Pre-Travel Information
At each step of your preparation, TIE will be there to guide you along the way. After deposits are in and a participant list established. You will receive monthly updates with everything you need to know as far as travel, preparation, and when to get what documents by.
All TIE participants must have a valid passport and visa. TIE assumes no responsibility for obtaining your passport or visa. Failure to have proper travel documentation may result in cancellation of your program, with no refund. All passport and visa fees are extra and not included in the program price.
Passports
TIE requires a valid passport at least 4 months prior to your travel. This is necessary as all domestic flights, and trains in China require a passport number. Â It is also recommended to avoid any travel delays, or hindrances, that your passport be valid up until 3 months after return.
If you do not have a passport, or need to renew, click here.
Visas
Your visa should be obtained anywhere from 1-2 months prior to your departure date. Â Once all bookings are completed TIE will send an email containing specific instructions as to how to fill out your visa, including your flight number, and confirmation, hotel locations and bookings, and any other important information that is required to obtain a visa for travel to China. Â Provided for your convenience are links to the Chinese visa application, and to the Chinese embassy homepage.
TIE programs allow for one checked bag, and one carry on. All participants will be responsible for their own luggage and therefore need to be able to carry it themselves. A packing list will be sent at least 3 months prior to travel. The most important thing to remember of course is to pack light! Chinese train travel especially does not allow for a very large suitcase, and it isn’t very comfortable to sleep on top of your bag for lack of other place to put it…
In China the Renminbi or Yuan is used. China is predominantly a cash society. Credit cards will not be widely used or accepted. You will need to decide whether you feel comfortable carrying the cash that you think you will need on your person, or an ATM card. If using an ATM card, remember to call your bank ahead of time and notify them of travel to China so that you can access your funds hassle free while there. If bringing cash, consider a money belt, or neck pouch so that your money is secure. TIE does not recommend travelers checks, and cannot guarantee they will be able to be used should you choose to travel with them.
Pre Planning
TIE will work with school administrators, and/or language teachers to design the program that best fits your school culture and mission. Establish program goals, itinerary, cost, and payment plan. Upon signing of a contract TIE will develop a school specific portal page for the partner school community members.
| Date | Item |
|---|---|
| 1 Year prior to travel. |
TIE will come to your school to host a parent info-session we will cover:
|
Send out applications to students and spread the word! A TIE representative will be available through this process to help answer any questions, assist parents and students with fundraising ideas, and share any other information that may be needed during the sign-up stage.9 Months prior to travelTIE will host the first trip planning meeting. Parents will be made aware of important dates and deadlines, (i.e. passport and visa due dates) and everything else families need to know leading up to our departure.6 Months prior to travelTIE will host the 2nd trip planning meeting with parents. We will discuss:
– Health, and safety, CDC recommended vaccines.
– Homestay and our vetting process for selecting our host families.4 Months prior to travel
Deadline to turn in passport numbers to TIE for planning purposes.
TIE will begin connecting with students in the first of a series of cross-cultural communication and goal setting sessions. (if your program includes a service project, students will also use this time to prepare for their service)
2 Months prior to travelTIE will host our 3rd and final trip planning meeting with parents. We will discuss:
– Visas and visa application
– Technology and staying connected in China
– Day of departure logistics1 Month prior to travelStudents will be connected with their host families. This way students can begin a dialogue and friendship so that transition into the home is that much easier upon arrival