School, Healthcare, and Daily Life: One Expat Family’s Experience in Beijing

When Mr. Kim and Ms. Lee, a South Korean couple, settled in Beijing with their two children, they worried about school enrollment, healthcare, and everyday errands. The language barrier and unfamiliar procedures made every small problem feel like a mountain. Things changed at a Hongqiao Living Hall open day. The partner organization window explained how to connect with international school advisers and community health service centers. Bilingual guides from the resource center made complicated forms easier to understand, and service desk staff patiently noted the family’s needs and helped arrange follow-up consultations. The children are now enrolled in school, and the family has become a regular presence at Hongqiao, buying pearls, attending events, and chatting with neighbors from different countries on weekends. Ms. Lee says Beijing feels increasingly like home because there is always someone ready to lend a hand at a crucial moment.