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LoPair Culture Exchange

4.19 (171)VerifiedSince 20119 Programs

Why choose LoPair Culture Exchange?

Founded in 2011, LoPair Cultural Exchange is dedicated to fostering mutual understanding and intercultural learning through our flagship initiative: the Au Pair China program. As a leading receiving au pair agency in China, we connect host families across the country with a diverse and talented pool of au pairs from around the world. Through this unique exchange, we introduce Chinese families to a variety of cultures, languages, and customs, while offering international au pairs the chance to immerse themselves in China’s rich history and traditions. Based in the beautiful city of Hangzhou, LoPair is a professional and fast-growing organization driven by a set of core values that shape every participant’s journey: Learn – Through Mandarin classes, cultural immersion, arrival orientation, and training camps. Care – With continuous support from mentors, local coordinators, and dedicated staff. Explore – By living in vibrant metropolitan areas such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou... Today, LoPair continues to lead the cultural exchange and youth mobility sector, placing participants from nearly 20 countries and regions in more than 10 destinations across China and beyond. In March 2017, LoPair made history when our au pair participant, Georgina Pinson, received the prestigious IAPA Au Pair of the Year Award—making us the first Chinese au pair organization ever honored with this international recognition. Join the LoPair family and become part of a global exchange!

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LoPair Culture Exchange Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

4.19

Total Reviews

171
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China Adventure

July 09, 2026by: Cosette Stevenson - United States

Program: Learning through Living Together – LoPair Au Pair China

5

Would absolutely recommend this program to anybody looking to experience Chinese culture! You’ve got to be able to roll with the punches, and learn to manage your time well, but the rewards are so worth it. Being an au pair is incredible for learning Chinese, as you get to learn as you teach. The friendship I made with my kiddo was the highlight of the whole experience!!! LoPair is amazing at finding great host families, on top of creating a great support system during your stay.

My journey in China

July 08, 2026by: Wai Chang - Venezuela

Program: Learning through Living Together – LoPair Au Pair China

4

It has been an incredible experience. I was able to fulfill my dream of studying Chinese and getting to know this beautiful country. Also, meeting my "little friend," being able to teach her English and share time with her, has made me very happy. Being part of a Chinese family has been a challenge because of cultural differences, but it has been a beautiful experience.

9 months in Beijing

June 18, 2026by: Martina C - Italy

Program: Learning through Living Together – LoPair Au Pair China

5

I strongly recommend LoPair for an experience as an au pair in China! The staff has always been helpful whenever i had questions, and they were extremely supportive throughout my experience. Not only is this an amazing opportunity to learn more about the culture, history and traditions of the country, but it’s also an excellent way to learn Chinese and make new friends. Every month the staff will also plan a cultural activity for all au pairs, giving us the chance to try different crafts and meet up together.

Exhilarating New Experiences

June 18, 2026by: Mary Hudson - United States

Program: Learning through Living Together – LoPair Au Pair China

5

One thing I appreciate about this program is that you are able to focus on just living. Before taking the leap, I constantly made decisions around bills and working. For the time I have been here, I have met amazing people that have changed the course of my life and learned from teachers who taught me lessons beyond just Chinese. I am not saying that your experience will always be easy, but the plot is well worth it.

Perfect Balance: Work, Study, and Travel with LoPair

March 20, 2026by: Vittoria Sagrati - Italy

Program: Learning through Living Together – LoPair Au Pair China

5

If you’re looking for a safe way to travel while earning some money, I think being an au pair is one of the best options. You get a great homestay, your meals are covered, and there’s a good balance between duty hours and free time. With LoPair in particular, you also have the chance to seriously study Chinese at one of China’s most popular universities, especially if you’re placed in Shanghai. It is an such an amazing opportunity for both personal and even professional growth. Shoutout to Alison and Erica, who have always supported us whenever we faced any kind of issue, from visa problems to host family situations.

chinese new year with my host kid!

Honestly the best choice for an Agency

March 20, 2026by: Leena Linkenheil - Germany

Program: Learning through Living Together – LoPair Au Pair China

5

Choosing an Au Pair agency is always a daunting task but I must tell you guys, Lopair really was there for me even when me and my Host family went through some tougher times! I do not think any other agency is as engaged as they are! So if you're looking for safety and security as well as a good agency that always has your back, you should definitely choose Lopair. Other than that, Lopair also is a really affordable option. They literally payed for almost everything. Flights and accommodation if things go wrong, really it’s great! So if you’re still unsure, this can be your push in the right direction! Also a shout out to Alison and Erica my Coordinators here in Shanghai, they’ve been so helpful and kind to me throughout the entire time I was here! Love them to bits!

