What inspired you to go abroad?
I have always been curious about the world and wanted to see what life is like beyond Germany. For me, traveling has never been only about visiting famous places or taking pictures. I wanted to meet people, understand other ways of living, and become part of another culture for a while.
My first opportunity to do this came when I became an au pair in Alberta, Canada, before starting my degree in social work. Living with a Canadian host family was a completely new chapter for me. I had to get used to a new environment, communicate in another language, and find my place within a family I had only recently met.
Looking back, this taught me a lot about myself and made me realize how much I enjoy living abroad. After Canada, I returned to Germany and studied social work. During my studies, my interest in people, communication, and cultural differences continued to grow. When I finished my degree, I wasn't completely sure what I wanted my next step to be. I knew that I wanted to take some time before starting the next chapter of my professional life, and China felt like an exciting opportunity. I deliberately wanted to choose a country that would be very different from both Germany and Canada.
China offered exactly that. I wanted to learn Mandarin, try new food, discover Chinese traditions, and see what everyday life in Chengdu would actually be like. I also wanted to challenge myself. Moving to the other side of the world, especially to a country where I didn't speak the language, was definitely a big step. But that was part of the reason I wanted to do it. I wanted to see how I would manage, meet people from completely different backgrounds, and collect memories that I could carry with me for the future.
Now that I have spent so much time here, I am very happy that I made that decision. China has given me far more than I expected, and I think my curiosity about the world will stay with me for a very long time.
Why did you choose Masons Au Pair?
Choosing the right organization was very important to me because moving to China for several months was a big decision. I wanted to know that I would have people around me who could help if I ever needed advice or support. From my first video calls with the organization, I had a really good feeling. The conversations felt natural and friendly, and I never felt pressured. I also had a very positive impression of my host family during our conversations. I could imagine myself fitting into their daily life, which was important to me.
The conditions of the program were another reason why I decided to go with this organization. The free flights, insurance, and Chinese language school were a great opportunity. Especially the language classes were important to me because I didn't want to come to China without making an effort to learn the language. I also really liked knowing that there would be a local team in Chengdu. Moving so far away from home can be intimidating, and having people nearby who understand the country and the au pair program gave me a sense of security.
Looking back, I am incredibly grateful for the decision I made. The agency became much more than just the organization that arranged my stay. The local staff and I became close through our regular au pair meetings and activities. We went to see the pandas together and spent time getting to know each other outside of the normal program.
The office was also right next to my language school, so I saw the team regularly. Eventually, they felt less like agency staff and more like friends who were always there for me. That was something I didn't expect before coming to China. I am also very thankful for the host family I was matched with. They welcomed me into their home and allowed me to become part of their family routine. When I think back to my decision to come to China, I feel very lucky that everything worked out the way it did.
What was your favorite part about China?
One of the many moments that reminded me how much there is to discover in China. 🏔️🇨🇳
One of my favorite things about China is the incredible combination of tradition and modern life. Chengdu has so many sides. You can visit a temple and learn about Chinese traditions, and shortly afterward find yourself surrounded by huge shopping malls, modern architecture, and impressive art buildings. I loved discovering these contrasts.
Coming from Germany, many things looked completely unfamiliar to me at first, which made exploring the city even more exciting. Food was another huge part of my time here. I tried so many dishes that I had never eaten before and discovered flavors that I wouldn't normally find at home. Going out to eat with friends became one of my favorite ways to spend an evening.
I also really enjoyed simply walking around Chengdu. Sometimes we didn't have a specific plan and just decided to explore an area we hadn't seen before. Those spontaneous afternoons often turned into some of my favorite memories. I loved visiting temples and other cultural places because they gave me the opportunity to understand more about Chinese history and traditions.
At the same time, I enjoyed modern art spaces, shopping centers, and the incredibly lively atmosphere of the city. What I appreciate most about Chengdu is that there is always something happening. There is always another restaurant to try, another neighborhood to explore, or another place I haven't seen yet.
Living here rather than simply visiting also changed the way I looked at the city. After a while, I wasn't just sightseeing anymore. I had my own routines, knew certain places, recognized people, and started to feel comfortable navigating the city. That feeling of gradually turning an unfamiliar place into somewhere that feels familiar is probably one of my favorite parts of living abroad.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
What made my time in China extraordinary was not just the country itself, but the people who became part of my life here. Before arriving, I was excited but also a little nervous. Moving thousands of kilometers away from home and entering a completely unfamiliar environment is a big step. Luckily, I felt welcome from the very beginning.
