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NYU Shanghai Spring 2013 Pre-departure Orientation
• Overview of Shanghai & Semester Program Dates
• Visa Process
• Courses and Chinese Language
• Billing
• Arrival and Housing
• Miscellaneous Information
Overview & Agenda
What is Shanghai like? The largest city in China. Best estimates place it at 20 – 24 million. While relatively young when compared with Beijing and other cities, Shanghai is central to the framework that makes China what it is today. Great city for day walking, extensive and accessible public transportation, inexpensive taxis (14-25 RMB anywhere in central Shanghai). Expect cold winter months upon arrival in January. The end of the semester will be much warmer. Shanghai can be an expensive city, or not, depending upon where you shop for food, clothing, etc. Shanghai, China’s economic center, is also an increasingly popular tourist destination with more than three million tourists annually and increasing.
SHANGHAI
One of 12 NYU study away sites.
NYU classes in NYU facilities with local flavor
Full-time staff and support
services.
What is NYU Shanghai?
Who attends NYU Shanghai?... •Students from all NYU schools and years.
•Year-long LSP freshmen
•Visiting Students from other U.S. colleges and universities
•About 200 students expected in Spring 2013
Academic Staff • Lisa Hoecklin, Director for Academic Affairs • Diane Geng, Assistant Director for Academic Affairs • Victoria “Zhang Laoshi”, Assistant Director Chinese Language Program • Joyce Ge, Academic and Faculty Assistant Student Life Staff • David Pe, Associate Director for Student Life • Judy Li, Manager for Student Life • Patty Xu, Student Life Coordinator • Hao Guo "Haohao," Student Life Coordinator • Karen Xu, Student Life Assistant
Who is NYU Shanghai?
Program Dates NYU Shanghai Fall 2012 Calendar* January 14 New Student Arrival January 15-18 New Student Orientation January 17 Returning Student Arrival January 21 Classes Begin February 7-15 Chinese New Year Break February 22 Make up for Thursday classes April 1-5 Spring Break (including Qingming Holiday) April 26 Make-up day for Wednesday Classes May 1 Chinese Labor Day Holiday May 10 Last Day of Classes May 13-17 Final Exams May 18 Student Departure *Please note that all calendars are subject to change.
What is ECNU?
• East China Normal University (ECNU)
• 60 years old
•“Garden University”
•A top university in China
•2000 international students from over 50
countries. The largest groups come from
Japan, Korea, and the U.S.
You should have already begun the visa process and submitted your ECNU application.
If you submitted your ECNU application by the deadline, expect to pick up your visa documents (JW202 and ECNU admissions notice) by early-mid
December. At that point, you can apply for your visa.
Visas
Once you arrive in Shanghai with your visa, NYU Shanghai staff will help you secure exit and reentry permission if you plan to travel outside of China during the semester. It is your responsibility to secure the visa and meet all deadlines prior to your arrival in Shanghai.
The final decision on the issuance of a visa (and any additional documentation they may want) lies with the Chinese consulate in question.
Visa Process 1. Get a passport. Make sure it has at least two blank visa pages left inside. “Amendments” pages don’t count. 2. Submit ECNU application. * Write clearly * Passport information must match the passport that you will use to apply for the visa. 3. Pick up your visa documents: ECNU admissions notice and JW202 form.
Make copies! Bring those copies with you to China. 4. Go to the appropriate Chinese consulate to apply for the visa (see visa
instructions on the Immigration page of the What’s Next blog). 5. Pick up your passport with visa inside. Use this passport to enter China.
Visas: Things to Be Aware Of •Replacement JW202 forms cost RMB 100. To avoid this, write clearly, and be careful when filling out passport information on the ECNU application. • If have dual citizenship: before filling out the ECNU application, determine where you will be when you apply for the visa. If you will be in the States, then you must use your American passport to obtain the visa and then enter China on the American passport. If you will be in, for example, Korea when you apply for the visa, then you must use your Korean passport to obtain the visa and then enter China on your Korean passport. But know that in Shanghai, you will receive services only from the consulate of the country whose passport you came into China on. • Visa costs are significantly higher for Americans than other nationalities, both inside and outside China. Check the consulate website for details. • Before filling out the visa application, determine whether or not you will need to exit and re-enter China during the semester. If in doubt, request multiple entries.
Visas: Things to Be Aware Of Before filling out the visa application, determine whether or not you will need to exit and re-enter China during the semester. If in doubt, request multiple entries.
