What do expats find most challenging?

We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in China. They wrote...

"Expat life in China can be challenging due to differences in culture. Many expats find getting around in a country where Chinese is the only official language difficult. Another challenge is the Chinese notion of 'saving face', which can lead to misunderstandings with locals. Many expats are surprised by the focus on maintaining harmony and avoiding conflicts and by the fact that Chinese people rarely say ‘no’ directly. Additionally, the significantly different dietary customs can be challenging for many expats and the strict censorship of the government on media, internet and television are often shocking for Western expats," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to China.

"The difference of knowledge of such things as basic science and understandings of how and why things work the way they do is vast. It can be very trying to the patience and can be a significant problem in any type of emergency situation," commented one expat who made the move to China, China.

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What do expats find most challenging?

If you live in China, newcomers to China would love to hear your answer to this question.

About the Author

Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.