beijing: The forbidden city Safety Meeting January 24, 2017

Stay connected! #WestlakeinChina While we are waiting for the meeting to get started, Tweet or Instagram the meeting. #WestlakeinChina

Today’s Agenda Passports & Visas Dietary restrictions Airport travel Travelling in groups Roommates & Curfew Other information What’s coming up next?

Passports & visas Passport applications were due January 8. Apply for an expedited passport If you have your passport, enter this info in your EF Tour account ASAP. We will apply for visas online via Visa Central in March. Passport safety Keep your passport on you at all times. Purchase a passport holder. Passport Passport applications are past due. You must know apply for an expedited passport. If you don’t, you will not have the passport in time for EF Tours to purchase a plane ticket and you will not be able to go. Visas We will apply in March. Our EF rep will give us the letter that we need to apply for it. But, you must have your passport.

Airport travel Travel light Before you go anywhere, ask your chaperone! Stay around the gate area. Don’t spend all your money in the airport! Do not just walk off. Stay with the group. Travel with one bag. No large purses. Have a small over the shoulder purse.

Group travel Do not walk like you are at Westlake! Walk fast and stay together. Don’t be an accordion. Pairs ‘n Squares Never walk off Be aware of your surroundings! Always be in your designated place 15 minutes before the meeting time. We will do Pairs ‘n Squares every time we get on and off the bus and when we meet up. Pay attention to your surroundings/belongings. Keep up with your things. 1 carry-on and 1 checked-bag

If you get lost . . . Stay where you are! It is easier to find you if you stay where you are. Call/text your chaperone. Chaperones will provide you with our Google voice numbers for the trip.

Health & safety in beijing Beijing is one of the safest city. However, do not let your guard down. On public transportation or in crowded areas, turn your bag to the front. Only drink bottled water. Faucet/tap water is not drinkable. Do not talk to strangers! (forget about Southern hospitality)

Room checks & curfew Each night we will tell you the curfew time. You can hang out in the LOBBY ONLY! At no point can you be in the room with someone of the opposite sex. If you are, you will be sent home! After curfew, you should not leave your room for any reason. If you need something, call your particular chaperone. Do not stay up late. There will be some nights where you will get to stay in the lobby and some nights where you must go straight to your room.

Other information The “Infamous” Day 2 of travel Dietary restrictions You must call airline to let them know. Rooming preferences Fill out form by 1/27 http://tinyurl.com/ChinaRoommate Sponsorship Letter Available online Purchase VPN (ExpressVPN) ~ $12 per month (cancel it after the trip) Purchase the right international plan Remember to bring extra toilet paper & hand sanitizer. The Chinese government uses the Great Firewall to censor the Internet: Facebook, Twitter, and other sites are blocked. For tourists or expatriates in China, having no access to Facebook or Twitter can be vexing, since they may normally rely on those social networks to keep in touch with the happenings back home or to document a visit. Install your VPN before you travel to China. The best VPN is ExpressVPN.

What’s coming up next? #WestlakeinChina February 20 @ 3:45 pm Language/cultural lesson with Ms. Di (from Tri- Cities HS) March 2017 Apply for visa via Visa Central April 11 @ 6 pm Check-in meeting; bring tip money (in yuan) May 30 Departure meeting (all parents must attend) #WestlakeinChina