Frances Chen
North Sydney Girls High School
HD and Studies of Asia Prize
Making a splash in the global pool: Examining the phenomenon of Australian expatriation to China

“Someday we’ll all be together once more, when all of the ships come back to shore”

Contrary to Allen’s idealistic lyrics, the complete return of our diaspora is unlikely to occur. Although contrary to what I believed at the beginning of my PIP journey, this is not necessarily a cause for social upheaval. Over time, more Australians have left in pursuit of more opportunities and fuelled by the inherent nature of humans to enlighten, explore and experience our world. Meanwhile, society’s perception of expats has become less empathetic. Being disillusioned by stereotypes, we frequently fail to recognize that like the past, these expats also face conflicts in adjusting to a vastly different environment. Drawn by numerous facets – a growing China in a shrinking world - diaspora will continue to increase bringing about significant social and personal change.

I began my PIP assuming that I would find the damning evidence that expatriates showed no patriotism and no sense of nationalism. What I have discovered is a strong national identity among Australian expatriates and a dedication to maintaining a link with home. National identity is a concept not attached to the physical environment but rather embodied in a person’s beliefs and attitudes. I must, however, emphasise the generalized nature of my ultimate findings. The sample size I interviewed and that of other research studies cannot speak for the fifty-thousand expats in China, let alone the one million Australian expatriates globally. In particular, the data I collated regarding social perceptions of expatriates contradicted significantly with findings of the Lowy Institute. Research does not provide the complete picture and my project can only be described as a reliable snapshot.

I highly value the opportunity to have conducted this primary research. It has allowed me to not only personally confront issues within my own micro world but also through perspectives and experiences of others. My methodologies have effectively assisted me in reaching my conclusions. The surveys, focus group and content analysis gave an in-depth insight into experiences of Australian expatriates in China today. The secondary research studies provided a wealth of knowledge, which helped certify or contradict my own findings. However, it was difficult in finding secondary research regarding expatriates in China, as I often only found generalizations referring to Asia or the world. It was even more challenging to collect data – primary and secondary – on expatriates from the 1950s. Expatriate studies have only been set in motion from the start of the new millennium so time was a rewarding but complex cross-cultural component to investigate.

I have come to the ultimate finding that Australian expatriates are on the receiving end of social inequality. Among the many legislative issues, they are not included in our Census, which to me indicates society is disregarding the attitudes and values of a sizable community. I believe they are our nation’s underutilized resource and that through cooperation harnessing expatriate influence, Australia would benefit greatly on the global stage. As for my sister, I have come to a clearer understanding of why she wants to join the expatriate phenomenon. While I was previously resistant to her plans, I have now gained a respect and pride for her joining a group of influential ambassadors of Australian society and culture.

Who knows? Perhaps I, too, will one day take a splash in the pool visiting “cities that never close down”. But like Allen says - voicing the opinions of my sister and many others:
“no matter how far or how wide I roam,
I still call Australia home.”