Maybe it would be best if in this blog I stick to the core them–legal issues related to visas and immigration between the U.S. and China. Still, I’d like to venture beyond the legal for this post, which deals with secrets to success for new immigrants. They’re actually not really “secrets” because they’re more common sense. But just because something is obvious doesn’t mean we don’t need to be reminded about it’s importance from time to time. I certainly need to be reminded. I’ve been living in China since 2004, and I still need to work hard at expat life.
1. Learn the Local Language: Look for opportunities to improve your language skills–take classes, listen to local radio stations and TV news. Make friends who don’t speak you native languages.
2. Stay Positive: Living and working and integrating in a new country can be very challenging. It’s natural to gripe about things that you don’t like in the new country. But look upon your experiences in a positive light, perhaps as a learning experience or adventure. Surround yourself with positive people not negative people to keep a good attitude.
3. Embrace Your New Country: Become a part of the new society and learn about it as much as you can. Get involved. Participate in the local life. For me in China, that may mean walking to the local street market to shop for fruit and vegetable in the morning–very different from the trip to a U.S. supermarket. Or talking about Beijing traffic. The point is just to participate in local life, don’t try to keep 100% of your daily routine from your home country.
4. Have a Plan B: You’ve come to the new country with a plan. But to ensure success you need to have a Plan B. Things may not work out as you expected or hoped when you first arrived. Or better opportunities may be available. It’s best if you have a Plan B that’s not just moving back to your home country.
5. Stay Clear of Ethnic Silos: Sanlitun is a great neighborhood in Beijing. I can go there for western or middle eastern food. But I try not to limit myself to be only with people from my own country and language group. If my goal is to hang out with just Americans, I should be living in Chicago not China.
6. Take Risks: It was a risk to move to your new country. Congratulations. Now to continue your road to success, continue to be open to new ideas and possibilities. Whether it’s a new business venture or a new friend, check it out. You’re not going to lose your core values. You’re just going to find new ways to grow.
7. Volunteer, Mentor, Network: The way to grow is to be involved in the community, whether it’s volunteering with professional associations, charities, or causes that are important to you. Build your network of friendships, business associates, and neighbors. Get out from behind your desk or from the TV in front of your couch.
In case you haven’t noticed, I’m stating this advice as much for myself to follow as for my readers. Â Good luck to us all.
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Many of these ideas come from Nick Noorani, an entrepreneur and immigrant to Canada.
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