Black American possibly moving to Beijing to teach

Hi all,

I am in the process of interviewing for a teaching position at an international school in Beijing. The prinicipal has informed me that being black is not a problem for the school. However, my concern is how I would be treated by the Chinese people in general. I would appreciate hearing about your experiences as a black person living and working in Beijing or other parts of China.

Thanks in advance for your replies.

Warm regards,
Regina

Hey, you'll be just fine there. You may need some time to get used to the food and hectic traffic but....you'll be fine. Try hard to learn the language (reading and writing), it will enchance your experience there. How long do you plan to stay?

John

Hi,

Thanks for your reply. As it turns out, the job was given to a local expat...so it looks as though I will continue teaching in Prague for a while longer. Where abouts are you located? Are you teaching as well?

How are those czech women?

REGINA,
I am delighted hearing from a black American lady in this forum.I believe your dignity should and must be kept while you don't mix up things between your job and your day-to-life.I have have been working in China for the past 4 years and I have traveled widely too in China and my experience in teaching and the culture can allow me to advice you on two fold:
1. Teaching in big cities will be prefarable and high pay packages awaits you definately.Good enough you mentioned Beijing where you will get used to many foreigners until you will doubt if you are in China.

2. On the other hand,getting used to the culture,food,style of life and language will enhance your adaptation to the lifestyle out here.Make as many friends as possible.Be ready to cheers as many times during dinners.

Lastly,don't be surprise that in smaller cities the Chinese are not used to foreigners mostly blacks so don't be embarrased by the names they will call you there but most do this not as any racist tendency but they are just amazed to see you for their first time.Imagine what can happen to you when you are the only black in a city as a teacher!! This was my first experience in China.So this will come your way in many if not all the small cities in China.But the students are generally friendly and are easy to deal with if you are a good-go-easy teacher too.Good luck Welcome to China.

Best Regards
Fritzane

Hi Fritzane,

Thanks for your reply and your advice about living and working in China. Unfortunately, the job was given to an expat who was already living in Beijing.  I have signed a teaching contract to teach for another year in Prague, Czech Republic. I am considering teaching in Central, South America, or maybe somewhere in Malaysia.

Best regards,
Regina