My host family made me feel comfortable in their home and included me in their everyday routines. I never felt like I was simply someone staying with them temporarily. I was able to share meals, spend time with my host child, and see what normal family life in China looks like. That was particularly important to me because I didn't want my time in China to feel like a long holiday. I wanted to actually live here and understand the country through everyday situations.
The local agency team also became an important part of my life. We had regular au pair meetings and did activities together, such as visiting the pandas. I also met other au pairs and people from many different countries. We explored Chengdu together, tried new restaurants, went to KTV, and shared funny and sometimes challenging moments.
Looking back, I think it was the combination of all these relationships that made my stay so memorable. I came to China expecting to learn about another culture, but I also found a community here. I am incredibly thankful to my host family, the agency team, and everyone I met along the way. They made a country that initially felt so far away become a place where I genuinely felt comfortable. I know that when I eventually leave China, it won't just be the places I visited that I think about. It will be the people, conversations, meals, laughs, and ordinary evenings that made this chapter of my life so special.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff was one of the things that made me feel especially comfortable during my stay. Moving to China was a huge step, and knowing that there were people nearby who understood both the culture and the au pair program gave me a lot of reassurance.
We regularly had au pair meetings where we could spend time together and take part in activities. One of my favorite activities was going to see the pandas. These meetings were not only fun, but also a great opportunity to meet other au pairs and talk about our experiences. I really appreciated that the local team didn't only contact us when something needed to be organized. We actually spent time together and got to know each other personally.
I saw the agency staff regularly. Sometimes I could simply stop by, have a conversation, or ask something without having to arrange a formal appointment. Over time, our relationship became very personal. The staff started to feel like friends and almost like a small family away from Germany. That was especially valuable on days when I missed home or simply wanted to talk to someone who knew what my life in China was like.
They also helped create a sense of community between the au pairs. Moving to a new country can sometimes feel lonely, but having regular activities gave us the chance to meet people and build friendships. I am genuinely grateful for the support I received. When I think about the agency now, I don't only think about the organization that arranged my au pair placement. I think about the people I met and the relationships we developed. Knowing that there were people I could turn to made my stay much more relaxed. Their support wasn't only practical; it also made me feel like I belonged here.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
If I could change one thing, I would have started learning more Chinese before arriving. I knew that Mandarin would be challenging, but I didn't fully realize how useful even a small vocabulary would be during my first weeks. Simple situations could suddenly become complicated when I didn't know the right words. Ordering food, asking questions, understanding signs, or communicating with someone who didn't speak English sometimes required a lot of creativity.
In the beginning, I relied quite a lot on translation apps and gestures. Sometimes communication worked perfectly, and sometimes it resulted in funny misunderstandings. Those situations were frustrating in the moment but became good stories afterward.
Once I started attending Chinese language school three times a week, I became much more comfortable. Learning even a few new words made everyday situations easier. I started recognizing phrases, understanding more conversations, and feeling more confident when speaking. I also realized that learning a language is not just about memorizing vocabulary. It gives you another way to connect with people. Even when my Chinese wasn't perfect, people often appreciated that I was trying.
If I could go back to the beginning, I would definitely spend a few weeks learning basic phrases before getting on the plane. It would have made the first part of my stay a little smoother. At the same time, I don't regret coming here without knowing much Chinese. Having to figure things out forced me to be patient and creative. It also gave me a much better understanding of what it feels like when you cannot communicate easily. So although I would prepare more beforehand, I wouldn't change the actual journey. The difficult moments were part of learning, and they helped me grow in ways I hadn't expected.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day in China had a nice balance between my own time, Chinese language school, and my responsibilities as an au pair. Three times a week, I attended Chinese language school for two hours. Learning Mandarin was one of the things I was most excited about before coming here, so having regular lessons became an important part of my routine.
On days when I had classes, I would spend part of the day at school and then have some time for myself. Depending on the day, I might get something to eat, explore a new area, go shopping, meet a friend, or simply relax at home.
In the afternoon, I would pick up my host child from school. From then on, my focus was mainly on spending time with her and helping her with her afternoon routine. We would often do homework together. This included reading, writing, and math. Since I have a background in social work, I enjoyed finding ways to make the activities feel relaxed rather than like another school lesson. On certain days, I accompanied her to after-school activities, including speech classes. On other afternoons, we stayed at home and played together. We would read books, draw, play games, or find something else to do.
In the evening, I usually had dinner with the family. These meals were a nice opportunity to talk about the day and simply spend time together.
What I liked about my routine was that I had responsibilities but also enough space to explore China and work on my own goals. My language classes gave me something that was completely mine, while spending time with my host child allowed me to become part of the family's everyday life. Some days were busier than others, but I liked having a routine while still knowing that there was always something new waiting outside of it.
