We regret that after six years of dedication to this fabulous resource site, we are taking a break and not accepting any new links. If your organization is already listed on our site but just needs a correction, please leave a comment on any posts on our Expat Women Blog and we will aim to make corrections within one month. Thank you.
Expat Women Living in China
If you are (or plan to be) an expat living in China, please find below a list of expat clubs, schools, general links for women living in China, country information and more...
American Women's Club of Shanghai http://www.awcshanghai.org
The AWCS is a social non-profit club focused on enriching women's lives while living in Shanghai. The Club supports social functions such as monthly luncheons and coffees, cultural day tours and evening events as well as soft fundraising for local community outreach groups in Shanghai.
Australian Association of Hong Kong http://www.ozhongkong.com/
Provides a forum for like-minded people, with an interest in Australia, to come together and to establish friendships and networks through social activites.
AWA (American Women's Association) of Hong Kong https://www.awa.org.hk/
Founded in 1956 as a non-profit, charitable organization. As a voluntary organization of women, we support Hong Kong charities and schools through community service and monetary grants while also providing educational and social activities for our members.
Chengdu International Women's Club http://www.chengduiwc.org
A non-profit organization focused on enriching women's lives while living in Chengdu, China. Offers a wide variety of regular social activities including monthly luncheons, coffee mornings and nights out, as well as special events. There are also many groups within CIWC including a book group, crafter's group, tennis club and playgroup for those with young children.
Chongqing Expat Club http://www.cqexpat.com/
For foreigners living in or coming to Chongqing.
Community Center Shanghai http://www.communitycenter.cn/
The mission of Community Center Shanghai is to build community among expatriates living in Shanghai so that families and individuals maximize their potential both as citizens living abroad and as residents of and contributors to Shanghai and the People's Republic of China.
Expat Association Suzhou http://www.suzhouexpats.org/
An organization for the expatriate community in Suzhou. The objective of the E.A.S. is to provide opportunities for members to participate in social, cultural, sporting and educational activities.
Guangzhou Women's International Club http://gwic.org/
The purpose of the organization shall be to promote social and cultural exchange
between the women of the Guangzhou Expatriate Community through meetings,
activities & charity contributions in the spirit of mutual understanding and friendship. Activities shall be non-political and non-profit. GWIC Membership shall
be extended to women holding a non-PRC passport or whose husband holds a
non-PRC. Proof of Foreign Citizenship is required.
Ni Hao Neighbors in Donguan, China http://www.nihaoneighbors.com
Whether newcomers need assistance finding their way around, help in locating a familiar brand of shampoo or just a friendly chat over coffee, one of the "Ni Hao Neighbors" is always ready to lend a hand.
Allo Expat Asia Pacific http://www.china.alloexpat.com
AlloExpat.com is a one-stop information and service center for expatriates living in or moving to the Asia - Pacific region. Should you be an expatriate living in or planning to move to Asia, AlloExpat.com provides you with the most comprehensive set of information, listings and directories you can find online; we help expatriates find information on international schools, 5 star hotels, hospitals, restaurants and much more.
AmCham Hong Kong http://www.amcham.org.hk/ The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong is one of the largest American Chambers outside the US, the largest international chamber in Hong Kong and the most dynamic and influential international business organization in the Asia-Pacific region. Promoting US - China trade and Hong Kong as a premier international business center for over 30 years has been our 'business'.
Asia Expat http://www.asiaexpat.com
The leading resource for Professionals, Expats and Executives living in Asia.
Best Food In China http://www.bestfoodinchina.net
BFIC is the first and only professional Chinese food introduction website in English. BFIC features original English food reviews written by our native English lancers after visits to restaurants in China.
Day to Day in China http://www.daytodayinchina.com/
Collections of daily tips for living in China. Also include common food and recipes, quick Chinese guide, and more.
Enter Shanghai http://www.entershanghai.info
Expatriate portal on moving to and living and working in Shanghai with large apartment selection and rental guide, free access to extensive relocation step-by-step guide to Asia, shopping, leisure and sport directories and free relocation service attached.
Home Search http://www.homesearch.com.cn/
A free property website to support expats living and working in A&B level cities in China. (Suzhou, Wuxi, Nanjing, Hangzhou Ningbo, Wenzhou, Xiamen, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Chongqing, Wuhan, Changsha Qingdao, Tianjin, Dalian, Shanghai, Beijing).
