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English Language Teaching and Learning

Living in Asia

Life: Livin' it

Life: What is it really like to live there, in Asia?

There are many things that can be said. If you want to, do ask questions or share advice on our forums.

Love:

Korea: They never talk about their boyfriends or girlfriends, and so you have no clue if that cutie is taken or not; at least, not until you've asked a mutual friend. If you do get a girlfriend, expect that you won't get to hold hands for the first month! (maybe different now) If you get a Korean boyfriend, expect to be told how to behave: 'like a proper lady', but only really in front of his friends. For guys dating K-girls, be warned, they may expect that you're more serious about them, than you think; marriage may be expected from some. Oh, and, apparently, Korea does not have any gay people, that's only in America, they say. Otherwise, search the internet for them.

Taiwan: A friend of mine (of the fairer sex), will only date Taiwanese guys after they've done their military service. She says that they are complete mummies-boys before their service, and the service makes men of them. Girls are pretty down to earth. Generally speaking, dating Taiwanese is mostly like dating that nice boy or girl in your neighbourhood. Oh, there are gay bars, though they occasionally get raided by the police for amphetamines.

Japan: I'm sure I'll get corrected on this by numerous e-mails, but it seems that here the girls believe in no sex after marriage, hence the seedy nightlife frequented by married men. I haven't heard any first-hand stories of foreign girls dating J-boys, but possibly, once you've done your shopping, things should be fine. The gay people of this country don't advertise this fact, but internet searches should help you find what you're looking for.

China: I've got nothing but seedy stories that I've heard from third-hand sources, and so I've got nothing worthy to tell. Sorry.

Other Expats: Sure, you're probably more likely to meet people who are more similar to you, than most back home. Also, having had overseas experiences, you're probably got something to go on, that is, exploring this new country together is more exciting and more interesting.

*Image from Zdenka Micka, Crestock (7th February 2008) japan, korea, taiwan, asia, homesick