Opportunities exist to work as an au pair in Shanghai, often for an expatriate European family. It is inexpensive to hire a maid who will help with childcare and it is common for wealthier families to do so, but local maids will often not speak any English and many families prefer an au pair who can speak their native language. The au pair will be your employee and as such will require a Z-visa in order to work legally in China (see the Employment Visas section).

An au pair is in charge of taking care of the children. He or she will get food and accommodation provided by the family free of charge, and a small allowance in addition (sort of pocket money). The family must also allow the au pair time off. During time off, the au pair is free to pursue his or her own interests, for example learning a foreign language. Au pairs are not professional child minders and will not have professional childcare qualifications. As such, they should not be responsible for children under 2 years of age. There are no set conditions, although candidates are likely to be EU citizens between the age of 18 and 27 and are more commonly female than male.

What the au pair must know

She will have to take care of the children, i.e.:

• speak the same language, at least well enough to understand and communicate with them
• be sure they get up on time; dress the children/ensure the children dress themselves
• take them to school/nursery/activity classes
• play with them
• be in charge of their meals
• tidy up their rooms
• be free to baby-sit them if needed, some evenings

What the family has to do

The family should be prepared to welcome the au pair into the family, remembering that she is not an employee but a home help for the children. Therefore they will make sure that:

• the au pair has her own bedroom
• that the au pair works a maximum of 25-35 hours per week She should have at least 2 days (2 x 24 hours) off during the week
• they understand that having an au pair is not the same as employing a full time maid. She can be asked to do some housework, particularly in relation to the children, but should not be expected to do all of the washing up, cleaning and laundry for the family
• medical insurance should be provided to cover the au pair in case of sickness or accident
• the family pays an allowance (pocket money) each week

It may be wise to register the au pair with the family GP upon her arrival. Her possessions should also be added to the family's the house insurance policy.

Some addresses...

If you want to register as an au pair or as a family, you can contact:

• IAPA (International Au Pair Association): http://www.iapa.org
• IAPO (International Au Pair Organisation): http://www.au-pair.org

You can also consult:

• AuPair Search - http://www.aupairsearch.com
• GreatAuPair - http://www.greataupair.com
• Au Pair Box - http://www.au-pair-box.com
• S-Au Pair - http://www.saupair.com
• Au Pair Connect - http://www.aupairconnect.com
• New Au Pair - http://www.newsupair.com

Agencies will usually charge a registration fee to the family, the au pair, or to both parties.

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