Au Pair in China - Skype Conversation

 

The first Skype conversation follows introductory emails between you and your host family and represents an important step in the process of getting to know each other. Should the English skills of the host family not be adequate, a moderator from our certified partner agencies will be present and help during the first call. If there are communication problems at the beginning, this is quite normal as the Chinese parents may have an accent and a way of communication different to that of the West. But usually all of you will get used to this quite quickly and normally we do not encounter any major problems.


Because of the time difference between the UK/Ireland and China, 7 hours in the summer and 8 hours in winter, the call normally will be in the morning or afternoon. It will usually take 30 minutes and has no fixed form, i.e. you can talk about anything. At the beginning it is always best to ask simple questions to get used to each other.

The Skype interview is your last hurdle before receiving an invitation letter and signing the au pair contract. Everything will go very fast after this point and there is a lot of paperwork to be processed. Of course, you should continue to have contact with your future host family during this time.

At anytime, your host family and/or you are free to say no to each other. You will live under one roof for a relatively long time, so it is clear that you do not want to feel uncomfortable with your family. Due to the fact that the family will pay everything for you, it is also understandable that they also must like and trust you. Usually there won’t be any problems. But should things not work out in China, you can still change your host family or in the worst case cancel the program. More information can be found under the main menu item "Finally in China" within the submenu "Family Life" and "Service in China".

Of course you can always contact the Mandarin School team during this time.

Following steps:

  1. You and your family will exchange first emails.
  2. You arrange an appointment for the Skype conversation or we can arrange one for you.
  3. You talk either in the morning or in the afternoon for about 30 minutes via Skype.
  4. You keep contact and sign the au pair contract.


Please note that for signing the au pair contract you need your passport (at least 6 months validity from the planned visa application date on, 8 empty pages), health certificate and police clearance certificate