Black & Abroad: Chantel

Greetings Everyone!!!

I am so excited to bring back interviews like last spring. I greatly enjoy sharing about my expat adventures, but during the month of May I will share about the experiences of some fellow expats I have met during my time in China.

Chantel: Thanks so much for joining me on my blog. More importantly, thanks for sharing with us about your experience in China.

 

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Let’s do a quick introduction:

1. What’s your name, where are you from, and how long have you been in China?

My name is Chantel Rhodes, I was born & raised in Fort Myers, Florida. I lived in Atlanta for 5 years before relocating to China in August of 2017. I’ve been here a little over a year & a half.

2. Are you single, married, have any children?

I am single and I have no children.

3. What brought you to Asia- more specifically China?

I was attracted to China in particular because I have a friend, Preston, who had already been living here for several years. He was very influential in my decision to choose China for my first expat experience.

Now we have a little background information about you lets dig a little deeper!

 Breaking and Crushing:

1. In your opinion – what do you think are some of the biggest stereotypes we (generally speaking – though I know you don’t speak for everyone) face as people of color living abroad – here in China?

From my vantage point, one of the biggest stereotypes is that we (black people) are all from the continent of Africa. Although it can be frustrating to explain our nationality over & over again, I realize that we are apart of a larger learning process.

2. What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced living here?

Language barriers & overall cultural differences. I was forced to relax my expectations of cleanliness/ hygiene upon moving to China.

While I’ve enjoyed my time in China, I can admit that I’ve experienced some of my loneliest days here. I’ve felt homesickness on levels that I never imagined possible for a globetrotter like myself. Sometimes, I really long for the close relationships with family & friends back home.

3. How do you think we are crushing stereotypes- if we are at all?

We are indeed crushing stereotypes!! Every encounter that a Chinese child or adult has with a foreigner helps to shape the perception that they may have about foreigners. The more examples that they see, the more information that they have to process about foreigners, black in particular. As I mentioned earlier, we are just as much a part of their learning process as they are a part of ours.

4. Knowing what you know now- about life in China and being here as long as you have been here, would you still have moved here knowing what you know now?

Whew chile! I will be able to give you a more profound answer to this question once I depart China for good lol. But for now, I will say that China was a good decision and I’m glad that China has been included in my story. There are some definite concerns that I have living here but overall, I don’t fear my safety and that matters to me.

 #LIC – Let’s talk a little about Life in China! There are definitely some positives about being here.

1. What are three things you like about living in China (if you can think of three).

-I like the opportunities & career options that living in China provides native English speakers like myself.

-I like how inexpensive things can be here. Housing, full body massages, fresh fruit & vegetables and even clothing. Taobao is a dream! Lol

-It would be remiss of me to not mention my students. Honestly the relationship that I have established with my learners has been the one factor that has made this experience extraordinary for me. I am eternally grateful for the influence that my learners (past & present) have imparted into my life. 

2. What do you do for fun with your free time?

Although I enjoy time alone, there is always a party, a workshop, comedy show etc., to participate in when I feel like being more social. The options are plentiful here in Shanghai.

3. Has it been hard for you to meet people and make friends here?

Meeting people here isn’t necessarily hard, however people are constantly coming & going. It can be difficult to form lasting & strong ties with the people that you meet here.

4. What do you do for work here in China?

I am an English teacher at an International School.

 Food- Food makes the world go round!

1. How has your food journey been here? Has it been a hard transition from home to here?

I am not too thrilled about the food here in China, while you can find a few amazing places to eat, I miss the delicacies from America (however unhealthy they may be) lol.

2. Have you tried anything here that you love that you don’t have at home?

I tried cupping (traditional Chinese pain relief practice) for the first time since living in China. While you can find it anywhere in the world, I had easier access to that service here in China. I also began fencing since living in China.

3. Have you tried anything here that you absolutely hate and hope to never eat again?

The fruit- Durian

4. How is shopping for food here for you? Do you spend a lot buying food or eating out?

Shopping for clothing can be pretty enjoyable & simple. Unfortunately, I don’t feel that shopping for groceries is as simple. Most of my money goes towards experiences eating out. It’s mostly because my friends and I choose to be social over meals & drinks.

 Access to travel – A lot of people move abroad because of the access to travel to other countries. Let’s talk about this!

1. China is huge!!! Have you been to any places in China? Are there any places in China you would like to visit?

I have been to Harbin, Wuxi, Nanjing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Beijing & Hong Kong (if that counts). Harbin’s Snow & Ice festival is a must see! There are so many places in China that I’d still love to visit, including Chengdu, Xi’an & Guilin.

2. Have you visited any nearby countries since you have been here? Where did you go?

The only nearby countries that I’ve visited so far are Singapore & Malaysia.

(only?? Girl that is so cool! you’ve been to 6 cities in China – and HK/Singapore/Malaysia – so many amazing memories to share with everyone)

3. What cities/countries are on your travel list?

I’d love to visit Macedonia, Mongolia, Tibet and a few others.

(Please take me with you to Macedonia)!!!

4. What is your dream trip? Have you been there yet?

My dream destination had always been Egypt, but when I visited there, I was slightly disenchanted with the experience.

 One Last thing-

If you could share one thing with everyone about life what would it be.

Like J. Cole said, “Love yours.”

 

Thanks so much for joining me on my blog! Many blessings. Here are a few pics of Chantel – her friends – and travels!

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#FearlessinShanghai #Thankful #joychangeslives #KMarieTakesChina #BlackGirlMagic #KarlaGirlLivingLife #BlackGirlJoy #LivingMyLifeLikeItsGolden #ChinaorBust #ChinaAintReady #BlackInShanghai #BlackInChina #BlackAmericanInChina #LookOutWorldHereComesKarla  #KarlaGirlJoy #BlackGirlInShanghai #eatsleeppartyrepeat #givingisgood #givingisfun #WakandaForever #ShuriAndNakiaAndOkoye #MelaninMagic #Blessed #FaithfulIsMyGod

“life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all”  – Hellen Keller

*I choose ADVENTURE

Currently Chantel is listening to: