info from anyone who has worked in china and lived there for a year?

Answer 1

Haven't been here for quite a year, but 7 months living and working. It takes adjustment, but I have ended up loving it. Great food, very very cheap, low taxes, beautiful women, great weather, and no George Bush. I live in Macau, which is a SAR of China, and is about a one hour ferry ride from Hong Kong. Recommend a visit.

Answer 2

You have a couple of different perspectives, but it really does depend where you are. Macao or hong kong will be much more expensive than the rest of the mainland. The weather is much warmer if you live in the south part of china.

Where ever you are going, it is a pretty drab, dirty, crowded place. If NYC is the city that never sleeps, china is the country that never does. constant people everywhere. That being said, the people are for the most part wonderful and will treat you as an honored guest (assuming they aren't trying to get money out of you). you'll find lots of great kindnesses. The food is amazing, tho more so in the south. Everything is cheap and can be pretty good quality. The culture of China is an interesting thing to try to get to know especially in its diversity. I went to people's houses -- depends on what their living conditions are.

As with anywhere, there are good a bad things, but overall it is a really interesting place to spend some time.

Answer 3

been here in Guangzhou for 6 years. I recomend Guangzhou over any other city in China. it's up and coming, it's laid back. it's smart and down to business. And it gets better every year. Cultural do's and Don'ts you can get from those other answers. even if they are somewhat lacking, more probably due to space and vagueness of your question than their experience. be specific. are you looking for a teaching job? check out dave's esl cafe.

if you are asking because you might be coming here be warned, there are two types of people that come to China, those that have never been anywhere else outside of their hometown state province whatever and cling to their identity and won't let go. (they have a hard time)
and then there are the people who have been to many places around the world and see China as fabulous addition to their variety of experiences and personalities and seek everyday to enlarge their personality by the near limitless potential of the Chinese experience. (they stay for years and years)

try to be that latter person. China aint for first timers.... France is for first timers. Thailand is for first timers.
If you come to China you had better be serious. because there aren't any jokers here. this is where it's happening and this is where it is all going to be happening. that realization alone will give you culture shock. You really have no idea what choice in a supermarket or department store really is, unless of course you only shop the kid's cereal aisle, until you see China.

keep that phrase in mind... you have no idea.



you want cultural perspectives and additions just ask. the bunch of us here will dump a boat load on you. I personally have enough for a book and the movie.

Answer 4

Different regions of China have unique customs, food, culture etc. I'm assuming you will be working in Beijing.
It is a great place and pleasurable experience; plenty to see and do; chinese people are helpful and will try their best to communicate in english. Restaurants are very economical, especially if you get a local dinner companion to order for you; otherwise the prices might be a bit higher; but still much lower than what we are used to pay. You might make friends with the locals, but keep in mind you'll never be invited to their house (don't be offended); do not discuss the chairman or their politics, although they will ask many questions about yours.
Shanghai is a very modern city that is more european than chinese.
During the winter months air pollution is unbearable due to coal burning and dust; summer are hot and humid.
Overall you will have fun if you don't mind the dirt, traffic, pollution, spitting on the ground etc.