Additional Coverage:
- I moved to China from the US to be a teacher. My $4,000 monthly salary went much further, but there were tradeoffs. (newsbreak.com)
American Expat in China: Surprises and Challenges
Tatiana Smith, an Illinois native, spent five years teaching English in China. She observed significant differences from her hometown.
Capitalist Undertones
Despite its communist regime, China’s economy felt capitalist. Luxury goods were prevalent, and entrepreneurship was encouraged. Businesses constantly evolved and expanded.
Affordable Living for Teachers
As an expat teacher, Smith earned a comfortable salary that allowed her to live comfortably. She could afford daily meals out, pay off debts, and travel.
Culinary Delights
Chinese food in China differed greatly from American fare. Meals were shared, and dishes like hot pot were favorites.
Racism and Discrimination
While generally welcomed, Smith faced racism as a Black expat. Some Chinese people viewed lighter skin as more desirable. During the pandemic, anti-American sentiment grew, leading to incidents of discrimination.
Pandemics and Community
The COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges and opportunities. While it was not as dangerous as in the US, it fostered a closer expat community as people sought support.