Leaving Mainland China

On Between Nasi Goreng and Fried Rice this week I spent some time with Shan, a friend from Coventry who came to keep me company over Christmas. Shan came to the UK from China over 20 years ago. We discussed the unique journeys of mainland Chinese immigrants compared to those from Hong Kong and other regions.We explored the diverse cultural landscape of Coventry, language barriers and cultural adjustments. Plus the voluntary work she does helping Chinese immigrants with employment, and interpreting for a law firm. We touched on the cultural richness of China and the limitations of accessibility in certain regions. We also talked about the Confucius Institute and its impact on cultural exchange despite controversies.There is an increased openness of China to the world, making it easier for people to travel and study abroad. The impact of technology has made the world smaller and more accessible and financial and educational opportunities have attracted younger generations to study in the UK.Catch up with all episodes of Between Nasi Goreng and Fried Rice on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTubeSubscribe to the Sisters Of Frida newsletter, bringing disabled women together, mobilising and sharing through lived experiences.Also consider giving a friend a subscription to New Tide Media, a UK-based network that aims to strengthen ESEA voices and perspectives in journalism. Their mission is to bring nuance into anglophone reporting on ESEA and push back on western-centric storytelling that flattens this rich and diverse region.Happy New Year to everyone and wishing you all the best for 2026!As always you can keep up with my work and news here. Please get in touch with me at [email protected] if you think I should be highlighting your ESEA organisation on Between Nasi Goreng and Fried Rice. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit eleanorlisney.substack.com