Mature age Expats

Well, welcome to China. Brisbane is very lovely. You picked the wrong location dear. You should have gone to Zhuhai. It is very similar to Brisbane.

There are many, many of us older expats in China. I am in my 60's and I don't feel at all like I am "over the hill". So don't worry about it. You need to crack open some bottles of red wine and eat some of that delicious seafood. That will fix you right up, I'll tell you what.

Shanghai is a very Western city. If you are having a hard go at it, I'd be surprised. It reminds me of Sydney Australia more than anything else.

I would suggest that you go slow, and take your time. Try eating some steamed dumplings and some street food. Smile a lot. People respond to that. If you need help, be soft and kind and ask. The Chinese people are some of the friendliest in the world.

Myself, I like to meet people and when someone is walking their dog,(or cat) I like to go over and pet them and try to practice my Chinese. Many times I am surprised that they can speak a little English. Make friends.

Remember, it's the the place that makes a home, it's the people.

I am so happy that you came to China, and I know that you must feel a little out of sorts, but please do not worry. That will disappear soon enough. In the mean time, eat, drink, smile and make friends. You might be surprised how easy it gets over time.

Hi Caroline,
My name is Aoife and I'll be moving to Shanghai in August. I'll be turning 50 in October so that puts us in the same age bracket. It is daunting but very exciting.
Good luck with your move . Stay in touch
and let me know how you are getting on.
Best Regards,

Hi Aoife,
Yes, please keep in touch. Please let me know when you arrive in Shanghai.
Thanks
Carolyn

Hi im soon to be 50 and will be heading to Shenyang In June.I always like new people to chat to.

To ALL:

Vannrox is right, it's the attitude you choose to take not the place or surroundings.  If you are positive and upbeat you can make it work. China will test you at times but then you are a test for the "Chinese" as well.  Be kind, be patient, don't get stressed and most important keep your priorities in order...come to learn and you will be well rewarded.  I am in my early 60's and have lived in China for more than a decade.  Most of my time has been spent in the northeast...but I began life here in the south Guangdong.  Zhuhai is great if you like hot and humid...but Changchun (where I live) is good too if you like cold and dry.  It's up to you.

The older Chinese can be very curious and lovely.  The young ones are most engaging...life here is what you make it.  BTW if you are looking for work, I'm looking for teachers LOL  gotta put it out there...LOL

I wish you all the best!

LRai

Hi CK4069 I'm living in Shanghai & I'm 60 & Aussie!!! Love living in Shanghai. As I'm an older expat who likes to roam streets, people watch over coffee and generally chat away!! My WeChat ID is ***would love to meet up once you're here.

Hi Irai,
To teach in China don’t you require a TESOL qualification?
Also, I’ve been told if you teach the hours are long and requires teaching in the evenings and weekends.
Curious??

CK4069:

You need a TEFL or TESOL minimum 120 hr certification.  If you teach for any after-school program then you will teach evenings and weekends as that is when kids are free.  However, if you have degrees (minimum BA) like an MA or PhD most of the universities will snag you and the hours are lighter.  If you lived closer to where I am in the Northeast we could offer you a sweet deal doing just fill in and sub work.  Feel free to PM me.

Hi there!

I'm on a short term teaching contract and may stay if I find an appealing job offer. I'm English/Drama trained for students of ages 11-18.

Cheers,

Felicity.

Hi all,

I'm into my third week in Shanghai and am enjoying it, although I wish I was more brave in trying different foods!  I'm looking to meet others to socialize with - eating and drinking wine is a favorite past time of mine!  I'm 55 and single with 4 adult children at home in Australia. Being so far away from them (and my dogs) is the hardest thing I've had to adjust to so far.

Cheers,

Felicity.

look for a PM from me

Hi Felicity,
Missing family and pets is definitely hard.  We return to Shanghai on a permanent basis at the end of June and will be definitely returning back to Australia on a regular basis to catch up with family and friends otherwise I wouldn’t relocate.
Thank goodness for FaceTime and Skype.
I do know of  the cutest puppy cafe in the Former French Concession area where you can have a coffee and cuddle these gorgeous dogs, hopefully that could help.
I have sent a PM.

Carolyn K.

I like what you are doing,  Carolyn. You sound like a very positive and brave person to me, who is make a wonderful advanture since we only live once. I love the attitude to be always curious of the world.
I am a local shanghai lady in my 33. I am working on a global travel club and taking care of my 3 y o baby girl. Welcome if you want to join our travel club!

I might want to join the travel cluh.I am moving to Shenyang in 32 days haha

Hi lrai I want to pm you but do I have to add you as a friend first?

Pieter

Dear Piet:

I am not able to PM you at this time, sorry.  BTW, you do not have to friend anyone first to PM.  LRai