Hello,

My name is Etylia, I’m 20 years old and French. I’m planning to come to China in 2026 for 6 months to 1 year with the goal of becoming fluent in Mandarin.
I’m a cheerful, active, and curious person — I love sports, especially artistic sports, and I’m always eager to learn and help. I’ve never been to China before, and living there has been a dream of mine for a long time.

I’m looking for a host family not as a worker or employee, but as part of a cultural and language exchange.
I would love to become like a big sister to your children, build a strong bond with your family, and discover Chinese traditions from the inside.

⚠️ Important clarification about the legal framework:
After a lot of research, I discovered that the “au pair” program is not officially recognized in China, and working for a family as a nanny or domestic helper is not legal for foreigners under a student visa.

The only legal way for me to stay in China long-term is through a X1 student visa, which requires enrollment in a language school or university.

Under this visa:
? I am not allowed to work without authorization (especially in childcare),
? Any job — even part-time — must be approved by both the university and the Chinese immigration office,
? This approval is extremely rare, especially for domestic or au pair work.

? Risks of working illegally ("off the books") include:
-Immediate expulsion from China
-Bans on re-entry for several years or even permanently
-Heavy fines (thousands of euros)
-A permanent record with immigration that jeopardizes future visas
-Possible legal trouble for the host family as well
This is my life and future at stake, not someone else’s.
So, to fully respect Chinese laws, I will not be WORKING. I will not be paid, will have no fixed schedule, and will not perform duties expected from an employee (such as cleaning, driving, cooking on demand, etc.).

However, I would be happy to share daily life with your family and help your children learn French or English, just like a family member would — naturally, kindly, and with no formal rules but with all my motivation.

? What I’m hoping for:
I am looking for an open-minded and welcoming family who could:
Provide housing and meals,
Cover the cost of my Mandarin classes,
Ideally help with my plane ticket and possibly offer some small allowance to cover my basic daily needs.

In return, I offer:
-Language immersion for your children (French/English),
-Warm companionship, creativity, and cultural exchange,
-Support in daily life in a voluntary, flexible, and respectful way.

⚠️ What about agencies?
Many “au pair” agencies in China do not explain the risks clearly. They often place girls with families in illegal work situations.
That is not what I’m looking for.
I am not against going through an agency, but only if everything I’ve explained here is respected and if the arrangement is 100% legal and safe for everyone.

Before arriving, I would prefer that we clearly write down our mutual expectations — not as a work contract, but simply to ensure transparency and comfort for everyone.

I truly hope to become a part of your family — not as an employee, but as a young adult who brings her energy, kindness, and love for cultural sharing.

Thank you very much for reading. I would be very happy to talk further and answer any questions you may have.

Warm regards,
Etylia