FAQ
Below is a list of frequently asked questions when traveling/working in China. This is not a comprehensive list but is a good start. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions at info@us-chinaconnect.com, call us at (330) 576-4056, or Skype: us.china.connect
How do I apply?
Easy! Click here. Be sure to carefully follow the application steps and the disclaimer. Going to China is huge and we want to make sure you are well-informed and prepared for the road ahead.
Where in China can I work or study?
Our belief is that to gain the more authentic experience in China you need to go to a second tier or third tier cities. There you are away from the international crowd and have more opportunities to interact and see the “real” China. Our focus cities right now are Chengdu, Ningbo and Wuhan, and Zhengzhou, though we are constantly adding new partnerships across the country. Click on the map for a brief description of each city we highlight.
Are there any fees involved? How much does it cost?
There is a non-refundable $75 application fee per person, regardless of the program you apply for. Though your Chinese school or program will take responsibility once you are abroad, US-China Connect will serve as a go-between for any questions or concerns to make your experience an rewarding one. If you are coming for a one-year program as an English teacher almost all schools provide basic insurance. It is advisable that you have an overseas insurance policy to cover the “what-if” scenario. World Nomads offers very affordable short-term insurance rates and can be purchased online if your current health insurance provider does not.
Any medical expenses, such as immunizations and doctor visits, will be covered by you. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site to see what is recommended/required when traveling to China.
As each program differs in payment, you might have to cover your travel expenses up front, such as plane and train tickets, and will be reimbursed later once you arrive in China and finish your work contract. Do not worry, we will clearly explain the expenses you are responsible for based on the program.
What are the requirements to live/work in China?
Our partners differ a little sometimes on education requirements. However the following requirements can give you an idea of what they expect
- Good health, good disposition and an open mind. All important for an overseas experience, regardless of where you go
- Native English speaker (they prefer the North American accent)
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Passport valid for 6 months (or 15 months for a one-year contract) and at least one blank page
- Health Physical given by a registered doctor with county, state and government notarization
Although your Chinese school or program will guide you through the process, you will probably have to handle the Chinese visa service. Visit the Chinese Consulate web site for the exact specifications.
NOTE: Failure to fulfill Chinese Government requirements could affect your opportunity to go to China and the chance to participate in the program you have applied for.
What do I need to know about China?
One of the great opportunities in coming to China with US-China Connect is that you can learn about China first-hand. Many times it’s different to what we have learned in the US, simply because of education systems. Most travelers or English teachers coming to China usually pick up a Lonely Planet or Rough Guide for China. Remember they are just travel books and give you a good general explanation – obviously they are not all inclusive. You can buy these books directly online or through Amazon. Be prepared to mutilate it as well, for you’ll find the China travel books to be quite big and can be heavy in your bag. It’s common to rip out the parts of the book where you are traveling to to make your bag lighter, or write down important contact numbers and email addresses.
Do I need to know how to speak Mandarin Chinese? Will I be able to learn Chinese?
For the most part you do not. There are many international teachers/interns in China who never learn the language and get by with little problems – they either quickly make a few Chinese friends and follow them, learn a bit themselves (ex. buying things, taxi), or simply have a Chinese write something down on a piece of paper and give it to Chinese. However we would hope and prefer you learn at least a bit and will recommend resources so you can begin learning or continue learning Mandarin Chinese.
Chinese language is a fascinating thing, with an intricate writing system that is considered by many to be an art. Speaking is usually the easiest to tackle first, followed by reading Chinese characters, and then writing. If you are coming for a few months you can certainly pick up and use many phrases with ease, often called Survival Chinese. If you are staying for a year or more you will certainly have time to develop and sound foundation in Mandarin Chinese and able to have conversations about daily life. You will have to work hard though!
NOTE: There are hundreds of dialects throughout China. Most Chinese speak putonghua, or Standardized Speech, which what we call Mandarin Chinese. People in Hong Kong and the South speak guangdonghua, or Cantonese. Taiwanese speak Mandarin.
How much will I be paid if I’m working? How much money will I need to bring with me? Can I use my U.S. ATM bank card?
Each program varies and will be clearly explained during the application. Visit the Opportunities section for more information.
Currently the exchange rate is about 6.8 yuan for each U.S Dollar. You can eat a bowl of noodles or basic dishes for less than 10 yuan ($1.50), though fast food like McDonald’s and Starbucks will be more expensive. Western food usually costs a bit more, probably 60 yuan ($9) or more.
As a rule of thumb you should be able to eat, live comfortably and get around town for 140 yuan ($20) a day, aside from any personal preferences or spending habits. China is still “cheap” in many places, but if you like to spend money you can certainly find places where it becomes “expensive”. Spend at your own risk!
Most Chinese banks have ATM’s that accept VISA and Mastercard international credit and debit cards. Occasionally, certain ATM’s have problems – don’t panic, just be sure to take your card and walk to another one. In a pinch there is always Western Union. If you are staying for a year or more, your Chinese school or program will probably open a Chinese bank account for you where your money will be deposited. You will need your passport to open it up.
