What It's Like in China

Those who are considering making the move to China are well aware of the many obstacles they will face. The cultural shock experienced by a Westerner relocating to a nation in the Far East is certain. The underlying question is whether or not the difficulties can be overcome and whether or not life in China is ultimately worthwhile.

Given that there are estimated to be over a million foreign expats living in the nation, the answers to both questions are an emphatic "yes!" These brave individuals are now residing in China, where they are thriving economically and leading wonderful lifestyles. They overcame initial difficulties and are now enjoying a memorable adventure.

At least 30% of foreign employees in China are from South Korea or Japan, but you would be shocked to find that Western countries including North Americans, Irish, British, Germans, French, and Canadians are also substantially represented.

Taking a step back, however, prompts the crucial question. If you were to move to China, how would you describe the everyday life there?

We long-term residents can attest that it's one wild journey. Living in China can be exciting, eye-opening, frustrating, and tremendously rewarding all at once. The disadvantages of not being able to communicate with someone easily are outweighed by the benefits of being able to experience a whole new cuisine, see the world, go on exciting adventures, make more money than we ever could at home, and live in a whole other social class. If you're the kind that gets bored easily and enjoys a good thrill, this is particularly true for you.

In China, one may expect anything except a dull and routine existence. This is wonderful news for everyone who is now subjected to a boring 9-to-5 schedule.

Is it nice to live in China?

Jobs that pay well are a major draw for most foreigners coming to China. True, that's more than they'd spend practically anyplace else. The percentage of high-earning expats from the West in China is higher than in any other country, with over 25% of Westerners in China making over USD 300,000.

occupations that pay well Even teaching, which is not a well-paid career in the West, pays well in this region. The average salary for an ESL instructor in China is higher than in any other country. As could be expected, teaching is among the most popular jobs for internationals in China. That's understandable for obvious reasons. The quality of life may be greatly improved by finding a teaching position that pays well, or by finding any position that pays well.

China's cheap cost of living is unmatched by any other country, including those that pay more for similar work. That's what allows us to maintain such a great quality of life. The allure of China, especially for young Westerners, is that it is both inexpensive and entertaining, even on a lousy wage. China offers young graduates a variety of interesting opportunities to launch an international career.

Having a low crime rate is one of China's most recognizable characteristics. In general, this is something that people from other countries like. Below, we'll go even further into the issues of security in China.

Benefits to Your Career Securing employment with a reputable foreign firm in China can do wonders for your resume's credibility. In the teaching profession, the world is your oyster if you can get a position at a prestigious international school. Too confident, you say? I wouldn't say that at all. While many people may claim that living and working in China is "simple," this is not generally accepted. If you succeed, prospective workers will take note. Furthermore, China's rapid development makes it an excellent location for advancing one's career.

The advantages of living in China are many, but two of them tend to be overlooked.

Getting out of town - An attractive income is an alluring lure, although travel chances quickly become a vital silver lining of life in China. All of Asia is just outside your door if you make this place your permanent residence. You'll also see how China is comparable to another continent. Every neighborhood has its own own flavor, history, and cuisine. Visiting another province is, in some respects, like going to another nation. Most expats in China use their disposable income to take advantage of the invaluable opportunity to travel to new locations and experience new cultures.

Valued highly - One positive aspect of life in China, which probably won't sway your decision to go there, is discussed below. People from the West are generally respected and treated well in China. If you go to a rural area to teach English, everyone there will treat you like a celebrity. Western education is highly regarded in China, and there is a strong attraction to Western culture among Chinese youngsters. Adding to that, there is a deep-seated respect for authority and seniority that is shared across cultures in this region. This means that you have a high reputation in your neighborhood.