First Aupair Meetup with the girls!!

My life is forever changed !

March 20, 2026by: Acha-Mint Ould Amajar - France

Program: Learning through Living Together – LoPair Au Pair China

5

Hi ! My name is Acha and I was Au pairing with Lopair from February to November 2025. To say this experience changed my life is an understatement, I had one of the best host family one could ask for and we definitely hit it off ! I traveled with them for months going to amusement parks with the kids and having the time of my life. My Chinese improved a lot and by the end I could maintained a full conversation! And after this I loved Shanghai so much I came back to work here with the help of my host family which I am still in contact with to this day :) Thanks to Alison for organizing very fun outings, always trust her for food, she knows her stuff ! And thanks to Erica for always being here when needed <3 Take a chance and come in China with Lopair !!! If you have any questions about my experience here's my insta: @acha_mint

The great wall !

6 Months in Hangzhou

March 17, 2026by: Marianna Wright - United Kingdom

Program: Learning through Living Together – LoPair Au Pair China

5

Having completed my 6 month program in Hangzhou, I can say with certainty that I have no regrets about my decision to participate in this program and I am so grateful for this experience. From the beginning, Lopair supported me and eased any of my worries, they made the application process very streamlined and matched me with a wonderful family! I have experienced things in China that I would never have been able to alone, and I really felt like I could integrate into life here. Despite the initial culture shock, I was lucky to have a good support system here, through the agency, my host family and close friends I made through the program. Even when there were hardships, I was never made to feel like I made the wrong choice coming here, and I feel that, above all else, I have grown so incredibly much as a person thanks to my time here! I couldn't recommend it enough, especially to others who may have been like me, finishing high school without a clear sense of direction and wanting a new environment. There is no better way to truly observe Chinese life than by becoming a part of a family, and Lopair facilitates that so well. As the days before my departure tick down, I am sure that I will work with Lopair again to come back to China, and I would recommend this agency without reservation.

Blue skies in TaizhouHangzhou's sunsetLanterns in Suzhou

AuPair Beijing

February 14, 2026by: Martha Loetters - Germany

Program: Learning through Living Together – LoPair Au Pair China

4

AuPair in Beijing I have only been in the program for not even 2 months, but I am really enjoying it. The LoPair stuff is really kind and helpful. If you have any issues or questions, they are always there for you and try their best to help you. In addition, the organization plans monthly meetups with other AuPairs in your city, which are very fun. Some examples of those meetups, which I attended are a photoshoot in traditional clothing and doing pottery. It is not only fun to do those activities, but also learn more about the culture and are able to exchange your experiences with other AuPairs and make contacts. Another great point is the language course. You get to learn more about the language and culture and meet new people with similar interests. And it is very helpful to improve your Chinese to understand the culture better and to navigate through daily life. Lastly staying with a hostfamily is also a great experience, although it can come with some challenges. It gives you the insight of the local life in China and they accompany you on your journey. You get to eat a lot of local dishes, learn about the culture like Chinese new year and get to learn how things can be different in other cultures. You can also travel with your hostfamily. Mine for example took me to Hangzhou and Anji for Chinese New year. But also know, that language barriers and cultural difference are also part of the experience and one can struggle a bit. Just be sure to be open and accept the differences, try to communicate and learn. But don't worry, the company will even help you with that. Overall LoPair will give you a great service and always tries their best to help you.

Au pair in Beijing !

February 14, 2026by: Niobé Lévi-Mendonça - France

Program: Learning through Living Together – LoPair Au Pair China

5

I am a 19 year old French girl who arrived in Beijing in November 2025. I had a first experience with a family which I thought was perfect for me but turned out that I was not the person for them. Lopair found me a new family really quickly and now it is going really really good. I thank them so much for their reactivity and I see this family change as a positive and great thing. It doesn’t have to be perfect right away!! Right now it’s going so good with the children, I love them like my own. I absolutely love my Mandarin classes : I’ve made good friends from all across the world and I’m so happy about it. We learn very fast and my curiosity keeps growing bigger and bigger everyday about this language. The teachers are really nice, such as all the school staff in general. I’m really glad I’m getting more and more autonomous, I know it will help me for the rest of my life. Of course, at some point my family and my habits are starting to be missing a little but I think about the great holiday I’m going to take next month ;) Thank you Lopair for this crazy enriching experience !!! 谢谢 !

