When I talk to my father-in-law about all the new things I learned about the lives of Chinese immigrants in Europe, he says: “Yea, that’s normal.”

That’s because, well, he’s a Chinese immigrant in Holland. The slave wages? Uh huh. The 12-hour work days? Been there, done that. The loneliness? Of course. And separation from family??! Wouldn’t be a migrant life’s without it!

I sometimes wonder what Chinese immigrants will think when they finally get the chance to read my book. They might have the same reaction as my father-in-law. That’s life, they might say.

But as for you, dear readers, I think the realities of their world might come as a bit of a shock to you. Throughout my travels in Europe, I found myself in awe, in tears, and feeling really lucky and grateful for the life I have.

Here’s a primer on a Chinese migrant’s life in Europe:

Chinese migrant workers sewing name-brand Italian swim wear at a factory near the coastal city of Rimini.

1) The average Chinese migrant worker in Europe works at least 12 hours a day.

2) You can demand more pay if you have experience, but if you’re just starting out, you can expect to make about 500 Euros a month if you work at a bar or restaurant. Even less if you work in a factory. Room and board is usually provided by your employer. Most workers are given a bed or a room in their boss’ home. While 500 Euros seems little to us, that’s already five times more than a waitress will make in China.

3) When Chinese migrant workers arrive in Europe, they usually don’t have a problem finding employment. Even in this economic recession, migrant workers of Chinese nationality often have a job lined up before even arriving in Europe.This is especially true of those who come from Qingtian. The network of Qingtian immigrants is so tight and extensive, employment is not difficult to come by.

4) Chinese employers like to hire workers who hail from the same hometown. That way, they feel there’s a better guarantee that the worker will be a good one. Or, at least he or she will be accountable for how she works and behaves.

Working for friends or family can be comforting for the worker, if the boss is nice. If not, workers often have a harder time because they are hesitant to ask for a raise or a day off, for fear of souring the relationship.

5) Many Chinese emigrants are isolated from mainstream society, working for Chinese employers alongside Chinese co-workers. As a result, they can live in Europe for a decade and still not speak the local language.

* * *

Behind the smiles, many Chinese migrant workers are overworked and underpaid.

While I was in Italy, I spent a lot of time with a 17-year old Chinese immigrant. She was working in a bar, in a small northern Italian town.

I remember noticing how red and blistered the young girl’s hands were. She had been working less than a month, but the constant washing and scrubbing and polishing had taken its toll.

I clutched her swollen hands and found myself blinking back tears.

“Hey,” she said. “I’m ok. Really. I’m doing fine!”

Here I was, in a position to comfort her, to provide her with encouragement and counsel. Instead, this young girl was comforting me. Telling me things were going to be alright. It was at that moment I realized how strong she was.

Italy was not what she imagined. But she was determined to work hard. Her goal was to save enough money to someday run her own bar and support her entire family financially.

When that kind of responsibility is dealt to you, you have no choice but to work hard. That is the stuff Chinese immigrants in Europe are made of. Even if you’re only 17 years old.

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