Voices from Around the World

Traveling around the world is one thing, but imagine living abroad. Here you will hear from voices around the world about their experiences living outside of the United States.

Outdoor Voice #1:

Dr. Jenaya Purdue - Living in China

Tell us a little about the country and city where you are living.  What are you doing right now for work and how did you secure your position?  Any advice to our readers who may be considering looking for employment overseas?

I currently live in Shenzhen, China across the street from Hong Kong and have been here for 17 months, but it feels like 30 years. My 4th grade student Kamryn cussed me out for the umpteenth time cuz I took her Cheetos away from her in fractions class. So I went home and googled “How to leave America and still make money.” All these jobs for teaching English in China popped. 6 months later, boom. Google is your best friend and also reach out to others who live abroad because we probably know someone who lives in the country you’re interested in. Also, English is the gateway to most jobs abroad. I suggest teaching English by getting certified first, then when you’re finally abroad, start looking and exploring options. For educators, the international school scene is incredible, but I didn’t go that route because I need a break from the babies.

How long have you lived outside of the United States? How long do you plan on living outside of the United States?

I’ve lived abroad for 17 months and plan to live abroad for at least 10 years. But also I’ll be making a baby in 4 years years and don’t want to raise my Black child in America. Maybe forever?

What are three key things a person should consider before making the decision to live abroad?

How willing are you to give up your current life for something completely different? What are your non-negotiables in any life transition? And, give it a year. You can survive anything for a year. I was ret-ta-go when I left and had nothing keeping me in my miserable life except myself. Any barriers that seem difficult (but I have a car, a partner, no money, I’m scared, blah) are not as impossible as they seem if you truly are ready. My non-negotiables were connection to folks who love me and who I love--so Facetime and Zoom and my therapist are key. Also, I’m working on being a minimalist so I live that life which is helpful abroad.

Have you found it difficult to immerse yourself in the culture of the country where you are living? Was it challenging to break into social communities/make new friends in your new country?

China is so so so hard! I live in a town of either 15 or 19 million people and speak 8 words of Chinese, but I live a very Chinese life. I eat their food, drink their tea, walk like them, ride the trains. If you only do western things, you won’t stay long. There’s a direct connection between folks who eat McDonald’s 4-5 times a week and their level of satisfaction with their new home country. I came here to disappear so I didn’t want and am not looking for friends. But after a year, I was ready and now have some good people around. I left America cuz I was tired of (white) Americans..so I don’t see a reason to be around white american expats here all the time.

What is most difficult about living abroad? What’s something that you did not expect that you’ve encountered during your time abroad?

Here, the hygiene factor is so difficult for me--the spitting and city grime is just so gross. Also, I’m black in China. Picture taking, talking about, folks being scared of me, and regular racist stuff is hard to deal with. Processing that with other Black folks helps immensely. There’s solidarity in the similar pain. I didn’t realize how many folks back home would forget about me. Very very few have continued our relationship since I left. It’s “out of sight, out of mind” and that’s hard. Oh. And the very simplest of things can be emotionally draining. Like buying groceries, figuring out how to get a train ticket. Everything is so hard at the beginning.

What’s your most memorable cultural experience to date?

Oh Tinder.. I’ve had so many over the years. I’ve been to 31 countries now and live in China. To date, def sleeping under the stars in Morocco after a camel ride in the desert. And peeing in the sand. I was with my grandma on that trip and it was great.

If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice before moving, what would it be?

Bring seasonings that you can cook with that will bring you joy. Also Bronner’s soap is a non-negotiable especially if you’re a light-packer or minimalist like me.

When/If you return to the United States what will you miss most about China?

I don’t plan to go back unless I REALLY have to. The USA is just doing the most right now. I’ll miss the price of things. I bought two amazing dresses for $5 each and they were delivered to my door. The simplicity of my life. I am really good at choosing myself and saying no now. I’ll also miss rice noodles and fresh produce. They are truly poisoning people with food in America.

Any final advice to people trying to make a decision about living and working abroad?

Do it. Set a date. Sell your shit. Get two suitcases. If your stuff doesn’t fit, take it to Goodwill. And bounce.

FINAL QUESTION: What’s your favorite country you’ve visited? Don’t be shy, tell us why!

Ugh. Colombia stole my heart and I plan to get a tiny house and a plot of land in Palenque when I’m done with China. It was the first place I’ve been where people loved being Black. But also Thailand cuz Thai food is amazing and they have scooters. I’ll get a tiny house there. And then Italy cuz ravioli. And Montenegro cuz..just Google Image it. I’ll get a tiny house there too.