Like a lot of expats, American Charlie Englemann was looking for someplace exotic and inexpensive -- China. He first taught English in Henan Province. Now he's in love with Shanghai. He's a regular face on Dragon TV, teaching Mandarin every day.
With very light blond hair and piercing blue eyes, American expat Charlie Englemann stands out from the local crowd.
However, having lived in China for six years, he says he is like many expats, constantly "job hopping," before finding his current vocation.
Now, the Mandarin House education director and Dragon TV part-time host talks about his career path, life and "infatuation" with Shanghai and China.
Five years in this city alone have given the 29-year-old expat many different opportunities.
"It seems that random things present themselves when you are in a culture like this," says Englemann, a native of Seattle.
Englemann has taught English; worked as a presenter for Toon Talk, a child education program on Education TV; worked as an editor for Biz Shanghai magazine, then chief editor and general manager.
He was introduced to China and its culture in 2001 after graduation. "There was no real reason why I chose this country. I was looking for somewhere exotic, different and not a financial strain. I heard that a school in Henan needed teachers so I thought I would give it a go."
Still in China six years later, he says he "became infatuated with this country and was intrigued by the opportunities so decided to plant my feet here."
Deciding to settle in Shanghai was a decision based not only on his career but also to "just to be in the city."
"Henan was a great experience that I wouldn't do again; it was a very enlightening time and helped me to understand China more. However, I was intrigued by Shanghai, the energy, people, buildings, and constant mix of rich and poor. Then I stayed because I felt I could develop here in a unique way."
From that point to now, he has jumped from freelance posts, including teaching and training.
"My career path is quite typical of a lot of expats not on an expat package. Many people have job-hopping syndrome as many companies do not offer long-term jobs."
Now, Englemann is a regular face on Dragon TV's daily "Nine to Five," a five-minute show teaching Mandarin. For the last three months he has been Mandarin House education director.
Although part-time presenter may sound glamorous, Englemann says, "it's not."
"In the beginning, I admittedly had a few illusions of grandeur, but I soon realized that TV work in China can be anything but glamorous. A lot of people think that it is slightly interesting that I have a show, but I certainly wouldn't call myself famous. My main motivation for doing TV work is because it is a sort of outlet for my creative side."
He doesn't get recognized much, Engleman says. But there was a memorable time last month just after his marriage. "After my wedding my wife and I checked into the St Regis hotel and one of the butlers said to me, 'I watch your show every day.' That was very unexpected but good to hear."
He met his wife Judith through friends at the Shanghai Community Church. She is also in education, working as Yew Cheung International School office administrator.
With both their lives busy and packed, Englemann says the thing he misses most about his earlier days in China as a teacher was the ability to travel.
"I visited South Korea, traveled all around China, anywhere that was low budget and authentic, not a tourist trap. Now we don't get away much although we have just come back from our honeymoon in Thailand."
However, life here for this expat is good. "I cherish my community of friends in Shanghai. That is the one thing that has kept me here more than anything else. And I am quite proud of the diversity of my community -- something that makes my life in the US seem a bit dull.
"For example, at my wedding we had guests from around 40 different countries, representing all shades of skin color, speaking countless different languages, and coming from all parts of the socio-economic spectrum."
Speaking about the future, Englemann concludes: "In a lot of ways I represent many foreigners here. People come for whatever reason, stay for a few years and then move on. So every time I think it is time for me to move, another opportunity comes up and I cancel my plans. Two years from now maybe there will be a chance to move, but first we have to wait until the momentum has stopped."
Charlie Englemann
Nationality: US
Age: 29
Profession: Mandarin House education director and part-time Dragon TV host.
Favorite way to spend a weekend?
Lots of sleeping or riding my bike around the Yuyuan Garden area on a beautiful fall day.
Favorite place in Shanghai?
Starbucks on Binjiang Avenue. It is right across from the Bund and at about 6 PM the lights on the Bund go on and there's the most spectacular view.
Worst experience?
During my first summer I was teaching at a basketball camp and the temperatures reached almost 40 degrees. It was so hot that some classes were canceled.
Life's motto?
There are too many! "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
What can be done to improve Shanghai?
Less development of the new, more preservation of the old, less materialism, and more community.
Advice to new expats?
I have too much advice to give! Here are a few important thoughts:
Ride a bike to work -- it's not THAT dangerous.
At least twice a week, eat at a restaurant that usually doesn't serve foreigners.
Learn Chinese and learn it fast! Nothing will make you feel more like a foreigner than not being able to speak Chinese.
Be polite to China's blue collar workers.
Find community and find it fast!
By Jenny Hammond
(Shanghai Daily May 30, 2007)