1. Students are responsible for obtaining TOURIST visas – NOT student visas.  Visa information and a downloadable application form are at www.cnto.org/visa.htm
2. Most students, particularly those in the NY area, should consider using Touro's travel agent to obtain their visas. This involves sending your passport to us by an express service or certified mail, along with the $40 visa fee and a pre-paid return envelope, by April 20. We will mail it back by about May
3. Visas by mail cost $40 and take about 30 days;  consulates are located in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston and the District of Columbia.
4. Expedited service is available in-person at consulates for a significant added fee.
5. Expedited visa service is also available in Hong Kong for holders of U.S. passports, but takes several working days.

Language & