Examining reverse migration in Mexico

Summary

This transcript features an interview with James Gillies, a 20-year-old student studying mechanical engineering. Originally from China, he moved to Mexicali, Mexico at age 11 due to his mother's work. James reflects on the rapid development of China and how it offers better opportunities for young people, including those who have studied abroad. He discusses his plans to gain work experience in Mexico before returning to China, emphasizing the importance of education and his desire to avoid traditional jobs like working in a restaurant. The conversation highlights the reverse migration trend, where younger generations are returning to China for better prospects.

Takeaways

• 😀 James Gillies, a 20-year-old student from Mexico, shares his personal experience as an immigrant from China.
• 😀 He moved to Mexico when he was 11 years old because his mother wanted to work in Mexicali, due to family business opportunities.
• 😀 Currently, James is studying mechanical engineering at a university in Mexico.
• 😀 James compares the development of China from the time he left to how it is now, noting that China is growing much faster and better than before.
• 😀 He mentions the phenomenon of reverse immigration, where young people like him, who originally left China for better opportunities abroad, are now considering returning due to the improved conditions in China.
• 😀 James highlights how China's rapid development offers more opportunities for people like him with international backgrounds and language skills.
• 😀 He notes the challenges he faced in adjusting to China’s work culture, which is stricter compared to Mexico.
• 😀 James plans to graduate, gain work experience in Mexico, and then return to China to pursue better career opportunities.
• 😀 He contrasts the opportunities available to Chinese immigrants in Mexico, such as working in restaurants, with the career prospects he aims to achieve in China, like working in companies or creating his own business.
• 😀 James believes the key to a better future is education, as most young people today in China are focusing on university degrees and professional development.

Q & A

What brought James Gillies to Mexico, and how did he end up there?

James Gillies moved to Mexico when he was 11 years old because his mother wanted to work in Mexicali due to a family business.

What is James studying at the university?

James is currently studying mechanical engineering at the university.

How does James compare China’s development now to when he left?

James notes that China has developed much faster and improved significantly since he left nearly a decade ago.

What is the 'reverse migration' phenomenon James refers to?

James discusses 'reverse migration' as a trend where younger generations, like himself, are returning to China after their parents initially left for better opportunities in other countries.

Why do many Chinese people initially leave China for other countries, according to James?

James explains that many Chinese people leave China seeking better economic opportunities abroad, but they typically take up easier jobs like running restaurants in other countries.

What are James’s plans after graduating?

James plans to gain a year of work experience after graduating before returning to China to pursue better opportunities, especially in business and technology.

How does James feel about working in restaurants, based on his experiences?

James expresses that he does not want to work in a restaurant, as many Chinese immigrants do. Instead, he aspires to work in a company and create something more significant in China.

What opportunities does James believe exist in China that might not be available in Mexico?

James believes that China now offers better development opportunities, especially in business and technology, compared to Mexico, and that's why he plans to return.

How does James perceive the work culture in China compared to Mexico?

James mentions that the work culture in China is stricter and more demanding compared to Mexico, where the work environment may be more relaxed.

Why does James want to complete his university degree before considering returning to China?

James wants to finish his university education to acquire the necessary qualifications that will help him secure a better job and greater opportunities in China.