Our expat community thrives on connection, and here at jingkids, we’re all about our readers, and what they need and want in order to maximize their time here in Beijing. Every week, we will feature a prominent member of our expat community and get to know them a little bit better.
Hello! My name is Chris Hayden and I am an international school educator working at the Western Academy of Beijing. Originally from California, my wife and I have lived in Indonesia (where all three of our children were born) for the last 12 years. Moving to China was quite a change for us as we have deep roots in Indonesia with a strong set of community relationships and well-established routines there. While we have visited China before, this is our first time living and working here. I am passionate about science and education and have found Beijing is an exciting place to be for both those areas of interest.
What’s On Your Mind?
The past year we travelled and lived across three different countries and while it has been stressful, there was a significant amount of adventure! I think this is one of the most rewarding aspects of being an international family. Giving our family an international perspective and experiencing different cultures is something we really value as parents. The downside to that is being away from our family and friends in our home countries for extended periods, but this also makes the time spent with them over the summer or during the holiday breaks that much more special.
What’s Your Motivation To Get Moving?
My wife and I both feel strongly about curiosity and fun learning as motivators for our children. We are constantly trying to expose them to unique experiences and give them a broad view of how the world works and how beautiful and fascinating our planet is! We want to foster lifelong learning and international mindsets in all three of our children (though our youngest is only beginning his journey as a learner being only one year old).
What Are Some of Your Favorite Family Activities To Do in Beijing?
Celebrating Indonesian Muslim holidays as well as discovering aspects of Chinese culture with local Chinese people and expatriates. We love discovering new things, meeting new people, and trying new food. The community where we live is alive with children playing and families interacting. It is wonderful to see and embrace these deep community connections and reflect on compare our own family connections in comparison.
What’s Your Favorite Thing About Beijing?
The bustling city life makes it feel like there is always another layer to unfold, a new person to meet, or a new restaurant or dish to try. It is a complex and dynamic city that is also connected globally. Often we have been surprised to meet people with connections in California or other places in the US, or even Indonesia.
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