Introduction

When preparing to study abroad in China, it is important to gain a balanced perspective. Safety is a global, national, regional, and local phenomenon. As Americans have come to realize, the United States is no more immune to acts of crime or violence than other parts of the world. The resources we provide will assist you in understanding the particular safety challenges in China. This resource gives a framework of information, checklists, questions, and resources that helps review the type of study abroad program you will choose/have chosen, the available support services, and ways for you to be prepared for the realities abroad in China.

Students may find it extremely helpful to do some research before going to China; understanding a country's culture, laws, customs, politics, etc. can be tremendously important. The more you know ahead of time about China, the better prepared and more confident you will feel when you arrive.

Internet research is one of the easiest ways to find more information about China. The Center for Global Education compiled a condensed list of information and helpful Internet resources on China for students considering study abroad. In creating this site, the Center's goals are to help educate and inform students so that they can enjoy a safe and healthy time in China. Students are encouraged to read through the information on China, and visit other recommended sites provided in each section.

While no study abroad program can offer an absolute guarantee that students will be safe, there are many steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of becoming injured or a victim of crime abroad. We encourage all students, their parents, and study abroad program administrators to use this website and read through the following safety suggestions in order to better prepare themselves in the case of health or safety challenges in China.

To address the current worldwide concern for safety, and the need for informed study abroad program participants, the Safety Abroad First-Educational Travel Information (SAFETI) Clearinghouse of the Center for Global Education makes the following safety resource guide available for students studying abroad in China. This document is made possible through support from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) of the U.S. Department of Education.

Why Study in China?

The Silk Route, ancient dynasty temples, Tiananmen Square, traditional theatre, and world-renowned cuisine are just some of the reasons that make China a historically fascinating and socially engaging study abroad destination.

China’s 6,000 year-old civilization is one of the oldest in the world. In China, you will have the chance to learn about history first-hand as you explore such famous and breath-taking sites as the Great Wall, the Forbidden Palace, and X’ian’s underground army of terra cotta soldiers. Students of history, architecture, religion, and archeology will find that China possess a wealth of artifacts to study and explore.

As a study abroad student in China, you have the opportunity to admire Chinese traditions in painting, participate in tai chi aerobics, and appreciate the natural beauty of the Yangtze River, rural countryside, and bamboo forests of the panda. Such traditional arts and natural wonders will be of particular interest to study abroad students in the fields of art history, medicine, ecology, zoology, agricultural economics, and botany.

While Beijing’s treasures may be centuries-old, and modern conveniences have yet to reach traditional farming villages, Shanghai proves to be a city of skyscrapers and nightlife. Hong Kong also provides a face-paced consumer environment for keeping up with the latest trends. Business students and computer engineers, as well as those interested in the tourism or fashion industries, will gain valuable experience while working in China’s big cities.

China is a dominant economic and world power. With its influence over the other Pacific Rim economies, China affords study abroad students the opportunity to collaborate to form international business partnerships. China also has a lot to offer those who aren’t interested in the trade of goods and services, but rather in the trade of information and knowledge. English teachers are in high demand in China, and study abroad students have a chance to visit and volunteer in local schools to establish potential teaching contacts for themselves in the future.

Whether your desire is to participate in Chinese New Year while feasting on world famous Cantonese cooking, or perform relaxing tai chi in a park in the middle of a city that’s anything but relaxing, or establish business and teaching contacts for future employment, China is waiting for you!

Why Learn Chinese?

The benefits of learning Chinese are equal whether a student wishes to learn Mandarin or Cantonese. The difference is that Mandarin is the more formal language of mainland China, whereas Cantonese is the language of areas outside mainland China, such as Hong Kong and Taiwan. As Mandarin and Cantonese are written more or less the same way, if you can read one, then you can most likely read the other.

China is home to 1/5 of the world’s people. Due to China’s enormous population, statistics prove that more people in the world read Chinese than English. As China is a dominant world power, especially in Asia and the Pacific, Chinese is also an official language of the United Nations.

