Living and Working in China

As China opens up more and more to the world and as it gains it's position as the

world's largest economy, employment opportunities for Westerners are also on the rise in the Middle Kingdom. For some people, living and working in China can be a fantastic cultural adventure, but it's not for everyone. Here are a few basics to consider if you are thinking you might like to relocate to China for any length of time.

Some people find China perfect for working and living. Though wages are low, the cost of living is very low - about half or less of what it costs to live in a Western country. Cities like Hong Kong or Beijing can be more expensive, but if you are willing to live in some of the smaller cities, the cost of living can be extremely low. If you can live like a local, using bikes or public transportation, and eating cheaply you can stretch your money very far in China. Many find that the pace of Chinese life is less frenzied than that of the West and that there is more time to enjoy life and explore the culture. Travel within China is very inexpensive and it's fast and easy to reach some of China's most far-flung regions by train.

One of the main employment opportunities in China for an English speaker is as a teacher. You can get a job at an international school if you already have teaching credentials and it's not necessary to have a master's degree to land a teaching job in China but you'll earn more if you have one. For jobs other than teaching there are many international firms in China now and 85% of the non-teaching expat population in China work for foreign-invested firms. If you speak Mandarin your earning potential will be much higher.

The percentage of ex-pats who go home earlier than expected is high, though - around 70%, by some estimates. It can be difficult to adjust to things like missing your favorite foods, books or movies, and it can get old being stared at and talked about. You will stand out and you will pay higher prices for many things and you may find the strangeness too much, but for the adventurous, China can be a wonderful opportunity to embrace a new culture and make many new friends among those who call China home. The internet and cheap international calls will make it relatively easy to stay in touch with those back home, so if you're looking for a unique working and living experience abroad, China may be a good choice for you!

Living and Working in China

By: Adrian Fisher

POST COMMENT

Movers - Some Tips For Hiring A Professional Company 5 Job Ideas (work Prospects) For Graphic Designers About Avanti Ultra Professional Ceramic Hair Dryers Biotech Jobs in India Professional Hair Dryers By Velecta Paramount Job opportunities for CCNA professionals VmWare Certified Professional - Advantages of Getting a VCP Certification Professional Brochure Design: Making Your Brochure Inventive And Convincing Packing Tips Which Will Help You Pack Like The Professionals Spyder jacket is the world's largest supplier of ski professionals Handyman - The All In One Professional Mercury: The Silent Epidemic Is Killing American Dental Professionals Planning Your Working Holiday To Sydney Australia