How do we begin planning a study tour with Abroad China?
To begin planning a study tour all you need to do is contact Janet Zhou with Abroad China's Virginia office. You can contact her via email at jzhou@abroadchina.net or by phone at +1 703-834-1118 to discuss the details.

What documents will need to be sent to Abroad China before leaving for China?
Copy of each individual's Flight Itinerary
Copy of each individual's Health/ Travel insurance documents
If Abroad China is obtaining the Visas for individuals, we will also need: ?

2 Passport photos

Passport

Completed Visa application form

How do I get a passport?
In order to travel to China , you will need a passport and you will need a Chinese Visa. The easiest way to get a passport is to complete an application form available the post offices. Please refer to http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738_2.html to read about getting a U.S. passport. For all passport services, see the U.S. State Department's Web site at: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738_2.html . You will need a DSP-11 passport if you have never had a passport before.
For non U.S. citizens, please contact your government's office that deals with foreign travel.

What kind of Visa do I need?
Nearly all foreigners need to obtain a Visa to enter into China . The type of visa will be determined once the program details of the trip have been confirmed. If individuals plan on leaving China (even to go to Hong Kong ) and then returning, it is recommended that they get a Double Entry Visa .

Do I need health/travel insurance?
It is required that all participants on any Abroad China program MUST have up to date Health/Travel Insurance.

What will my accommodations be like?
Accommodations will be discussed while the trip is being planned. Typically accommodations will include three (3) or four (4) star hotels or university dorms.

Can I make international calls with my cell phone from China ?
If you wish to use a cell phone from your home country, the ability to make international calls is dependant upon your service provider. It is recommended that you contact your service provider and discuss the ability to make international calls from China .

Will I have access to the internet?
Most hotels will have access to the internet in their business centers.

How easy is it to find vegetarian food in China ?
Finding great vegetarian food in China is possible; however, strict vegetarians should be aware that vegetables may be prepared using the same knifes, pans etc as those used for meat. Simply asking for no meat is not always enough, as ground meat or ham is not always considered as “meat” in some dishes. However, Chinese vegetables and bean curd (Tofu) dishes are some of the best in the world. Sometimes it is a matter of trial and error but it will not be long before you find and can order your favorite vegetarian dishes.

What vaccinations do I need for China ?
The following vaccinations and applicable frequencies are recommended for students coming to China: Hepatitis A (within previous 10 years); Hepatitis B (within previous 5 to 10 years), Japanese B Encephalitis (within previous 3 years); Tetanus (within previous 10 years); Polio (within previous 10 years); and Typhoid (once in lifetime). Students 55 and older should also have a Pneumococcal Vaccine.
*Please note these are only suggestions, professional medical advice MUST be sought before arrival in China .
For health-related safety information, including which vaccines are required for visiting a specific country see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel .

How can I access money while in China ?
China is still mainly a cash economy. You may bring money with you, either in the form of cash or traveler's checks; traveler's checks can be cashed at Bank of China only. ATM machines that accept foreign ATM cards are available in the down town areas; cash advances can be drawn over the counter at most large banks - a transaction charge may apply. Major hotels and most fine restaurants and stores now accept credit cards. ATM cards are probably the most convenient option for accessing money while in China .

Where can I do laundry?
Typically the hotel or dormitory will have laundry facilities; however the program participant must pay the cost.

How much do meals cost?
Most meals will be included in the program.
However, when meals are not included in the program, the cost of a meal in China can vary greatly depending on the type and quality of food. Chinese restaurants offer meals for 10 - 40 RMB (~US$1-5) per person; Western restaurants cost between 50 and 200 RMB (~US$5 - 30) per person.

What should I bring to China ?
The summer is hot in Beijing , Shanghai and throughout most of China . Participants are advised to bring cotton shirts, skirts, pants etc. A water proof jacket is also suggested although umbrellas are easy to purchase locally.
The winter is cold throughout China although slightly milder in the southern parts. Participants are advised to bring one warm over coat and warms pants and sweaters. Clothes and shoes can be bought cheaply in China ; however, sizes are often small.
We recommend that you bring any prescription medication in sufficient quantities to last for the duration of your visit and any preferred brands of over-the-counter medications (cold & flu tablets, Amodium A-D, etc.).
We also recommend that you bring a mandarin phrase book and a China guidebook (the Lonely Planet does an excellent guide)
Other items may be suggested in the pre-departure packet.

What voltage used in China ?
China uses 220 volts ( U.S. uses 110 volts). Converters and power strips may be purchased locally if needed or purchased in a local electronics store in the United States . Please refer to the user manual for any electronic device you bring and confirm what kind of electrical voltage it is compatible with.

Do you recommend exchanging money before leaving for China ?
There is no need to exchange money before leaving for China . You can always exchange money at the airport upon arrival or at any Bank of China branch. Our China staff is there to provide assistance if needed.

Is China safe for travelers?
China is relatively safe and serious crimes against foreigners are rare. However, caution should be taken in crowed places such as train stations against pickpockets. For further information and updates please consult your embassy's website for China .

Where can I find reliable information on China ?
The U.S. State Department offers free information on safety services for Americans overseas at http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738_2.html . And for country-specific safety information, visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738_2.html
Additionally, travel books such as “Lonely Planet” offer information regarding places to visit, culture and some historical background. It is highly suggested that interns bring a travel book of some kind to China .

Is English widely used in China ?
It is likely that the group will have an English speaking tour guide; however English is not widely used in China . There are some English speakers in Beijing and Shanghai and Shanghai is easier for individuals with little or no Chinese language ability. Participants are advised to bring a Mandarin phrase book.

Should I be worried about the bird flu or other diseases? Where can I get more information on this topic?
People living in China certainly have no reason to panic about the current situation of bird flu. However, it is also no time for complacency. The best thing to do is to be both informed and prepared. Below are several links from the most credible sources with updated information on this topic.
The World Health Organization http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/index.html
United States Embassy in China http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/avianflufactsheet.html
United States Department of Agriculture http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?navid=AVIAN_INFLUENZA&navtype=SU http://pandemicflu.gov/general/