Many students see Chinese as too difficult to study, but they don’t realize that Chinese grammar structure is actually much easier to learn than English grammar. While both Mandarin and Cantonese are considered difficult to learn, if you choose to study a more challenging language, you prove to others that you are dedicated, ambitious, and hard-working. People, especially employers, will be impressed with your desire to learn Chinese as well as the command of Chinese you attain.

Students interested in business, economics, commerce, and international trade will greatly benefit from learning Chinese because China is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Due the quantity of untapped markets in China, the business world deems Chinese to be the language of the future. There is currently a real need for Westerns who speak Chinese; not only can they assist numerous U.S. companies already established in China, but they can also assist Chinese tourists, students, and business people who are coming to the United States in increasing numbers.

Students interested in business, economics, commerce, and international trade will greatly benefit from learning Chinese because China is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Due the quantity of untapped markets in China, the business world deems Chinese to be the language of the future. There is currently a real need for Westerns who speak Chinese; not only can they assist numerous U.S. companies already established in China, but they can also assist Chinese tourists, students, and business people who are coming to the United States in increasing numbers.

Advice for Parents

You may want to take a similar role in the selection of your student's study abroad program as you did with your son or daughter's selection of an appropriate U.S. college or university. To begin, we recommend that students read and fill-out this Study Abroad Handbook independently. This can be the first step that helps him/her take charge of his/her own study abroad experience. However, accomplishing the many tasks involved with planning study abroad in China can be overwhelming. Your son or daughter will most likely need your assistance.

Finding a Quality Program

In this section, you will get some helpful tools and advice on how to select the best study abroad program for you. You have a variety of programs to choose from in China; they include: language academies, traditional universities, cultural tours and eco-adventures. Prior to participating, students and their parents should take time to look at the different programs available for study abroad.

One of the main reasons students cite for not studying abroad is that they start the planning process too late and miss the opportunity. The earlier you start researching programs, the better chance you will have to study abroad, include the coursework in your on-campus degree program, and graduate on time. The simplest way to find an appropriate study abroad program in China is to look at programs available through your home campus; home campus faculty and staff can help you through the process.

Selecting the Right Program for You

In this section, you will learn how to go a step beyond finding a quality program. You will begin to research quality programs that reflect your individual needs. You will be better able to find a program that matches academic and personal objectives. The following things are some personal factors that can affect a student’s program decision:

Cost: Finding a quality program that’s affordable is possible. Depending on you or your family’s financial situation, program cost may or may not be an issue for you. No one wants to compromise quality for cost. However, many students need to find programs that fit their personal budget. Costs for study abroad programs don’t end with a basic fee; rather, additional costs can add up for insurance, housing, meals, excursions, travel, medical needs and purchases.

Spending and Saving: Frugal spending is key both before you go, and while you are in China. Make a budget for yourself and stick to it. Before you go, you may want to budget your spending by giving up that morning cup of coffee you buy on your way to work/class. Instead, you could make your own coffee at home, and bring your lunch with you rather than buying it every day. You may have to eat out less and give up going out as frequently. You could take the bus instead of paying to fill up your car, and you might even start clipping coupons.

Group Size: Some study abroad programs have very high limits for enrollment, while others are very selective about the number of students they allow to participate. You should determine in which situation you might feel more comfortable.

It is important to ask your study abroad program coordinator what the ratio is between staff and students—a small program staff in charge of a large group may not be the best when you are trying to find someone to assist you. Of course, if you plan to do independent study, you may very well be the only U.S. student at the institution you’ve chosen. This would probably give you the highest level of immersion, but you would have added responsibilities that another student studying in a program group may not have.

Class Size: Depending on how you learn best as a student, you will want to choose a program with smaller or larger class size. As a student, you may enjoy smaller class sizes because of the personal attention you receive. Also, if you are a beginning-level Chinese learner, you may appreciate the extra help that smaller classes can provide. On the other hand, you may be comfortable and accustomed to larger classes in which you have more independent study time. You may enjoy a larger class setting where you may come in contact with more students. Ask your study abroad program coordinator what the average class size tends to be for the subjects you will take in China.

