Applying for the program is easy, just click on the ¡®Apply Now¡¯ button at the bottom of the program information page or click here.
If accepted into a program, you will receive an acceptance letter via email and a hard copy in the mail.? Please sign and return the acceptance letter as confirmation of your acceptance into the program along with the deposit and any requested documents.
Final payment (all outstanding balance must be paid before leaving for China)
2 Passport photos
Passport (if Abroad China is helping me? obtain the visa)
Completed Visa application form
Signed Terms & Conditions document
Copy of Health/ Travel insurance documents
Flight itinerary
It is required that all participants on any Abroad China program MUST have up to date Health/Travel Insurance.
Abroad China welcomes college students who have completed their first year of college (before the program begins), recent graduates, graduate students and professionals looking for a change. Candidates must be native English speakers or possess a similar level of proficiency.
No, but knowledge of the language certainly helps. Candidates who are proficient in Chinese will have more internship options available to them since they can be considered for positions that require Chinese language skills. However, there are still plenty of positions that do not require Chinese language ability.
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.? Abroad China¡¯s program participants need to obtain an F Visa (Abroad China provides this service in the U.S., please refer to our services page), which is for business trips and internships.? The visa will typically last for 2 to 6 months, however individual needs may vary.? If you plan on leaving China (even to go to Hong Kong), it is recommended that you get a Double Entry Visa (3 month maximum duration in China).
You may arrive prior to the orientation day.? Please inform Abroad China 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.
Abroad China has offices in both Beijing and Shanghai with English speaking staff members that can help you with any general problems or inquiries.? An orientation is given to all program participants to help adjust to life abroad. Additionally, Abroad China provides participants of most programs with cell phones, which can be used call or text message Abroad China¡¯ staff members any time.
For more information regarding Abroad China¡¯s Call Center Service, please click here.
For information regarding Abroad China¡¯s refund policy, please click here to review our policy and procedure page.
Students will be housed in a university campus dormitory OR a dormitory style hotel. Students will have a room mate during the duration of the program. Please visit the services page for more information.
For more information on accommodations, click here
Accommodation costs ARE included in the program fee.
There will be other expenses such as shopping, entertainment and travel. Utilities, phone charges, internet services and other expenses are relatively inexpensive in China. Three Hundred Dollars (USD $300) per month will typically cover non-housing expenses, but this is dependant upon spending habits.?
Participants on the Summer Program, Young Professionals Program and MBA Program will be given a cell phone that will be able to make international calls.? If you wish to use the phone from your home country, the ability to make international calls is dependant upon your service provider.
The cell phone is given to you as part of the program cost and is yours to keep once the program is over.? However, the participant pays for the minutes used by recharging the phone using pre-paid phone cards. Remember, it is not just a phone that we provide, but the entire service. Our participants can rest assured that Abroad China¡¯s staff members can be reached at any time through our call center for advice, directions, or other help. We understand that not speaking the local language in a new environment can be difficult at times. The call center lightens this load by letting all participants know that they have someone to turn to in a time of need.
Students will also have access to the internet through the university library.? Also, internet access is available at most coffee shops and internet bars.
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.
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 .
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.
Locations to do laundry vary based on the accommodation style the student has.?? Students housed in dormitory style accommodation will have access to washing machines on campus.? Students placed in hotel style accommodations can use the hotel laundry service (fee set by hotel) or laundry be taken to local dry cleaners.
The cost of meals in China can vary greatly depending on the type and quality of food.? Cafeterias on university campuses offer single dish meals with rice for as little as 4 RMB (US$.50) per meal. 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 per meal.
The summer is hot in Beijing 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.
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 is an excellent guide)
Other items may be suggested in the pre-departure packet.
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.
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.
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 students bring a travel book of some kind to China.
English is not widely used in China; however there are some English speakers in Beijing and Shanghai.? Shanghai is easier for individuals with little or no Chinese language ability. Participants are advised to bring a Mandarin phrase book.
NACTA provides students with 4.5 college credits for the program.? The credits may be transferred to students¡¯ home universities.? Students¡¯ will need to confirm the ability to transfer the credits with their universities.
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/
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.
Freeman Asia www.iie.org/pgms/freeman-asia
Fulbright US Student Program www.iie.org/fulbright
Gilman (Benjamin A.) International Scholarship Program www.iie.org/gilman/
Humphrey (Hubert H.) Fellowship Program www.iie.org/pgms/hhh/
Marshall Scholarships www.acu.ac.uk/marshall/
National Science Foundation www.nsf.gov/home/grants/htm
National Security Education Program (NSEP) www.iie.org/nsep
Rhodes Scholarship Trust www.rhodesscholar.org
Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarships www.rotary.org
Truman (Harry S.) Scholarship Foundation www.truman.gov/
Wilson (Woodrow) National Fellowship Foundation www.woodrow.org
Mellon (Andrew W.) Fellowships in Humanistic Studies www.woodrow.org/mellon/
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