There is are many blogs with stories about about what Chinese people think of laowai, its also one of the most popular questions that people ask me. Laowai basically means foreigner (though the Chinese don’t use this to describe Koreans, Japanese) some dislike being called this but I have no problems with it, it’s the way people use the word not the meaning that is more important.
Last night for the first time in several months I spent the evening at a bar mixing with some of the other expats here in Changchun. It was fun and interesting and made a change, however I still don’t understand why people want to do this every weekend – it must get very boring. The funny thing is that many expats know ‘of me’ through this website, but have never actually met me in peson. I’m quite illusive and beyond a few good friends, actively avoid contact with the foreign community in Changchun.
I’m like this because I’m In China, I should make Chinese friends who can help me to understand things, not just huggle together with other expats just because we’re ‘foreign’. I also don’t like the environment associated with this in Changchun, perhaps in see something in the people who frequent such places and think to myself ‘I hope I dont end up like that’ – also the choice of venues here is quite poor, it seems to range between dafeningly loud disco music and 80s stuff, that’s it.
However, there is an element of me that sees the reasoning for this – China can be a scary place especially for those new here, In many ways it is natural to cling to something you find familar, something you can relate to. Perhaps I’m different as I’m just not interested in hanging around with expats, afterall I can do that everyday when I go back to the UK!
Laowai in Changchun and China and Asia to an extent are an interesting bunch.
I will say that the foreigners in Changchun are not, and should not, be considered representative of what foreigners are actually like outside of China. There are many people here who couldn’t cut it in the west. This doesn’t necessarily mean they are bad people, but I’m just trying to make the point that often the laowai here are not a good representation of how people are back home.
Most Chinese don’t really understand laowai not just because of not having had exposure to foreigners before, but because often we do things in different ways. I often hear people say we’re strange, cold blooded etc… I understand why people say this, compared to the Chinese way, we probably are, but most laowai will not see this as they haven’t had enough exposure to Chinese way of thinking – they will see the opposite ‘those Chinese are so strange’
So, as a laowai I can much more easily work out fellow foreiger than the Chinese can, just as most laowai find it hard to work out the Chinese.
Of course Im a laowai too so you can put me into one of more of these groups!
This may seem a little negative but I’m just trying to be as realistic as possible:
StudentsMostly Russians and Africans at Jida and Shida. Maybe here for a semester or two, unfortunately don’t have the opportunity to pick up much about Chinese culture beyond the textbooks. Generally pretty naive about China as never have the opportunity to actually experience the real world.Foreign WorkersThese make up the biggest proportion of laowai in changchun behind students, nearlly all men (some families), 35+ with professional experience in their given field. Usually stay a few months to 2 years in Changchun, mostly from Germany, France and north America – all working for automotive related companies.Live in area just for other foreign workers, thus wil never face many of the day to day problems of integrating into the community.Most dont really want to be here, have been sent here by company – no real interest in learning the language or culture, often can’t wait to get back to familes back home, spend most time working or in bars.MissionaryChristians that operate here exploiting the Chinese infactuation with cost saving (they work for pretty much nothing, their host organisation back home pays them) spreading the word of god or poisoning the minds of others. Here to convert Chinese from the classroom, despite preaching religion here being illegal the authorities turn a blind eye. Keep to themselves, generally not here very long, mostly despised by fellow teachers for diluting the market.TravellerVery few in cc, there’s actually lots of things to see in the northeast but they are not so well known, and without language skills very difficult to do, which makes them out of reach to most foreign tourists.Married to/serious relationship with ChineseQuite a few of these, probably the most popular reason for laowai to be in Changchun beyond a year. Almost always men with a Chinese women (not all though) waiting to get visas sorted so they can go to the west. Very few stay long-term, almost all leave within a few years. Often younger people, though there’s the odd 老牛吃嫩草。