How can a foreigner survive in China?

Ideally, you should start studying Mandarin Chinese at least a few months before you go for China. This is the most logical course of action for you to take at this time. However, what if you can't plan that far in advance?

I had planned to go to other regions of the globe in the future, and I'm glad I did. Before I left the United States, I had no idea that I was going to China. Between giving notice at work, obtaining my visa, and attending to personal concerns, those two weeks were jam-packed. I had no time to start learning the language. Honestly, I didn't give it a second thought.

It Takes Time and Effort to Pick Up a New Language

Learning might take a while for some of us. Whatever promises you hear from language acquisition firms, learning a second language isn't simple.

You still have to be proactive despite the concept that immersion in a new language can speed up your learning process. It takes time, effort, and a little bit of devotion to learn a new language.

If you don't speak any Chinese, how do you live in China?

Many of my Chinese students ask me this question, as well as individuals back home. How can you live in China if you don't speak the language?

In short, it's not simple, but it can be accomplished. It's really a lot simpler than you think. That's what this article is all about. To aid those who may find themselves in countries where they don't know the language, it has been designed.

Befriend other foreigners who can communicate in Chinese.

In China, a large number of foreigners are either learning Chinese or teaching English. There is a good chance that they are fluent in Chinese if they have been living in China for a long time. Meeting them may or may not be simple, depending on your purpose for being in China. The majority of foreigners you encounter are willing to assist you if necessary.

It is common for foreigners residing in China to provide advice on how best to learn Chinese.

Try to make friends with Chinese folks who can communicate in English.

This will be simple. Many individuals in China who are trying to learn English will attempt to connect with you. When you get off the bus, shop or go to school, they'll approach you. In the beginning, it might be a nuisance to be approached by individuals in China who want to learn English.

Coworkers and students may ask you out often if you're teaching or studying in China. Be sociable and accept a few invites. When you make Chinese friends, they'll frequently volunteer to translate for you when you need it.

Invest on a phone.

An costly phone isn't necessary. Your best bet in China could be a 230 RMB cell phone. Text messages may be saved on a cheap mobile phone so that you can access them at a later date.

If you have any Chinese friends, ask one of them to send you an SMS containing your address in both Chinese characters and English letters. The English should be at the bottom of the list. You'll be able to swiftly identify the message you're looking for using this method.

The stored text message may be used as a reference for taxi drivers who don't understand you or who can't remember your address if you're attempting to go home. Despite the fact that a basic phone will do, a smartphone may make life much easier.

A tiny phrasebook is always a good idea.

Mandarin-English dictionaries may be quite helpful. Expressions written in English, Chinese pinyin, and Chinese characters are often included in these. First, try to express yourself in Chinese using the pinyin as a reference. You may show folks the characters for the term if they don't understand.