If you have any question related to the China trip, feel free to call Dr. Greg Leman at 254-710-1343 or Angela at 254-710-6176. Also You may want to read over the following links:
Travelers are encouraged to register themselves and their trip with the U.S. State Department. This information will be forwarded to the embassy/consulate nearest your trip destination.
U.S. State Department’s Embassy Traveler List
Consular Information Sheet
Current Travel Warnings - Currently, there is no travel warning for China.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT - Worldwide Caution
Safety and Health Issues:
How to Prepare for “Sheltering-In-Place”
Flight Plans
So far we have arranged tickets for majority of the students who decide to go as a group. However, if your students would like to arrange their own flight, please match your arriving time in Shanghai as closely as possible. Please realize that if our flight is late, or if your student’s flight is late, they will need to get themselves to the hotel in Shanghai. We will make sure they know how to do this (getting through passport control and customs, getting a taxi, giving the driver the address for the hotel), in the event that we are not able to meet them.
For safety, we would love to require all students to travel with us (and that remains our preference), and also we can get better deal on group tickets.
Do I need to apply for my own Visa to China?
No! We will help the students apply business VISA to China as a group in April. The only thing students need to prepare is a valid passport and two passport photos.
Normal and Emergency Contacts
Students should install Skype on their laptops and have their family do so as well. This is a “voice over IP “ application that allows free communication through internet connection.
In case of emergency, there are a couple of numbers that can be called to reach USST. The university telephone number is 86-21-55276621. The fax is 86-21-55271967. You can also contact Peter Wu at 8621-55270025 or Lissa Wu 8621-55274931. Please contact them only during an emergency.
Dr. Greg Leman will also be carrying a phone. His number is +86 159018 19570.
Baylor Center for International Education Emergency Contacts
United States Embassy of Beijing, Chia
U.S. Consulate General in Shanghai
Dress
While in Shanghai, students may wear shorts and t-shirts. However, please make sure that your clothing is sensitive to the culture. Make sure shorts/skirts are not too short (nothing shorter than 3" above the knee), t-shirts should not have any writing/pictures that could be offensive, no sleeveless shirts, tank tops, or spaghetti straps. Try to avoid bringing too much denim or any other heavy clothing. The July weather in China is very hot and humid.
Should I pack a suit for the final presentation?
You do not need a suit, necessarily, unless you would prefer to bring one. At a minimum, nice pants and a jacket (this works for both males and females, although females could opt for a skirt). Men do not have to wear a tie. If you want a tie, you can buy one in China. Remember, also, that you will have a chance to have a suit tailored for you, if you like. If you do this early in the trip, your suit will be ready for the final presentation. Although a tailored suit from Shanghai will be cheaper than one purchased in the U.S., it will still be $150 or higher, depending on the selected fabric, etc.
Medication
If you are carrying a prescription medication, it is required to be in the original bottle. You must bring a copy of the doctor’s prescription in case you need to get it refilled or explain it to any authorities. Non-prescription drugs are fine to bring as long as they are in the original bottles.
What should I carry?
The map and directions for the hotel in Shanghai, credit card, and your HTH insurance card. For identification, all you need is your passport and it would be nice if your credit card had your photo on it (but thats not required). Some places offer student discounts, so your Baylor ID might be useful in those circumstances. You can bring your Baylor ID and your drivers license, but neither are required.
Money
Students should carry an ATM card. ATMs are easily accessible and allows students to exchange their money to Yuan. Travelers Checks are also recommended (but not necessary-just for backup). Very little cash is necessary (although, some should be carried. An initial amount of $100-$200). Student should carry enough cash so that if needed, they can exchange it at the airport in order to take a cab to the hotel. Students can also take credit or debit cards. If debit/credit cards are going to be taken, students need to contact the card companies to verify that no charges will be applied to purchase out of the country and to make sure that transactions will not be denied.
Laundry
There will be laundry services available at each location.
Packing
Pack light. Students should be able to easily carry their luggage a long distance. Chances are, there will be a lot of walking in the airport. Remember, students can have laundry done at the hotels.
What size suitcase should I bring?
We recommend one bag, either a regular suitcase or a duffel bag on wheels that is larger than a carry-on, but still easily handled.
Should you pack toiletries or other small items?
Students should buy most items when they arrive in China. These types of items are inexpensive and not packing them will help reduce the amount of luggage. Although, two items that can be tough to find are deodorant and lotion. .
Textbooks
>The program has arranged to have the textbooks in Shanghai when we arrive, so you do not need to pack one. However, we are not yet sure if you will need to purchase the book when we arrive, or if the program will purchase it.
Do I really need a Chinese-English pocket dictionary?
This is optional equipment.
Should I bring business cards?
This is a great idea, but not a requirement (you can easily print your own, and your Chinese colleagues will appreciate getting the information).
Should I bring gifts for my Chinese teammates?
This is also a great idea, but make sure they are small ($1-$2). You might want to pick up some Texas souvenirs and have them on hand to give your project teammates. Be sensitive however, your colleagues will be honor-bound to return the favor, and for some students, that might be a significant financial burden.
Do I need to bring enough money for food?
Part of the fee included in the program was to cover food. The meals will already be arranged for you. However, if you feel you might want to eat something other than the food arranged or if you want snacks, then bring extra money for food.
