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> > > Traveling to China
Traveling to China
Airline tickets
Students are responsible for booking their own airline tickets to China. The Alliance will arrange a Suggested flight from the US (most likely O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, IL) which may be purchased through our travel agent, Student Universe. For more information about Student Universe and to book the suggested flight ticket online, visit http://www.studentuniverse.com/travel/alliancechina
Students taking the Suggested itinerary to China will be met at the airport by the Beijing, Shanghai or Xi'an Resident Director and transported to their student housing.
Students who do not take the Suggested flight should make their way by taxi to their dorm or apartment. Once you have booked your flight, be sure to send a copy of your travel itinerary to Julia Levy.
You should plan to arrive in Beijing or Shanghai on the same day the Suggested flight arrives. Students attending the Xi'an program should fly in and out of Beijing since your orientation program begins in Beijing. If you are flying from the U.S., most flights that arrive in China on the day after they depart the U.S. Be sure to confirm that you are arriving on the same day the group flight arrives.
If you do not purchase your ticket through StudentUniverse, you might consider looking at the following websites to find a discounted ticket:
If you consult a travel agent, be sure to ask about student rates, as well as taxes and other fees. Also ask about the fees involved if you would like to change your return date to the U.S.
Beijing and Xi'an students should fly to Beijing International Airport. The airport code is PEK.
Shanghai students should fly to Shanghai Pudong International Airport. The airport code is PVG.
Arriving in China
If you take the "Suggested flight" to China, the Alliance staff will meet your flight and take you to campus. If you are not taking the suggested flight, but are arriving in China around the same time as the group flight, you may meet the Resident Director and take the bus with the group to campus. However, you MUST communicate your travel plans to the Alliance before you depart for China.
After landing in China, you will exit the plane and follow the arrival signs to Immigration. You will wait in line at Immigration and your passport and visa will be reviewed by an immigration official. After that you will follow the signs to Luggage to collect your luggage. Check the overhead monitors to see where your plane's luggage has been unloaded. After you have accounted for all your luggage, you will follow the signs to Customs. After you leave the Customs area and exit to the main arrival hall at the airport, look for the Alliance Resident Director holding a sign that says "The Alliance for Global Education."
You will likely experience jet lag during your first few days in China. To help you adjust to the time difference, try to sleep on the plane and drink a lot of water (not alcohol or drinks with caffeine) on the plane and in the first few days after you arrive.
Your apartment or dorm will be available on June 9 (summer term 2010) or August 25 (fall term 2010). If you plan to arrive in China early, you are responsible for making your own hotel arrangements. You are also responsible for getting to your university dorm or apartment on the day the group flight arrives. Rooms are typically ready after twelve noon. If you arrive in China early, please contact your Resident Director by email to let them know your flight details.