Magazine Interview

I was interviewed for a local magazine that caters to foreigners. They interviewed me on the ex-pat experience for children living in Xi'an. I thought it might offer insight into what life is like for the kids.  I wrote the questions they asked in red and my answers in black.

 How have your children benefited from their expat experience?

Our children have personally benefited from their expat experience in Xi’an. It has helped our children to be more flexible, culturally sensitive, and creative.

Through necessity the children have had to learn how to be flexible; to adapt to new situations, food, and cultural behavior.  While there have been some bumps along the way, the children are developing skills that will be invaluable throughout their adult life.

Living abroad has helped develop a better understanding and acceptance of cultures. The children have learned we all have more commonalities than differences. Once the children have recognized similarities they have built friendships. Because friendships are based on similarities and shared experiences, differences in language and culture do not matter as much.

We can’t always find the ingredients we need to make familiar foods and we can’t do the same activities that we are used to, but I am amazed at the creative solutions my children come up with. Many times I say something can’t be done, and they come up with creative solutions that actually work.

What aspects of living abroad are difficult for your children?

It has been difficult balancing being kind and friendly to the Chinese while maintaining our personal space and privacy. Our family sticks out in Xi’an because we have three daughters and they are fair haired. We literally get stopped every day for photos, and many people will touch their hair and try to pick them up. When we went to the zoo there was literally a line of people waiting to get their picture with us. While this is fun for them most days, sometimes the children want their personal space.  I have gotten good at saying “ta hen hai xiu”, which means she is shy. The Chinese are usually understanding  and give them their personal space when I say this.

Another challenge is finding food we are familiar with. Many times familiar food tastes different than we are used to. On the flip side, the children are trying new foods and we are finding new foods we like.

What advise do you have for other ex-pat parents?

I would advise other parents to be deliberate. Decide what you want your expat experience to be like, then make that happen by writing down and planning out  deliberate goals and or purposes.  Make your expat experience what you want it to be.