Class Dynamics: Ask yourself whether or not you prefer sitting next to a Chinese student or another U.S. student in your classes. The answer to this question will help you determine whether or not you would like to be in classes with only other U.S. students, a mix of Chinese and U.S. students, or a class where the majority of the students are Chinese. Most programs offer courses where a student can be fully immersed in the Chinese education system by attending class with regular students at a university/institution. Other programs separate students by designing special courses for program participants. Inquire as to which classes you are able to take as part of your program. Also ask whether or not your teachers will be from the United States or China, if this matters to you.

Language Instruction: Even if you have minimal or no prior Chinese language experience, you can still find a program to suit your personal needs. Ask if your program offers Chinese for all levels, including beginner level instruction. If not, you may be able to take some classes in English. However, you may prefer to take all of your classes in Chinese —after all, it is the official language of China. The more classes you take in Chinese, the more your Chinese will improve and the more immersed you will feel in Chinese culture and society. Ask if your program provides classes in Chinese, English or both.

Goals: Everyone chooses to study abroad for different reasons. You may want to learn or improve your Chinese. You may want to conduct independent research. You may want to pursue a degree, or you may just want to travel and get away. Before choosing a program, see if it fits the personal goals and objectives you have. Ask yourself if the program you choose will allow you to accomplish what you have in mind.

Who Runs Your Program?

In this section, you will learn how to better understand who runs your program, and whether it is closely connected with your U.S. home university. Before deciding on a study abroad program in China, it’s important to identify what kind of relationship your U.S. college or university has with your study abroad program; essentially, you want to know who is “in charge,” and who will help you if you need assistance.

There are five general types of study abroad program sponsors, which can be classified by the kind of relationship your U.S. home institution's staff has with a program's international staff. This can help you determine how much communication goes on between U.S. staff and abroad staff; does each party know what the other party is doing?

1. Home University Owned and Operated:	A U.S. college or university usually operates facilities and programs in China as if they were extensions of its U.S. campus. It employs some or all of a program's academic/administrative staff in China and owns, leases, controls or operates some or all of a program facilities and operations in China. Staff and facilities in China vary greatly from a one-person office to a comprehensive campus.
2. Home University Partnerships:	A study abroad program is a result of a cooperative arrangement or agreement between a U.S. college or university and one or more educational institutions or organizations in China. This allows a U.S. university to send its students on programs owned and operated by a U.S. or a foreign college, university or independent program provider.
3. Independent Student:	Students find and enroll in programs independent of their college or university. In some cases, students will remain enrolled at their U.S. home campus, using their financial aid. In other cases, students will be required to take a leave of absence. Upon return, students may or may not receive credit for study completed in China.
4. Individual Faculty/Staff Travel Study Program:	An individual faculty or staff member from a U.S. home campus, who has no permanent office in China, accompanies a group of students for many of the short term and summer programs offered.
5. Hybrid Programs:	Many study abroad programs are mixtures of the four previously mentioned types of programs. For example, your home university may have an administrative office in China, but a Chinese institution may offer courses and housing, and an independent program provider may arrange excursions.

The program sponsors listed above, may provide on-site program administration in China through four types of program providers:

1. Foreign University Programs: Students directly enroll in the courses offered by a Chinese college or university. Chinese colleges and universities offer varying levels of services and support.

 
2. U.S. University Abroad: Students can enroll in other U.S. universities' programs in China with which their U.S. home university has a formal agreement.

 
3. Independent Program Providers: Many study abroad providers are neither colleges nor universities, but are solely in the business of providing study abroad programs. Programs vary from well-staffed organizations with offices in the United States and China to a one-person office anywhere in the world.

 
4. Hybrid Program Providers: Many study abroad program providers are mixtures of the three previously mentioned types of program providers. For instance, your U.S. college or university may have an administrative office in China, while courses and housing may be offered by a Chinese college or university, and excursions may be arranged by an independent program provider.

After you understand who runs your study abroad program in China and whether it is closely connected with your U.S. home university, the next step should involve a review of whether the level of support services both in the United States and in China will meet your needs. Remember that there is no national organization that regulates the quality and certifies any minimum standard for study abroad programs. For this reason, it would be wise to take an active role in evaluating a program prior to participating in it. It is important to look at the many types of activities provided by your program.

• Excursions/Field Trips
• Travel/Transportation
• Classes
• Housing
• Counseling (if provided)/Student Services/Health Office
• Academic Advisement for classes

Participation in a study abroad program very likely will involve contracts. You, and maybe your parents, will have to read through and sign a number of important documents. Some of these documents might limit a program's responsibility or liability in the case you are injured in China, other contracts might hold you responsible for certain behavior, still other contracts may require you to release personal information. Read everything before you sign. If you have to, re-read everything, have your parents read everything, or have your lawyer read everything before you sign anything. Don't let anyone pressure you into signing an agreement that confuses you, or one you don't understand. Ask study abroad administrators to explain exactly what they are having you sign, what it means, and what happens if you don't want to sign. Know your rights and take time to think about any possible consequences of signing or not signing. Among other things, think about the following when deciding to sign or not sign a contract:

• By signing, what are you agreeing to do/not do?
• What rights do you gain/give up?
• Does the contract protect you or your program sponsor?
• Is the contract legally sound?
• Can the contract be broken after you have signed?

Financing Study Abroad

In this section, you will learn how to help cover the costs of study abroad in China. With appropriate planning, most students that can afford to study at a U.S. college or university, can afford to study abroad in China. It is important to take into account all program costs to ensure you have sufficient funds for a healthy and safe experience in China.

In most cases, a student's financial aid package should cover most, if not all, of the costs of certain study abroad programs. Usually, study abroad programs affiliated with your U.S. home campus are more likely to be covered by financial aid. If you don't have financial aid, there are also many scholarships and fellowships available; you just have to know where to look for them. Grants and loans are yet another way to help cut costs.

• Loans and Financial Aid: If you receive financial aid, study abroad in China may be partially or fully covered by the terms of your financial aid package. If the study abroad program you have chosen is directly associated with your U.S. home campus, you may have a better chance of having your financial aid money cover your program costs in China. However, you can't assume that financial aid will apply; even if it does, there may be limits as to what it covers. Inquire about the terms of your financial aid package at your college or university's financial aid office. You may also be eligible for a student loan, or an additional loan, if you receive federal work-study as part of your financial aid packet. Before asking for a bank loan, ask a financial aid adviser on your campus.
• Scholarships, Fellowships and Grants: With advance planning, you may be able to obtain scholarship or grant money from your U.S. home university or even from the institution in China where you will study. There are many academic awards and fellowships available for students with an interest in study abroad or other international experiences. To find scholarship and fellowship opportunities, visit your college or university's financial aid office, search on-line, or consider purchasing one of the many books available on the subject. Many academic departments also offer student research grants for research completed abroad; most often, the fields of anthropology, geology, and medicine offer research grants.
• Other Sources of Money: Even though it may be hard to juggle a full load of classes and a job, working is a great way to raise money for study abroad. Although working on-campus doesn't usually get you the highest salary possible, campus jobs do help your cash flow. Since your goal is to earn fast cash, you don't necessarily need to look for a job oriented around your future career. While career-oriented jobs can be terrific learning and networking opportunities, non-career jobs may have more flexible hours allowing you to work between classes. Also, try making appeals to your local community, religious and academic organizations. These groups may set aside funding, or take up special collections, for students. If you or your family happen to belong to any community or religious organizations, those groups may be more apt to sponsor you because they know you; these groups often see you as a representative or role model and may even ask you to speak at their meetings when you return from studying abroad. If your study abroad in China involves volunteer work or charitable activities, some organizations may also be more willing to support your efforts.

Cost of Living

Cost of living varies from country to country, with currency fluctuations, and according to your personal budget. You are probably used to a certain standard and cost of living in the United States, and you probably budget your income in order to maintain (or better) the standard and costs to which you have become accustomed.

