Moving to China? Read This First

China is among the world’s oldest civilizations, quite some achievement when you consider that so many others that have come from and receded back into the mists of time. Known today as the People’s Republic of China, this vast country also happens to play the role of economic engine for much of the rest of the world, and it continues to expand even as others plateau or decline. If you are considering moving to China, this article should make good reading for you.

Moves are hard. Even a move across your own neighborhood represents a challenge, as you dump the familiar in favor of the unknown. Moving overseas is stressful for sure, but when it involves new cultural experiences and unfamiliar languages, it can prove imposing and even threatening. Being properly prepared is the only way to manage a move of such magnitude.

In today’s article, I’m going to give you the tools you need to be as prepared as you can be for a major move across countries, seas, and continents.

Before You Begin

First things first, let’s talk about the big picture issues you’ll want to know for getting the right perspective on things here. Beginning with a dirty word called “politics”; the golden rule applying here is not to get involved - full stop. Keep in mind that you are a foreigner in an ancient culture with long-established traditions. Just like back at home, ordinary people do not take easily to advice or opinions from foreign nationals.

China is a vast country, which means there are many choices of places to live once you have decided on moving to China. It is true to say that the majority of expats end up in Hong Kong, Beijing, or Shanghai, but there are plenty of other big cities too. If your move involves sponsorship from your company, ask them to provide you with well-researched information first. Better still: persuade them to let you visit China before you make any final decisions, so you know for sure you’re making the right decision.

Prepare for a culture shock and you will cope better with your situation on arrival. On first entering China, you will experience an adrenaline high as everything is new and fascinating as you get to grips with your new life and surroundings. This feel-good factor will probably change as you become more familiar with daily life and meet the challenges each new day brings.

Beware of the negative zone that can envelop your daily program once you have been around a while – the self-doubting “What am I really doing here?” routine. Recognize and allow for material differences in just about every task you take on. That way, you’re bound to come out on top. Resisting change is not the way forward; it’s like trying to swim in the ocean against a riptide; you’re going to end up well out to sea.

The New Face of China

Some still remember the China of some four decades ago. It was a land of self-imposed isolation in just about every sense, and the thought of moving to China was definitely mission impossible.

Change then was inevitable, and it swept in like a breath of fresh air, and at a pace and manner hardly before witnessed on Planet Earth. The changes kicked into gear in the mid-1970s, and are still unfurling today. China embraced the idea of massive growth and development. Almost forty years later, there seems to be no slowing down the unstoppable rate of change. The dragon has emerged from its slumbers... and has wasted no effort in making up for lost time.

The doors opened to foreigners almost imperceptibly at first. International investment was crucial to ongoing success, and this meant attracting and admitting the foreign business community. English started to appear in the school curriculum, and foreign teachers to teach it came into heavy demand.

China was back in the international fold, and even started allowing foreign people to settle. That is where we come in!

Opportunity Knocks

If you possess the skills in demand in today’s China, then there is no need to fret over any decision to move here. Sure, we read things, see things, and watch stuff on TV, but don’t let this cloud your thinking. Most ‘newbies’ are welcomed with open arms, by both local residents and expatriates. The experience you stand to gain from moving to China is going to prove one of your better ones... not to mention one that could stand out on your bio going forward.

Outside of the teaching profession, the main interest in English-speakers comes from international companies with manufacturing connections or even local operations in China. Some of the skills at the top of the “occupations in demand list” include the engineering, manufacturing and environmental technology sectors. Add in project management and quality control, and you’ll have a good idea of what’s hot in China right now.

That said, we are witnessing a rising demand for the entrepreneurial class of native English speakers, and no more so than in the area of private tuition for students keen to learn English.

So much for the demand side, what about the practical issues I hear you ask. Let’s take a closer look right now.

Ten Tips for Successfully Moving to China

Any seasoned traveler knows that even moving to another city in the same state is never easy. Try moving to China! It’s a new world in every sense; new culture and linguistics, different lifestyle, strange surroundings, different people, and even odd sounds to tune in to.

That’s just the initial impact. Now imagine what’s out there waiting to snare you in the everyday world of experience. I’m going to present you with my list of the top ten considerations when it comes to transplanting yourself successfully:

1. Open communications – It is vital to have open dialogue with your spouse, partner and immediate family. Avoid brushing things under the carpet when events irk you, and encourage healthy debate whenever necessary. You’re likely to hit bumps along the road in the process of making your move, and it’s far better to have everyone informed and working to clear those bumps than unaware and pushing other priorities.

