Team lends a helping hand to expats

Drawing talent

Yuan, 32, spent years studying in the United States. He came to Wangjing last year for work after he learned that the area was exploring the development of an international talent-friendly environment.

To optimize the development environment and attract talent, Beijing launched a program to build international talent communities in 2017. Wangjing, in Chaoyang district, was chosen as the site of one of the first four pilot projects in the city.

Developing into a residential area with a diverse population, more than 6,000 expats from over 80 countries are living there, with most hailing from Germany and Korea. Domestic and international businesses as well as high-tech and scientific research industries are building their offices in Wangjing.

"I found that people from international enterprises in Wangjing are enthusiastic about participating in volunteer service," Yuan said.

That prompted him to establish the Wangjing International Talent Volunteer Team with two friends who also have cross-cultural communication experience under the guidance of local authorities.

The team recorded the demands and problems foreigners have in a logbook, and they share these concerns with relevant departments. These departments are currently dealing with more than 90 problems presented to them by the team, including issues with expats' visas, social life and children's education.

"After researching, we found expats need to learn more about Chinese culture and laws, and about the public facilities and services in Wangjing," Yuan said.

The team compiled a bilingual booklet in Chinese and English to provide information about the facilities, including libraries, fitness centers, parks, swimming pools, hospitals and international hotels, as well as how to pay their utilities, how to use public transportation and how to contact police.