Visas: Things to Be Aware Of • Semester-long students should be given an F visa, but sometimes the consulates choose to grant students an X visa instead. If you’re granted an X visa, then you will need to get a physical exam and apply for a residence permit (costs around RMB 1,500) within 30 days of arrival. If you are issued an X visa, let staff know right away. • The program starts before “Spring
Festival”, travelling will be difficult and overwhelming. We will have things to do in Shanghai. Travelling outside China will be limited to those who have been issued an “F Visa / M (Multiple Entry)”
•If you have a Chinese “hukou” (户口) or ID card (身份证) but have a non-Chinese passport, then you will need to get the hukou/ID card cancelled if you wish to apply for another entry inside China.
Keep in mind: • Have your courses approved by your advisor. • You must register for at least 12 credits. If you exceed 18 credits,
you must receive permission from your adviser and pay additional tuition.
• All students must take a Chinese language class. • Academic field trips and site visits are part of the curriculum! Do
not schedule any personal trips until after you land and receive your final course syllabi and schedules on the first day of class.
• Information about purchasing books and readers will be sent to your NYU e-mail. Check it over winter break! You will be required to buy some books(such as Chinese language books) before arriving in Shanghai.
Course Registration Make sure you’re registered in time - this will generate your bill,
financial aid, etc.
If you need more information about your classes, email:
Keep in mind:
• All students must take a Chinese language class unless you have surpassed Advanced II. You must show that you have a Chinese language class on your schedule as part of your 12-18 credits. We will be checking!
• Choose a level based on your estimate of what is right for you. After you arrive on site, the staff will make adjustments as necessary, and if you transfer levels or sections, the staff will make the change for you in Albert. It’s not crucial that you choose the right class now – you just have to be enrolled in the Chinese class.
• If you believe you should be exempt from Chinese language because your level is higher than NYU’s Advanced II, e-mail Zhang Laoshi, the Chinese Language Coordinator at [email protected]. She will tell you whether you have permission to drop Chinese from your schedule. You’ll still need to register for at least 12 credits!
• Chinese language courses cannot be taken pass/fail • Fill out the language questionnaire when it is announced on the What’s Next blog.
This will help determine your Chinese language level and class placement. • After taking the questionnaire, you will be sent an email (to your NYU address)
regarding which books to buy before coming to Shanghai.
Chinese Language Courses
If you need more information about your classes, email:
Chinese Language Courses, cont. Chinese language placement test: •Is take Monday December 3rd in NYC. •Should be taken by those who have never taken Chinese courses in college, but have some Chinese language skills. •Should be taken by anyone who wants to jump a level. •Should be taken by anyone who wants to be exempt from taking a Chinese language course. •Does not need to be taken by anyone who has no background in Chinese whatsoever or who has taken Chinese in college. Indicate this on your questionnaire. •Has an oral part and a written part, and will last an hour and a half total
If you need more information about topic or language courses, email:
E-bills ONLY, sent to NYU email address
Must be registered for at least 12 credits
Spring 2013 bills generated in early/mid December
You can authorize a parent or other individual to have access to your e-Bill
Payment made directly to Bursar
Housing Charge will be posted on e-Bill Questions? visit NYU Bursar Web-site for details
Students will access course texts in a variety of ways: • Texts purchased prior to departure
• Texts purchased in Shanghai • Electronic sources
• Course packets picked up at NYU Shanghai.
How do I pay my tuition bill?
Important note about your billing statement -Initial bills post estimated housing charges -Estimates will have no bearing on your final placement -All NYU Shanghai students are billed the same amount. -These estimates will be reversed when your assignments are finalized. -If you withdraw from the program you will continue to be charged until you officially notify the Office of Global Programs in writing. Otherwise, we assume that we will be seeing you on arrival day. -If you are currently in NYU Housing, you must notify them that you will be abroad. -Charges incurred during the semester will be posted late summer/start of fall.
Will my bill look any different?
• A recent survey of NYU Global Ambassadors revealed that 1 in 3 students felt that they under-budgeted for their time abroad.
• China can be either a very expensive or a relatively inexpensive place to live, depending on where you eat, how you spend your evenings, how often you take taxis, how much shopping you do, and how much you travel.
The following tips will help you save money in Shanghai:
• Create a budget and stick to it! • Take public transportation • Travel only within China. Trips to elsewhere in Asia
and the associated visa fees are expensive! • Eat local food, and save western food for special
occasions • Don’t compare Shanghai prices to NYC prices—
this traps you into thinking everything is cheaper than it is.
