Frequently Asked Questions

Program Conditions

1) How long do New Time International cultural Au pair program run?

Our program lengths are divided into 3, 6, and 12 months.Other program lengths are sometimes possible as well, but are handled on a case-by-case basis. Should you be interested in a program of non-standard length, please contact us to discuss arrangements.

2) What is the total program cost?

You will be responsible for paying for your flights (and/or other transportation) to/from China at the beginning and end of the program, as well as the costs associated with your Chinese visa.

You will also be responsible for any fees associated with receiving a health check (and submitting the health check form we require), and with obtaining a certification of no criminal record from the relevant authorities (and submitting this certification to us). This is regardless of program length. Finally, you will be responsible for your personal expenses during the program which are not otherwise indicated as being covered by your host family or the company.

3) What will I be asked to do during the program?

Your primary responsibility will be to teach English to your host family’s children. Additionally, you will be expected to spend time with your host family, to help with some light housework (picking up toys,clearing your own dishes, etc.), and to serve as a positive role model for the host family’s children. You will not be asked to do any heavy housework (mowing the lawn, etc.).

4) How many hours per week will I be required to work?

You will be required to work 30 hours per week –this including the time you spend teaching English to your host family (particularly the family’s children) . You will receive 2 days off per week, though this may not coincide with the weekend.

5) How old are the children who I will look after?

It varies. In general, the host families will have children with ages ranging from 2 to 14 years old, though they may have 15-18 year-old children as well. It is also worth

noting that some host families have two or more children.

 6) Will I be required to be able to speak Chinese at the start of my program? If not, how will I be able to communicate with my host family?

No. This is why we offer Chinese classes! We ensure that at least one member of each host family can speak at least a basic level of English.

7) What will my accommodations be like?

Program participants are typically provided a private bedroom but share bathrooms with members of their host family. In the event that a host family is only able to offer you a private bedroom, we will make this clear to you and confirm before placing you with the family.

8) Where within China are the host families located?

Our host families are located in a variety of places around China, from small towns to large cities.

9) How long will it take for me to be matched with my host family?

The process usually requires about 1-2 months,but sometimes can take as little as 2 weeks.

10) Do I need to bring money with me to help me settle in?

In order to cover personal expenses, not covered by the program before receiving the

pocket money for the first month, we recommend that you bring between 600 and 1,200 RMB (about $100-$200 USD) with you to start the program.

11) Am I allowed to have a second job to earn extra money during the program?

No. This would violate the terms and conditions of your visa, which is for cultural

exchange purposes only.

12) Will I need to drive while in China?

Your host family will most likely not require you to drive. Additionally, China does not recognize drivers’ licenses from other countries, including international drivers’ licenses, and the process for non-Chinese nationals to apply for a Chinese driver’s license is very cumbersome. However, if both you and your host family agree, you can apply for a Chinese driver’s license. You should consult an New Time International staff member before applying for the license.

 13) What happens if my host family and I don’t get along?

In our experience, problems which arise between program participants and their host families are usually due to cultural differences or communication issues. If you and your host family are having trouble getting along, our team will help you and your

host family to discuss the issues and resolve them effectively.

If no resolution can be reached, we will match you with a new family as quickly as possible. Switching to a new family typically requires 2-4 weeks.

14) Which type of visa should I apply for?

Currently, the Chinese F visa(business visa) and X2 visa(student visa) covers language and culture study programs. New Time International will provide you with the documents upon your acceptance into the program. You will then apply for the visa at the designated Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country. Certain countries are subject to different visa requirements – if you area citizen of one of these countries, New Time International will provide additional assistance when you apply for your vis