Living abroad is an exhilarating experience. You have the freedom to explore places unlike any you’ve seen before and entrench yourself in cultures totally removed from what you’re accustomed to.
So how can you get as far away from what you know is possible as an American? Perhaps by moving to China! Literally on the other side of the globe, living in China as an American is an opportunity to make the most of your life.
Although this could be an exciting move depending on your travel aspirations and goals, there’s still some crucial information to know before you arrive.
Whether you’re going to study, teach, or take a gap year, China will offer amazing experiences!
What is it like living in China?
From food to views, China really has it all. Bustling markets brimming with enticing aromas will have you craving dishes you didn’t know existed. In contrast, the expansive countryside and small villages will give you a feel for the tight community and local closeness you might not experience back home.
It’s not just about good food and affordable living (although we won’t say no to those!), it’s about giving yourself the space to be the person you want to be. Someone who shows up in the world in all the right ways; an open-minded, well-rounded, global citizen. If you’re an expat in China, you have the chance to represent US citizens abroad in a positive light!
So are you ready to move to China? Before you go, here are some things you should know.
7 things to know about living in China as an American
1. History matters
China has thousands of years of history behind it—so it’s best to try to learn at least a little.
While you don’t have to become a scholar of Chinese history to live in China, it’s good practice to have a basic understanding of historical and political context in the region before committing to move there. Not only will it give you a better understanding of the culture, but it could save you from some taboos.
If you’re living in China, you should know what to call it. This may seem obvious, but you should refer to China as "China" or "The People's Republic of China". Big no-nos: "Red China," "Communist China," or "Mainland China." Like we said, probably obvious that , but if you’re unfamiliar with the history and rely on American perception, you might not have considered it.
When it comes to “Mainland China,” this can be confusing. If you’re living in that area, it might seem okay, right? Sorry, nope. Colloquially, this term excludes Hong Kong and Taiwan, which local Chinese might be offended by. A caveat here: If you’re Taiwanese, you’ll have a very different opinion about this.
Wait, isn’t Hong Kong China? Yes, but… it has a unique history and status. “One country, two systems” is a term used to describe the politics of the situation.
In sum, knowing a little history can help you from some uncomfortable and embarrassing situations, so it’s worth doing a little digging before you go. And in general, it’s important to keep in mind that politics in China are portrayed differently in American media than abroad.
Pro tip: Don’t talk about Taiwan as being separate from China if you’re living in the “mainland”.
Extra pro tip: has some great, quick overviews of the country’s history.
2. It's nice to speak the language (but which one?)
will help ease you into everyday life in China. As an American moving to China, you’ll be better received if you have a little Chinese under your belt. Simple phrases like “please” and “thank you” are obvious, but it’s also nice to know, “Do you speak English?”, or “I’m sorry”.
But hold on, Chinese isn’t just one language! It’s technically an umbrella language term that includes several dialects and languages. Notably, it includes Mandarin, , and Hakka, but there are other niche, regional dialects that are considered Chinese.
That being said, if you want to learn “Chinese” you’ll probably be ushered into Mandarin courses, as it’s the official language of China. We’d also like to point out that if you say “I want to learn Chinese,” people won’t look at you expectantly to tell them what dialect.
3. Cultural differences may surprise you
Culture shock can be uncomfortable, but it’ll help you grow.
We’re sure you’ve seen clickbaity articles about the outlandish things that are deemed “normal” in foreign countries but are somehow scandalized to our Western point of view. Let’s stop here and think about that for a minute. Just because someone else does things differently doesn’t make them wrong.
It’s important to recognize the nuance and significance of cultural differences and remind yourself that certain things may be other-worldly to you at first glance. In order to ease your way into this, consider learning a bit about some stark cultural differences before you move to China, so you’ll have a chance to mentally prepare and embrace them open-mindedly.
