How to settle in to life in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a popular city break destination for holidaymakers who want to make the most of the culture, the food and the shopping experiences that this amazing city state has to offer. And it’s also popular for those who want to move on a more long-term basis as well, perhaps for employment or family reasons. But setting up a new life in HK can take time, and you may find that there are some difficulties when it comes to settling in. This article will share some tips on how you can ensure everything goes smoothly when it comes to moving to Hong Kong.
Learn the language
English is widely spoken in Hong Kong, which makes it an attractive place for Americans who are on the lookout for a city to move to. But Cantonese is also spoken too, and that means you may find yourself experiencing a little bit of culture shock when you open magazines and newspapers written in this language or hear someone speak it. By familiarizing yourself with even just a few words of Cantonese, you’ll feel much more at home straight away – and you’ll be able to have a conversation with the new people you meet, too.
Consider international schools
The sort of school a child attends is often a deeply personal decision on the part of the individual family. But there are plenty of reasons to consider an international school as one of your options, especially given that they can make all the difference when it comes to helping a child settle in. The American international school in Hong Kong offers children the chance to learn in the same way as they would back home if they’re from the USA, and the school is also looking to offer prestigious courses like the International Baccalaureate program. If you think this mode of learning will provide some much-needed educational continuity for your family, it’s definitely worth looking into a school with a global, cosmopolitan twist.
Visit first – if you can
The famous skyline of Hong Kong and the vibrancy of the harbor and the streets mean that it often projects a great image in tourist brochures and online. But like any destination, Hong Kong has its downsides too. It does, for example, have a lot of traffic, and this can take some getting used to. By making yourself aware of local issues like this before you move, you won’t receive a nasty surprise when you do arrive. Instead, you’ll be able to move in confidence knowing that you can handle whatever the city throws your way.
If you’re planning a big move to Hong Kong, well done! It’s one of the world’s most amazing cities for everything from malls to making friends, and most people who move there settle in quickly and easily. While you may have to overcome some hurdles, such as choosing a school or picking up some Cantonesein order to feel fully at home here, with a little bit of preparation you’ll have it managed in no time.