You can calculate the difference in cost of living between the United States and China by using an on-line international cost of living converter. Enter the U.S. city in which you live and your current salary. Then, enter the city in China where you will study. The converter calculates how much you will need to earn in order to live in China as you do in the United States. This rough estimate can provide you with a goal amount of money you will need to raise/save before going abroad:

Application Process

In general, expect to be asked to provide the following types of information about yourself on your study abroad program application form(s): your academic performance (Grade Point Average, scholarships, etc…), your selling points/talents (what you think about yourself), letters of recommendation (what others think about you), your hobbies and interests, your knowledge of current events in China, your resume and official college transcript to date, etc...

Your Personal Statement/Essay is like a written handshake; it’s the first impression you give to administrators. Your personal statement is your opportunity to emphasize your best qualities and to show off your writing and communication skills. Also, if your transcript isn’t the greatest, you can use your personal statement to explain why, or to go into detail about your other talents away from school. While your GPA does factor into the equation, other extracurricular activities count as well, so be sure to list them. Even if there is a minimum GPA requirement that you don’t meet, you may still be able to participate in a program if you write a strong Personal Statement/Essay and have good letters of recommendation. You will probably write and re-write more than one draft of your personal statement before turning in your application. You may even want a professor to look it over before you write the final draft. This is especially true if you are asked to write your Personal Statement/Essay in Chinese. Remember to show maturity and to tell your audience what you are hoping to learn and get out of your study abroad program. Briefly explain your personal and academic goals. Most study abroad program administrators particularly want to know why you desire to study abroad in China.

If your Personal Statement/Essay is like a written handshake, then your Interview is your actual—in person—handshake. The Interview process lets a program selection committee match your face with your name. It allows them to see you on a more personal and human level, rather than just on paper. Since first impressions can leave lasting impressions, it is important to present yourself as best as possible. You may want to dress professionally for your interview, and get a good night’s sleep beforehand. As you may be asked about the current events of China, it’s helpful to read Chinese and U.S. news in preparation for your interview. Remember your manners and be polite; give others your full attention and listen to everything being asked of you. Since group interviews are common, make sure to listen to other students as well. However, remember that a group interview is not a competition between you and the other students; you do not need to talk longer or louder than the others. If a question catches you off guard, or you don’t know the answer, ask the person to repeat the question. Take your time when answering, and be honest if you don’t know something.

Pre-Departure Planning

In this section, you will find useful information on how to select a travel provider, decide which guidebook is right for you, learn how to tune-in your favorite Chinese radio station, and find out what documents are necessary for study abroad in China. Before you buy anything, research your choices, select a travel provider, and find out what documents are necessary for study abroad in China.

Student travel agencies may be the most discount-orientated. Travel agents are a traditional option, but several student-oriented travel agencies can offer discount fairs. Other young adults, who have recently studied abroad themselves, often staff these student agencies. Therefore, they can be more knowledgeable about travel abroad. Many student agencies offer exclusive student or youth travel discounts. Some discounts may be valid for a full year, an extended time limit that most regular travel agencies do not offer.

Travel agencies are usually the least discount-oriented. Checking with several of them may help you to establish a base price, or sometimes you may even get a reasonable fare. If you are extremely flexible, many airlines offer last minute airfare deals that can even be cheaper than student tickets.

Buying online is yet another option. Most sites post new discount offers three times a day. Some also offer the possibility of bidding for tickets at your own specified price. If your bid is accepted, you could end up flying for a very low price. However, be wary of restrictions on bidding (like not being able to back out of the deal once your bid has been accepted, and not being given a choice of airlines or flight times).

When you have decided where to purchase your airplane ticket, many travel experts recommend paying with a credit card. Several credit card companies offer insurance on purchases; should your tickets be lost or stolen, or you flight cancelled, you needn't lose all your money. Check with your credit card company to determine what conditions of protection apply.

If you wish to travel to Tibet, you must request permission from the tourist administration of the Tibetan Autonomous Region. This can be arranged through almost any Chinese travel agency.

