FAQ
How much does a Flight to China cost?
How do I apply for a Chinese visa?
What will happen when I arrive in China?
What is the weather like in Nanjing?
Will I have a chance to travel during the program?
Do I need to buy a cell phone in China?
How much should I pack?
What is the electrical frequency in china?
Do I need to get any vaccinations before I come to China?
Will my health insurance cover me while I am in China?
What is the best way to call home while in China?
Is China safe?
How can I get access to money in China?
How much personal spending money should I bring with me?
Where will I be living?
Q: How much does a Flight to China cost?
A: Flights typically cost around $1200. Better deals can be found if you reserve early and frequently check online price listings.
Q: How do I apply for a Chinese visa?
A: First, make sure you have a valid passport. YISA will then process an official letter of invitation for you and help you through the visa application process.
Q: What will happen when I arrive in China?
A: A YISA staff member will be waiting for you at the airport and help you get to the hotel. We will tour together as a group for several days in Shanghai and then travel to Nanjing to begin classes.
Q: What is the weather like in Nanjing?
A: Nanjing is hot and humid in the summer, moderate in the spring and fall, and cold in the winter. Summer program students should pack clothes for warm weather, while fall and spring students should pack both warm and cool clothes.
Q: Will I have a chance to travel during the program?
A: In addition to the trips included in the program, both the spring and fall semester programs have a week long break for traveling. Summer students can come earlier or stay later than the official program dates if they wish to travel. YISA staff members are available to help you plan trips and make travel reservations.
Q: Do I need to buy a cell phone in China?
A: No, YISA will provide every student with a cell phone. Also, YISA operators are available anytime for you to call if you need assistance or translation.
Q: How much should I pack?
A: Trips in China always involve a lot of walking. Over packing can make traveling in China quite a chore. You should aim to pack light and only so much as you can comfortably carry yourself. YISA will provide students with frequent and inexpensive laundry service. Additionally, clothes are available in China for much cheaper than the U.S. The best strategy is to bring essentials and plan on picking up some things while you are here. Finally, bring a small bag for weekend trips.
Q: What is the electrical frequency in China?
A: China runs on 220v as opposed to 110v in the U.S. If you are planning on bringing any personal electronics, you should also bring a frequency converter. These can be purchased relatively cheaply at places like Radio Shack. Most laptop computers are designed to run at both 110v and 220v.
Q: Do I need to get any vaccinations before I come to China?
A: While currently no vaccinations are required to enter China, it is always a good idea keep up to date on your vaccinations. Check with your schools health clinic to see what vaccination services they offer.
Q: Will my health insurance cover me while I am in China?
A: Check your plans individual restrictions. Some plans include international travel while others don’t. YISA contracts with AIG I-next to provide a wide range of medical services for our students while China including: 24-Hour Medical Information & Assistance, Medical & Dental Referrals, Dispatch of Medication & Medical Supplies, Medical Monitoring, Insured Medical Evacuation, and Medically Supervised Repatriation. For detailed description of YISA student health insurance coverage go to www.inext.com/inextweb/guestpages/features/index.html
Q: What is the best way to call home while in China?
A: Avoid buying international phone cards. They are costly and difficult to use from China. The best way to call home is to use Skype. Skype allows you to make calls back to the U.S. through your computer for only 2 cents a minute. It is by far the easiest way to keep in touch with friends and family while in China.
Q: Is China safe?
A: In general, China is a very safe country. It has a very low rate of violent crime, particularly violent crime committed against travelers. However, petty theft and other annoyances are still a concern and common sense should always be followed when living in China.
Q: How can I get access to money in China?
A: There is no need to bring a ton of cash or travelers check with you to China. ATMs are widely available and will work with most bank cards. If you have a Bank of America checking account, you can withdrawal money from the China Construction Bank ATMs without an ATM fee. Otherwise, there will be a transaction fee of $4.00 to $8.00 per withdrawal.
Q: How much personal spending money should I bring with me?
A: You will need personal spending money to cover costs such as meals outside of YISA’s cafeteria (Western style restaurants are more expensive than most Chinese cuisine), taxis, laundry and miscellaneous items (frappacinos, shampoo, toothpaste, etc). You will typically need around $200-250 a month for personal expenses. Budget more if you plan to do lots of shopping/gift buying in China.
Q: Where will I be living?
A: YISA students will be housed at Wutai Garden, an apartment complex a short walk away from campus. Room amenities vary slightly, but generally include a television, private rooms, wireless high-speed internet, washing machine, kitchen and refrigerator. Weekly housekeeping service will also be provided.