My girl and I in Sanya :)Beautiful photoshoot organised by Lopair !

Exactly the right choice

February 14, 2026by: Fabian Bark - Germany

Program: Learning through Living Together – LoPair Au Pair China

5

I can genuinely recommend this program. I think there is no better way to learn Mandarin and to explore the Chinese culture. My Chinese skills improved extremely quickly and I did more activities than I can remember. Of course, taking care of the child was exhausting at times, but It was also incredibly rewarding and the parents made sure to plan lots of fun activities for us. As in any situation in life, I also encountered one or two challenges here. The lopair staff was super helpful and made me feel taken care of very well. All in all it was an amazing time, I would definitely do it again.

The view from my roomMe on the great wall

A Life-changing experience

February 11, 2026by: Poemana Rop - France

Program: Learning through Living Together – LoPair Au Pair China

5

As a 24 years old woman, I suddenly decided to become an Au Pair, and LoPair definitely made the whole process so easy, so fast and so smooth.After 1-2months, I was already in China. As I was actively learning Chinese and had planned to later work in China, I kinda had an idea of what I was getting myself into with the change of culture and language. But honestly, to experience it first hand is a complete different thing. It’s an amazing country full of opportunities and depth to those who are willing to get out of their comfort zone and go explore. As for the experience with the family, after having met other au pairs, all I can say is that the experience can differ drastically. I personally was looking after 2 teenagers aged 11 and 13, so it definitely was emotionally challenging, but as I grew closer with them, I also grew as a person. And this has no price. I would do it all over again. I also got terribly sick at the beginning of the trip and also had to see a dentist for immediate intervention. And honestly navigating all these new experiences throughout all those months with the support of the Lopair team and the family has been extremely reassuring, and the health insurance was also really helpful. LoPair also organized multiple events where I got to meet other aupairs and got to experience the Chinese culture - I really had a lot of fun! Finally, for those not knowing a word of Chinese or those wanting to improve their Chinese skills, the program comes with Chinese classes, either 1-on-1 or in a class with other students. It personally helped me improve my communication skills, and I know some aupairs who barely knew any word, and improved so fast to the point where they were comfortable walking around China and having simple conversations. Overall, I’d like to once again give my sincere gratitude to the Lopair team for all those memories- you made the experience easy, warm and fun- , and I’d 100% recommend this agency to whoever is considering being an AuPair in China.

Cultural Exchange at its best!

November 07, 2025by: Nadja Geppert - Germany

Program: Learning through Living Together – LoPair Au Pair China

5

Going to China with this company was the best decision i could make. They have very good service and there is always someone there for you if you have a question. They help you with everything and always have your back. The matching progress was very smoothly and they try to find the best suitable family for you. I am really happy with the family I live with. They really want to go on this journey with you together. I always have a good laugh with my hostkids and can play with them a lot. Be sure that you can experience chinese culture to its fullest. From food to landmarks and trying out chinese traditional clothing and tea ceremonies. During the AuPair meetups you get to know different kind of people and enjoy chinese culture with them together. So be sure if you want to be an AuPair in China LoPair is a good agency that you should consider :)!

A Joyful Hanfu Photoshoot Experience with Lopair

October 23, 2025by: Liz A. - Mexico

Program: Learning through Living Together – LoPair Au Pair China

4

Lopair arranged a hanfu photoshoot for us, and it was absolutely wonderful. The agent they sent made everything run smoothly. Her translation support was invaluable and helped us feel comfortable and understood throughout the process. The makeup artist, photographer, and other staff were professional, kind, and incredibly considerate of our time. Every detail was handled with care, and we had so much fun dressing up in traditional attire and enjoying the beautiful setting. It was a seamless, culturally rich experience that we’ll never forget, etched in memory and worthy of recommendation.

Do you want to boost your chinese? then join Lopair of China!

October 11, 2025by: Safouan Asdar - Italy

Program: Learning through Living Together – LoPair Au Pair China

4

Since the first day I came to China; I felt a great improvment speaking about my chinese language skills. Being able to use chinese daily, has been very helpful to me! As well as getting to know more and more about the Chinese culture and as wellas the cousine. So, if you are student of Chinese language or just somebody who loves anything that might be related to China, I would reccomend to try this experience at least once in your life!

