Pocket money China experience with Marco Polo Culture Exchange program

Live with a Chinese host family in Hangzhou and other major cities while supporting them with everyday English practice and cultural exchange. The Marco Polo Culture Exchange Program is an au pair style cultural immersion experience that usually lasts from 2 to 12 months and includes room, board, Chinese classes and monthly pocket money.

Please note: this is a structured au pair / cultural exchange program with pocket money and agency support, not a classic volunteer work exchange.

Host type and program mission

Marco Polo Culture Exchange Program is an intercultural agency based in China. It connects overseas young people with carefully screened Chinese families so that participants can discover Chinese culture and language from the inside while sharing their own culture with the host family.

Role and main expectations

Participants live with a local host family and act as an English speaking role model and cultural exchange guest. Daily life usually includes talking in English with the children and parents, joining family activities, sharing your own culture and helping with simple routines connected to the children’s schedule. Exact tasks and timetables are agreed in the individual contract with the family and agency.

Who can apply

• Age: 18 to 28 years old
• Unmarried and without children
• Fluent English, without a strong accent
• High school graduate or above
• In good health and with a clean police record
• Open minded, friendly, outgoing and interested in Chinese culture

Program conditions and support

According to the host, participants receive:

• Single trip air ticket to China
• Private single room with their host family
• Free meals with the family
• Insurance in China
• Monthly pocket money of 1,500 RMB
• A participation award of 2,000 RMB on successful completion
• Free Chinese language classes (online or offline)
• Cultural activities and immersion in Chinese family life
• Possible job recommendation or internship if performance is outstanding

Fees and commissions – transparency

The basic offer includes flights, accommodation, food, insurance and pocket money. The listing also mentions that a final commission may apply, but the amount and payment terms are not specified. Please ask the agency to send you the full contract and a clear list of all costs, commissions and refundable / non refundable payments before you commit. Voluntouring.org is not involved in the selection, contracts or payments.

Length of stay and locations

Placements normally last from 2 to 12 months and are mainly in Hangzhou, but families may also be based in other large cities in China. The agency matches candidates and families according to their profiles and preferences.

Visa and legal information

Visa type and requirements depend on your nationality and current Chinese regulations. The agency and host family can advise you, but you are responsible for checking that your visa status is legal for cultural exchange and light childcare. Always make sure the contract and invitation documents match the visa you will apply for.

How to apply

First you need to contact the Marco Polo Culture Exchange Program for a preliminary review. After that, the staff will share more detailed information, including the draft contract and the full list of documents you need to prepare, such as medical check, criminal record certificate, photos, a letter to the host family, language certificates and a short self introduction video.

Preliminary form

Please fill in this form to start your application:

Related au pair and China opportunities

You can also read about other au pair and cultural homestay options in China here on Voluntouring, such as Abridge Educamp and Qixing, in the Au pair and China sections.