Bear Cub

While I still have 2 remaining interviews, in all likelihood, I will sign on with a particular employer in February, and begin work in May. While a number of domestic assignments are available, I also have the opportunity to take a job in Nanjing, China, working on the construction of four new Nuclear plants.

Naturally, there are a number of pros on my list in the matter: once in a lifetime opportunity for most, experiencing a different culture for a year or two, and a very healthy salary among other reasons.


My major concern though, is just how easy is it to adapt to living outside the US, especially in Nanjing? I don't speak a drop of anything other than a smidgeon of Spanish, and worry about everything from health care, to housing, to daily travel, to internet access, to technical communication with the workers I'll be overseeing.

Any outlook or advice from TFP movers, or even travelers, would be greatly appreciated. As a side note, I'm single with no children, so accommodating others is not an issue, this is a solo venture.

highthief

Man, that's the biggest "pro" you have going for you ... when the domestic situation becomes more complex, moving abroad becomes much more complicated.

All other things being equal (ie., the job is a good one, etc) it sounds like a massive opportunity to spend time in China.

__________________
Si vis pacem parabellum.

Charlatan

Being single with no attachments is a big bonus.

As someone who lives and works abroad, all I can say is take this opportunity and run with it. You are young and you only live once. Not only will the pay be excellent but you will likely be playing at much higher level than if you stayed at home. The experience of working abroad not only makes you appealing as a hire when you return but also by other jobs abroad.

It's a whole other level.

As for the culture, food, language, etc. I won't lie. It can be tricky. I am lucky to live in a relatively westernized part of Asia where just about everyone speaks English. Nanjing is likely to be a lot more difficult. That said, I can only imagine that while it will be difficult, you will adjust.

Read some books on Culture Shock and how to deal with it.

__________________
"My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars."
- Old Man Luedecke

dlish

chassis..

i as going to say that charlatan and i work and live abroad, but he's already posted...though we work in differen parts of the world

i agree with him in saying that ure young and you should do it. even if it is only a year.. at least theres no regrets..and if you dont like it.. no ones twosting your arm to stay. so give it a go!

as for the single..yes its much easier being single..but im not single, and i managed to do it..

id be more worried about the culture shock.. even for me being of arab heritage found it hard to settle into a fairly westernised city such as Dubai.

other tfp members that 'work abroad' would be xeph and cromp.. but thats a whole diffrent league

__________________
An injustice anywhere, is an injustice everywhere

I always sign my facebook comments with ()()===========(}. Does that make me gay?
- Filthy

Bear Cub

Thanks all for the advice.

Part of what factors into the whole situation is the timeframe. If I sign with this company, it will be late February. Assignments will probably come late March/early April, which only gives me until mid May to sort everything out, as that's when I'd start. Not to mention, all of this coincides with me finishing up my degree, so time is at a premium. So everything from living arrangements, to banking, to obtaining visas and passports, etc, is all going to be done in short order.

Charlatan

Get your passport now. That will save some time.

Also start doing as much research as you can, now. Get a leg up on what needs to be done.

Don't let a little thing like timing stand in your way. It will mean a little more work but it will be worth it... The last thing you want to be doing in a year or two is looking back with regret on a missed opportunity.

The way I see it, you have nothing to lose if you go to Nanjing and much to gain.

__________________
"My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars."
- Old Man Luedecke

Ratman

I've been living and working in Asia for the last six years. Getting your passport now is a really good idea because of the delays now. I would also figure out how to set up your computer with a proxy since the internet is quite restricted in China. Make sure you are using a domestic (US) bank that allows you to do everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, online. If you have any student loans that you are going to be paying, or other regular debt payments, set up automatic payments through your bank. Get a credit card for online purchases. Find out what companies (Amazon and such) will ship to that area, and the approximate cost. It helps to be prepared, especially with internet stuff.

Other than that, you should have a great time. I would bet that there will be an expat community with other English speaking folks that can help square you away. I don't expect you to be left hanging, this being a nuclear power plant project and all. As Charlatan said, you have nothing to lose, and much to gain.

__________________
The difference between theory and reality is that in theory there is no difference.

"God made man, but he used the monkey to do it." DEVO

fish_oinc

Sounds like an opertunity of a life time but if you don't have a passport you will never know work on that right away it takes time and money ,

I was in Asia for 18 months all the thing you are concerned about will fall into place once you are there as far as the language barrier you will find many people speak English there it will be a challenge but again you will over come it Look into Rosetta Stone programs they work well You can get started with them for free,

http://www.rosettastone.com/

Good luck jump on that opertunity

Randerolf

I've been to Beijing and talked to an exec about being an expat in China. There are certainly hurdle to overcome such as readjustment and culture shock, but I believe that the experience both personally and professionally worth it. Although, your work may be in English, Chinese is an with several types of intonations which differentiate some words from others.

My friend does engineering work in brief stints in Shenzhen and, like you, is single with no attachments. He enjoys the travel and experience.

I've just graduated and am looking to teach in Japan- so I'm a bit biased - but I believe that your employer would try to set you up for success and that you can overcome what arises. In light of the economic conditions, you can live well as an expat in China.


Do some homework and you will come to the right decision. Good luck!

Bear Cub

Thanks all for the help.

I will look into doing the passport thing ASAP, as it seems to be a good form of 2nd ID to have anyways.

Thanks for the heads up on the Internet. Poking around the web, many others had the same conclusion.

There are a fair number of expats in Nanjing. There is a school there created specifically for expats children, with all classes taught by expats themselves, which could prove valuable for a contact source.

I'll have to speak to the company's HR department to find out the nitty-gritty details, but I certainly won't shun the opportunity aside if it does in fact present itself.

dlish

chassis, a lot and i believe that all western companies workng overseas would help you organise the paperwork involved.

i know that from the company i work for, where all visa arrangements, cars,licensing, plane tickets, accomodation were organised by them. so talk to the company and see what they offer. if they are an organised and reputable company then hey should have some sort of sructure inplace to help you move.

i dont know much about nanjing, but there are always expat communities in every country..and theres always someone to help take you under their wing and show you the ropes.

let us know how you go with it and wha u decide to do.

__________________
An injustice anywhere, is an injustice everywhere

I always sign my facebook comments with ()()===========(}. Does that make me gay?
- Filthy

thingstodo

Lot's of good advice here.

I would encourage you to have an assigned sponsor ahead of time. Someone to guide you and show you the ropes. It will be a big culture shock, even if you are tied into an expat community. Having a sponsor pre-established will save a lot of time and trouble making the transition.

Good luck and have fun!!

__________________
If you're wringing your hands you can't roll up your shirt sleeves.

Stangers have the best candy.

Bear Cub

Spoke with my uncle last night who has lived overseas most of the time working for one of the two major companies who have made me offers.

He made it quite clear that the company takes care of everything, from living arrangements, to visas, to whatever, including his cell phone service as dishguy suggested, which is a big plus. He also dropped the name of a big-wig from the prospective company who he worked with overseas, which could net me some pull if I give him mention.