Moving to China can be a mixed experience. For some it is a wish and for others an occupational or family “choice”. For the expatriates working in China especially, the language, the long working hours, and Chinese business culture can be a challenge. In addition the family may be overseas or facing problems adapting to the new culture. High positioned expatriates are supported by drivers, assistants, a high life style, etc; however, they are also required to be high performers / achievers in their new culture. Others, in addition to the long working hours are challenged by being their own assistants at work, dealing with the landlord, and so on. 

A spouse may have relational expectations and finds the other party working day and night. A spouse may have left an exciting career to find her- or him-self spending the day searching for dishwasher-tabs here in China. Spouses typically will be dependent on the working party’s income and visa. Female spouses may find lunch and shopping offers for expatriate wives but for male non-working spouses it can be more difficult. Children are away from friends and grandparents, possibly experiencing a grade-drop in a new school while having distressed parents. Single western women may find it difficult to find new romance or social activities in the evenings and weekends when their non-single friends are with their families. Asian-looking westerns may feel in between both cultures because they look Asian but speak and act western. And people falling in love with an Asian person may meet biases and confusions adapting to each other’s cultural relationship norms.

The Chinese mainland has a shorter history than other Asian countries interacting with other nations, which makes it much more challenging for Chinese people and non-Chinese to understand each other. Culture shock is therefore experienced by many people arriving in China. Shanghai however has developed a strong community assisting expatriates to meet, communicate, learn about the life in China, and offers several help options. LifeLine offers practical information about where to find a doctor, shopping mall, events, etc. The trained volunteers at LifeLine also are trained to support and listen. LifeLine is therefore a good starting point for someone experiencing culture shock to help overcome the shock and start an exploration of a new culture. 

For a good expatriate experience it is important to develop occupational competence and good relationships. It is natural to miss home but accept the differences – humor may be helpful. Explore the culture and the people behind it. Search for nice places, people, and/or activities. Language skills can make everything much easier. And remember that many Chinese people and the Chinese government try very hard to welcome us and ease our life in Shanghai. Not everyone who moves to my country will receive the same welcoming. We should be grateful for that, use it as opportunities to discover the exciting elements of the Chinese culture, and be open to help to recover from the culture shock.

Trine is a Friend of LifeLine Shanghai.

 

LifeLine Shanghai is the first confidential helpline support service for foreigners in Shanghai. It is free, confidential and anonymous. Launched in March 2004, our telephone helpline provides Shanghai's international community with easy access to effective, confidential counseling, crisis intervention, and information. 

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