Proper documentation and identification is required for entry to China and for re-entry into the United States. China has its own special requirements for entry based on your citizenship, purpose of visit and length of stay. Find out which requirements pertain to your situation, and plan in advance; obtaining documents from embassies or consulates can take from one hour up to three months. Getting a new passport may take up to six weeks.

How Foreign Laws Apply to You

In this section, you will find information on what you should know about China's legal system, and the legal system of the countries to which you will be traveling. If you are a U.S. citizen, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in China is limited in what it can do to assist you if you should get into legal trouble abroad. As a foreigner in a foreign land, you are obligated to act in accordance with foreign law.

Not knowing local laws can get you into serious trouble. Just because something is legal in the United States doesn't mean it is legal in China. Most students who study abroad do not break the law on purpose; instead, they end up doing something illegal without knowing it. Even as a foreigner, you must obey all Chinese laws and the laws of other countries to which you are traveling.

If you break local laws while in China, the U.S. government can do very little to help you. You are granted no special privileges or rights, and will be dealt with according to standard procedure of the legal system of China. The U.S. and Chinese governments encourage all visitors to China to become familiar with local laws before they visit. Upon arrival in China, you may also wish to ask a Chinese official about local laws and procedures. Remember, most students who study abroad wind up breaking the law unintentionally, and alcohol and drug use have been associated with law-breaking in many cases.

Methods of Communication While Abroad

In this section, you will learn how to communicate better with a program's administration, family and friends while you are in China. When looking at a study abroad program in China, see if it has a 24-hour communication contact person both in China and in the United States. With the advent of the "information age," there now exists more than just one way to communicate internationally.

Housing

Your place of residence in China will become the main site of most of your cultural interaction. Where you choose to live in China can determine to what level you will immerse yourself in Chinese culture.

The majority of your language practice and communication will not take place in the classroom, or even during your travels. Rather, most of it will happen at home in your residence. At your place of residence, you will experience the most intense and personal form of culture-sharing, as the locals you will live with become your family, friends and roommates.

Just as it took getting used to living with your dorm or apartment roommate(s) in the United States, it will take just as much effort to adjust to your living situation in China. Your place of residence in China comes with challenges, perhaps even more challenges than you had to deal with when you lived with roommates at your U.S. home campus. You will face language and culture differences which can affect everything from when a person eats a meal, to what he or she eats, personal hygiene issues, study habits, likes and dislikes, etc… However, keep in mind that your own habits and views will also seem different to the person(s) you are living with in China.

When thinking about housing in China, the most important thing to remember is patience. Try to be patient with yourself as you try to adjust to living with others in China. Also, try to be patient with those you live with, as they will be learning to adjust to you as well. In the chance that things just don’t work out for you, or you just are not compatible with your roommates or host family, make sure your program offers you the right to change your place of residence. Ask your program’s administrators about your rights in regards to switching places of residence, and whether or not an administrator can help you find alternate housing should you need it. Your program administrators can act as conflict mediators to help you and your roommates or host family resolve any issues troubling you. If at any time you find your housing unsafe, be clear with program administrators and explain to them why it is unsafe and that you need to change housing as soon as possible.

There are three main types of housing options in China. However, not all programs will offer all three housing options. In many cases, you may only be offered one type of housing option. Also, your program may not provide housing at all, or may not be able to guarantee housing for you.

A Word of Warning: Natural gas in China is not scented to warn you of leaks, so carbon monoxide poisoning, especially from gas heaters, has been known to be deadly. Take your own carbon monoxide detector along with you, and ensure living spaces are properly ventilated.

Packing

Expectations

Living abroad in China will be different, and it’s crucial for you to start expecting that China will be different. Simply anticipating some of the differences ahead of time can help better prepare you for life abroad in China. The single most import thing to remember is to be flexible. You will no doubt have to adapt to new things you encounter in China.