My experience as an au pair in China

June 07, 2025by: Devi De Vecchi

Program: Learning through Living Together – LoPair Au Pair China

4

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.

My AUPAir experience

April 28, 2025by: Rachele Tazzioli - Italy

Program: Learning through Living Together – LoPair Au Pair China

4

My name is Rachele and I’m a 19 years old girl from northern-east Italy. After graduating from highschool I still wasn’t sure what to study in university, and since I had studied Chinese for five years, I decided that nothing would be better than going to China for some time. I thought that by being an Au Pair I would have gotten a much better chance to experience China as a local, and see its culture “from within”, and let me tell you, I was not disappointed! Thanks to my italian agency I had the chance to meet the LoPair staff, which helped me throughout my six-months stay in Hangzhou. From the matching process, to helping me solve everyday issues like registering for Alipay and other apps, they were always ready to help me out. And how can I forget the monthly cultural activities they organized for us: lots of local food, tea and arts and crafts! Being in a country so different and far away from my home can sometimes be a challenge, but I can say that China is a very welcoming place, where its beauty and history can be felt every day, no matter which city or which time of the year. The six months I spent in Hangzhou helped me grow up and learn more about myself and the world around me, and I was able to create ever-lasting memories with all the beautiful people I met there, my host family, my friends, the Lopair staff and my Chinese teacher. Even though I will soon start studying design in Venice, I don’t want to leave China behind and I look forward to go back and meet up with everyone once more! Thank you LoPair for this amazing experience! <3

6 months in Hangzhou!

March 28, 2025by: Antonia Zerm - Germany

Program: Work and Cultural Exchange through LoPair Au Pair China

4

I think these were the most exciting and interesting six months I’ve had so far! This program offers a lot, language courses, cultural activities and a lot of support. The whole application process was very easy and smooth. The only thing one has to consider is that it’s always a bit unpredictable if it’s going to workout with your first host family. I’ve had the experience of changing families and I have to say that LoPair offered me a lot of help and support during that time. I didn’t feel alone and always had my local coordinator Mickey by my side. In the end I had such a lovely host family, I couldn’t have wished for a better match. They introduced me to the Chinese culture and showed me a lot of new places. I got to see many different places in China, with my host family and on my own! I think if you decide to join such a program you need to be able to communicate a lot and openly. It’s always about keeping an open mind and communication. Especially since one is entering a totally new environment and culture. Some cultural differences are normal! This program also offers a few cultural activities. For Christmas the agency invited the Au Pairs and their host families to a bakery to bake cakes. Overall I just wish we would have had a few more cultural activities. The language courses that are offered vary from the time of ones application. A few of my fellow Au Pairs went to a language school, while me and another Au Pair could attend a language course at an University. My first semester I had uni mostly in the morning for three hours every day. The course was intense but very fun! I got to meet so many new people from all countries. It’s such a good opportunity to meet and connect with people. So if one has the chance to take the course at Uni, I definitely suggest to take it! It will be a bit more time consuming but it’s worth it! Overall I would say this program is perfect for people who are looking for a new environment and experience. I can recommend going with LoPair to China!

Illuminated Shanghai building architectures.Sunset view from Westlake Hangzhou cafe.Illuminated pagoda at night in China.

A life changing summer in Beijing…

March 11, 2025by: Jack Doyle - United Kingdom

Program: Work and Cultural Exchange through LoPair Au Pair China

5

I spent my summer in Beijing through the LoPair summer programme and it was the best summer of my life. I highly recommend LoPair and the summer programme particularly for any students like me who had some time between terms at university. I absolutely fell in love with China on my time here as I got to see so much of Beijing on my days off and while out with my host family. I also got to see Hangzhou (for orientation before heading to Beijing) and Shanghai at the end of my trip thanks to my host family! I would say that you should expect to be challenged by this experience but with the right mindset you’ll leave a new and improved person. Integrating into Chinese life, trying new food, learning to use chopsticks, appreciating a different culture and making lots of memories and friends were just some of the many things I gained from this experience. It was a lot of fun but I also left so much more confident and capable as an individual. I became very close with my host family and sibling and became part of their family life, enjoying meals together and spending time with them in their daily lives. I felt so comfortable during my stay at their home. I also really enjoyed the mandarin classes provided by LoPair! In just 2 months I felt like I had a pretty good understanding of Chinese and the group classes were always really fun and a great way to meet other au pairs. I would never have been able to do anything as unique as this had it not been for the LoPair summer programme and I am SO grateful that a classmate recommended it to me. The process was all really smooth, from the admin before you leave to getting oriented in China and the support you feel along the way.

