This is a story about an average young foreigner in China trying to build a life here.

His name is Jeremy Scott, a 20-something year old from the United States. Scott lives in Shenyang, the capital of Liaoning Province, and like many foreigners in China, teaches English.

Scott first became interested in China as a high-school student, when he researched the country for a class project on his potential future career. He then majored in Asian Studies in college, concentrating on China and learning its language, culture and history. For him, the next logical step was to move to China.

So move here he did. He received his TESL degree and found a job teaching English in Shenyang at Guan Ya English School. He enjoys the city so much that he has now lived there for five years, with no plans to leave anytime soon. He said he finds Shenyang, a second-level city, to be an interesting mix of cultures – including South Korean and Man – as well as boasting a proud and long history.

In his time in Shenyang, Scott says he has seen many changes. "The pace of construction and development is amazing," he said, noting how BMW – which has a production plant in Shenyang – is now building the world’s largest tire plant there. He also said he is looking forward to a new subway line that will open near his home in the next two years.

Ambitious and full of inspiration, he is now readying himself for his next big project: a Western restaurant, which he is planning to open in downtown Shenyang with two Chinese friends. Shenyang’s rise and government campaigns to promote the city have brought more foreigners to the city, creating a niche market for Western cuisine. Though he has a wide range of experience in the restaurant business in the U.S., Scott said he is a little terrified about opening a restaurant there, but he welcomes the opportunity to learn about running a business in China and Chinese law.

Scott plans to settle in Shenyang, buy a house when he has saved enough money and get married. He said he wants to watch the city develop and see what it becomes.

"Shenyang is changing and growing all the time," he said, adding that the city could have a good future.

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