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
When in Sichuan… you have to try the hotpot! 🔥🌶️
I loved using my free time to explore Chengdu and discover as much as possible. One of the most interesting things about the city is how easily traditional culture and modern life exist next to each other. I enjoyed visiting temples and cultural places because they helped me understand more about Chinese history and traditions. At the same time, I loved exploring modern art buildings, shopping malls, and cafés.
Food was another big part of my free time. Going out with friends to try different Chinese dishes was always an adventure. Sometimes we specifically looked for something none of us had tried before. I became much more adventurous with food during my stay.
KTV was definitely another favorite. Going to KTV with friends and other au pairs was always a lot of fun. It became one of those things that we could do simply because we wanted to spend an evening together.
I also loved exploring the city without always having a fixed plan. Sometimes we would choose an area we hadn't visited before and just walk around. We might discover a restaurant, a small shop, a café, or a building we hadn't heard about.
Meeting other au pairs was also a huge part of my free time. We came from different countries, but we were all going through similar situations. We could share funny stories, talk about our host families, and help each other when something was difficult. What made these activities particularly enjoyable was having people to share them with.
Some of my favorite memories are not necessarily from the biggest trips, but from spontaneous evenings, meals with friends, or laughing together at KTV. I think that is one of the things I will miss most about Chengdu: there was always another place to discover and someone to share it with.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I lived with my host family in their home in Chengdu and had my own private room. Having my own space was important because it gave me somewhere to relax, study Chinese, organize my things, and have some quiet time whenever I needed it. I also had a place to recharge after a busy day. I think that balance helped me enjoy the experience even more.
At the same time, I was very much part of the household. I shared meals with the family and spent a lot of time with my host child. I really liked having this balance between privacy and being included.
One of the main reasons I chose to be an au pair was because I wanted to experience family life rather than simply rent an apartment and live separately from the culture around me. Living with a Chinese family gave me a much better understanding of everyday life. I could see their routines, experience family meals, and learn about little habits that I probably wouldn't have noticed if I had stayed in a hotel.
My host family also made me feel very welcome. That made a huge difference because moving into someone else's home can feel strange at first. I was lucky that I quickly became comfortable around them. Some of my favorite moments were actually very simple ones. Sitting together for dinner, talking about the day, or spending time with my host child didn't feel like sightseeing, but those moments allowed me to understand what life here is really like.
I think that is what makes an au pair placement so different from normal travel. You aren't just observing another culture from the outside. You are participating in someone's everyday routine.
When I look back, I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to stay with this family. They didn't just provide me with accommodation; they gave me the chance to become part of their home for a period of time.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
My biggest piece of advice would be to arrive with realistic expectations and a willingness to adapt. China can feel very unfamiliar at first, especially if you are coming from Europe. The language, food, social habits, technology, and everyday routines can all be different. That doesn't mean you should be worried about it. Instead, I think it is important to see those differences as part of the reason you came.
I would also tell future participants not to expect everything to feel comfortable immediately. The first days can be overwhelming because there are so many new things happening at once. Give yourself time to settle in. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. You will probably make mistakes with the language, misunderstand something, or do something differently from your host family. That's completely normal. You are learning.
I would also recommend getting involved instead of spending all your free time alone. Join the au pair meetings, talk to other participants, attend language classes, explore the city, and accept invitations when you can. At the same time, remember that you don't have to do everything. It is perfectly fine to have quiet days when you just want to rest.
Another thing I would recommend is keeping an open mind about food. Some dishes may look unfamiliar, but trying new things is one of the easiest ways to connect with the culture.
Most importantly, enjoy the time because it goes incredibly quickly. Take photos, write down funny memories, learn some Chinese, and appreciate the ordinary days. You don't need to have everything figured out before you arrive. I certainly didn't. Sometimes the best part is discovering what happens along the way.
Would you recommend your program to others? Why?
Yes, I would absolutely recommend the program to someone who is considering becoming an au pair in China. My experience with the organization was positive from the first conversation until my time here. The first video calls gave me a really good impression. I felt that the communication was personal and friendly, and I never felt pressured into making a decision.
The program also offered conditions that made the move much easier for me, including flights, insurance, and Chinese language classes. Having those things organized before arriving gave me peace of mind. Once I arrived in China, the local staff became a very important part of my stay. We regularly had au pair meetings and activities together.
I saw the staff regularly, and because of that, we gradually became quite close. I am especially grateful for the personal connection that developed. By the end, they didn't feel like agency employees anymore. They felt like friends and a small support network far away from home.