Visiting the Great Wall of China on my day off

Embracing Chinese Culture with Lopair

January 18, 2025by: Liz A. - Mexico

Program: Work and Cultural Exchange through LoPair Au Pair China

4

I have been an au pair with Lopair for quite some time now, and I couldn't be happier with my experience. I have extended my 6-month program three times already! The reason I keep extending is because I absolutely love China and my host family, who have been incredibly kind and welcoming. Lopair has been instrumental in making my experience smooth and enjoyable. Whenever I face any issues, their support team is quick to resolve them in a timely manner. Their dedication to ensuring a positive experience for their au pairs is truly commendable. One of the highlights of being with Lopair is their monthly cultural events. These events are not only fun but also provide a great opportunity to immerse myself in Chinese culture and meet other au pairs. It's a fantastic way to learn and grow while having a great time. Also, learning Mandarin in China has been a wonderful challenge, and I wouldn't have it any other way. It's an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the language and culture. Overall, the key to being a successful au pair in China is communication and choosing the right host family. Lopair excels in both these aspects, making it a top choice for anyone considering becoming an au pair in China. If you would like to know more about Lopair and my experience, feel free to ask Lopair for my contact information.

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Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Allen Zhou

Allen Zhou

Interviewed in 2017

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

Actually my parents both majored in languages when they were in colleges. I wanted to try something different, and chose to study business. During my college studies and my previous working experiences, I found it might be my inherent nature that I prefer to work with people, instead of numbers. This job gives me a chance, and I can use my professional business skills to solve different problems.

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Harry Phillips

Harry Phillips

Participated in 2016

Alumni

I've always enjoyed travelling. My family always placed an emphasis on it whilst growing up and I enjoy learning about new cultures and seeing new places. This, combined with very long university holidays, gave me the perfect chance to travel on a budget.

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Melissa Gold

Melissa Gold

Participated in 2016

Alumni

I was inspired by travel blogs I found online and friends I met through language learning.

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Melissa Mercer

Melissa Mercer

Participated in 2016

Alumni

I really wanted to gain more life experience, as I took a year off from university. I wanted to step out my comfort zone and experience a completely different culture, as well as learn a foreign language.

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Danielle Hasty

Danielle Hasty

Interviewed in 2015

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

You’re from the U.S, how did you get connected with LoPair Education in China?

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Hope Marshall

Hope Marshall

Participated in 2014

Alumni

I think traveling and being exposed to a very different environment, one that you’re especially not used to, is the best way to learn. Not only do you learn about the ways and means of another country but you also learn a lot about yourself, in ways you never thought you would.

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Rebecca Fortuin

Rebecca Fortuin

Participated in 2014

Alumni

I believe learning a language is much more effective in its native country as you have the opportunity to practice in everyday life with native speakers. It's experience that cannot be replicated in a classroom.

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Michael Xie

Michael Xie

Interviewed in 2014

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

LoPair was founded in 2011 and is purely focused on au pair business. My inspiration for founding this organization can be traced back to my teenage years when I was sent as a high school exchange student to Japan for a few weeks, living with a single-mom family with four children in Fukui. The experience that I had was very unique and what I saw and heard was very different from what I had thought it would be like and from what I was told previously in textbooks. Since then, I firmly believe in the idea “learning through living together”.

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Elisa Shi

Elisa Shi

Interviewed in 2014

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

What I enjoy most about my job is that I have the opportunity to know other cultures through helping au pairs from different places of the world, which is fantastic.

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LoPair Culture Exchange

LoPair Culture Exchange

4.19Verified

Ready to Learn More?

Founded in 2011, LoPair Cultural Exchange is dedicated to fostering mutual understanding and intercultural learning through our flagship initiative: the Au Pair China program. As a leading receiving au pair agency in China, we connect host families across the country with a diverse and talented pool of au pairs from around the world. Through this unique exchange, we introduce Chinese families to a variety of cultures, languages, and customs, while offering international au pairs the chance to immerse themselves in China’s rich history and traditions. Based in the beautiful city of Hangzhou, LoPair is a professional and fast-growing organization driven by a set of core values that shape every participant’s journey: Learn – Through Mandarin classes, cultural immersion, arrival orien...

Awards

Check out awards and recognitions LoPair Culture Exchange has received

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