What inspired you to work for your organization, Wanderlust Exchange?
My passion for cultural exchange and fostering meaningful connections across borders inspired me to join Wanderlust. I believe in the transformative power of immersive experiences to broaden perspectives and create lasting friendships. Working here allows me to promote mutual understanding and help individuals embrace new cultures, which aligns perfectly with my personal and professional values.
Wanderlust Exchange partners and colleagues.
If you could go back, what would you tell your pre-travel self?
Stay open-minded and embrace every challenge as part of the journey. Cultural differences might feel overwhelming at first, but they’re what make the experience meaningful. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, ask questions, and build genuine connections. Most importantly, remember that growth happens when you least expect it — enjoy every moment, even the unexpected ones!
Why should someone choose Wanderlust Exchange over competitors?
Wanderlust Exchange stands out for its personalized and people-first approach. We believe in creating meaningful cultural exchanges that go beyond the typical experience by ensuring both au pairs and host families receive ongoing support and guidance throughout the program. Our strong focus on cultural immersion, language learning, and community-building creates life-changing experiences that foster genuine connections. Unlike other agencies, we prioritize safety, transparency, and long-term impact, making sure each participant feels valued and empowered to grow personally and professionally during their time in China.
With our au pair participants.
What is Wanderlust Exchange's mission, and how do you continue to work toward it?
Our mission at Wanderlust Exchange is to bridge cultures and foster mutual understanding through meaningful cultural exchange programs. We aim to provide young people with opportunities to immerse themselves in Chinese culture, language, and traditions while making a positive impact on the families they live with. We continuously work toward this mission by offering tailored support to both au pairs and host families, ensuring that every match is based on mutual respect and shared values. Our programs emphasize education, cultural immersion, and personal growth, empowering participants to become global citizens with lifelong cross-cultural connections. Through workshops, cultural events, and ongoing mentorship, we strive to make every exchange experience transformative and enriching.
What do you hope participants take home from your programs?
I hope participants leave our programs with a profound sense of personal growth and cultural understanding. Beyond improving language skills and gaining professional experience, we want them to develop meaningful relationships that cross borders, build empathy, and foster global connections. We aim for participants to feel more confident, adaptable, and open-minded, with a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity. Ultimately, we hope the experience inspires them to become lifelong learners and global citizens who continue to embrace new perspectives and positively impact the world around them.
Katherine is having an adventure.
Why should people travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Traveling abroad and experiencing new cultures is essential for personal growth and global understanding. It challenges individuals to step out of their comfort zones, develop empathy, and appreciate different perspectives. In a rapidly globalizing world, cross-cultural experiences build critical skills like adaptability, communication, and problem-solving. More importantly, it fosters tolerance and mutual respect, breaking down stereotypes and promoting human connection. These experiences shape individuals into more open-minded, compassionate global citizens capable of creating positive change in their communities and beyond.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel goes beyond sightseeing — it’s about creating genuine human connections and immersing yourself in the culture of the places you visit. For me, it means giving back to the communities I engage with. I experienced this firsthand when I volunteered with a host family in the U.S., where I contributed to local projects and became part of their everyday life. This experience taught me that meaningful travel is a two-way exchange: while we learn from others’ cultures and traditions, we also leave a positive impact through our actions and stories. It’s about fostering mutual respect, understanding, and making a difference, no matter how small.