Of course, my host family was another huge part of why my stay was so enjoyable. I felt welcome in their home and was given the opportunity to become part of their everyday routine. I think the combination of the organization, the local team, the language school, and the host family made the whole journey much easier.
I would recommend the program because it gave me the opportunity not only to visit China but to actually live here, learn the language, and build relationships with people. I am genuinely thankful to everyone involved. When I look back at my time in China, I don't just think about the practical things the agency arranged. I think about the people, the friendships, and the feeling of being welcomed into a completely new environment.
What do you feel is the biggest benefit of traveling abroad?
For me, one of the biggest benefits of traveling abroad is that it changes your perspective. When you grow up in one country, you naturally become used to certain routines and ways of thinking. Living somewhere else shows you that there are many other possibilities.
One of my favorite Chengdu evenings at Anshun Bridge. 🇨🇳✨
China has taught me this in a very clear way. Things that initially seemed unusual slowly became normal to me. I learned not to immediately compare everything with Germany, but instead to understand why people do things differently.
Living abroad has also taught me to deal with uncertainty. You cannot always plan everything when you are in another country. Sometimes you don't understand the language, don't know where you are going, or have to solve an unexpected problem. Each of those situations teaches you to stay calm and find a solution.
Another huge benefit is the people you meet. During my time in China, I met people from many countries and backgrounds. Everyone had different stories, opinions, and experiences. Talking to them helped me see things from perspectives I might never have considered before.
I also think traveling teaches you to appreciate your own home. Being away from Germany made me realize which things I value there, while also showing me that I can be perfectly happy somewhere completely unfamiliar. My time in Canada had already taught me some of this when I was an au pair in Alberta.
China then gave me another opportunity to learn these lessons in a completely new setting. I have become more comfortable making decisions for myself and dealing with situations I haven't encountered before. I also feel more curious about the world and want to continue discovering new places. Most importantly, traveling has taught me that some of the best memories come from situations you couldn't have planned in advance.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
My time abroad has had a big influence on the person I have become. My first au pair experience in Alberta, Canada, already showed me how much you can learn from living with another family and adapting to a new environment. After Canada, I returned to Germany and studied social work. After finishing my degree, I wasn't completely certain what I wanted my next step to be. Instead of immediately starting a new job or following a fixed plan, I decided to give myself some time to explore.
Coming to China felt like the perfect opportunity. China challenged me in ways that Canada hadn't. The language was completely new, the cultural differences were much more noticeable, and I was living thousands of kilometers away from home. At the same time, I discovered that I was capable of adapting to situations that initially seemed intimidating. I learned to navigate a huge city, communicate despite the language barrier, build new friendships, and create a daily routine for myself.
My time here has also strengthened my curiosity about other cultures. I now find myself wondering about how people live in other parts of the world and what I could learn from them. I think the biggest change is that I am less afraid of not knowing exactly what comes next. Before coming to China, I felt like I needed to have a clear plan for my future. Now I am more comfortable knowing that things can develop naturally.
I am also incredibly grateful for the people I met. My host family, the agency team, my language teachers, the other au pairs, and all the friends I made have each left their own mark on my time here. I know that China will always be an important chapter in my life. I don't know exactly what my next step will be, but I know that the confidence, patience, and curiosity I gained here will stay with me.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
For me, meaningful travel is about much more than visiting famous places and taking pictures. It is about getting to know people, understanding a culture, and allowing yourself to become part of everyday life. My experiences as an au pair in Alberta and China have shown me this particularly clearly. When you stay with a host family, you don't just see the country from the outside. You share meals, routines, and conversations. You see how people actually live rather than only visiting the places recommended to tourists.
In China, I have been able to experience this through my host family, my language classes, and everyday life in Chengdu. I have tried unfamiliar food, learned Mandarin, visited temples, explored modern buildings, gone to KTV, and discovered different parts of the city. But when I think about what I will remember most, it probably won't be a particular building or tourist attraction. It will be the people. I will remember dinners with my host family, laughing with friends, going to see the pandas with the local team, sitting in Chinese class and slowly realizing that I understood something I hadn't understood before. To me, those moments are what make traveling worthwhile.
Meaningful travel also means allowing yourself to be changed by what you see. You don't have to agree with or adopt everything from another culture. But you can become curious about why people live differently and take something from those encounters. My time in Canada first showed me how much living abroad can teach you. China has deepened that feeling even more. I came to China wanting to learn about another culture, but I am leaving with friendships, stories, new skills, and a much broader view of the world.
I am incredibly grateful to my host family, the agency, and everyone I met here for making me feel so welcome. For me, that is what meaningful travel is: not simply seeing another country, but getting to know its people and allowing the place to become part of your own story.
