NOSIPHO MNYAKA
Achiever of the week: Nosipho Mnyaka
June 02, 2021 | By Nqobile Mdima
This week’s feature is Nosipho Mnyaka. Nosipho is from South Africa. She holds a BA in Anthropology and an Honours degree in Drama Therapy, both from The University of the Witwatersrand. She also has a TEFL certificate (120hrs) from i-to-i TEFL. Nosipho moved to China after completing her honours degree. She knew that she wanted to live abroad after staying in Egypt for two years on a volunteering trip. She enjoyed the freedom and learning about new cultures, trying out new food and just surrounding herself with people from different walks of life. Nosipho is currently based in Beijing city and she works for Houhai English as an English Teacher. She's been living and working in China for 2 and a half years. She's planning to continue working in China for two more years to save up for her plans. So far she has travelled to six countries and Egypt is her favourite.
Nosipho shares with us her TEFL journey, travel experiences, her skincare business, expat life in Egypt and China, her highlights and lowlights as well as her future plans.
What were you doing before you moved to China?
I had just completed my Honours degree. I came straight after that.
What made you decide to move abroad and why did you choose to move to China?
I've always known that I wanted to live abroad after staying in Egypt for two years on a volunteering trip. I enjoyed the freedom and learning new about new cultures, trying out new food and just surrounding myself with people from different walks of life.
Was it always your desire/plan to ever move abroad?
Yes, it was. I was looking into other countries before finally choosing China.
How long did it take you to adjust to the new environment?
It took me about three months. It was a rough three months finding my feet financially and just figuring how to communicate with people. My life changed after I discovered google translate.
How has your life changed ever since you moved abroad?
My life has changed drastically. I’m more liberated in the choices that I make. I’m more open minded to trying new things. I have learnt how to be fully independent and in whatever decision I make. Its also been very liberating to be able to support my family in my time of being here.
Which website do you use to search for opportunities in China?
I use Echina or Teachaway.com.
What does your days look like on the weekdays and weekends?
During the week I have more free time as I work at a training centre. I usually wake up, do some exercise and cook my favourite meals. Sometimes I explore the City with my friends, go hiking, eat at a nice rooftop or site see. On the weekends I work.
What have been your highlights and lowlights?
My highlights have been being able to travel across Asia and meet so many amazing people. Lows have been being scammed by agents and having to fight for my papers.
When did you start your business and what motivated you to start it?
I started my business, Nosy Cosmetics, at the beginning of 2020. I was not working due to the COVID and had a lot of free time to self-care. I had been making my own natural scrubs for a long time as I have very dry skin and the weather in China was very harsh to me. I couldn’t find any African skin friendly products and the scrubs and oils I was mixing myself were working wonders to me. I would post and get a lot of questions on what I use on my skin. I then said, “why not make this a business”. I was already unemployed and had all the time in the world, so I started making scrubs packing them and selling them. Now I have sold to many people and only have God to thank for that.
What products do you sell and where can potential customers buy them from?
I sell scrubs, body oils and lip-glosses. All of which are hand made by me.
Where do you network with other expats in your city?
I’m in some WeChat groups where I meet many people and customers. I have also recently attended a vendor’s market where I sold my products and extended my clientele.
How do you deal with homesickness?
I video call my family every day. Speaking to them makes it better. I also surround myself with close South African friends that make China feel like home. We have Sunday lunches and dinners that remind us of home.
How many countries have you travelled to so far and which one is your favourite?
I have travelled to 6 countries. Egypt is my favourite place. It is so rich in ancient history, amazing beaches, restaurants and activities.
Do you plan the trips yourself or do you use agencies when you travel?
I actually plan my trips myself and when I get to the country, I find those small agency stores. A travel tip for me is don’t choose the first agency you see when you want to book an activity. They all have different prices for the same activity and there will always be a cheaper one. Another way is to also ask the hotel for the directions of where you want to go and get a ticket straight at the venue as that saves money.
How often do you visit home and how long are you planning to work abroad?
I haven’t been home since I came. I had planned a trip last year January, but I couldn’t because of travel restrictions. I hope I can go sometime soon. I plan on staying here at least for another 2 years to save up more for my plans.
Please list 3 advantages and 3 disadvantages about living in China, particularly in your city?
The advantages are that everything is convenient here and can be delivered to your door. It is easy to travel and there are many job opportunities. The disadvantages are language barrier, prejudice and extreme weather conditions.
What advice would you give to someone who is confused about making a decision to move abroad, especially during a pandemic?
I would say that China is definitely the place to be if you want to further your life and save a lot of money. There are plenty of opportunities here and it only gets easier once you have settled in. Do your research when it comes to choosing a school. Do not settle for the first offer you get, ask around about the pay range and the reputation of the school.
