Many families choose to relocate overseas, often citing reasons such as escaping intense competition ("nei juan") or seeking better educational opportunities for their children. However, this transition can bring unexpected challenges and anxieties. This article explores some of these issues, drawing from the experiences of a family who moved from China to Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
The Singapore Connection
Johor Bahru's close proximity to Singapore makes it a frequent destination for residents. A recent trip to Singapore to see a Ghibli Studio exhibit with friends prompted reflections on the experiences of other families they've encountered.
Using Johor Bahru as a Stepping Stone to Singaporean Schools
Some parents move to Johor Bahru as a temporary measure. Their children might fail the AEIS (Admissions Exercise for International Students) exam required to enter Singaporean government schools. Living in Johor Bahru offers a lower cost of living while the children prepare for another attempt at the exam. This serves as a good transition.
English Language Environment: A Perceived Shortcoming?
However, some parents find that the English language environment in Johor Bahru isn't as immersive as they expected. This can be attributed to the high percentage of Chinese speakers.
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Many Malaysian Chinese are adept at switching between Mandarin and English.
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They often mirror the language used by the other party out of respect.
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If a child primarily uses Mandarin, the other person will continue to use it.
This can limit opportunities for English language practice. However, proactively speaking English encourages others to respond in English. Malaysia is a multicultural country where people may seamlessly switch between English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Hokkien in the same conversation.
Overcoming Language Barriers and Building Confidence
The environment in Malaysia is generally supportive. People are accepting of imperfect English, making it an ideal place to build confidence.
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Children are often praised for attempting to learn in a non-native language.
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The overall societal tolerance is high.
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Communication is valued over perfect grammar.
A child's confidence grows when they feel safe and supported. This leads to a willingness to speak English. The speaker's own child is a testament to this. She was initially hesitant to speak English but gained confidence after receiving encouragement and acceptance at school.
Unexpected Challenges: Adapting to a New Lifestyle
Some Chinese parents who send their children to Singaporean schools face unexpected difficulties adapting to the local lifestyle. Even after their children are admitted to government primary schools, the parents themselves may struggle to adjust.
Lifestyle Differences
The parents may find the lack of convenience compared to China challenging. They may struggle with things like grocery shopping, which are easily managed with mobile apps in China but require more hands-on effort in Singapore. This highlights differences in living standards.
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Singaporeans often prefer eating out over cooking at home.
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Online shopping habits also differ, with preferences for independent websites.
The speaker stresses that adapting to a new environment requires acceptance and finding one's own way.
Essential Tools: Surfshark VPN
Certain tools are invaluable for navigating life abroad. Surfshark VPN, for example, offers a secure network and IP address masking, protecting privacy during activities like international money transfers and cross-border meetings. It boasts:
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Encryption of network traffic
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IP address masking
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Global server network
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Multi-device support
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Clean Web feature to block ads and malicious websites
The Reality of Overseas Life: Beyond the Ideal
While relocation offers many benefits, it's important to acknowledge the potential difficulties. The speaker admits that their family also faces challenges, just like everyone else. There was a period when their wife was back in China and they were facing significant hardships. However, they overcame those challenges with help from the community.
Setting Realistic Goals and Adapting to Change
It's crucial to set long-term goals and be prepared to adjust plans as needed. Life inevitably has ups and downs, requiring flexibility and a willingness to adapt to the unexpected. Since moving to Malaysia, the family has adapted to new lifestyles and routines. They appreciate the warmth and friendliness of the Malaysian Chinese community. This positive experience goes beyond online accounts.
Integrating and Understanding the Purpose of Relocation
The speaker draws a parallel to the film Kiki's Delivery Service, where Kiki must venture out on her own to develop her skills and find her purpose in a new community.
When families relocate overseas, both parents and children should adapt and work towards their goals. While children tend to adapt more quickly, parents must invest time and effort into integrating into the new environment.
The key lies in understanding the purpose of relocation:
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Are you truly committed to building a new life?
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Or are you simply following a trend?
Relocating is a lifestyle change that requires embracing new experiences and ways of life, not just enjoying tourist attractions. It's unrealistic to expect the conveniences of one's home country while also enjoying the perceived benefits of a foreign education system. A "having it all" mindset is often unsustainable.
Finding Parallels in Art and Life
The Ghibli exhibit, particularly My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki's Delivery Service, resonated deeply because they mirrored the family's own experiences. Totoro reflects the move from the city to a more natural environment, while Kiki portrays the challenges of adapting to a new life and building relationships in a new community. These stories highlight the importance of community support, a theme the speaker and his family have experienced firsthand in Malaysia.
This article represents a glimpse into the family's life abroad and their reflections on the experience, offering valuable insights for those considering a similar journey.
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