially. I was working for another agency when I first came here, and the experience was very poor. I was eventually let go from that agency, forcing me to find another one.
When I found Mason’s Au Pair, they were much friendlier, and I felt like I was actually being taken care of. They were a great support line from beginning to end. The little community that they have built felt like a second home.
Terracotta Army
What was your favorite part about your host country?
For me, I was in China during my time abroad. This place was fantastic, as they had so many things for me to do and see, especially with the new friends I made. I got to witness beautiful scenery, ancient history, new cultures, and numerous other once-in-a-lifetime experiences. As for my favorite, though, it’s all the people I had the privilege of meeting and becoming friends with, which made it hard for me to leave.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
It was all of the points of interest that I got to see, whether I was alone or with my host family. It is hard to imagine how I ever would have seen the things I ever got to see if I hadn’t had this agency to provide me with this experience. The photos and memories I have from seeing things like the Terracotta Army or the Ancient City of Songpan will be unforgettable.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
Since my situation was unique, I was already in China when they hired me. If I hadn’t been, they would have bought my flight ticket to get to China. Along with that, they helped me with navigating the technology here, settling situations with the host family, health insurance, and many other things that made me feel secure during my time here.
Songpan
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I wish I could’ve stayed longer, but long story short, I ran out of savings for me to stay here. The reason for this had nothing to do with the agency, but with issues back in my home. But I wish I had tried to find a way I could have better financed myself and not have to worry about money while I was here.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
It really depended on what the children’s schedule was, as sometimes I would not know what we would be doing until the day of.
For example, taking a trip to another city and only finding out the day before. But assuming things were steady, I would get the kids ready for school in the morning and go out to the office/Chinese class, pick up the children from school, and help them with their homework at the end of the day.
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
Either I would take some money to go see a historic landmark or visit a new place, or if I just wanted to relax and hang out with friends, I would often go to bars, restaurants, karaoke rooms, and social activities like that. Our agency would also plan activities for all of the au pairs to do together, which was always fun.
Mt. Qingchengshan
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
My family provided me with a very nice room in their house, which is something I’m very happy that they trusted me with. I had a nice big bed, my own wardrobe, a desk, a couple of lounge chairs, and a bunch of other nice things. And since I was living with the family, they would also feed me breakfast, lunch, and dinner and take me along with them if they had an outing.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
No matter who you are or where you come from, you will be homesick in some way or another. Things are very different here, and as much as I think that is a good thing, it is very difficult. Especially when it comes to the Internet restrictions this country has on its citizens. But just know that everybody’s in it together, and if you can tough through it, it’ll be the most exciting thing you ever do in your life.
Financial City
Would you recommend your provider to others? Why?
Yes, absolutely. This is a very fair agency that is very careful to select the right people for the right families. They don’t harp on mistakes so long as you work to improve yourself and try better next time. But they also recognize when a mistake isn’t your fault. All the services and resources they provide make for a very secure experience.
What do you feel is the biggest benefit of traveling abroad?
The biggest benefit is exposing yourself to a new lifestyle and new kinds of people. For me personally, it frustrates me when people remain ignorant in the lives that they live, refusing to ever branch out and experience something incredible at the risk of them feeling some sort of discomfort or fear. Doing something like this gives you the opportunity to question yourself and your life for the better.
Red Panda
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
I look at things a little differently. It makes it easier to accept when things are a little different or if something changes in my life. I also have a lot more confidence in myself, knowing that I’ve done something so incredible. For instance, before coming here, I’d never even been on a plane; now that I’ve been around the world, it really doesn’t seem so difficult.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
I think meaningful travel depends on whether or not you learn something new, or if your perspective on life has changed, or if you got to experience something that others are afraid to do themselves. To take these experiences home with you and to share them with your friends and family means that you bring a little bit of the world that you were in and get to show it to them.
