Shekou welcomes new expats with orientation event

Stephanie Renzullo, from the U.S., said she can’t wait to explore Shekou and greater Shenzhen after attending a welcome orientation for international newcomers organized by the Shekou Management and Service Center for Expats (Shekou MSCE) on Saturday afternoon.

Attendees and Shekou MSCE staff gather for a group photo following the welcome orientation for international newcomers in Shenzhen on Saturday. Claudia Wei

Renzullo was among more than 30 new international residents from countries including the U.K., Italy, Jordan, Russia, and Turkey who gathered in Shekou for the session, which focused on the core needs of expats who have recently settled in Shenzhen.

The event started with a brief tour of Shekou’s foreign-related service platforms like the Shekou Foreign Legal Assistance Center, which provides mostly free-of-charge consultations on cross-border legal issues. That was followed by a practical information-sharing session featuring an English-speaking immigration officer from Nanshan District, a Bank of China representative, lawyers, and a manager with Shenzhen Expats Medical Services.

Together they provided a “one-stop” guide to daily life in Shenzhen, covering topics such as temporary accommodation registration, personal banking, and procedures for visiting local hospitals.

Attendees from diverse backgrounds tune into presentations at Shekou’s welcome event for international residents Saturday. Rita Yang

In addition, three long-term expat residents were invited to share firsthand tips on settling in Shenzhen. “They know better what newcomers face,” said Nicole Tao, deputy director of the Shekou MSCE. “What they went through when first settling here is precious experience for new international arrivals.” 

Filipe Setlik, a Brazilian who has lived in the city for five years, focused his presentation on the essential mobile apps that help expats navigate life in Shenzhen. “Unlike [in] the West where we usually rely on websites for information, daily life in China depends more on apps,” Setlik said to the group before walking them through apps for shopping, groceries, language translation, and travel, among others.

A Shekou MSCE staff member chats with a participant during the event, offering guidance on settling into life in Shenzhen. Ariel Lee

His presentation was well received. Megan Hall, who just arrived from the U.K. three days ago, said the translation apps Setlik recommended addressed her priority concern, which is how to overcome language barriers when living in a totally new environment.

Hall said she could use some of the recommended translation apps to help her find her way around Shenzhen. Hall, who lives in Shekou, will teach English at a public school located about 40 minutes from her home by Metro. “I’ve taken a picture of all the useful apps Filipe shared with us.” Hall also said she looks forward to attending some sports events while living in Shekou.

Angelina Denisova (L) from Russia and Heidi Whitfield from the U.S. share a lighthearted moment during the orientation in Shekou. Ariel Lee

Italian music teacher Matilde Frangipane, who lived in Shenzhen for several years before the pandemic, said she was happy to return and surprised by how much the city has changed. Frangipane, whose two daughters attend an international school in Qianhai, said it was nice to see the staff at the Shekou MSCE, who have been really helpful and supportive — “like good old friends.”

Established on June 28, 2017, the Shekou MSCE offers a variety of administrative, consultation, and community services and activities designed to meet the needs of expat residents in Shekou.

The iconic, nonprofit Shekou Night School for Expats, run by the Shekou MSCE, is about to begin again. Blake, an American teacher who relocated to Shenzhen two months ago, is eager to take Chinese classes at the night school.