VANESSA GWAMBE

Achiever of the week: Vanessa Gwambe 

April 01, 2021 | By Nqobile Mdima

This week’s feature is Vanessa Gwambe. Vanessa is from South Africa. She holds a Masters Degree in International Relations. She obtained her Masters Degree from Shandong University, China. The opportunity to study abroad came at a time where she needed to get away and felt ready for a fresh start. After obtaining her qualification she started working in China as a kindergarten teacher in Xi'an city. She left China early in 2020 to spend time with her family during her holidays with an intention to return once they were over. But covid-19 affected her plans. Returning to China is also still part of her plan, but in the meantime she's been working on her massage practice in South Africa. While she was in Asia,she travelled to Indonesia and Malaysia. 

Vanessa shares her journey to moving abroad to study and how she transitioned from studying to working. She also shares her expat life hacks, her travel experiences and future plans. 

When did you I abroad and how many years did you spend in China?

I moved to China late 2014 and spent almost 6 years there (I Came back to South Africa in early 2020).

Was it always your goal or plan to ever move abroad when you were a child?

Somewhat yes, I always thought I would travel so I never set geographical boundaries for myself. I think it only turned into a dream after I did my Bachelors in Tourism Management.

Why did you decide to move to China and how did you find the opportunity to study in China?

The opportunity came at a time where I needed to get away and was ready for a fresh start. A family friend who was studying in Jinan mentioned it and so I began the application process via DHET.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being an international student?

I’d say international students have a slightly more comfortable life in shared dormitories compared to their counter –parts as well as have better stipends. I think a disadvantage is students are separated and don’t get to interact with each other unless they’re doing the same major. I was lucky to study Mandarin for a full year and so navigating campus and life in general was easier.

Which websites or agencies’ contacts would you recommend that share international opportunities (scholarships, internships or full-time jobs)?

• CSC is a good when it comes to scholarships, I studied through them and can’t say I had any personal issues.

• I found my first job through eChinacities (https/:www.eChinacities.com) and it was easy to navigate, their communication was efficient and they guided me until I was in contact with my company and even after getting employed.

When did you start learning Chinese? What helped you improve your Chinese Language skills (reading, listening, speaking and writing)?

I started as soon as I got to China as it was a requirement for doing a degree there. Our classes entailed all skills mentioned above and we were in class for long hours. Watching Chinese series, listening to Chinese music as well as reading characters around me were a major help.

Is it possible to study or work in China if you don’t know Chinese?

It is possible yet I always advise people to learn. Why live in a country where you’re not bothered to learn the language? Learning only makes your life easier as you can’t rely on a translator or people to translate for you 24/7. 

You were away from home for a long time, what were your survival hacks as an expat?

Surrounding myself with close friends, being out as much as I could be experiencing different aspects of the culture and fun attractions. Home cooked meals and video calls mattered a lot as well.

During your transition from studying to working in China, did you have to go back to South Africa to apply for a z visa or were you able to do everything in China?

I was already in touch with the school yet because I was going home for a holiday, I began my process in South Africa and the company sent me all the documents I needed.

How many cities have you visited in China? And which one is your favourite?

If I remember correctly I’ve visited 8 cities excluding those I’ve lived in of course. Shanghai, Tianjin and Hangzhou would be my top 3 if I were to visit again.

Please share travel tips (from saving for the trip to booking flight tickets, to booking hotels and exploring the travel destination)

I would say plan ahead and save to travel (I put some money in separate account months ahead so everything from accommodation to transport and spending are covered.) Read up on your travel destination so you know what to look forward to, you’ll be able to adjust if things don’t go accordingly. I usually book flights on WeChat or directly from the airline (booking directly with the airline gives flexibility if any changes need to be made). 

Did you find the preparation process to move to China easy or difficult?  (University application, Visa application, packing, leaving your family behind etc.)

•I applied through DHET (Department of Higher Education & Training) so the process wasn’t entirely difficult yet there was a lot of running around. The visa application process can be a tedious process if you’re doing it on your own the first time around.

•Packing was nerve wrecking especially knowing some products and food are not available in China. Leaving the family stays difficult; I cry every time I land in South Africa.

Which books would you highly recommend for developing an international career and for personal development that have helped you in your journey?

As much as I read I barely read up on development in terms of career. I prefer watching documentaries, videos and interacting with people (I had a large group of international friends so we would get together weekly and exchange stories, challenges as well as how to navigate), prayers and keeping yourself strong spiritually also goes a long way.

What do you do for fun in Xian city?

Food markets, gatherings with friends, occasional clubbing, shopping (I’m a “friend-proclaimed” shopaholic hahahaha), seeing local attractions, restaurants as well as karaoke were some of my fun ways to pass time.

How did covid-19 affect your personal life and career?

I came home for a holiday in early 2020 and ended up being stuck here so it was a blessing being stuck with family during the initial stages. However, I miss work and the kids, being able to travel freely. I’ve been able to achieve some personal goals yet the back and forth, never-ending panic can sometimes affect my mental state although I try stay strong and focused.

What are your future plans?

For now, I am working on my massage practice and trying to grow that. Returning to China is also still part of the plan.