This article recounts the story of a family who successfully immigrated from China to Perth, Australia. It explores their motivations, challenges, and experiences during their first year.
Introduction
We'll be discussing the experiences of a family who made the significant decision to leave their established lives in China and start anew in Perth. They faced numerous hurdles but ultimately succeeded in building a new life for themselves and their children.
The Decision to Immigrate
Motivations for Leaving China
Many individuals over 30 or 40 years old consider studying abroad as a pathway to immigration, often with the goal of providing a better future for their children. This family exemplifies this trend, seeking a fresh start in Australia. The wife recounts that her husband had been thinking about immigrating for a while, but the pandemic and concerns about their son's education were the final push. She described the intense pressure on her son in the Chinese school system as a key factor.
Overcoming Initial Resistance
Initially, the wife was hesitant about immigrating due to their stable jobs and income in China. However, she eventually came to support her husband's decision, recognizing the potential benefits for their family's well-being and future. Her family back home struggled to understand their decision to leave, highlighting the common perception that China is the safest and best place to be.
Financial Considerations
The family had a comfortable income in China, earning approximately 500,000 to 600,000 yuan annually. They owned multiple properties in the Langfang and Tianjin areas but sold them before moving to Australia. The husband's stable job in a state-owned enterprise and the wife's accounting position in a publicly traded company provided a solid financial foundation before their move.
Initial Challenges and Adjustments
Finding a Home and School
Upon arriving in Perth, the wife took the lead in securing housing and enrolling their children in school. This involved navigating the rental market, which requires providing references. The family's priority was finding a home close to their children's school. She wisely went to the school first to find a house instead of the other way around.
Banking and Phone Services
Setting up essential services like bank accounts and phone plans presented initial hurdles. The wife recommends opening a bank account with a Chinese bank branch in Australia before arriving, as other banks might have stricter requirements. Obtaining a local phone number is also crucial for banking and other services. Telstra and Vodafone are two major providers.
Transportation
Owning a car is essential for living in Perth. The family opted to buy a new car to avoid potential repair issues, as they were unfamiliar with car maintenance.
Language Barriers
While the family had studied English in China, they found that communicating with native speakers, with their various accents, was initially challenging. The wife recommends enrolling in English classes, such as the AMEP program offered at TAFE, to improve language skills and connect with other immigrants.
Work and Career Transition
Initial Employment
The wife, who had a background in accounting, initially took on cleaning jobs to earn income while caring for her children. She emphasized the importance of adapting to new roles and not being overly concerned with career prestige. She felt it was important to gain local work experience and integrate into the local enterprise, step by step.
Current Employment
She is now working full-time as a cashier in a food and beverage factory, a position she enjoys due to its flexibility and supportive environment.
Husband's Transition
The husband joined the family in Perth six months later, after completing his work handover in China. He is now employed and adjusting to life in Australia, benefiting from his wife's prior experience and preparation.
Children's Education and Well-being
Positive Impact on Children
The family has observed a significant positive impact on their children's well-being since moving to Australia. The children are happier and more motivated to attend school, and they have made friends from diverse backgrounds. The pressure to achieve academically has also decreased, allowing them to pursue their interests more freely. Her children have made friends from Turkey and other countries.
Addressing Concerns
The family is aware of potential challenges, such as the influence of tattoos, alcohol, and drugs, particularly as their children enter high school. However, they are actively involved in their children's lives and communicate openly with them about these issues. The parents are more concerned about their children becoming spoiled and losing their motivation.
Social Integration and Community
Building a Support Network
The family has found the people in Perth to be generally friendly and helpful. They have built a strong support network of friends and acquaintances, including neighbors, classmates' parents, and members of the Chinese community. This has helped them to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Embracing Cultural Differences
The family does not feel pressured to fully integrate into mainstream Australian society, preferring to maintain their own cultural identity and social circles while still engaging with their local community. They have friendly relationships with their neighbors and participate in local events.
Advice for Prospective Immigrants
The wife encourages those considering immigration to take the leap and not be deterred by potential challenges. She stresses the importance of:
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Making a decision and moving forward: Avoid dwelling on hypothetical scenarios and focus on overcoming obstacles as they arise.
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Adjusting your mindset: Be open to new experiences and opportunities, and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.
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Building a support network: Connect with other immigrants and locals to create a sense of community.
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Focusing on the positives: Appreciate the benefits of living in Australia, such as the improved quality of life and opportunities for personal growth.
The family's story serves as an inspiring example of how individuals can successfully navigate the challenges of immigration and build a fulfilling life in a new country.
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