NOTE: US dollars are not accepted anywhere, regardless of what people say. You will have to use Chinese Yuan, often called the reminbi or RMB.
Is China safe?
China is arguably one of the safest places in the world for international travelers, for Chinese love to play host. Guns are more or less non-existent and there are harsh penalties for Chinese who commit crimes on foreigners. HOWEVER, good comment sense and restraint goes a long way, as cultural misunderstandings can lead to arguments and worse. A good rule of thumb in any part of the world is be smart. Remember that if you commit a crime in China, such as buying drugs, you will be subject to far more harsher penalties than in the US. You are recommended to register with the US Government to report where you will be in the small case that something unexpected happens. Registration and travel trips can be found on the U.S. Department of State’s web site.
The biggest crimes in China are petty theft, such as wallets and cell phones in big cities. Be sure to keep valuables with you and in a safe bag and don’t walk away from them unattended. There are some instances of little fraud schemes in Beijing and Shanghai, such as buying tea and art, as well as fake train tickets and counterfeit money. As long as you buy from reputable dealers, and there are many, you should be fine.
What do I need to bring with me to China?
Not much. Most people tend to overpack and find that China has many less escalators and elevators than the U.S. If you are coming in the summer, a couple pairs of light, breathable clothing works best, as southern China summers can be quite balmy. All toiletries, including American and European brands, can be found at either the same price or a little more. And if you do not have enough you can go to local knock-off markets and buy some clothes that you can use while you are in China and take them back with you or donate them before you leave.
It would be also smart to pack a small emergency medical kit with any medicines you would need. A basic pain reliever like Tylenol or Advil, an anti-diarrheal like Pepto Bismol, over the counter cold/flu, prescription medicines,birth control, etc.
For teaching, a laptop computer or the new traveler computers would be quite useful in the classroom. Any teaching materials, such as games, books, music or movies, should be brought with you.
NOTE: It will be difficult to find many common English books in bookstores across the country that haven’t been translated into Chinese.
I’m really interested in Chinese culture. What opportunities will I have to learn about Tai Chi/Kung Fu/Cooking Chinese food/Chinese traditional medicine/Beijing Opera/Chinese Calligraphy?
Lots! Each program and location is a bit different, but US-China Connect works with its partners that you have the best access available to all of the ones listed above, and then some.
What about cell phones and international calling? Internet access?
Upon arriving in China you could buy a cheap mobile phone and a China SIM card for much less than what you would pay in the US. You pay for service by buying recharge cards in 50 or 100 yuan increments (about $7 and $14) and could last you a long time, sometimes a month. There are many service plans though and you should take a look at what is available once you arrive. China has two main cell phone carriers: China Mobile and China Unicom.
You can buy IP international calling cards for a relatively low price. However, downloading Skype is the free alternative and you can use the Internet access that will be provided in your apartment. If not, you will have to work with your program to buy a short-term Broadband Internet contract (about $10 a month)
I heard there is Internet censorship in China. Is this true and how does this affect me?
As you know, not all countries share the basic freedoms that Americans and others have, especially Internet access. As of right now, both Facebook, Youtube and some blogging web sites are censored, though that changes on a daily basis. In addition, recent news of Google pulling out of Mainland China have slowed down Google from time to time but still works, including Gmail. You do not have to worry about people scanning your email and or Internet disruption; however, be advised that researching sensitive Chinese topics (like Taiwan, Tibet and Tiananmen Square) and looking at pornography is not a good idea.
Do I need to buy any furniture or appliances? What is my living arrangement situation?
You will have clean, comfortable apartment with 24-hour hot water service, a toilet, and a working air-conditioner. All living arrangements are furnished, as most international teaching contracts stipulates. Each partner varies in details but you might have to buy some cheap bedding and or any extra items such as toiletries and coffee mugs/coffee makers and the like. As stated before, giant appliance stores (Su Ning) and international superstores (American Wal-Mart, French Carrefour, German Metro) have everything you could desire, and usually for a decent price.
I’m a vegetarian/vegan. Will I have problems with this?
Though many Chinese dishes feature some sort of meat element to them, either pieces or cook in a meat sauce, it is certainly possible to buy fresh fruits and vegetables and vegetarian restaurants close to Buddist/Daoist temples (they are vegetarians too). You might also have to tell restaurants and hosts that you are a vegetarian and the request is honored with no problems. Also, remember China is home of tofu and there is no shortage of that.
However be forewarned that you might sometimes find yourself in situations where a restaurant or host was not aware and you will have to “pretend” to be a meat-eater. This is simply a cultural difference, as vegetarians are far less in China than other places.
International stores like Carrefour and Metro will have international brands and imports in case you are extremely choosy in your diet. Though each person’s diet is extremely important, keep in mind that traveling abroad and trying the food is one of the finer things in life. And Chinese food can be arguably some of the best in the world.
Will I have time to travel?
Yes, you will. The summer internship programs are obviously shorter, and you’ll probably have to plan a trip for after program completion. If you are signing a one-year contract you will have holidays throughout the year, including a long one in January/February where you could head to warmer climates in China our Southeast Asia.
