Imagine sealing the last box of toys—a whirlwind of emotions is probably going through your mind: Will the kids adjust? Can we handle the language barrier? What if we regret it? Counter them with the potential rewards: career growth, global perspective for the family, and the kind of stories that reshape a life. And what about your children’s minds? They’re likely to ask themselves many questions too: Will we make any friends? Are we still going to have our pizza nights? Is China far?
For families considering an international move, the question isn’t just about distance. It’s about leaving behind the familiar—the stable job, the neighborhood routines, the comfort of knowing how things work—and stepping into the unknown. Days likely follow a predictable rhythm: school drop-offs, commutes, and weekends filled with errands and playground trips. It’s comfortable—but for many, that comfort starts to feel like stagnation.
This guide walks through the emotional, logistical, and professional challenges of making the leap, offering practical advice for those ready to trade suburbia for Shanghai (or Beijing, or Shenzhen).
New family and work life
Maybe it’s a job opportunity, a craving for cultural immersion, or simply the realization that life’s too short for “what ifs.” Whatever the reason, the idea of moving abroad lingers, equal parts thrilling and terrifying. Relocating to China isn’t just a change of address; it’s a transformation.
Things will be very different; it’s inevitable. You don’t just travel halfway around the world to live the same life as you did in your home country. It’s important to remind your children–and yourself–that the local culture is different, not only the language and the surroundings. Strangers might offer unsolicited parenting advice or hand your child candy. Split pants (no diapers) and public potty training are common. Observe and embrace the differences—they’ll become normal faster than expected.
It’s natural to worry about how your children will handle the change, but remember that they adjust faster than adults. They’ll pick up Mandarin through play, make friends in the compound pool, and soon prefer jianbing (Chinese crepes) over pancakes. Schools often host cultural events to ease the transition. But before you leave, you should have open and positive conversations with your children: be honest but reassuring. Highlight adventures (new foods! giant pandas!) while acknowledging that some things will feel strange at first.
For you, there’ll be more adjustments to be made at work. Meetings might run late. “Yes” can mean “maybe.” Business cards are exchanged with two hands. Adaptability is the most valuable skill—observe local norms and ask questions. It will be a huge learning curve–language barriers and “face” culture (avoiding public embarrassment) can trip up newcomers. Hiring a tutor or taking HSK classes accelerates integration.
There is, of course, another side to the same coin. Your ability to adapt and deal with new and challenging situations is the very skill that you need to make it abroad. Working abroad builds resilience, cross-cultural negotiation skills, and a network spanning continents. Many expats find opportunities they’d never encounter at home, from startups to multinational projects.
Teaching English in China
For generations, China’s vast landscapes—from its 9.6 million square kilometers of diverse terrain to its stunning 14,000 km coastline—have attracted people seeking adventure. Many arrive for a gap year only to find themselves putting down roots. Home to 1.4 billion people across 660 modern cities and 26 distinct provinces, this cultural powerhouse offers an experience as rewarding as it is immersive. You’ll find that many expats who live in China are teachers of English as a foreign language (TEFL).
To teach legally, you’ll need a Z-visa, and the requirements are straightforward. Applicants must hold a passport from an English-speaking country (like the US, UK, or Australia), be under 60 (men) or 55 (women), and have a clean background check, medical clearance, and at least a bachelor’s degree.
A job offer from a Chinese school is mandatory, and while a 120-hour TEFL certification isn’t technically required, it’s a smart investment. Not only does it boost your employability, but it also equips you with practical skills—from lesson planning to grammar instruction—that’ll make those first classrooms far less intimidating.
If you have prior teaching experience, you’ll find that classroom life in China is nothing like it was back at home. State schools often have larger classes than private academies, so consider your comfort level with crowd management. Urban schools typically have better resources (though forget YouTube—you’ll be using local platforms like Weebo), while rural placements offer deeper cultural immersion. Contracts usually run for a year, with housing often provided (think cozy apartments or shared teacher accommodations). And while Mandarin might seem daunting, mastering basics like nǐhǎo (hello) will earn you instant goodwill.
Life beyond work
With so many incredible sights across this vast country, it’s tough to choose—but these iconic spots belong on every traveler’s list:
- The Great Wall of China
A national symbol so revered, there’s a saying: “He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man.” Stretching over 21,000 km across 15 provinces (with 9,000 km beautifully preserved), this ancient marvel lives up to every bit of its legendary status.
- The Forbidden City
Beijing’s crown jewel, this 720,000-square-meter palace complex dominated Chinese imperial life for centuries. Plan for at least half a day to explore its crimson halls and hidden courtyards—don’t miss the Palace Museum’s priceless artifacts.
- The Terracotta Army
Unearthed by farmers in the 1970s, these 2,200-year-old clay warriors—8,000 strong, with horses and chariots—stand in eternal guard over China’s first emperor. The scale and craftsmanship will leave you awestruck.
- Yangtze River Cruise
Sail through the dramatic Three Gorges, where misty cliffs tower over the “Long River” (Chang Jiang). Often compared to the Grand Canyon, this journey showcases China’s breathtaking natural beauty.
Pro Tip: These landmarks get crowded—visit early mornings or weekdays to avoid long queues.
The move that shapes generations
Many parents talk to their children about hard work, resilience, and determination. What if you began a new chapter teaching overseas? You’d be able to show them what resilience and determination looked like. What a privilege it would be, and what an adventure! Be the person your children will look up to and make that move!