Culture Shock in China
Expats can certainly expect to experience some degree of culture shock in China.
It's likely that the local culture will be unfamiliar to most westerners, and even disconcerting in some ways. That said, expats can also expect to come across surprising novelties and other unexpected niceties. Either way, taking the necessary steps to prepare accordingly can alleviate some of the tension and the severity of culture shock.
Make an attempt to read and research Chinese etiquette prior to arriving, and if possible, enrol in a cross-cultural course before you relocate or soon after you touch down.
Westerners are often the indiscreet focus of attention in restaurants or walking down streets. Unabated stares can grow uncomfortable and can become ostracising. There is also an obvious mark-up for products sold to foreigners, which can further feelings of alienation and frustrate expats who otherwise try to be part of the community.
Others can feel too much part of the community as enormous and dense crowds push and pack into public transportation or crowded sidewalks. Living in densely packed areas is often the largest cultural difference of life in China's cities.
Another part of everyday life in China that requires some adjustment is the long queues associated with bureaucracy, from bank teller lines to waiting for hospital treatment.
In addition, many of China's cities have dangerous levels of pollution which is especially unhealthy for children. It is common to wear a face mask to filter the pollution when walking in the city.
When shopping, depending on the shop, it is customary to bargain for goods and the first offered price isn't expected to be accepted. This isn't the case in shopping malls that mirror the policies of western shopping centres.
It's likely that the local culture will be unfamiliar to most westerners, and even disconcerting in some ways. That said, expats can also expect to come across surprising novelties and other unexpected niceties. Either way, taking the necessary steps to prepare accordingly can alleviate some of the tension and the severity of culture shock.
Make an attempt to read and research Chinese etiquette prior to arriving, and if possible, enrol in a cross-cultural course before you relocate or soon after you touch down.Westerners are often the indiscreet focus of attention in restaurants or walking down streets. Unabated stares can grow uncomfortable and can become ostracising. There is also an obvious mark-up for products sold to foreigners, which can further feelings of alienation and frustrate expats who otherwise try to be part of the community.
Others can feel too much part of the community as enormous and dense crowds push and pack into public transportation or crowded sidewalks. Living in densely packed areas is often the largest cultural difference of life in China's cities.
Another part of everyday life in China that requires some adjustment is the long queues associated with bureaucracy, from bank teller lines to waiting for hospital treatment.
In addition, many of China's cities have dangerous levels of pollution which is especially unhealthy for children. It is common to wear a face mask to filter the pollution when walking in the city.
When shopping, depending on the shop, it is customary to bargain for goods and the first offered price isn't expected to be accepted. This isn't the case in shopping malls that mirror the policies of western shopping centres.
