Heading east

The purpose of this blog it to keep my loved ones back home in Sweden informed of what's happening to me in China. Also, I hope that this blog can be useful for other people that wants to go the same way. Mainly I will stick to write about Chinese culture, cooking, sports, night life etc and compare the culture with European customs, but also about my personal adventures.

Background
One year ago I realized that I don't have much time left until I graduate from collage, and the stress of finding an employment in bad financial times was coming on to me. I realized that I need somewhat unique skills to improve my odds on the professional market, so I started to study Mandarin. I believe that this language and knowledge about Chinese culture may be a key to a career. Even if I will be proven wrong on that point knowledge is an easy burden to carry.

In October we had the vice president of Volvo Parts as lecturer at Chalmers Uni. He was there to provide some career coaching, and the most valuable tip he gave us was to learn Mandarin. I took him seriously and started to think about moving to China for better learning. I don't have much that keeps me in Sweden, and China has been fascinating me for a while. After the lecture I asked him for some tips and he told me to email him if I am serious about the trip. Said and done, and he helped me with some connections in Shanghai. Also the purchasing manager of Hemtex who has been traveling to Shanghai frequently hooked me up with some people, and most important he provided inspiration.

So, after much hard work and problem solving I am finally going. I will start as a student of Mandarin at Wanli University in Ningbo. Throwing myself into a long term employment in a country I have never visited before seemed a bit risky. I will work when I have time in the afternoon because I want to observe and learn Chinese culture at work.
I will rent a nice apartment close to the university, but I am considering moving in with some Chinese for better learning. I don't know anyone in China, but flying solo will be exciting.

You will never be first when following someone else's footsteps.