How will I afford everything?
• Community service – We coordinate training and resources for bi-weekly English
lessons at a local school for the children of migrant workers – New volunteer opportunities are coordinated by NYU
Shanghai throughout the semester; past activities include volunteering at a children’s hospital, a field day for elementary school students, and tutoring students through Junior Achievement.
• Internships – NYU in Shanghai starts out the semester with an internship fair.
Opportunities include working in journalism/media, finance, non-profit sector, and local startups.
Can I intern or volunteer?
•January 15-18 •Orientation is mandatory.
•Meet the staff.
•Learn more about academics.
• Get adjusted to your new home.
•Attend workshops designed to prepare you for a great semester.
• Gain information on security and personal safety.
• Participate in excursions around the city of Shanghai.
•Get to know other people in the program.
ORIENTATION
What happens when I get there?
Students are expected to arrive in Shanghai on the same day as the program starts, no earlier or later.
We will coordinate airport shuttle service/taxi from Pudong Airport on January 14th only.
Register on Traveller Follow all immigration procedures closely and carefully; the order will vary a little from what you might be accustomed to. Do not pack or bring in any illegal items. Additional information on arrival and transportation from other airports will be made available to students prior to departure.
A R R I V I N G
What happens after I arrive?
For privacy and security, neither NYU nor NYU in Shanghai can or will provide your information to anyone who attempts to contact you through us - including parents!
Please get in touch with friends and family as soon as possible upon arrival so as not to worry them.
Internet access will be set up before you arrive and your direct phone line will be given to you at check-in.
You and your family should understand that the
entire process of entering the country, transferring from the airport to campus, and checking into your room may take several hours. Please be patient and warn your parents that you may not be able to contact them immediately upon arrival in Shanghai.
We suggest that you give your flight information to
family and friends before departure so they can track your whereabouts and ascertain that you landed safely in Shanghai.
What will housing be like? BASICS: Living in NYU housing is mandatory. Two housing options available:
On-campus residence Off-campus apartments
Overnight guests are not allowed in the on-campus dormitories (as per ECNU policy) but can rent their own room during their stay. Overnight guests can stay at the off-campus apartments for up to a week if their host fills out the overnight guest form. Smoking is prohibited in all NYU Shanghai housing and academic facilities Both on and off campus residences have full-time, on-site Resident Assistants. Both the campus and the dorm building have 24/7 security.
H O U S I
N G
Housing application and information: www.nyu.edu/global/admitted
You should expect:
Convenient location Less than a 5 minute walk to class Near the campus cafeteria and ECNU’s back gate restaurants, both serving cheap
local fare There is no meal plan, but you will be given a meal card to use at campus cafeterias
and recharge on your own.
Single with private bathroom (can request double)
Communal facilities include: Refrigerators and hot plates on every other floor Laundry facilities (imported washer & dryer!) Study rooms
What’s it like living on-campus?
Bring towels or expect to buy them when you get here. Bed linens are provided. Do NOT bring U.S. appliances except electronics with built-in converters (e.g., laptops, digital cameras, iPod/mp3) Free maid service once a week
Inside On-Campus Housing
You should expect:
Approximately 20- to 40-minute commute time from apartment to classes by public transport A shuttle from the apartments to campus will be provided for morning Chinese classes. No return or afternoon shuttle is provided.
3- and 4-bedroom apartments with both private and shared bathrooms (assigned randomly)
What’s it like living off-campus?
Basic linens, blankets, and pillows will be provided.
Bring towels or plan to buy there.
Maid service once a week to clean communal space. You are responsible for your own dishes and laundry.
NO U.S. appliances except laptops, digital camera and IPOD/mp3s can be charged. Remember to bring adaptors if needed
“Good Neighbor Policy” is based on local expectations (you are in a foreign country, after all). You are sharing walls and ceilings with local residents and are expected to be respectful of others.
Off-Campus Housing
MAIL AND PACKAGES SHOULD BE SENT TO THIS ADDRESS:
Student Name NYU Shanghai
East China Normal University 3663 North Zhongshan Road
Science Building, Room A302 Shanghai, China 200062
CHECKING WITH ON-SITE STAFF BEFORE HAVING ITEMS SENT TO
YOUR RESIDENCE.
NYU Shanghai
Further shipping details and instructions will be provided soon. Remember there are things you aren’t allowed
to send!
