Exactly, Hard truth, people don't like it but that's why it is not called the "Easy" truth. The old days of China hiring foreigners because of a cultural idiocy (white face = successful company) is over. Time to break out the resume and references. Full Comment>>

Companies are looking more for active qualifications to passive ones. Passive qualifications are like things like, I have traveled to that country, I am very creative, organized, punctual, good cultural knowledge, I know Chinese people well... blah blah blah... nobody really cares. Active qualifications are like, I ... Full Comment>>

LoL... if America couldn't beat Vietnam with the help of Australians and others... what chance does China think it has? Get out of their waters China, stop being an idiot. Your people will suffer from your poor decisions. Full Comment>>

Hahahaha.... ridiculous. Full Comment>>

Ah, that feeling of adventure and new horizons! I remember it well when I first came to China eight years ago and it is without a doubt one of the most exciting and life transforming things you can do. I am sure you will find a good job and adjust well. You can't really prepare yourself for China, you just have to ... Full Comment>>

China isn't a horrible place at all... but it does grow tiresome and you will find yourself wanting to leave for a while in a year or so. Perhaps not permanently but certainly to recharge your batteries. I will 100% agree with you that the financial freedom is great. It gave me to time to sort myself out and create ... Full Comment>>

Isn't this post pretty much the same as the last one? Your points on the good things of China are valid. But I don't think it helps new foreigners to China to focus only on the good and not on the bad. You should paint them a balanced view but you can't because you haven't been here quite long enough. Give it a few ... Full Comment>>

I don't think so, just because somebody says "it is on par with Rolls Royce and Volvo" doesn't mean a thing. A car has to prove itself before making those claims. Besides, Chinese seem more obsessed with well-know brand names so that they can gain face. Driving one of these around town... nobody knows what ... Full Comment>>

Anti-Terrorism course for patriotic students... Where do I sign up!? Full Comment>>

Some cultures and traditions are different... good or bad... who are we to say? Well, when it involves loss of human life due to mass-abortions or delivering babies ahead of schedule (very unhealthy) to avoid a ridiculous superstition in the year 2014... At least the hospitals will have a prosperous year... in the ... Full Comment>>

I don't know, sounds like the women is very selfish... The move was for the son's health. Shouldn't that be more important to her than her "friends" or "lifestyle". Chinese women in general seem to be getting extremely materialistic. Full Comment>>

Haha, so it is unacceptable that I say that he used the native language of MY country of origin but it is fine and dandy for you to start spouting about comparing incomes in a condescending light and putting down ESL teachers in 3rd or 4th tier cities. And I am the hypocrite...? I think you should stick to ... Full Comment>>

Which is probably a lot more than you have achieved... judging by your English, comments and outlook. He also achieved his goals, which was no small feat. Full Comment>>

I mean, I am glad that learning "English" (my native-language, OBVIOUSLY I don't own it...), allowed this man to live out his dreams. What does it say about you guys that you focused more on the fact I lay claim to a language (which is ridiculous)than congratulating a man for his hard work? Full Comment>>

What an awesome guy! He deserves all the success in the world. I am glad my native language gave this guy the opportunity to fulfill his dreams and better his life. Full Comment>>

Good man, sacrificing a little "face" to actually change things. Hopefully, the place doesn't go to hell right after the ceremony. Full Comment>>

Macau hosts UFC events? Oh man, I gotta do one of those! Full Comment>>

LoL... the old people left over from "The Cultural Revolution" certain know no bottom for their shame. Full Comment>>

I feel sad for all the legit Tuk-Tuk drivers trying to scratch together a living. These guys are not only ruining it for the tourists but other people trying to make a living as well. Full Comment>>

Smart man, it goes to show that Chinese are insane for brand names and luxury companies are absolutely LOVING China right now. Full Comment>>

I have lived in all Tiers of cities in China and I agree that expats should get in to a smaller city for the "Real China" experience. There are little things you experience that leave extremely vivid long-lasting memories that you simply can not experience in 1st or 2nd Tier cities. I have experienced all ... Full Comment>>

Yeah, Meten isn't the goal. It is merely a stepping stone... A lot of people are looking for the easy-ins but they don't realize you have to sacrifice the pawn to get to the King. I have heard of Meten, it has a decent rep... you could probably launch off them into a pretty good company if you play your cards right. Full Comment>>

Yeah, you seem like a clever guy. I am pretty certain you will do well in whatever you decide to do. You just can't give up. With the freelancing thing, I wanted to throw in the towel a few times during drought periods and horrible clients... but I didn't. It has paid off and now I never have to worry about an ... Full Comment>>

I can personally attest to most, if not all, of this being true. I have examples: 1) A friend of mine worked in a training center, they supplied English classes to foreign companies. My buddy got in good with the CEO and dropped the line that he would love to move to the company and he did. 2) With the "Don't ... Full Comment>>

China will always be an excellent place for travel but a horrid place to live/settle down in most areas. Until China is able to manage with these issues, I am certain ABCs, CBCs or whatever will not permanently stay in China. The compromise, long-term, just isn't worth it. Full Comment>>