Should I move abroad?

[KellyJ94]

Hi everyone,

I'm new here so wasn't sure where to write this post. But I have a huge decision to make.

I have recently been offered a job teaching English abroad. The job offer is in China. In a very nice location. I am currently a teaching assistant earning minimum wage, so my salary will be higher if I move. The cost of living and taxes are also much lower in China, and I've always wanted to travel and explore. It's been my dream since childhood.

My daughters also want to move. They enjoyed travelling (when we could afford to) and want to be with me.

The issue is my partner doesn't want to leave. He is also miserable about the situation in the UK. However, he has more family and friends here than I do, and doesn't want to unsettle the kids. It's likely we would have to separate if I left.

My main worry is the cost of living crisis. We will never be able to afford to buy a house, even with two lots of wages. Rent is getting higher and crime rates are a concern. We both want a better future for ourselves and our kids, but can't agree how to go about it.

Has anyone else been in this situation? Or do you have any advice?

Thanks,

Kelly J

I lived in China for 12 years. Where is the job?

Is there an overseas option he would agree to?

The job is in Shenzhen. Not far from Dameisha beach. Where did you live? How was China?

I could work anywhere in the world I wanted but not sure if he'd move.

Is it an international school or a private bilingual school? Is the school offering free school places for both your children, ( for the full amount of the fees or just a percentage)?

Do you have a teaching certificate/any experience teaching the UK National curriculum?

How much is the housing allowance?

Shenzhen is a good city, it’s cheaper than Shanghai so you should be able to save. However, if it’s a private bilingual school you need to be aware that the education on offer might not be suitable for your children - half of the classes will be taught in Chinese so if they can’t understand the language they will struggle and won’t be able to fully engage in the full curriculum. Socially, they might also find it tricky making friends as the bilingual schools don’t have many - if any - foreign students. At an international school all classes will be taught in English, and although the majority of students in the international schools are Chinese, their English fluency tends to be much higher.

I’d recommend learning Mandarin beforehand to help prepare yourselves. Also - lots of private bilingual schools have “international” in the title, but they’re not actually international schools so make sure you do your research on schools before accepting an offer.

China is a wonderful country to live in, but it’s not without its challenges so do your research and be as prepared as possible before making the move. Good luck!

I have a teaching certificate and some teaching experience. I have been offered free school places. But I will need to do more research on schools. I have some time as my contract doesn't start until May. No housing allowance but a free apartment. I might need to find a cheap rent if it's not a 2 bed. Yes I have heard that Shenzhen is less expensive, and lots to see there too. I can speak some mandarin.

Thank you for the advice.

Ok that all sounds pretty good tbh! Have they said where the free apartment is located? Some schools will offer a free apartment, but it’s on school grounds or close to the school (so not close to downtown/the city centre which can be a pain if you like to go out in the evenings), get them to send pictures of the apartment as well. You should be able to get a three bed apartment in Shenzhen, I’d have thought, so ask them if they can accommodate that as well.

I think I would probably go for it though I appreciate its a gross oversimplification!

imo You need more information on the package:
healthcare?
medical evacuation? If you need surgery or more complex medical treatment I would recommend HK or Bangkok. Not because China doesn’t have top quality equipment but standards of hygiene are imo not ideal. My ds had two ops both in HK.
dental?
flights home? One per year or more?
pension? Assume uplift in salary to compensate for no pension contributions?
travel allowance?
who pays the utilities?
tax- help with completing return?
relocation allowance or pay to have x items shipped?
I loved my time in China, but there are challenges and frustrations as with any Expat posting. My hb worked in a joint venture and allowances tend to more generous than with school postings, but I know a lot of teaching staff who had a great life in China.

If you were young and single and were taking the job for a year to travel, then yes. But with a child and partner it is completely different.

China is very different to anywhere else. There is no western internet without a vpn. No Google or WhatsApp or Netflix. No easy flights home. Rule of law is not the same. There is a lot of government surveillance of everything. Very different for medical care etc. you could easily be very isolated, especially your partner and child.

I don’t agree with @parietal comments.
you can use wechat instead of WhatsApp- bit note it’s not encrypted.
Websites - VPN for Facebook, Google etc but you can access plenty of sites without a VPN. Schools often have permission from the government to use a VPN.
flights- never had a problem with flights from China and Chinese airlines are able to fly over Russia which gives them a competitive advantage
You can get any tv, film you want in China
Working in a school there is little danger of being isolated.