If you get sick… There are Western clinics available 24 hours a day in Shanghai with English-speaking and Western-trained doctors and personnel.
Wellness and Counseling Wellness in Shanghai
If you need counseling… There is a Counselor on staff at NYU Shanghai: Sarah Yang Mumma. You can e-mail her at [email protected] If you have a disability… Contact the Moses Center before departure so that appropriate arrangements can be made for you while in Shanghai. If you take any medications…. Bring a four-month supply of any prescription medications that you absolutely need. In addition, bring with you a written prescription for the medications, including the chemical name. If your doctor is unwilling or unable to provide you with a four-month supply of your prescription medication, local staff would be happy to check on its availability for you in China. Just email [email protected].
In addition, NYU provides you with free coverage by HTH International Health Insurance
•HTH provides access to health services to students studying abroad without any co-pays or up front expenses.
•The NYU Student Health Center will bear the costs of this plan for every student who has paid the annual student health fee. Therefore, there is no additional cost to students for enrolling in the plan.
•Students should be expecting an email with registration instructions. DO NOT delete this!
More Features/Advantages of Coverage: • Translation tool for your foreign prescription drugs • 24 Hour Call Center helps schedule appointments and guarantees payment •Crisis Response available •Credentialed, western-trained, English-speaking health professionals posted on a website available to students • Extensive coverage with NO deductible
H T H I nsur ance
YOU MUST MAINTAIN YOUR PERSONAL U.S.-BASED HEALTH INSURANCE AS A CONDITION OF ENROLLMENT
Will I be covered by health insurance while I’m in Shanghai?
The Student Life Department at NYU in Shanghai is a wealth of resources and support for your life outside the classroom in Shanghai.
Some common areas of assistance include:
Housing and facility issues Co-Curricular programs Safety Medical and personal issues Counseling referrals Shanghai questions/info.
Off-hours emergency assistance In case of an emergency, there is always someone from the Student Life Office available
to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Resident Assistants (RAs): RAs live among students in the dorms to provide support while you adjust to life in China.
They familiar with the city and campus surroundings. They are there to help you navigate the cultural differences and challenges that come with the study abroad experience.
WE ARE HERE AS A RESOURCE AND SUPPORT NETWORK WHEN YOU NEED US
Where should I go for support?
– NYU’s center is monitored by security guards 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
– There is ALWAYS an NYU staff member on duty.
– You will be given a phone number to call in emergencies during on-site orientation.
– Help us keep you safe. Follow
all staff recommendations: • Don’t invite strangers into
the residence. Your guests should always be in your company.
• Always lock your doors • Don’t ever hitchhike • Don’t leave your street
smarts in NYC!
Will I feel safe?
NYU housing has phones with which you can receive incoming calls. You will be able to purchase phone cards locally to make outgoing calls from the phones in NYU housing.
Students in Shanghai usually buy an inexpensive mobile phone to use during their time in China.
It is easier and more economical to purchase a phone upon arrival than to be on a US-based plan. Students may use any personal (non-NYU Housing) phone service or company of their choosing. New York University does not endorse either a particular phone service or
company, nor does it require students to use a specific cellular provider.
Will I be able to contact friends & family?
We do suggest that you research your options with your family and see what works
best for you. For personal safety and convenience, we expect all students to have
cell phones during their time here. Phones can be purchased for as little as $30. Chinese
cell phones do not operate on a monthly service plan. Each phone has a SIM card
and the funds on each card are rechargeable. Also, international calling
service can be added to your Chinese cell phone for as low as 0.40 RMB (or roughly
$0.05/minute) and Skype can be used for even less.
Please notify the on-site staff as well as someone external of all your travel plans.
Use your Chinese New Year Break and Spring Break to see other parts of China! Traveling in China is quite easy to accomplish even with limited language skills.
If you do travel, we ask that you register with NYU Traveler before you go.
www.nyu.edu/nyutraveler
When can I travel?
You might find yourself getting a bit anxious as you get closer to the date of your departure. It’s natural to be nervous before moving to new surroundings. Some steps you can take to prepare can be found at:
www.nyu.edu/global/culturaladjustment 1 -- View the “What is Culture” Webinar 2 -- Plan how you will Reflect on the Experience before arrival, during, and after you return
• Blogging • Facebook • Personal Journal
3 – Research the culture you will experience by logging into GlobeSmart : GlobeSmart is a web-based cultural awareness training tool which provides quick and easy access to extensive knowledge on how to engage effectively with people from countries around the world.
