Felicitas in Beijing: "It's easy to navigate through the city"

Why did you decide to move to China?

Originally to learn some Chinese, but ended up got a job in here and decided to stay.

How was the moving process?

The moving process was easy. I came here through an agency so practically they already set everything up for me.

What are the formalities you had to go through in order to be able to live and work in China?

Formalities: visa process, police registration, apartment hunting.

How did you find a job in Beijing? Any advice to share with the other members?

I found my 1st job through echinacities.com. The company was looking for an intern with HR background and intermediate level of Chinese.
I came to China already having 3 years of working experience, so it was pretty easy and I would totally recommend the same for other members who wants to work in China (considering the visa requirements already changed).

Did you face some difficulties to adapt to your host country (language, culture, do's and don'ts)?

I did find it difficult in language part because I don't speak Chinese and even so I'm Asian, but my family raised me with a good portion of Western culture. It's definitely better to prepare for everything (language, culture, do's and don'ts) before one wants to move and live abroad.

What surprised you the most in Beijing?

Even until today, the traffic, the pushing on the subway, the selfishness, the spitting... I can go on and on!

Is it easy to meet new people in Beijing?

I would say it's moderate and depends on what you are doing and where you go.

Could you please share with us something you like about Beijing and something you don't like?

What I like about Beijing is it's easy to navigate through the city, as long as you know where North is.
What I don't like about Beijing are those that surprise me the most.

A common belief about China which wasn't right:

I think all the common belief is mostly right. Yes, whatever that you hear about Chinese, 70% of the people that you meet in your daily life in Beijing have it.

What does your typical day as an expat look like?

Mon-Fri mostly just work, home, sometimes dining out with friends. Weekends mostly go out anywhere in Beijing or just stay at home. Flexible I would say.

What do you miss the most from Indonesia, your home country?

The abundant taste of the food.

Which advice would you give to people wishing to settle in Beijing?

Embrace everything in China and always remember that THIS IS CHINA. You just have to deal with it eventually.