Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada in the USA, seasoned educator Davina Brown shares her unique story on living in China and why she likes it here!
Home away from home is a collection of the unique stories written by foreigners in China and compiled by MTS. Join us on this journey of exploring 100 different stories showcasing what it truly means to live in China!
Name: Davina Brown
Country of Origin: United States of America
Occupation: Certified & Licensed Educator
Years in China: 4.5 years
How did your journey in China begin?
My journey began in China when I made the choice to live abroad. Honestly, I was trying to take my teaching experience to the Middle East, but nothing came through. China chose me! I know that may sound silly, but my contacts and interviews were in China. It really never crossed my mind that I’d eventually be living and working here fulltime-and enjoying it! Xiamen was my final decision. Interviewing for the school I’m at now, Xiamen International School, they made Xiamen and China sound like a beautiful place. They didn’t lie. Xiamen is the only place I’ve lived in China, but I’ve had the opportunity to travel China and the experiences I’ve endured have been phenomenal! Though my journey has started, I’m a long way off from it being done.
Davina taking in the many beautiful sea-views in Xiamen
What do you like most about your city (Xiamen or others) and China as a whole?
What I like most about Xiamen is its easy-going spirit. The city is live! Xiamen has the beaches, the restaurants, clubs, arts, and entertainment. I like how it has things to offer but it isn’t busy. I come from a city that is nonstop, so Xiamen is nice for me.
China as a whole has something to offer for all seasons. Up north, in the winter, you can ski and go to ice festivals; the west, in the summer, you can experience sand dunes; in the east, in the fall, you can enjoy time with family and fresh harvests; and in the south in spring, you can enjoy the lush beaches and tropical weather. China has much to offer year around and the lush history makes living here grand.
Enjoying the vast landscapes that China has to offer!
What fascinated you the most about living in China?
The most fascinating thing about living here in China is its history. My first year here, I made it my mission to visit the hot spots for its history. Some of those spots, were Beijing. Beijing has the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, the Palace and much more. Another place I visited and met The Founder was Xi’an. It’s known for the Terra Cotta Soldiers. Lastly, I visited Shanghai. Shanghai is a big city that is well-known to many tourists. It is also known for its cultural heritage and historical concessions. These are just a few to name that I had on my ‘must-go-see’ list. Since then, I’ve visited more historical cities in China, and I plan to continue to do so in the coming years.
Davina with the historical Terracotta warriors in Xi’an.
What is your unique China story? Tell us something that you experienced that made you love living here even more.
I truly enjoy living in China. The people in my city, Xiamen, has made my experience worthwhile. From my local seamstress lady and her family to my colleagues and friends I’ve made over the years, everyone has contributed to my life experience here in China. People have been genuinely kind to me and that speaks volumes for me! Kindness is not dead here. It’s always good vibes and I love that! This is why I continue to live here. Thank you, China, for your generosity.
Visiting The Great Wall.
A fun fact about her hometown!
Las Vegas actually has communities, churches, and school. It is not only the Strip or what you see on TV.
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