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Ever thought of coming over to China to live and teach, but are unsure of how much the lifestyle and culture will suit you? Here is a list of some pros and cons, based on my experience of living here for five years.
Five thoughts in favour of living and teaching in China:
1. You will earn a stable income in a country where the general cost of living is low. You will be able to save money, especially if you learn how to budget. Chinese bank fees are low compared with other countries and paying for purchases with your phone using WeChat or Alipay is super convenient.
2. There’s a lot to see and do. The culture is thousands of years old. The food is incredible, varied, and generally great. China also boasts 59 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (as of 2024), including the Great Wall and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), both of which I visited and highly recommend.
3. You will have a stable job when signing with a company that has a good reputation, like English 1. This also means you have a very big chance of renewing your contract if you choose to do so (and the year after that and the year after that, too).
4. The public transportation is amazing so there is no need to invest in a private car. The subway is clean, safe, and extremely convenient; buses are really cheap, there are shared bikes available on every street corner, and high-speed trains can take you to even the most remote cities in China.
5. China is a great base for travel, both domestically and internationally. Domestic train and air tickets are relatively cheap compared to many other countries (except during Chinese holidays). China is also a great base for exploring other Asian destinations. Great holiday spots like Thailand, Singapore, and Japan are literally on the expat traveler’s doorstep, especially when living in Shanghai. Other must-see cultural experiences include Vietnam, Burma, Laos, and Cambodia.
Challenges or difficulties commonly experienced for expats living and teaching in China:
China offers a rich and unique cultural and social experience that sets it apart from other countries, making it an exciting place to explore. While the differences may initially feel like culture shock, they provide a great opportunity to learn and adapt. From the hustle and bustle of the roads to the straightforward nature of Chinese stoicism, there’s a lot to discover. The fast-paced life in cities like Shanghai adds to the dynamic energy of the place. And yes, the local quirks, such as the occasional spitting on the streets, and the humorous `Beijing belly', are part of what makes the culture so interesting and full of character.
2. Big cities like Shanghai may have occasional slight air pollution, but with the right precautions, you can stay healthy and enjoy your time there. I’ve experienced a couple of respiratory infections, which tend to happen during seasonal changes, just like in other parts of the world. With the high population density, colds and flu can spread more easily, but wearing a mask and getting your annual flu shot are great ways to stay protected. By staying proactive, you can make the most of your experience without any worries.
3. While China is a communist country with certain restrictions on speech and online access, there are still ways to stay connected and access the sites you enjoy. With a reliable VPN (virtual private network), you’ll easily be able to navigate past the Great Firewall of China and stay connected to platforms like Facebook and YouTube. While limited freedom of speech may not directly affect foreigners, it’s always a good idea to be mindful of what you say publicly or online, particularly on sensitive topics. With a bit of awareness, you can enjoy your time in China while staying informed and connected.
Overall, living in China offers a unique set of opportunities and challenges, much like any other place in the world. The key to having a rewarding experience is to arrive well-informed, especially about the topics I've shared above. With preparation, an open mind, and a willingness to embrace new experiences and people, your time in China can be incredibly enriching and enjoyable.