alipally67
From: United Kingdom
10/9/2007 16:12 EST
Hi
Without being reverted to the Mimim reference (no insult intended but I have read all books). I would be grateful to hear from any British/American expats to say whether or not they actually enjoy living in Beijing and do they consider it better or at least equal to what they left behind?
Post a Reply
 0 0 abuse
|
|
tazmeyer
From: Singapore
10/9/2007 21:59 EST
I am an American expat and have lived in beijing for just over a year.
Yours is a complicated question to answer because living in Beijing is somewhat complicated. It is nothing like what I left behind - that being Singapore, Denmark and the States. On the negative side, Beijing is dirty, smoggy, and can seem unfriendly and downright rude on the outside. On the positive side, Beijing is filled with energy and change and there is so much going on here that it is impossible to be bored.
What I like most about living here is the opportunity to explore a country that would otherwise prove to be incredibly expensive and difficult. My husband and I take every chance we can to travel within China and experience the vast diversity within her borders. This has been a tremendous experience.
What I dislike about living here is the daily frustrations in getting the simplest things accomplished. But I understand that this is in fact due to my lack of communication skills and my expectations as a Westerner.
I hope this somewhat answers your question, please feel free to ask more specific questions for more information.
Cheers!
Post a Reply
 0 0 abuse
|
|
|
|
tazmeyer
From: Singapore
10/9/2007 22:04 EST
Ah, I forgot to mention that many expats living here are on "expat contracts" with their companies. This gives them many more fringe benefits than what they would ever have at home. So, this could affect the perception of whether life is better or equal to what was left behind.
So like I said, the answer to your question is somewhat complicated.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
alipally67
From: United Kingdom
10/11/2007 14:00 EST
Hi Tazmeyer
Many thanks for your reply. We would be looking to relocate with two children aged 6 and 9 and on one hand I feel it would be a terrific opportunity for them, I do wonder if it really would be if you know what I mean. We live in a beautiful part of England (Cornwall) but my husband's job has come to an end and we would almost be forced to move in any case and did think with the opportunities in China it might just be the break we need. The pollution does concern me though! Do you feel safe as a westerner - is it unbearably busy.... do you mix with lots of other expats? Do you yourself work? So many questions, I know, but if it was a move to somewhere in Europe or the US I would almost know what to expect - and even Thailand for that matter but Beijing seems to be a whole different ball game. How long do you intend to stay?
Look forward to hearing from you.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
intensebreeze
From: China
10/22/2007 04:42 EST
I think living in foreign place depends on your goals and personality. A foreigner can have a great life here cheaply. I live in a great place and have met great people and date more than I would in most countries. But in china it is who you know that counts and making the right connections.
I've also lived in many countries and spent a lot of time around other foreigners this makes living in china easier. I agree the daily frustrations and ways of thinking can drive you batty if you are not careful.
Many foreigners just come here and drink the time away, some are driven to drink. Many come here and only spend time with other foreigners (so why come to china?????!!?!?).
I guess you need to ask yourself -
What are my goals?
Am I flexable and open minded?
What type of life do I want and need?
Then maybe come and spend a few weeks if you can afford it and see how that feels. China may not be good for those that have not traveled much before. You can live in expensive place and spend a lot of money living, or a cheap place and eat cheap.
If you need help with anything from housing to dating to jobs and all else, I'm fairly well connected and know a lot of people and run a forum on what to do in Beijing. You can find my contact info at digital-mall DOT com
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
tazmeyer
From: Singapore
10/23/2007 23:09 EST
So sorry for my delay in response - either I forgot to subscribe to this post or I didn't get the additional posts...I'm sure it was the former!
Look pollution is a concern, I won't beat around the bush here but it is getting better. I don't have children but many of my good friends have kids here who are thriving. As long as your kids are relatively healthy and are not prone to asthma, etc you should be fine. My husband and I negotiated hospital grade air purifiers into our lease agreement and we definitely notice a difference (1 full year without, last 8 months with). I will give you the name and info of the contact for them in Beijing if you want. Just contact me off list (christine AT project-dream.com). Also feel free to ask any questions that I neglect or that you think of. I will also give you the web address of our homepage so that you can browse and see some pics etc.
Okay -1. I feel absolutely safe as a westerner. But I also don't go to bars or places where trouble tends to brew sometimes but even on the occassional night out we have had no issues what-so-ever. 2. If you are going to have to make a move anyway, why not give it a go. China will be good for your husbands career and you all will get an education and experience that you would never get by just visiting.3. Yes, I mix with lots of expats but we also have Chinese friends. I believe that you can do both and benefit from both. The point of why come to China if you won't make Chinese friends is well-taken but it is my experience that most Chinese take a long time to trust you and warm up to you and since most expats are in the same boat as you are quick to be friendly and bond.4. It is very busy here but you can be as busy as you want to be soooo not sure how to answer that question really. 5. Our contract is up in May and at this point we are not certain if it will be extended - we would certainly consider staying another year if it was.
You will be well-supported living here. There is a large expat community and most everyone has done the dirty work for us - there are tremendous resources /books on where to find things and monthly English magazines published that give hints on where to go and what to see, etc.
Hopefully we'll see you soon!
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
|
|
tomcarter
11/22/2007 05:54 EST
You've probably already made up your mind by now, but I say go for it. Beijing is as modern as any western metropolis while retaining many of its centuries-old charms. Your family will find all the comforts of home here, including many esteemed international schools, contemporary shopping, delux apartments and a close-knit expat community. Beijing is also a good base for exploring the rest of the country. The cultural differences between the Chinese and westerners are immense, and it's going to take some time to get oriented and grounded, but in the end it should prove an exciting experience for you and your family.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
Stephb4U
6/20/2009 09:49 EST
Hi,
I am looking at the Expats forum & came upon your note that you posted ages ago .
Can I ask if you ever did go beijing? My husband is currently being relocted to there & I am trying to find someone who can answer some questions that I have. I see that you are from Cormwall & as I am a Devonian I thought you could help as we come from similar parts of the uk.
Steph
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
|
|
