How Do I Apply?
1.         Download and fill out application
                            
2.         Upload/mail/fax completed application form (Fax 952-932-3562)
3.         Send deposit of $250.
4.         Upload/mail visa photos
5.         Upload/mail/fax transcripts
6.         Upload/mail/fax Letters of Recommendation
7.         Submit signed “Release” form (on-line or “hard-copy”)
8.         Fill out and upload/mail/fax application form for Chinese visa

If you would like to ask questions prior to filling out the application please call 1-888-ASIA-NOW.

Note: Miami University (Ohio) students click here

When is the application deadline?
Fall 2008 Semester: application deadline is March 1st, 2008
Spring 2009 Semester application deadline is October 1st, 2008

Do I have to be a Chinese or East Asian Studies major?
No.  All majors may apply.

Do I need any previous Chinese language experience?
No.  All levels are welcome to apply.  We offer courses from Beginning Chinese to Advanced.

What are your admission requirements?

• Must be in good academic standing
• GPA of 2.5

Passport

Do I need a passport?
YES!  You MUST have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining until its expiration date. 

How do I apply for a passport?
You can apply for a passport at your local post office.   For more information on applying for a new passport or renewing an expired passport please visit the US Department of State’s website click here

You can also visit the US Postal Service site click here

How long does it take to get a passport?
It may take as long as 1 month to get a passport!  Make sure to leave enough time and remember you will still need your passport BEFORE you can apply for a Chinese visa!

Visa

Do I need a visa?
Yes.  You MUST have a Chinese visa to enter the country.  Petters EducAsian will process your Chinese student visa.

How long does it take to get a visa?
It may take about 1-2 weeks to get your visa processed.

What do I need for a visa?
You are required to have a valid passport (with at least six months left until expiration and a blank page), completed visa application, visa photo.
For visa application click here

Transcripts, Grades & Credit

Transcripts
After completion of the courses you will be issued grades for each course.  Transcripts will also be provided.

How many credits are the courses?
Each course (non-Mandarin language) will be held twice a week for 2hours each session.  Students will be granted3- 4 credits per course.

Mandarin Chinese language courses will be held daily for 2 hours each day and students will be granted 6-8 credits.

Important Note:  All schools/universities award credits differently.  It is important that you check with your academic advisor PRIOR to your departure to confirm that credits will be accepted.

How many credits can I enroll in?
12-16 credits is recommended.

Note: Miami University (Ohio) students click here

Time

What is the time difference in China?
All of China is on Beijing time which is GMT +8. 

Do they have daylight savings time in China?
No.  The Chinese do NOT adjust their clocks for daylight savings time (“spring forward” or “fall back”).  During the fall/winter months China is 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.  During the spring/summer months China is 12 hours ahead.

Health & Safety

Is China safe?
Yes, China is safe.  There is very little violent crime against foreigners although petty theft and pickpockets are not uncommon in crowded areas.  So, while Chinese cities are generally safer than ANY American city, common sense rules do apply and you are encouraged to be alert. For more information see click here

Do I need any medications or vaccinations?
While there are no required vaccinations it is recommended that “routine vaccinations” be up to date.  For more info see Center for Disease Control click here

Can I drink the water?
No.  You should not drink the tap water in China.  Bottled water or boiled water is okay.

Insurance
Emergency medical and evacuation insurance will be provided to all students. More information about this insurance is provided in the student pre-departure packet.

Money

What is the exchange rate?
The Chinese currency is called the ren min bi (also known as RMB or the Chinese Yuan CNY).   The official exchange rate for US dollars is approximately 7.44 RMB to $1USD (11/13/07).   These rates do vary slightly from day to day.
For up to date exchange rate information click here

How much money will I spend?
We would suggest that you budget between $10-15 USD a day ($20 on the high end). Your only real expenses are meals and incidentals, which are generally quite inexpensive in China.   Unless you are a real shopper, you will be able to live comfortably on $300-$500 per month.  

How do I get money or exchange money when in China?
ATM’s are ubiquitous throughout Shanghai and you can withdraw local currency (RMB) with your ATM card from your American bank . In addition, credit card advances are available at larger banks downtown for a small fee.  Finally, cash and travelers checks can be exchanged for local currency at most banks.

How much does transportation cost?
There is no lack of transportation options in Shanghai.

The subway is the most convenient way to get around.  Fares range between 3 RMB – 9 RMB ($0.40 - $1.20) depending on the distance traveled.
 
For more details on the Shanghai Metro click here

Taxis are also very convenient and quite affordable when compared with taxis in the US.  The meter starts at 10RMB  ($1.35)  A taxi fare from the campus to the Bund would run around 30RMB or about $4.00.

Bicycles are a popular way to get around although traffic may make this a hazardous activity!  A working bicycle costs between 100-200RMB ($13 – $25).

Buses crisscross the city and are the cheapest way to get around. Price depends on distance and should run between 1-3 RMB ($0.13 - $0.40).

Air Travel

How long is the flight to China?
Times vary depending on departure city. Departures from the CST to Shanghai take about 14 hours. Return flights are about 13 hours.

Useful Links

CIA Fact Book
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ch.html

US Consular Information Sheet
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1089.html

US Consulate in Shanghai: General Information
http://shanghai.usconsulate.gov/general_information_acs.html

Chinese Embassy in the US
http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/

American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai
http://www.amcham-shanghai.org/AmchamPortal/

That’s Shanghai (great resource for events and happenings in Shanghai)
http://www.thatssh.com/

Lonely Planet: Shanghai
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/asia/china/shanghai

Chinese government
http://www.china.org.cn/english/index.htm