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| FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS |
Application & Documents
How do I apply for the program?
What documents and fees will I need to send to Abroad
China before I leave for China?
Do I need health/travel insurance?
Who is eligible to participate in Abroad China's
internship programs?
Is there a Chinese language requirement?
How do I get a passport?
What kind of Visa do I need?
Program
Can I arrive prior to the program start date?
What kind of support will I have while living in China?
What is the refund policy for deposit and final payment?
Life and Living Abroad
What will my accommodations be like?
Can I make international calls with my cell phone from
China?
Is the cell phone given to us, or do we have to return it
once the volunteer program is over?
Will I have access to the internet?
How easy is it to find vegetarian food in China?
What vaccinations do I need for China?
How can I access money while in China?
Where can I do laundry?
How much do meals cost?
What should I bring to China?
What voltage used in China?
Panda Volunteer Program
When should I arrive in Chengdu?
How will I get to the Wolong Panda Center?
What time should I plan on flying out of Chengdu?
Where will I stay at Wolong?
What does a typical day's schedule at Wolong look like?
Are meals included in the Panda Volunteer Program Fee?
Travel
Do you recommend exchanging money before leaving for
China?
Is China safe for travelers?
Where can I find reliable information on China?
Other
Is English widely used in China?
Should I be worried about the bird flu or other
diseases? Where can I get more information on this topic?
Application & Documents
How do I apply
for the program?
Applying for the program is easy, just
click on the ‘Apply Now' button at the bottom of the program description or
click here[MR1] .
What documents
and fees will I need to send to Abroad China before I
leave for China?
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
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.
Who is eligible
to participate in Abroad China's internship programs?
Abroad China welcomes any individual with a desire to volunteer and
help protect the natural and cultural relics in China. The only limitations
are that the participants must be over the age of 10 (under 18 needs to be
accompanied by a parent or guardian) and should have an advanced level of
English as to communicate with the volunteer leaders (such as guides and
researchers).
Is there a
Chinese language requirement?
No, but knowledge of the language certainly helps. However, somebody
in the group should have an advanced English speaking level to communicate with
the volunteer leaders (such as guides and researchers).
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. Program participants will need a Tourist Visa. 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.
Can I arrive
prior to the program start date?
You may arrive prior to the program start date. In the case of the
Panda program, it is recommended that you arrive a day early as there is
currently construction on the road to the Wolong Panda center which may cause
serious delays. 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.
What kind of
support will I have while living in China?
Abroad China has offices in both Beijing and Shanghai with English
speaking staff members that can help you with any general problems or
inquiries. Abroad China provides participants of most programs with cell
phones (please see program details to see if your program includes a cell
phone), which can be used call or text message Abroad China' staff members any
time.
What is the
refund policy for deposit and final payment?
For information regarding Abroad China's refund policy, please click here to review
our policy and procedure page.
What will my
accommodations be like?
Program participants will typically be
staying in 4 start hotels. However, in the Clean the Great Wall Program, participants will sometimes be staying in small villages while in the
countryside while at Great Wall.
Can I make
international calls with my cell phone from China?
If your program includes a cell phone, it is possible to make
international calls. The service must be set up on the phone by calling the
customer service number, please let Abroad China know if you wish to make
international calls and we can do this for you.
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.
Please note that as volunteers may be in remote parts of the countryside,
cell reception may not always be available.
Is the cell
phone given to us, or do we have to return it once the volunteer program is
over?
The cell phone is loaned to you and should be returned to Abroad
China before leaving China. If the cell phone as no damage and is in good
working order, the deposit of USD $50 will be returned to you (please allow two
weeks as the money will be sent from our U.S. office).
Will I have
access to the internet?
Most hotels will have access to the internet in their business
centers; however, while at the Panda Center or in remote areas of the
countryside it is likely no internet access will be available.
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?
The cost of meals 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 per meal.
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.
As you will be working outside, it is
recommended that you bring strong work boots, a hat, sun screen, and sun
glasses.
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. Please refer
to the user manual for any electronic device you bring and confirm what kind of
electrical voltage it is compatible with.
When should I
arrive in Chengdu?
It's best then to arrive in Chengdu at least one day earlier than you are planning to go to Wolong. Typically it takes
between two to four hours to travel from Chengdu to the Wolong Panda Center. Transport usually departs for Wolong around 8am.
How will I get
to the Wolong Panda Center?
A driver will be in your hotel lobby
holding a sign with your name on it at 8am to pick you up.
What time
should I plan on flying out of Chengdu?
Generally transport back to Chengdu from the Panda Center departs after lunchtime or earlier. So a flight departing Chengdu should be scheduled in the late evening or the next day. Please keep in mind
traffic conditions as a result of the road construction may cause serious
delays in the arrival time back into Chengdu.
Where will I stay
at Wolong?
You do not actually stay on the reserve.
Instead you stay at a hotel that is about a 5 minutes drive away. Every
morning a van will come to the hotel to pick you up and take you to the Panda Center to begin the day's activities.
What does a
typical day's schedule at Wolong look like?
Mostly you will be feeding and then
cleaning up after the pandas. Sometimes you may be recording your observations
made during the day. Your care isn't to complex but the pandas appreciate it!
Why is a physical exam record required?
A physical exam record is required by the Panda Center as a result of one of the catching a nearly fatal disease from coming into
contact with visitors to the center. The physical exam record ultimately
needs to show that you as the volunteer:
- Have no communicable skin disease
- Are in good health
- Be signed by a physician
- Be no more than three (3) months old
Please contact Abroad China if you have
an questions or are confused about the Physical Exam Record
Are meals
included in the Panda Volunteer Program Fee?
There are no meals included in the program
fee. Three meals daily will be provided to you at a reasonable cost at the Panda Center or can be found in local restaurants.
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.
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?
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.
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/
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