The end of summer also marks the start of the new school year and the arrival of new expat families in Beijing as well.
I didn’t know anyone when I first came to Beijing in the winter of 2015, just after the authorities called off one of the worst pollution alerts in the 2010s. So I can imagine how crazy it is for newcomers to live cautiously in such a global city without any knowledge of the air quality, health, security, and a lot more. Luckily, I found my footing after joining a volunteer group a year after I arrived. Since then, I have been exploring the capital through the help of the awesome people I have met through work or social groups.
You don’t have to wait a year to settle in and find your niche! If you’re a new arrival and finding the language barrier or local customs frustrating — remember, you are not alone. Almost everyone who came before you have survived those difficulties, especially those who have open-mindedly accepted that these quirks in Beijing will be one for the books!
Our seasoned friends from the International Newcomer’s Network (INN) and Expat Connection will be sharing their experiences through the annual Arrival Survival, INN’s biggest gathering taking place at Capital Club Athletic Center on August 26 (Monday), from 10am to noon.
INN and Expat Connection have invited many speakers from different social and business groups in the Beijing expat community who will share their life hacks and survival tips on the following topics to make our early days a little less stressful:
- Safety and emergency,
- Transportation and getting around town,
- Telecommunications and internet tips,
- WeChat and other helpful apps,
- Banking and cashless payments,
- Air and water quality,
- Online subscriptions, and
- Social activities and volunteering.
In addition, many vendors and businesses in Beijing will join the gathering. Here’s your chance to get connected to these people because they can introduce you to community groups and services that can help make life here more enjoyable. This event is also a great time to meet new people and make lifetime friendships as well!
Note that this event is for foreign passport holders only! The cost is RMB 60 per person and includes refreshments (coffee, tea, and pastries) provided by Capital Mansion.
For details, visit INN Beijing’s website (www.innbeijing.com) or add the official INN WeChat account: INNBeijing1994
Get more updates from Expat Connection at www.china-expat-connection.com.
Photos: Poster courtesy of INN, session photo by Andy Penafuerte III