Intelligent China Professional Network http://intelligentchina.com/index.asp
Intelligent China Network is an independent, not-for-profit and private society consisting of English-speaking professionals who live and work in China. It was created for like-minded professionals who wanted to expand perspectives, stimulate intellectual capacity and have thought-provoking discussions about China's economic development. Members utilize Intelligent China platform to learn, share and exchange insights of work, life, business and culture in China. Through interactive meetings, discussions and seminars, professionals build dynamic networks, and help each other gain knowledge and insights of China.
LifeLine Shanghai http://www.lifelineshanghai.com/
Providing free, confidential and anonymous emotional support and information via the telephone.
Shanghai Leadership Toastmasters http://shleadership.freetoasthost.info/
Shanghai Leadership Toastmasters Club is a local chapter of Toastmasters International. The mission of this club is to support the cultivation of leaders who inspire positive changes in themselves and others for the betterment of society.
Zhongwen http://www.zhongwen.com
Zhongwen.com contains the complete text of Amazon's (sometimes) best-selling and (frequently) best-reviewed: Chinese Characters: A Genealogy and Dictionary using my character tree system. Distributed by the Yale Univ. Press.
International Schools in China
Allo' Expat International School in Beijing http://www.beijing.alloexpat.com
Allo' Expat provides the worldwide expat community with a complete International School in Beijing directory.
Allo' Expat International School in Shanghai http://www.shanghai.alloexpat.com
Allo' Expat provides the worldwide expat community with a complete International School in Shanghai directory.
Chengdu EtonHouse International School http://www.etonhouse.com.sg/
International School in Chengdu, Sichuan that aims to provide quality education in a multi-cultural environment where teaching and learning are joyful experiences.
Hong Kong Academy http://www.hkacademy.edu.hk/
A unique and exciting inquiry-based learning institution, founded in 2000, by a desire to create a different and distinctive school choice for expatriate and local families.
Yew Chung Education Foundation http://www.ycef.com
Founded in 1932, Yew Chung has been providing quality bilingual and multicultural education to the learners of Hong Kong for over 70 years. Originally specialising in Early Childhood Education, Yew Chung now offers educational service.
Yiwu EtonHouse International School http://www.etonhouse-yw.com/
Located in the prime area of Danxi 3rd District, the school is surrounded by housing estates, beautiful parks and landscapes. From pre-school to primary, EtonHouse strives to provide an international education in a diverse and multi-cultural environment.
Building Relationships in China
Guanxi: The Art Of Building Relationships In China
Thanks go to Sheida Hodge of Hodge International Advisors for allowing us to share this great article.
As an expat in China you might be surprised at the lack of jobs advertised for expatriates via recruitment companies, job boards and published in the media. To the hiring manager, local Chinese candidates represent low risk hires with native language skills, China competitor experience and an established network in their industry.
Read more...
New arrivals to Shanghai are often concerned about food safety and ensuring their family stays healthy during their stay in China. Luckily, there are now many options in Shanghai that allow expatriates to maintain a similar standard and quality of living they experienced in their home countries. Read more...
Looking for Work in China
Recruiting In China:
What To Expect
China is hot – but starting operations in a new market is not easy. Will
you move your own people to the new location or will you start hiring
locally? And if you hire locally, how do you attract the best candidates
and what do these new recruits expect? Nannette Ripmeester reports.
Looking for work in another country requires more than just the obvious CV translation. You will be confronted with issues
that probably didn't even cross your mind when you decided to go for an international career, but don't underestimate
the big impact they can have on the outcome of your adventure! Think for example about the different rules and
habits regarding immigration, job application procedures, the selection procedures and the management culture.
In this issue I am venturing beyond European borders to China, a fast growing marketplace.
But starting operations in a new market is not easy.Will you move your own people to the
new location or will you start hiring locally? And if you hire locally, how do you attract the best
candidates and what do these new recruits expect?
Although modern times are catching up quickly within the cities of
China, understanding the roots of this ancient and complex culture is
essential when doing business there. In part II of 'doing business in
China' Nannette Ripmeester takes a closer look at some of the cultural
nuances your expats in China need to be aware of.
These tips were kindly provided by volunteer Expat Women Mentors in 2007. ExpatWomen.com shares these tips in an effort to help but takes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information.
Provided by Jasmine K, French, Beijing, China
1.
Expect some frustration time after the initial excitement.
2.
Use all of the support networks existing for newcomers in Beijing.
3.
Find your own life project for Beijing that will bring you personal and/or professional fulfilment.
4.
If you do not work, find ways of maintaining a professional identity.
5.
Make the most of the fact of living in China: learn Chinese, learn about Chinese culture, visit China.
Provided by Lesley G, Scottish, Hong Kong, China
1.
