Chinese Immigration to Western Countries - Integration Challenges
Chinese immigrants in western countries: integration challenges
Annika Brink (101024) – July 5, 2012
Introduction
Anno 2012 Europe consists of 47 independent countries that are divided by shared borders. At present day they note a feeling of nationalism to some, but, at an increasingly growing rate, also bring a sense of freedom to others. In today’s world of globalization borders are by no means a confinement, neither in leisure or business travel, nor in permanent living space. As a result many European countries share their land with foreign migrants and, mainly in cities, one can find a diverse mixture of backgrounds. Reasons for moving abroad are as varied as the people doing so. Being closer to family, self-exploration and career opportunities are among the popular drivers in this trend. Distinctions can be made between moving to a neighboring country, with a similar culture, or moving overseas. In any case, the integration process is rarely flawless, but it is clear that some migrants face more difficulties than others. Not only do cultural habits, values and beliefs vary, when they directly oppose each other this can create observable frictions. Although a rough generalization, it can be argued that moving from western Europe to North America, and the other way around, is a relatively easy process in terms of adaption. Migrants from North Africa to Europe have a harder time adjusting, but although this flow has been a point of discussion there are plentiful examples of successful integration situations among this group. A segment of Asian migrants, however, is also on the rise. While major international players, like China, Japan and India, are not necessarily behind on successful business practices, their different culture, mindset and habits make moving to an overseas country a series of challenges. Chinese migrants in particular follow a line of thought that is often different from western society when it comes to determining normal and proper
Annika Brink (101024) – July 5, 2012
Introduction
Anno 2012 Europe consists of 47 independent countries that are divided by shared borders. At present day they note a feeling of nationalism to some, but, at an increasingly growing rate, also bring a sense of freedom to others. In today’s world of globalization borders are by no means a confinement, neither in leisure or business travel, nor in permanent living space. As a result many European countries share their land with foreign migrants and, mainly in cities, one can find a diverse mixture of backgrounds. Reasons for moving abroad are as varied as the people doing so. Being closer to family, self-exploration and career opportunities are among the popular drivers in this trend. Distinctions can be made between moving to a neighboring country, with a similar culture, or moving overseas. In any case, the integration process is rarely flawless, but it is clear that some migrants face more difficulties than others. Not only do cultural habits, values and beliefs vary, when they directly oppose each other this can create observable frictions. Although a rough generalization, it can be argued that moving from western Europe to North America, and the other way around, is a relatively easy process in terms of adaption. Migrants from North Africa to Europe have a harder time adjusting, but although this flow has been a point of discussion there are plentiful examples of successful integration situations among this group. A segment of Asian migrants, however, is also on the rise. While major international players, like China, Japan and India, are not necessarily behind on successful business practices, their different culture, mindset and habits make moving to an overseas country a series of challenges. Chinese migrants in particular follow a line of thought that is often different from western society when it comes to determining normal and proper
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