HHS Au Pair Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will I be safe living with a host family?
2. Will I have a private room?
3. Will I have a private bathroom?
4. Are meals included?
5. Can I cook for myself?
6. Can I use the telephone?
7. Can I use the internet-connection?
8. Am I allowed to smoke?
9. Do I have to complete household chores?
10. Can I watch TV?
11. When do I have to be at home?
12. Can I entertain my friends at home?
13. In which language do I communicate with my host family?
1. Will I be safe living with a host family?
All our host families are carefully selected and screened according to our high standards. They are well educated and hospitable, living in gated communities with guards posted 24/7
2. Will I have a private room?
Typically, Au Pair will be granted a private room. Upon request of the family, au pair might share a room with host family's kids, but it can be negotiated.
3. Will I have a private bathroom?
That depends on the family. In some families, you have to share a bathroom. In others, you will have a private bathroom.
4. Are meals included?
Breakfast and dinner are almost always included. Some families will offer you lunch as well. Of course, you can choose to eat independently at restaurants or elsewhere if you like.
5. Can I cook for myself?
Yes, but this has to be cleared with the host family.
6. Can I use the telephone?
Yes, you can use your host family’s telephone. However, if you wish to make long-distance calls you should buy a calling card at your own expense or make other arrangements, such as using a computer service.
7. Can I use the internet-connection?
Yes, all of our host families have a high-speed internet connection and at least one computer which you may share. For your own convenience, it is advisable to bring along a personal laptop if possible.
8. Am I allowed to smoke?
Yes, but that has to be cleared with the host family.
9. Do I have to complete household chores?
You will be responsible for your own room and personal laundry, and also some light household chores, such as picking up and cleaning the kitchen surface after a meal. There will be specific details provided in au pair and family agreement.
10. Can I watch TV?
Yes, all the common amenities of the family are at your disposal.
11. When do I have to be at home?
There is no curfew. If you want to stay out late or overnight, please inform your host family in advance.
12. Can I entertain my friends at home?
Yes, but please inform your host family in advance.
13. In which language do I communicate my host family family?
All of the host families do know that you are here to learn Chinese. Therefore, they will speak Chinese most of the time. Nonetheless, they would like to practice English for maybe 1 or 2 hours a day. In the event that you speak little to no Chinese (i.e. during your immediate arrival), there is no need to fret as our host families are all capable of speaking at least basic English.
