| Last Update: August, 29, 2006 |
|
|
Chinese Learning In China - A service from ExpatsInChina
We hope these FAQ will answer most of your questions:
What visa should I apply for?
Are scholarships available?
Can I work while studying?
Do I have to live on campus?
What is the average level of living expenses?
How to exchange cash?
What is the electricity voltage in Beijing?
Visa
The Chinese government issues different visas to foreigners wishing to enter China according to their stated purposes of visit. The visas are marked Chinese phonetic letters of D, Z, X, F, L, G or C; those for foreign students are X or F.
Foreigners come to China for study purposes, if more than 6 months they should apply for an X-visa, and if for 6 months or less they should apply for F-visa. The application form should be submitted together with the Admission Notice and the JW201 or 202 Form issued by a Chinese college or university. A physical examination is required for those applying for an X-visa.
Foreigners who hold X-visas should apply for their Residence Permit at the local Public Security Bureau within 30 days after they enter into China.
Aliens' Exit and Entry Administration Office
Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau
No.2, Andingmen East Street,
Dongcheng District, Beijiing
Tel: 86 - (0) 10 + 5869 9359/2/3 or 5166 1575
Bring along with your passeport, Foreigner Application for Residence in China, Admission Notice, JW201 or JW202 Form, Health Certificate and two current passeport photos to the Aliens' Exit and Entry Administration Office of the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau. The duration of your stay in China will be indicated on the Residence Permit. You may extend your stay if you continue to study in China. In the first week of each semester, the Department of International Students will assist students who register on time to receive their residence permit. The cost for the residence permit is RMB200.
The F-visa is valid for a stay in China of 3-6 months from your date of entry. Your F-visa can be renewed several times but your total time staying in China should not exceed one year. The F-visa allows only one entry into China. If you wish to leave and re-enter China (inncluding trip to Hong Kong and Macao) during this period of study, you must apply for a new visa. This new visa completely replaces your previous visa so the last day of your stay is indicated on your new visa.
Students holding X-visa and wishing to leave and re-enter China (including trips to Hong Kong and Macao) during their studies, must apply for a re-entry visa at the Public Security Bureau at least 7 days before you leave. A one-entry visa costs between RMB100-200 depending upon your country of origin.
Top
Foreign Exchange
Credit cards and debit cards are only accepted in big shop or restaurants. The following banks provide foreign exchange services, cash personal checks, traveler's checks or credit cards:
- Bank of China at Asian Games Village
- Bank of China, main branch at Yabao Lu
Top
Life Expenses
Beijing is an international city where you can find both very expensive and cheaper goods depending on your taste. However, overall living expenses in Beijing are quite low (prices are expressed in RMB):
|
Subway Ticket |
3 |
|
Bus Ticket |
1-2 |
|
Taxi |
10 |
|
Movie Ticket |
20 |
|
Eggs |
4/dozen |
|
Newspaper |
0.5-1
|
|
Fast Food Meal |
20 |
|
Rice |
3/kg |
|
Vegetables |
1.5/kg |
|
Bicycle |
200 |
|
Computer |
5000 |
|
Train ticket from Beijing to Shanghai |
330 |
|
Air ticket from Beijing to Shanghai |
900 |
Top
Scholarships
The Chinese government has several scholarship programs for those who wish to study Chinese. For more information, please contact your Department of Education or see the China Scholarship Council web site at http://www.csc.edu.cn/en/chan/chan.asp?cscpid=2
Top
Student Jobs
According to government regulations, international students cannot work during their studies. However, part-time work or internships are sometimes allowed. Jobs teaching English are only availabe for native English speakers.
Top
Housing
Off-campus housing is available but you must make sure that any apartment you rent is a legal residence for foreigners.
Note: If you have plan to stay off-campus, please donot forget to go for Police registeration near by your leaving area. You are required to bring along your landlord with fotocopy of landlord I.D and fotocopy of flat document from owner, your contract, and your passport. If you do not go for police registeration, you will pay RMB.500/day for the penalty.
Top
The Electricity Voltage
The electricity voltage in Beijing is 220, so you may need to bring an adapter to use with any electrical appliances brought from home.
|
