Maria, one of our cultural exchange participants, checked in from faraway China, where she spent three months living in Shunyi, a district of Beijing. During her stay, she learned a lot about Chinese traditions—and much more. Here’s what she had to say:
The family I stayed with wasn’t really familiar with customs outside of China. Things like handshakes or using someone’s full name felt completely foreign to them, which was definitely an unusual first impression for me. But the kids were immediately friendly and curious—they jumped right into interaction the moment they got home from school. Turns out, they were already pros at this whole au pair thing since I was their fourth.
The family lived in an international area, far from downtown and close to the airport. You can tell the neighborhood is newly developed—full of upscale residential blocks, houses, and modern buildings. The city infrastructure felt very different from what I’m used to. People drive a bit more boldly here, and the streets are designed with order and direction in mind. Practicality seems to come first in a lot of ways. Some spaces might look a little “unfinished” by our standards, but the interiors are where the real attention goes.
That said, the exteriors can be stunning too—some buildings truly showcase the brilliance of modern Chinese architecture. Light plays a huge role in their design. Enormous windows are everywhere, and there’s plenty of open space between buildings, allowing natural light and air to flow through. Yards and gardens are super cozy, making them perfect places to relax.
When it comes to how she spent her free time, Maria didn’t hold back:
Honestly, the number one thing? Chatting with my boyfriend about all the family gossip. When you grow up in a small household with just two people and suddenly land in a home with nine—it’s like stepping into a live soap opera. The dramas you once only saw on TV? Now they’re your daily reality.
I also enjoyed buying tea, going to the gym (the most flexible workout option), talking with classmates at Chinese school, celebrating birthdays—there were three while I was there!—and of course, exploring the area and the city itself.
One of the biggest and most pleasant surprises for me was how much respect Chinese people have for Serbia. I often got comments like “We are friends” or “That’s a good country.” It made me feel welcome and proud.
To anyone unsure about applying, Maria says:
Absolutely go for it! If it doesn’t meet your expectations, you can always come back—but the experience itself is incredibly rich. You’ll see the country, meet people you never would’ve crossed paths with otherwise, and even learn handy life skills… like how to cook onions in a way that won’t leave a trace on your breath!
And about working with the team behind the program?
They were fantastic—always available for questions, even the “silly” ones.
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