Moving to China: а life on a metaphorical moon

Due to a rapid growth of the emerging economies, the airline industry is expanding and it is predicted that in the upcoming decade the number of commercial aircraft will double. Under such circumstances the Asia Pacific region is continuing to present the largest projected growth in pilot demand with the current need for 185 600 new pilots. The largest amount of pilots – 71 300 – is required in China. Naturally, at the moment the regions being perceived as an exceptionally attractive location among experienced professionals in search of great career opportunities. But while providing numerous economic benefits, is China the place an expat can call home?

„According to the data provided by the Centre for Future Studies, in the past five years the number of expats working in China has risen by 18%. Although it is possible that the growth rate of the industry in China will eventually slow down, there is no reason to believe that the country will not account for less than 30% of the world's economic growth until 2017. That is why those with а sense of adventure and the right skills are flocking there - and few end up disappointed,“ comments Skаiste Knyzаite, the CEO of АviаtionCV.com

The most recent HSBC's Expat Explorer survey has found that half of the expats heading to China do so expecting to earn more money upon relocation. 64% of the expats in China have witnessed а noticeable improvement in the financial status of their household with 69% citing an increase in disposable income. 29% have reported that since the relocation their household income has increased by 50% or more. Moreover, almost half (44%) of the respondents have expressed a belief that the country offers high quality of life for expats.

But China is attractive not only for its economical well-being. „Shаnghаi, globally known as the Paris of the East, Hong Kong and Beijing have their own unique characters and attract very different expats, No wonder they have always been most westerners choice. Many expats from large cities all over the world find themselves feeling bored after leaving China. They all provide similar reasons: “there’s just so much more to do in China,“ shred Skаiste Knyzаite. „This is the country which is practically soaked in opportunity. The speed of its development is really inspiring. If you're prepared for the unexpected – and the fact that you can wake up to find а tower block has gone up across the street during the night – this is the place for you. Having said that, it's worth mentioning that no Chinese city is listed in the world's top 30 most expensive places to live. At the same time, moving, particularly anywhere outside of Shаnghаi or Beijing, is akin to moving to another planet. Suddenly just going to a grocery store or the bank becomes а breathtaking adventure. The ability to balance these two worlds is unique to China.“

The language barrier remains one of the most significant challenges for expats in China - against а global average of 28%, 56% of them find learning the language difficult. Although English has been historically known as the official language to be used in aviation communication and the language is fairly well known in Beijing, Shаnghаi and other bigger cities of China, learning basic Cantonese or Mandarin is beneficial for expats wishing to truly fit in culturally. Moreover, English no longer serves as a prime advantage of expats, so an extra effort put into learning the local language will most probably impress the potential employers. Thus those, that do get some basic language under their belt, very quickly experience China as less of а bewildering, and more of а beguiling place.

„While the illusion that learning the local languages is a major challenge remains, it is important to emphasize that it is basically no more different than learning any European language. In fact, Mandarin is actually grammatically far less complex than the languages we are used to. Expats are increasingly finding China а favourable destination to live and work. I think everybody’s adventure of moving to China is а little bit different and living in this country can be а completely wonderful experience,“ says Skаiste.