Frequently Asked Questions
What kind
of transportation is available in Nanjing?
There
are many different types of transportation available in Nanjing. Most
students buy bicycles, which start around 130 Yuan (about $18*). Students are recommended to use public transportation such as buses and subways since they are also very accessible.
How do I get train tickets in China? What are the train schedules
like?
Train tickets can be purchased at train
stations, hotels, and travel agencies. Trains are designated as putongche
'regular', kuaiche 'fast', and tekuaiche 'express'. Fares are generally
quite reasonable---especially the putongche, which are also very slow
and often uncomfortable. Smoking is technically forbidden on most trains,
but the prohibition is routinely ignored on putongche---even by the staff.
For more information on train tickets or schedules from the Nanjing Train Station and Shanghai Train Station, please visit http://www.shike.org.cn/
http://www.njstation.com/
http://shz.shrail.com/
How do I get to Nanjing from the shanghai airport?
There are two main ways to get from the shanghai airport to Nanjing.
- Purchase a long distance bus ticket at the airport, which will take you to Gulou bus terminal in Nanjing, then take a short taxi ride to the University area.
- Take the airport shuttle to the Shanghai train station for approx. 15 kuai* or the taxi for 200 kuai*.
- The "D" trains (dong che) get you to Nanjing in 2 hours, while the other trains take 3.5-4 hours. Sometimes it is worth staying overnight at a hostel and hopping on the D train the next morning if tickets are sold out.
- If taking a train, be sure to get off the train at the Nanjing Train Station. From the train station you can hop on a taxi to the university or hostels (approx 15-17 kuai*). Be cautious of your surroundings.
How much is a train from Shanghai to Nanjing?
Train tickets are generally reasonable,
you can get from Shanghai to Nanjing for about $6-$20*, depending on the train and seat class.
How much are bicycles?
New bikes start at about 150 Yuan*, but you should
expect to pay around 300 Yuan* for one that will last for more than a
month. It is not worth buying the low end. If buying a used one, check
that's condition is OK. Also make sure you buy the registration book
as well.
How do I get from Nanjing airport to the University?
Metered taxis are widely available in Nanjing and
reasonably priced.
How can my family contact me?
You can keep in touch with your parents through
email (internet cafes are ubiquitous)or you can phone them using calling
cards. Letters can take from 6-14 days.
How much is food in Nanjing?
Local food in Nanjing on a daily basis
shouldn't be any more than a few US dollars. If you want more American-style
however, it will cost you more.
Can I stay in China after the program?
Yes! You do need to let the director
know your general itinerary for safety precautions, though.
How do I get access to email?
There are internet cafes throughout Nanjing
and China that, for a reasonable price, give you internet access.
What immunizations do I need?
The US Government Centers
for Disease Control also has information on foreign travel, including
a section on Asia
and China. See the reference materials section of the travel page for more suggestions.
If I need medical care, where should I go?
While you are in China, you will maintain affiliation with BYU through the International Study Program and have funds to purchase BYU health insurance as well as HTH international insurance. Usually students have to pay the medical fees up front before submitting receipts to the insurance for reimbursement, so students are advised to bring a credit card that carries a balance to avoid paying cash. BYU Flagship students are insured through ISOS (www.internationalsos.com). There is a clinic in Nanjing:
Nanjing International SOS Clinic
Grand Metro Park Hotel
319 East Zhongshan Road
1st Floor
Nanjing, P.R China 210016 ChinaHours
Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm
Saturday 9:00 AM to 12:00 midday
Tel: 86 25 8480 2842
*Non-BYU Flagship students, please be sure to check with your home institution on insurance, medical care, and policies.
What additional costs should I plan for:
Additional cost really depends on how students budget their money. Students are advised to maintain modest living. Supermarkets and convenience stores are accessible for purchasing food. Public transportation is also available and easy to use. It is always helpful, however, to bring extra money in case of any medical emergencies and unexpected events.
What is the exchange rate?
RMB to US $ hovers around 6.8 to 1
click here for current rate
How do I withdraw money or exchange currency in China?
Airports are one of the first places you can go to exchange currency, but processing fees tend to be higher. You can exchange USD to RMB in most banks (Bank of China, China Merchant Bank) by bringing your passport. Debit cards can also be used to withdraw money directly from the bank’s ATM machine (US banks will generally charge a small fee). Many former Flagship students opt to open bank accounts that are part of a global ATM alliance that waive ATM fees. Please be sure to find out more information with each respective bank. Examples of these banks:
Bank of America (with China Construction Bank)
Wells Fargo (with Agricultural Bank of China).
How many hours should I plan on studying per week?
You can expect to study as much as you
study for Chinese classes at your home institution back in the U.S.
Tips from former Flagship students: Become friends with your roommate/tutor and hold them to their contract. Make sure that you get in your 4-5 hours a week of tutor time. It pays off when you are handing in your papers and assignments.
Show up to class. Some of the NanDa classes may seem easy to skip, but you'll leave a terrible taste in the instructor's mouth about you, and they can be great assets in setting up connections for you.
Where can we go to work out?
There is an indoor and outdoor track
which most commonly is used in the mornings. There are also outdoor
volleyball courts and ball courts, and a small weight room located in
the dorm for student use
How big is Nanjing University?
The campus is quite large. It is one
of the three largest Universities in China It has apprx. 12,000 students.
"Host Institution is one of the top five institutions in China, Nanjing
University is primarily a liberal arts and social sciences institution,
known in particular for its history department. There are over 12,000
undergraduate and graduate students currently attending the university.
Nanjing University has developed into a research institute
in a number of areas including the teaching of Chinese language to foreign
students."
-CIEE (Council for International Educational Exchange)
To find out more about the University, visit their website at http://www.nju.edu.cn/cps/site/NJU/nju/summer.html or other info
sites like ciee.org
How do I do my laundry?
You can have your laundry done for a
small fee at the University on the first floor of the dorm or at local
numerous local laundries for a modest fee. Often the laundry is not
dried unless you pay extra for it.
What size bag should I bring?
Not too big, but maybe a backpack & a large hiking bag. Be aware that whatever you take, you will have to carry. Make sure all your main luggage has wheels or backpack straps. Always use common sense when traveling, especially when you have money and important documents (ie., passport) in your bag or purse.
What kind of clothing should be worn on campus?
Casual, modest, BYU honor code dress
will be fine. Flip flops should not be worn; wearing hats in class is
considered extremely rude so don't do this. You also should not eat
in class.
Upon arriving at Nanjing, where do we stay temporarily before finding our permanent apartments?
There are generally 2 options available for temporary housing, but these options may change so Zhang laoshi will also provide more detailed information as you get closer to your departure date:
A、 At the university
南京大学海外教育学院西苑·状元楼酒店
地址：南京市上海路金银街18号B、 Hotel nearby (15 min walk to Zeng Xian Zi building)
金一村五台山店 双人间
地址：南京市五台山百步坡1号.
How is the weather in Nanjing?
August - September is hot and humid. Winter in Nanjing is cold and prone to snow.
*Amounts and costs listed in this section vary depending on currency exchange.