At Home in the Middle Kingdom

Increasing numbers of foreigners come to China in search of economic and educational opportunities. But can they adjust to life out east?

Since the Reform and Opening up of China began over thirty years ago, more and more foreigners have been choosing Beijing and other cities around China as their base to build careers, receive education and even start a family. The 2010 census, which included foreigners for the first time, revealed that there are now more than half a million are living in the country. 

However, adjusting to a culture so markedly different can prove a challenge. Language, history, and value systems all require getting to grips with. To find out how the current crop of foreigners residing in China are adjusting to life in the country, CRI interviewed visitors to the annual Job Fair for Foreigners held at the Swissotel in Beijing. We posed the simple question: do you feel integrated into Chinese culture?