Some examples of cultural differences:
- Conversation topics. It’s totally normal in China for someone to ask about your salary, so no need to be offended! Chinese people may come off as very direct, which can be jarring for some Americans, but it’s just part of the social norm in China.
- Hierarchy. Status is very important in Chinese culture. From age to pay, it comes into play in social interactions.
- Humility. It’s very important in Chinese culture to be humble, and people will often play down their achievements. You may also experience people not accepting gifts, which can be awkward if you’re used to people graciously accepting a present! Just offer it again kindly; usually, the third time’s the charm here.
Do your best to educate yourself and make efforts to do the right things in the right circumstances, but cut yourself a little slack. Living in China will be a major learning curve, but most locals will appreciate it if they see you’re trying.
4. You can live affordably (and comfortably)
Depending on your budget, you may find China more affordable than home!
Whether you’re working or , it’s a relatively cheap place to live, eat, and explore. China is an affordable destination for students on a budget (or anyone for that matter).
Don’t worry, “cheap” doesn’t mean bad quality, it’s just economics. As an American moving to China, your dollar goes further. Simple as that.
The cost of food in big cities will likely be higher, but overall, . Meals can be as cheap as $2, and the average rent is floating around $600 a month (with the low end close to $300, and up to $1500).
5. Get your papers sorted
Can we put this out there? Paperwork sucks. One hundred percent. It can be a pain, but it’s even more of a pain if you mess it up. Living in China as an American is great, but if you don’t have the right visa, you’ll be in a whole heck of a lotta trouble.
If you’re moving to China to teach English, you should be aware of some companies might deploy to lure you into a cushy job. But don’t let that stop you! Scams aren’t exclusive to China. Heck, it happens right here in the US of A.
Just remember to be vigilant, do your research, and when in doubt, check out reputable sources. Government websites can be a slog, but they’re the best bet for real info on visa requirements and paperwork needs.
There’s a lot to cover in the world of visas, so , and make sure it’s the right one.
6. You WILL experience culture shock, and that’s okay
Ah, good ol’ culture shock. If you’re familiar with the , you’ll understand that there’s a little bit of a rollercoaster you’ll likely go on when moving to a foreign country.
Living in China as an American can be a wonderful, beautiful thing, but it isn’t without its trials. The food might be a little intimidating, since norms are quite different from the US. The cultural nuances might seem endearing at first, but you might find yourself frustrated at the cultural disconnect at other times.
Remember that it’s totally normal to experience culture shock. It’s likely that even though you’re stoked about it now, living in China is going to suck. But it’s not forever. Dealing with the rollercoaster of culture shock is part of every sojourner’s experience. And, even though it’s not always rainbows and butterflies, it helps you grow as a person.
Dealing with culture shock isn’t something you need to figure out for yourself. Check out these on how to get over the hard parts. The other side is there, and you’ll be living your best life again once you make it through.
7. Opportunities are endless
Countless adventures await you in China!
China won’t box you in. Have you ever looked at a map? This place is massive. All that land comes will all sorts of opportunities. You can explore big cities and remote villages, eat Chinese food from all over the country, and make new friends!
Boost your mental agility by learning a complex and wonderful language, or bring in the bucks while working abroad in China. Are you fresh out of college or looking for an internship? There are tons of !
From Beijing to Chengdu, living in China as an American is the first step to opening the door to opportunities abroad.
Is living in China your dream?
Living in China will open your eyes to different cultural norms, diverse culinary gems, and wonderful human beings.
Sometimes living in China as an American can be tough, and you might question your decisions. But as with anything in life, it’s a hurdle you can get over if you have the right tools.
In the end, you will get what you put into it, and if you make an effort to set yourself up for success, living in China could very well be the best thing that’s ever happened to you.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qLvAm6momZRjsLC5jpqpraGTobK0e8momaxlkZe%2FsK3DaK6hmaRiwbB5yqemsGWRl7y2wIyloK%2Bhnpx6qrqMnJ%2BippFirrR5wKdkmqWVp7akrc0%3D