You should learn to expect the unexpected. Accept the fact that everything in China will not be same as it here in the United States. The following are some very general and basic things to which you are probably accustomed in the United States, but that may be very different in China:

• Routines and Schedules: Because of its gigantic geographic span, China should be divided into different time zones. However, Beijing time sets the standard time for the entire nation. Not only might you be dealing with a time difference upon arrival, but many Chinese also have a unique work schedule and ethic. You may have a long afternoon break between classes so that you can prepare and eat lunch at home. You may return to class late in the afternoon and have classes until later at night. You may eat lunch and dinner later than you are accustomed to doing. You will have to work your routine around Chinese business hours. You may find rural life in China to be slower paced and more basic than the lifestyle to which you are accustomed. You will also have to adapt your routine to bus and metro schedules and to your roommates’ schedules. There are countless ways in which your routine in China can be different from your routine in the United States.
• Facilities: Facilities may be modern or rundown, working or out of order, clean or dirty. Basically, you take what you get and deal with it. You have to be your own judge of when facilities like hospitals, restaurants, beaches, public transportation, apartments, or even phone booths are in safe, working condition. In many cases, especially in poorer areas of China, you may have to lower your standards a bit and accept what’s available to you. Facilities do not have to be new to be useful or safe.
• Modern Conveniences: It may be difficult for some students to find appropriate footwear in China, as shoe sizes tend to run quite a bit smaller than they do in the United States. In Chinese supermarkets, you probably will not be able to find certain favorite food items you always eat in the United States. Just because you can’t find something you’re looking for in China, doesn’t mean China lacks anything. If you like Chinese food in the United States, it doesn’t mean it will taste the same in China. You should not expect to find the same foods in restaurants or supermarkets, the same fast food chains or name brand items, the same style or sizes of clothing and shoes, etc. Many of the modern conveniences you may take for granted, like ATM machines, hair dryers, cell-phone reception, Internet hook-ups and microwaves, may not be available. In short, if you can’t have or find everything you want, you will have to compromise.
• Bathrooms and Toilets: You may very likely find things are different even in Chinese bathrooms. The idea of a western toilet with a porcelain bowl and a seat is not universal. Bathroom facilities abroad can literally be holes in the floor, outhouses, or non-existent. Bidets are common, especially in Europe. Toilet paper is often not available, or not commonly used. You may always want to carry a pocket pack of tissues with you just in case. Sinks and running water for you to wash your face and hands or brush your teeth may or may not be an option. If sink water is an option, be sure to ask if you can drink it or brush your teeth with it. Showers may also be different in China, as some cultures prefer to bathe in a tub or other water source instead. Hand-held water sprayers may replace U.S. style fixed showerheads.
• Co-ed Living: If you are not comfortable with living with the opposite sex, make sure to make your wishes known before you are assigned housing, or before you place an ad for a roommate. Otherwise, you may be assigned to live in a co-ed dorm, or find that your roommates are of the opposite sex.
• Civil Liberties: Be advised that some internet sites and reading materials are banned by the Chinese government. You will not be able to access these websites while in China, and you will face penalties if caught reading, possessing, or distributing banned materials. Students may bring into China only a limited number of items that are considered necessary for study and daily life.
• Other Cultural Differences: Do not be alarmed or offended if you find yourself being followed by a group of locals in a rural village. Westerns can be a rare site in many parts of China, and you just might be the talk of the town. The Chinese tend to be reserved in both their dress and their relationships. Most Chinese prefer to maintain formal and polite relations rather than overly-familiar ones. A guest may be greeted with applause, and the appropriate response is to applause back in return. One should arrive a bit early to invitations, and always take a small gift like candy or fruit when a guest in someone’s home. Stamps are also a popular gift. Arguing in public is frowned upon, and political and religious opinions should not be given.

Medical Care and Insurance

In this section, you will find information on how to obtain medical assistance while in China. As insurance is critical to obtaining medical assistance while in China, we will then review different types of insurance that are available. For international study and travel, there are various types of insurance that you should consider purchasing prior to leaving the United States. These include major medical, emergency evacuation, repatriation of remains, 24-hour emergency help line, legal assistance, baggage, accidental death and dismemberment/life, motor vehicle, and kidnapping and terrorism insurance.