Planning to live in China

Planning to live in China
Nov 5, 2007 21:08
LINZUJIE Points: Join Date: Nov 5, 2007 Status: offline	Hello people. ^^ Me and my friend are from The Netherlands/Holland and we've decided that we might want to live in China. I've heard a lot of good things as wel as bad things from China and being twice to China before, I have a good image of the Chinese culture. (At least in the region near Wenzhou.) Before actually deciding, I have two main concerns, which I would grateful if any of you could answer it: 1. I've heard a lot of stuff from people I know and read a lot of stuff from the internet, but how friendly are the people of China really torwards outsiders? I believe that, for me, it woudn't be TOO much of a problem, since I have relatives in China and my parents are Chinese, but my main concern is my friend, as his parents comes from Curaçao. (He has dark skin. I'm trying not to be discriminative, but it's an issue both of us can't really ignore.) 2. Knowing that, how hard is it for him and me to get a normal/decent job in China? We're not planning to be rich, just enough to support our life and have fun at some times. Those are my two questions and main concerns. Again, I would be grateful if I can get an answer. I thank you for your time.

Nov 5, 2007 21:08

LINZUJIE
Points:
Join Date: Nov 5, 2007
Status: offline

Hello people. ^^
Me and my friend are from The Netherlands/Holland and we've decided that we might want to live in China.
I've heard a lot of good things as wel as bad things from China and being twice to China before, I have a good image of the Chinese culture. (At least in the region near Wenzhou.)

Before actually deciding, I have two main concerns, which I would grateful if any of you could answer it:

1. I've heard a lot of stuff from people I know and read a lot of stuff from the internet, but how friendly are the people of China really torwards outsiders? I believe that, for me, it woudn't be TOO much of a problem, since I have relatives in China and my parents are Chinese, but my main concern is my friend, as his parents comes from Curaçao. (He has dark skin. I'm trying not to be discriminative, but it's an issue both of us can't really ignore.)
2. Knowing that, how hard is it for him and me to get a normal/decent job in China? We're not planning to be rich, just enough to support our life and have fun at some times.

Those are my two questions and main concerns. Again, I would be grateful if I can get an answer. I thank you for your time.

Nov 9, 2007 01:23

BARONTWANGLE
Points:
Join Date: Nov 7, 2007
Status: Offline

In answer to Q1. I can't see any reason why you will find the Chinese people any more racist than in other countries. People will stare a lot at someone unusual, but it is only because of the novelty of seeing someone different, and staring isn't considered rude here (china). I get stared at a huge amount when I go to my girlfriend's hometown, because most people have never seen a foreigner in real life before. But I take it as a compliment that they are interested, rather than an intimidation. If you smile at them, your smile is always returned with a bigger one. Of course, there will be some people who are negative, but there always are. If this is your number one concern, then you really have few worries.

Q2. It will be difficult to find work here. I am assuming you will only have L visas? As a Chinese looking person, someone might be willing to employ you illegally (the pay will be terrible), but as for your friend - no way. In my experience, the only time the government turn a blind eye to illegal foreign employment is in language teaching. If this interests you then it shouldn't be too difficult to get a reasonably well paid job. However, it would be beneficial to get a TEFL certificate before you travel, as it will enable you to earn a higher hourly salary. The Chinese love certificates!

Hope that helps.

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