Don't underestimate the cost and don't overestimate the size of typical accommodation.
2.
Be prepared to get out of town on the weekends; there is much more to Hong Kong than meets the eye. It has great scenery, walks, sports; something for everyone.
3.
Seek friends outside your work or your husband's work circle and don't be shy, everyone is or has been in the same boat.
4.
Give yourself at least 6 months to settle; it isn't home and it's going to be difficult at times and on the bad days remember that most of your friends at home would give their right arm to be you!
5.
Cleaners and laundries are sooooooo cheap. You need never vacuum or iron again.
Provided by Elizabeth S, American, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
1.
Prepare yourself for sunless days. If you have a tendency to Seasonal Affective Disorder, check the Sharper Image catalogue for the hat that shines broad spectrum light into your eyes. Use it every morning for 15 minutes.
2.
Relax in the knowledge that there's an active international women's organization that's ready to welcome you to coffees, lunches, special events, etc. The CIWC is made up of over 200 women from almost as many countries.
3.
If you have a passion for print, there's a new library, the Bookworm, for browsing, borrowing and--soon--even buying. No need to bring many books.
4.
Bring the best surgical masks you can find--N14 I think, have to check--in quantities enough for 5 or so for each member of your family. You may use them to counter air pollution or diseases. Also, bring some flu medication such as remantidine or flumadine or oseltamavir as a precaution. No one knows what will happen if bird flu crosses over, and which medications might work. Keep up on this with the Center for Disease Control website and be proactive.
5.
If your dress size is larger than a 10 or your shoe size larger than a 9 US or 39 European, bring plenty of clothes and shoes for all seasons. You won't easily find them here.
Provided by Anouk M, French, Shanghai, China
1.
Embrace the adventure fully.
2.
Research the destination prior to moving.
3.
Go on a look see with your husband prior to moving.
4.
Have the final say on where you live in the new country (you are the one who will be spending the most time at home sorting everything out!).
5.
Check out an expat group from your country they can help you with all sorts of tips and advice.
Provided by Nadine B, South African Dutch, China
1.
Join a club.
2.
Get involved with the YWCA / do the "at home" course.
3.
Do volunteer work.
4.
Learn Chinese.
5.
Go hiking; there are fabulous place to hike here.
Provided by Beate R, German, Shanghai, China
1.
Come with an open mind.
2.
Prepare by reading literature about China and Culture Shock.
3.
Make a list with all the things you always wanted to do in life but never had the opportunity to do. Here you will have the chance, but you might forget them.
4.
Don't bring too many things (except some memorabilia and lots of good books), it is cheaper and more fun to buy them new here.
5.
Before leaving make sure you are in good health, take multivitamins and supplements (work it out with your physician) that will strengthen your immune system. Relocating is stressful; make it as smooth as possible for your body. You will need the strength.
Provided by Leah S, British Shanghai, China
1.
Bring the vaccines you need and you trust.
2.
Bring your favorite medicines and personal hygiene items (it's difficult to find Tampax)
3.
Join expat clubs within the first 2 weeks – make it a priority for you, your kids and your husband.
4.
Remember the skill set you had in your own country!
5.
When planning, double the time for everything. Stop, look, listen and learn–a deep breath before a decision can ease a lot of frustrations.
Provided by Elsa G, Danish, Wuhan, China
1.
Get used to the locals.
2.
Get around in the city.
3.
Meet other international women/persons.
4.
Learn how to shop.
5.
Learn how to feel safe.
Provided by Allene H, British, Shanghai, China
1.
Tips will very much depends on where the woman is coming from and her past Expat experience, her anxiety levels and individual needs...this will all impact on how much of a culture shock they'll experience.... so I suppose Tip #1 = you'll probably get culture shock...forewarned is forearmed!!
2.
Prepare for the fact that is most definitely not 'home'. Embrace the diversity and opportunities!! But you'll not always feel like it...
3.
Things will be very different but not necessarily 'not as good'...just different. This is an exciting & challenging city!
4.
If you are coming with school children.... do your homework. There are simply not the special needs/ back up/sports options and extra curricular activities you can access at 'home' so don't come expecting you can find them. Be realistic.
5.
Try to come on a 'look see' and use your time well...access sites like 'Expat Women' (?) and make sure you see & do the things you need to do while on a short exploratory trip. For some this is visiting the pearl factory, for others it is not. Do not be rushed into choosing a place to stay. If you do, you may then discover it is very unsuitable and makes life very difficult and isolating for you when you arrive and you are caught in a 2 yr lease. Stay in a service apartment/flat/ motel and get the 'feel' of the city before you choose a location.