2. Avoid following for the sake of it – Avoid following your partner for the sake of pretense. Unless said partner also has a job, they may well suffer from post-move doubts as to why they ever agreed. They may have given up a better job back in their home country! Most of the bigger locations around China have expat groups set up to pass on and support personal experiences encountered in their new life. Joining any such group on arrival makes sense.

3. Education – Although obviously important, rather wait until you land and settle before taking any decisions regarding schooling. That way, you can check out the facilities as well as the curriculum. A perfect match may seem improbable, but there is no reason why your kids (or you) should be held back simply because they have come to live in China with you. First-hand experience of the situation on the ground is hugely important.

4. Anticipate turbulence – Just like the bumpy jet trip we have all experienced, the same holds true for the settling in period in China. You will definitely face some difficult challenges as you adjust to your new surroundings after moving to China. Regard each experience like a ride on a roller coaster, and know that you are safely strapped in! At the end of the ride, you could do it all again without any fear or trepidation, simply because you have experienced the course already. A sense of humor is not just necessary, it’s essential!

5. Positive integration – Try to learn some Mandarin before you land in China... well, at least the rudimentary phrases. Since you are going to be the exception to the rule, you simply have to adjust to your new environment. If you don’t, you could be facing a constant uphill challenge. Keep an open mind and a closed mouth on entering your new abode, and try to understand the cultural nuances soon. It’s all about attitude, and yours is going to make a big difference in the experience you enjoy moving to China.

6. Thorough research – Good preparation is surely the main ingredient of successful relocation and integration. Just like a missed school assignment, lack of research can compromise your situation when you arrive to settle in China. Proper research and planning helps you to avoid unnecessary and potentially negative encounters. These days, the Internet is a fantastic place to look around and research. Take the virtual tour as often as you can before setting foot in China. Join as many expat forums as you can find; they are useful connections and will help you hit the ground running.

7. Hands on - If you are planning to place your children at an international school, it may well benefit you to get involved in school life in some meaningful way. This approach will allow you to witness first-hand precisely what is happening on the ground. You are sure to be encouraged to do this as you meet with other parents who have followed the same road as yours.

8. Handling “home sickness” – Taking on a new challenge in China means focusing your attention, and succeeding with your objectives through sustained effort. Sure, there will be times when you may doubt your decision, but on the plus side, you are developing new communication skills and somewhat different management techniques. Best advice I can give is not to hanker back for what you have come from but to focus on the task in hand. Never go back... well, at least not until you have run the course!

9. Returning home – All good things must end, so be prepared for it when that time arrives. You are almost certain to experience another bout of culture shock as you return to what you take for granted as being ‘home.’ The bad news is that you are very likely going to feel like a fish out of water on returning home from your time in China. Having made all the adjustments to cope with life differently, you are going to have to unlearn everything and adapt again to once familiar routines. As I said right at the start of this article, “Moving overseas is stressful for sure….” Try moving back home for a serious challenge!

10. Embrace change – Let’s face it, you made the decision on moving to China. This is going to include the good, the bad, but hopefully not the ugly. Imagine the character building that will emerge from your new expat life deep in the Far East. I say, go out and grab it with both hands, and be all the better for the experience.

Making the Move

Once you’re ready for your move, it’s time to book your flights, bid farewell to friends and family living nearby (and promise to stay in touch), and embark on that great voyage into the unknown.

Fortunately, your voyage is one that countless others have already blazed a trail for ahead of you, and you won’t be completely on your own. If you’re moving to an expatriate hub city like Shanghai, Hong Kong, or Beijing, you’ll have no problem finding the comforts of home – everything from Western restaurants to groceries to apartments and living conditions to shopping, nightlife, and cafés. If you’re in a less frequented-by-foreigners city, you won’t have it quite so plush as those in China’s top two cities do – but that’s all part of the adventure, isn’t it?

If you’re moving to Beijing, you should find this website useful; check the sidebar for a number of resources on finding and getting what you want here in town. And if you need help with your accommodations, it would be my pleasure to be of service.

Most of all, have a great journey, a wonderful move, and a fantastic experience settling into an entirely new (and different) country!

Cerise Bai