Facts: About China

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I get a passport?

You will need to obtain a passport to participate our Program. For more information about receiving a US passport application please go to http://travel.state.gov/passport/. For non-U.S. citizens, please contact your government's office for further information about your passport application.

What kind of Visa do I need?

It depends on what program/country you are participating in. If your program is conducted in China please click here >>

Can I arrive prior to the orientation day?

Yes, you can. However, please let us know when you plan to arrive so that we may arrange the airport pick up for you (if included in your program package). Note that you will be responsible for accommodation costs and any fees for any additional days outside of your program.

Can I participate in the Program with my friends?

Yes, you are more than welcome to participate in our Program with your friends, partners, siblings, etc. We try to place participants together when requested. However, please be advised that it is not always guaranteed, especially with larger groups.

Will I have time to explore China during my program?

You will have ample opportunities to explore the remarkable country of China, its culture, nature, history, and religions during your teaching breaks. Our in-country coordinator will help you make arrangements to ensure that your stay is rewarding. Contact details will be given in your pre-departure package.

What should I do if I miss flight, if my flight changes without prior notice, if my flight is cancelled, etc.?

If you are in your country please contact our US office by phone or email as soon as possible. If you are already in China, please contact the phone number found in the pre-departure package. We will direct you accordingly. Please be advised that we are not responsible for the cost for you to contact our office/staff.

What is the dress code for the internship?

It is advised that you bring at least one suit, although it is likely the dress code will be business casual. However, different companies have different dress codes. For the first day, we highly recommend you dress formally, then you will be able to gauge what the dress code your hosting company has.

What will my accommodations be like?

Interns participating in the Summer Program are housed in shared western style apartments with western style utilities installed (such as toilet, shower, etc.) click here >>

What other expenses should we plan for?

In China, you can budget approximately US$200 - US$300 for a month for your daily expenses, such as food, drink, shopping, entertainment, local sightseeing, etc. Of course, the budget may vary based on your spending habits.

Can I make international phone calls with my cell phone from China?

You can make international phone calls; however, our Program does not cover it. We highly recommend you join Skype to take advantage of their free international phone (video) calls.

Will I have access to the internet?

Your apartment is available for internet connection. Some of your hosting company's office also have internet connections.

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.

What voltage used in China?

China uses 220 volts (U.S. uses 110 volts). Converters and power strips may be purchased locally if needed. Please refer to the user manual for any electronic device you bring and confirm what kind of electrical voltage it is compatible with.

Is vegetarian/vegan food available in my hosting country?

In China, finding vegetarian/vegan food is possible although it is not as easy as it is in the Western countries. Also, you can have vegetarian and vegan food at restaurant upon your request, however, they may use the same knives, pans, fryers, etc. as those used for non-vegetarian or vegan food. Simply asking for no meat is not always enough, as ground meat or ham is not always considered as "meat" in some dishes. You should also be aware that some part of China they do not understand the idea of vegetarianism or veganism.

What should I bring to the hosting country?

It is hot in most part of China. Interns are advised to bring tank-tops, t-shorts, shorts, cotton shirts, skirts, pants etc. A water proof jacket is also suggested for unexpected showers although umbrellas are easy to purchase locally. The winter is cold in the most part of China although it is slightly milder in the southern parts. Participants are advised to bring warm coats and warms pants and sweaters. Clothes and shoes can be bought cheaply in China; however, sizes are often smaller than those you can find in western countries.

We strongly recommend that you bring any prescription medication in sufficient quantities to cover the duration of your program 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. Other items may be suggested in the pre-departure packet.

...More About China

Is English widely used in China?

English is not widely used in China. Even though we offer Intensive Mandarin Lessons, we highly recommend to bring a Mandarin phrase book with you.

Is a local language ability required?

No, but knowledge of a local language certainly helps you, especially in your daily life. Interns who are proficient in a local language may have more opportunities to be assigned to important position and tasks. However, you have many opportunities to learn local languages during the program.

What kind of support will I have while living in China?

We have an office in Japan and a partner corporation in China with English speaking local staff who are able to help you with any general problems or inquiries. Additionally, we provides participants of most programs with a SIM card, which enables you to use your own cell phone in your hosting country. You can also contact our local staff in your hosting country at any time, when it is an emergency. Regular inquiries, you can contact our local staff between 9:00AM and 5PM local time (Time widows may vary according to your hosting country).

Is my internship paid?

In most cases (over 99%) the internships are paid. Summer Program interns will usually receive a small stipend that covers daily expenses such as transportation and meals.

What is the refund policy for deposit and final payment?

For information regarding our refund policy, please review our Relase and Agreement form

Is it possible to receive college credit for the internship?

We strongly recommend that you speak with your universities study abroad office and/or academic advisor as internship requirements vary from school to school. We are willing to contact your university to assist in this process.

Am I eligible for any kinds of grants or financial aid to participate on this program?

The links below may be useful to those seeking financial aid or grants that can be used towards participating on our programs.

Where can I find reliable information about my hosting country?

For US citizen, the U.S. Department of States offers free information on safety services for oversea travelers at Travel.State.Gov. 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 about your hosting country.

Do I need health/travel insurance?

All interns who participant in our programs MUST cover themselves with Health/Travel Insurance during the whole period of programs.

Is China safe for travelers?

China is relatively safe and serious crimes against foreigners are very rare. However, caution should be taken in crowed places such as train stations against pickpockets. For further information and updates please check international travel website hosted your government.

What vaccinations do I need for my hosting country?

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. If you are participating "Summer English Teaching Program in Weihai, China", you are required to submit Health/Physical exam after you are approved.

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.

What should I do in case of an emergency in China?

If you fail to meet our representative at the airport, your flight changes suddenly, or you experience some other emergency while you are working at your placement, please contact our national coordinator or other staff member. Phone numbers are in your pre-departure package. Please do not forget to keep the address of the contact hotel handy, and don't pack it in your checked luggage.