Preparing to Live in a New City
You should expect differences in food, language, living situation, relationships, and diversity. Being flexible and open-minded will help you adjust to these changes. Here are some examples:
About the food: Some rave about it, others don’t. However, the consistent feedback has been that you should not expect it to be the same as American Chinese food. Also, while a wide variety of Western food is easily available in Shanghai, you may find that some familiar dishes have a slight Chinese twist to them. About the language barrier: English (spoken and written) is not as widely used/understood as you might assume. Plan for low levels of English comprehension and begin to prepare to communicate your needs in Chinese. We will provide links to online resources and make others available to you on-site but you need to achieve basic communication in Chinese as quickly as you can. About different norms: Remember that certain cultural norms and social behavior will differ from what you’re accustomed to. Try considering unfamiliar behavior in a different cultural context and avoid finding offence where none was intended. Also, always remember how language affects your impression of your surroundings.
About social interactions: remember the social cues that usually determine your behavior may be changed or nonexistent. Greetings, displays of affection, and communication styles will all follow social guidelines which may be unfamiliar to you. The Chinese concept of “face” is a dynamic which applies to both personal and business relationships in China. Related concepts of losing face, of saving face, and even of lending face should be considered at all times, even in the cosmopolitan centers.
About the political environment: China is an authoritarian capitalist state controlled by the Communist party. You should expect some restrictions on what you say and do in the public domain. Generally speaking, foreigners should tread softly on topics of political sensitivity.
What are some cultural differences?
Communications and Privacy
It is critical that you remember that you are bound by Chinese laws both in your actions as well as China’s legal concepts of your privacy, both of which are very different from what you’re accustomed to. Some things to always keep in mind: Criticism of the government is closely monitored and illegal. Posting of sensitive material on the web is against the law; even if you are posting to a server outside of China, the illegal behavior is being carried out on Chinese soil
Email and web activity tracking happens all over the world, but at a higher level in China. Do not assume privacy when you’re online.
Demonstrations of any kind are illegal. Do not participate.
While you may feel as if you want to challenge the current situation, you are in a foreign nation with little tolerance for this. Be cautioned about this. Given our institutional and cultural backgrounds, adjusting to these limitations may be a challenge or might seem contradictory to the exchange of ideas via study abroad.
How can I get involved? The NYU Shanghai arranges a variety of activities for all students in order to help you engage with each other and with the surrounding community. These include… -Orientation activities -RA-led events -Day trips -Cultural Immersion opportunities -Community Service -Internships
What Leadership Opportunities are available for me?
NYU Wasserman Center Global Peer Career Educator •Coordinate a variety of career-development focused programs and events •Work closely with both the Wasserman and local global study away staff •Contribute to the Wasserman Center's blog with your global experience
Office of LGBTQ Student Services Global Peer Ambassador •Strive to bring outreach to your local NYU community and LGBTQ community •Develop programming both on campus and within the city you are studying in •Serve as a model of peer education abroad, and represent the LGBTQ Student Center internationally
Student Senator’s Council International Ambassador •Hold office hours at your site and communicate with your student constituency, faculty, and staff •Create and lead a mid-semester student feedback session at your study away site •Collaborate with and stay connected to the NY based council and to other Ambassadors at other sites
How will I get around Shanghai?
Buses Buses are very inexpensive and reliable in Shanghai. Metro Clean, quick, and very inexpensive! Taxis Definitely fast and cheaper than in NYC. But be aware that there can be terrible traffic. Best option at night. Bicycles Bicycles are a popular mode of transportation for the Chinese locals. Start slowly and wear a helmet!
Expectations
• What are you most looking forward to as part of your semester away? Mastering a new language? Trying new foods? List five things you are most excited about.
• While studying away is exciting, living in a new place can come with some anxiety. List the three things you are most nervous about when going away.
Do not expect things to be as they are in New York or the U.S. Do your research before you leave: Learn basic Chinese phrases, look at local newspapers and magazines, watch non-U.S. news media, watch Chinese films & familiarize yourself with Chinese and Shanghai history Walk places and explore! Go beyond where the tourists frequent to get an in-depth experience.
Visit museums & galleries and go to the theatre, concerts, opera. Make the effort to meet Chinese students and other locals. Participate in NYU in Shanghai and ECNU activities. Speak Chinese. Keep an open mind & be patient
Advice from former students
