What is your name?Mike
What is your current age or age range?
25
What country are you native to?
The United States of America
What area of China do you current live (Providence, City, general area etc.)
Shanghai, China
How long have you lived in China?
Over 2 and 1/2 years
When you moved to China, did you bring your family? What do they think?
No, my family has unfortunately refused to visit me here...something regarding flight time / air quality.
Did you leave your family behind? How do you handle the separation?
Well, since college I have been used to living away from my family. It is difficult, especially as prices continue to rise to well over 1,000 USD for round-trip flights. However, with inventions like Skype and the internet in general (my blog), it has been very easy to keep in touch.
What made you decide to relocate to a different country?
I was actually diagnosed with Melanoma when I was 20 years old. Although I fully recovered and I hope it is no longer a life-threatening issue, it really opened my eyes to make the most of my life, to live, adventure and see the world.
Why did you choose China, or what factors helped you to decide to choose China?
I studied East Asian Studies at University and have always been fascinated with Chinese history, Mandarin, and the rising power in the Far East.
What other countries did you consider? Why didn't you choose those?
I really only considered China. However, we (my girl friend and I moved here together) are considering moving again. We both just lost our jobs in Shanghai because of the economic recession and are considering traveling for a while.
Was it difficult to get the documents you needed to live and/or work there? (residency and/or working permit)
Yes, it did take a while to get the appropriate work visa, work permit, and resident permit. However, I've heard that this is nothing compared to what people do to get visas to go to the States.
What was the most difficult part of the transition?
The culture. There are things that happen here that would make your blood boil. However, immediately after you usually witness some form of saving grace that allows you to maintain a love / hate relationship with China. I feel the same way about my own country at times so it is completely understandable.
What was the biggest mistake you made in the transition to living in China?
Not doing it comfortably the first time. I lived in Beijing in 2006 and was too naive to negotiate and get what I needed to make me happy. It is a necessity to live in a country like this...you need what you need, otherwise you will think about leaving all the time.
What was the easiest part of making the transition?
The adventurous aspect of the whole idea. Quitting my job, packing up, and jumping on a plane. It was exhilarating.
Do you plan on returning to your home country? Why or why not?
Not for a while. I have many more kilometers to go before I sleep.
Do you miss your family, friends or old home and habits?
Of course, but it is a measurable sacrifice when comparing it to the experiences one is gaining by living a more adventurous life.
What do you miss the most about your home country?
The food and the politeness of the Midwest.
Are there the same recreational activities in China?
Yeah, there is a huge expat community in Shanghai. Sometimes you feel like you are in a bar in downtown St. Paul or Chicago. It is not like this at all outside the city though.
How easy has it been to make new friends in China?
Really easy. Other expats are usually super friendly as we are limited here and drawn to each other because of the similar experiences that we share by living here.
Do you have many friends from your home country in China?
Pretty much all my friends are American right now, however one of the best things about living here is the variety of people from all over the world. Some of our best friends, who have now left, were from Australia, Ecuador, and England.
What are your favorite activities that are available?
Pretty much the same as the US. Going out to eat, drinking with friends, watching movies, etc.
Do you speak the language of China?
I am a moderate intermediate in Mandarin. It is a really really difficult language to learn. Especially not initially being bilingual.
Do you think it is crucial to know the language in China, or can you get by with a handheld translation dictionary for a while?
In the large cities you can get by with English. However, if you are planning on taking train trips out to sites like Xian or western China...you better be able to at least communicate the necessities.
Was medical insurance difficult to get before you went or after you first arrived?
Ha! Is it difficult to get suitable medical insurance in the US?
How do you earn your living in China?
I originally taught English to get by back in 2005 / 2006. However last year I began working as a Business Development Manager at both a local Shanghaiese company and an Australian company.
Do you generally earn your income the same way, or in the same profession, as in your home country?
I actually learned more than I ever could have imagined by taking challenging jobs here that I never would have been offered in the US - and earned about the same amount of money because the cost of living is lower.
How did you go about finding a job in China? Was it easy or hard to locate work and get a job?
There are tons of Expat websites. Google it!
What types of sources did you use to find a job there? (agency, newspaper, website?)
Website.
If you are telecommuting, what obstacles, if any, did you face in setting up your communication methods?
The Great Firewall of China posed some problems initially, but there are ways around that (wink).
Are there local customs that would make it difficult for foreigners to fit in?
The curiosity that the locals have about foreigners. That word, foreigner (wai guo ren) is thrown around offensively frequently here and people love to stare for long periods of time with no shame.
Do you have plans to move again or travel in the future or what are your future business plans?
Traveling to Central Asia and Southeast Asia.
Did you buy a new home or did you decide to rent?
Rent - about 500 USD a month for a nice two bedroom apartment.
What is the average cost for housing in your area?
500 USD per month.
Was it difficult to find housing in your new country?
It is difficult to find something suitable with western style that you like.
Is the cost of living comparable to what you experienced before? Explain the difference.
The housing and foreign food is about the same as back home. Everything else is super cheap.
List some things that are more expensive in China
Drinks. My GOD! It is like 6-10 dollars for a whiskey on the rocks here. Absolutely nuts - depending where you go - and trust me, you definitely need a shot from time to time.
List some things that are less expensive in China
Grocery store food and other commodities.
How do you feel about the local people? Are they friendly?
Overall yes, but you have to watch out because people are always trying to rip you off because they think you have money - even though some Chinese guy just drove by in an Audi.
What is the best thing about people in China?
They are extremely patient when you are trying to communicate something to them. People in the states have no patience for foreigners if they don't speak English.
Do you have any suggestions for people who are thinking about moving to China?
Do it. It will become one of the best experiences of your life - even if you have a terrible experience - in retrospect you will love it.
Do you think you will stay in China, or it is not suitable for the long run?
All depends on jobs and money. I definitely would not spend the rest of my life here.
If you are living there for the short term, what other countries are you considering?
Short term. Considering Vietnam, Thailand, somewhere in Central Asia, Ecuador or somewhere else in South America.
Do you have any blogs or websites that you find enjoyable about China for people living there?
For sure - please go to:
Http://www.abandonthecube.com/blog and our website - www.abandonthecube.com
Please enter the name of your Blog
Abandon the Cube Travel Journal
Please the url of your Blog
Abandon the Cube Travel Journal