Shady ForeignerWhen not teaching spends most time at bars, Look like they’ve just come out of prision (which they may well have!) Probably on the run from something bad they’ve done in the west – making the most of China having no extradition treaty with most western countries and Changchun being a little off the beaten track. Usually older men, almost always have a younger Chinese girl friend(s) who help them live as they are incapable of surviving on their own.SexpatMen, have been around a bit, probably travelled/worked in other asian countries teaching i.e thailand, korea etc… Generally aged from late 20s to 50+, dont have interest in the culture, can’t communicate beyond basic taxi driver Chinese, are here for the women. Are not interested in integrating into the Chinese way of life, often only eat western food. Spend lots of time at bars, massage places, esp around guilin lu area, hitting on much younger Chinese girls. Probably have no long term plans or ambitions beyond teaching in China, love the lifestyle, too lazy, lethargic or stupid to want to do anything else with their lives. In a few years will move into the lifer category. Give a bad image of laowai to Chinese…MarriageOften rich Japanese or Taiwanese men, looking for a wife – usually arranged through one of the many introduction companies that operate from here. Pay lots of money to arrange this, will both go back to home country afterwards.Prostitute/black marketRussians here for the money, trying to make a fast-buck. Making the most of slack law enforcement, economic liberalisation and the boom in cross-border trade.Long term China teacherBeen in China a while, almost certainly teaching in various different cities. Likes China, likes teaching, no long tems plans beyond this – not interested in going home any time soon. Usually men in their 30s, often have Chinese girl friend/wife. Perhaps would be unable to adjust to life back in the west.LiferPeople that will probably be here for the rest of their lives, for various reasons but most probably because they couldn’t survive back in the west.Generally Older men, that are too old to retrain and or lack the skills to be able to get into another profession. Whether by chance or planned have ended up here, mostly teachers making the most of a job that has low entry requirements. Usually don’t understand the language/culture despite having been here many years, perhaps in love with the vibe of the place, nice enough people but cant help feeling sorry for them…RetireesNot so many in Changchun have come to China to retire. Almost always have a Chinese partner, probably will do part-time teaching to keep active.Career BreakYounger or older people taking a career break, here for a year or two teaching, to pick up some new experience and see what things are like outside the comfort of the west. Will leave within a year of year to get back into their career
Go to the main page
Shady Foreigner
When not teaching spends most time at bars, Look like they’ve just come out of prision (which they may well have!) Probably on the run from something bad they’ve done in the west – making the most of China having no extradition treaty with most western countries and Changchun being a little off the beaten track. Usually older men, almost always have a younger Chinese girl friend(s) who help them live as they are incapable of surviving on their own.
Everything in your post was fine but that. That’s bloody Martian and untrue on so many levels. The fact you’d perpetuate that kind of silliness in an otherwise spot-on post leads me to wonder how much of your blog is actually suspect and how much you really experienced living in Changchun.
Shady Foreigner
When not teaching spends most time at bars, Look like they’ve just come out of prision (which they may well have!) Probably on the run from something bad they’ve done in the west – making the most of China having no extradition treaty with most western countries and Changchun being a little off the beaten track. Usually older men, almost always have a younger Chinese girl friend(s) who help them live as they are incapable of surviving on their own.
Everything in your post was fine but that. That’s bloody Martian and untrue on so many levels. The fact you’d perpetuate that kind of silliness in an otherwise spot-on post leads me to wonder how much of your blog is actually suspect and how much you really experienced living in Changchun.
Ok, this bit is supposed to be a little tongue in cheek (sorry you didn’t understand it was meant to be humourous)- don’t take it so seriously! Though as Martian as you think it may be, I’ve met quite a few foreigners here clearly with something to hide.
Like I’ve said before, I write things based on my experiences here – and yes I am actually in Changchun and these things have happened to me – take it or leave it.
Ok, this bit is supposed to be a little tongue in cheek (sorry you didn’t understand it was meant to be humourous)- don’t take it so seriously! Though as Martian as you think it may be, I’ve met quite a few foreigners here clearly with something to hide.
Like I’ve said before, I write things based on my experiences here – and yes I am actually in Changchun and these things have happened to me – take it or leave it.
Good on yer Dave, tell it how it is!
Mum
Good on yer Dave, tell it how it is!
Mum