| American woman Lee has dreamed of living in China since she was a little girl, and that dream is on its way to becoming reality. She now lives in Beijing and though she'll be going back home soon, she's hopeful of finding opportunities that will enable her to visit China regularly or to stay there permanently. Here she describes life as an expat in Beijing and shares tips on living in China. |
 Lee Rendleman |
-Where were you born?
Greensboro, NC, USA
-In which country and city are you living now?
Beijing, China
-Are you living alone or with your family?
Alone
-How long have you been living in China?
4 months
-What is your age?
28
-When did you come up with the idea of living in China?
I've wanted to live in China since I was 10. I'm fascinated with the culture, people, food, everything.
-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
I went through an internship program, Abroad China. So, they sponsored my visa and made it very easy. However, in trying to find more permanent work, I have found it very difficult.
-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
Not at all. As long as you pay, BCBS will take you.
-How do you make your living in China? Do you have any type of income generated?
I don't know if you could call what I make a decent living but I do get paid...very little. I, fortunately, also still work for my family back in the States. My sponsor company, Abroad China, found my internship. I applied to their program in the States, was accepted, had a phone interview with my prospective employer, got the job, and moved to China.
-Do you speak Chinese and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
I can get by with my Chinese. I wish I didn't work so much so I could have more time to study the language. It is really difficult to function in China and not know any of the language. Although, I've had plenty of friends that have done it. There aren't many people in China that speak English--it's not like moving to Europe. The customs are different, but there aren't any hard and steadfast rules you have to abide. 
-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
-Do you have other plans for the future?
I am returning to the States Oct 31st. I hope to find a job that relates to China and either keeps me traveling back or has me move here permanently.
-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
I rent a studio; it's very small but adequate. I pay 3200RMB per month which is about $460 USD.
-What is the cost of living in China?
Living in China can be very, very cheap, but if you like foreign type things, then you pay for them big time.
-What do you think about the Chinese?
I love the locals even though they stare at foreigners. They are very warm and friendly.
-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in China?
Positive aspects: ancient history, culture, warmth, food, lots of things to do and see, and so much more
Negative: working here can be frustrating because things don't always happen quickly
-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in China?
Have a positive attitude, be open, flexible, and adaptable. Do not expect things to work in China like they do in the States or anywhere else in the Western world because they don't.
-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about China?
My favorite blog is, of course, my own: www.1billioncustomers.blogspot.com!
Other extremely helpful sites are www.cityweekend.com.cn/beijing, www.thebeijinger.com, and www.mobilenative.com.
hello
how are you doing I read your story and it seems like you like china a lot, it sounds really interesting to live in china. I just had one question what type of work can somebody get in china , from an americans perspective, are there a lot of american companies that hire americans or what ? any advice.
Living in China
Having lived in Mailand China for almost a year my biggest impression is how safe it is.
I can walk dark streets after mid night and feel safe. Purse snatching and stealing cell phones is the bulk of the crime. The people are friendly and curious. Little children see me then run in a group surround me and start singing the ABC song. I have a girl friend living with me who is from Mailand China. Without her I would be helpless with the language. It is a very difficult language but important if you plan to stay in China. I go out of my way to be respectful and honor the customs. The explosvie building and new capitalism has unleashed a new spirit in the middle class. I love living in China. The big cities are polluted in the air but they are attempting to deal with it. I like being outside the core but L love the big city action.
I do not work in China as I have a successful company in the USA which I manage by Internet.
A Blackberry phone sounds like you are in the same room.
If you want an extraordinary experience try China.
By the way Sanya on the South China Sea is a 100% replication of Hawaii. Un believeable beauty, golf, hotels but bring money.
DrBob
Working in China
Keep in mind China has a massive population with millions of unemployed. I find some foreigners working as waiters in tourist area restaurants but form the most part work is very difficult to get even with an MBA as millions of Chinese are over educated and out of work.
If you can find a company from your country that does business in China or better yet manufactures in China that would be the path I would follow. Keep in mind a college graduate with a good job will make less than $300.00 USD a month. An MD makes approximately the same. A ciry maintenance person makes $80.00 per month. Even with a low cost of living it is almost impossible to survive on those wages.
Save your money, forget about working just go there and travel the country.
Dr. Bob