American Fam. offered work up to 12 months: Issues to consider?

Member since 02 May 2011

perspectiveexpat76Member02 May 2011 14:38:00

Hello all!
My husband has been offered a chance to work in Beijing by his employer. My initial response "lets pack", secondary anxieties are many. He will not have an significant increase in pay and makes less then 50,000 US annually. We are a family of 3 and will need to consider educational/socialization options for our 8 year old.
I am wondering many different things and not sure where to start. Any information about what to ask/encourage his employer to assist with and how to navigate or issues to consider re: our child and personal health, international reception of Americans in the area, realities of cultural changes....What do you wish you had known before you decided to take the plunge?
I am considering the idea of working while we are there and am an educated Social Worker here (US) with a Masters Degree. Not sure how helpful that will be or not in this region.

Thanks for your kind thoughts and expertise,
Allison

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Christine ViP

Member since 29 September 2008

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ChristineViP03 May 2011 05:21:34

42879

Hi Allison,

Welcome on Expat-blog!

I hope other members will be able to advise you.

Wish you good luck
Christine

Manlin ViP

Member since 02 December 2009

ManlinViP07 May 2011 14:39:01

1073

First thing I suggest that you ask his company to send the two of you to Beijing for 4 - 5 days for a pre-view/look-see visit. If organised correctly via a Destination Service Provider it will answer many of your questions and concerns.

Onward:

Will his company be providing him with a relocation package? In addition to hubby's salary he can try and ask for shipment of belongings, visa, tax and compliance issues, medical insurance, housing, schooling for your child, home trips, car w/driver, Chinese lessons, etc

I disagree with Lucybm on a couple of points:

Yes life is cheaper here if you are prepared to move outside your original comfort zone. If you only wish to consume foreign products life will here as expensive, if not more so.

There is no need to bring with you Western medicine. Firstly above a certain amount you will have problems with customs, secondly problem of use by date, thirdly most medicines can be bought here - it might not be the same brand name but will have the same active ingredients. Most can be bought as OTC from the local chemists (assuming you can overcome the language barrier). If language is a problem or you do not trust a local chemist most of the Western Medical facilities (there are about a dozen) have their own chemists and you can buy from them at a higher price than at the local chemist.

I agree with Lucybm that a Degree in Social Work will not get you far in China mainly because of the language barrier. However, you might be lucky and one of the International Schools can use those talents. If you are thinking that teaching English might be an option then get yourself TEFL qualified pdq.