Shanghai center helps expats adjust to new life

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9-year-old Parker Frailey and his parents have moved to Shanghai from Cleveland, Ohio, arriving less than three weeks ago. The American family is going to spend at least a year here and they say they are excited about being in the Far East.

Parker seems keen to find his way around his new city. ”I really liked the Natural History Museum. I think it's going to help me with a lot of my studies for school, and I'm guessing we're going to take a field trip there, so I already know my way around."

Parker's mother Stephanie is appreciative of the help they've had, though says there are still hurdles to overcome. "We've got quite a lot of help so far. Where to go, what restaurants to go to, what local places we probably wouldn't pick ourselves. My biggest hurdle right now is that we don't have a Chinese credit card or bank account, so I can't pay on my phone."

One of the organizations helping expat families like the Fraileys adjust to life in China is Shanghai 123. It is run by Community Center Shanghai, a non-profit organization that pulls resources in the community and connects newcomers with the expat circle.

”The impression we get from people is that Shanghai now seems to have a lot more than what they thought it can offer," says Zhen Zengliao, executive director of community center Shanghai. "The concern is still there, but they are at ease because they realized that that is what it is, but there are ways that they can mitigate the risks. "

Shanghai 123 was launched in 2012 and has helped more than 3,000 newcomers to China's largest city.