Ok, I notice that my sector is booming in China (well duh) and several agencies are desperately recruiting for expat work. Anyone here spend an extended period in China? I'm wondering how hard it might be to adapt, given the language thing. How would Chinese society react to a white man in their midst? I won't be in a big city. Any input is greatly appreciated, even if you've only been there on a business trip.
Expats: anyone try China?
- Thread starter Peeping Tom
- Start date
I've spent some time there. Language is difficult, but not impossible. Depending on your business, you may need ongoing interpretation help. Especially out of the main centres. The business people I have dealt with have all been good and very eager to do business. I found the entrepreneurial spirit alive and well there...and very hungry.
Speaking of hungry food is good in hotels and a few of the big restaurants...move beyond those and you get into restuarants that shall we say would not get a City of Toronto Green Pass Card. Having said that, apart from some diarriea...no problems. Take Immodium.
Environment is not a big issue there, or at least it wasn't a couple of years ago. You will find lots of pollution...air and particularly water...some places off the beaten track the smells of inadequate sanitation systems are pretty noticeable.
Can't help you on the hobby side...never got a chance to try it. I believe it is available but not obvious.
If you have the chance to experience China...go for it. An amazing place, not to be missed at this stage of its development.
Hope this is useful.
Shades
Speaking of hungry food is good in hotels and a few of the big restaurants...move beyond those and you get into restuarants that shall we say would not get a City of Toronto Green Pass Card. Having said that, apart from some diarriea...no problems. Take Immodium.
Environment is not a big issue there, or at least it wasn't a couple of years ago. You will find lots of pollution...air and particularly water...some places off the beaten track the smells of inadequate sanitation systems are pretty noticeable.
Can't help you on the hobby side...never got a chance to try it. I believe it is available but not obvious.
If you have the chance to experience China...go for it. An amazing place, not to be missed at this stage of its development.
Hope this is useful.
Shades
Thanks for the info guys.
Shades:
I take that the outlying regions are third worldish - not a big problem, been there before and have a good stash of cipro and immodium. I'm thinking along the lines of failed Stalinist planning, i.e. the lousy parts of eastern europe - is that correct? Anyways, business is business, if it pays enough I can hack it.
snooker90:
Can recommend some places to visit? I'll be in the resources districts but will have time to travel as I will most likely start off doing fly in - fly out contract work Hmmm, hobby in China? Maybe wind up with a Chinese gf
Post here, or PM the gory details.
Shades:
I take that the outlying regions are third worldish - not a big problem, been there before and have a good stash of cipro and immodium. I'm thinking along the lines of failed Stalinist planning, i.e. the lousy parts of eastern europe - is that correct? Anyways, business is business, if it pays enough I can hack it.
snooker90:
Can recommend some places to visit? I'll be in the resources districts but will have time to travel as I will most likely start off doing fly in - fly out contract work Hmmm, hobby in China? Maybe wind up with a Chinese gf
Post here, or PM the gory details.Think rural, think poverty without big buildings, think more people around you on the streets...24/7 than you can ever imagine. The overwhelming sense is just the volume of people...I think it is unique. India has a large population and rural poverty...but China is in a class of its own. A worthwhile experience you may never forget...and that includes flying on some of the Chinese airlines!Peeping Tom said:
I had a friend who just came back from there. He had the time of his life. I can't recall where exactly he was staying, but he said it was at the SARS epicenter.
Human life is cheap over there. He said he's never seen so many dead people in his life. Don't get in trouble with the police either or else you will never see the light of day.
Apparently, Chinese men take no pride in themselves, so their dress, hygiene and deportment is terrible. They seem to have no useful skills either according to him.
Picking up Chinese women should be no problem. He said half the time they picked him up and it was like shooting fish in a barrel.
Human life is cheap over there. He said he's never seen so many dead people in his life. Don't get in trouble with the police either or else you will never see the light of day.
Apparently, Chinese men take no pride in themselves, so their dress, hygiene and deportment is terrible. They seem to have no useful skills either according to him.
Picking up Chinese women should be no problem. He said half the time they picked him up and it was like shooting fish in a barrel.
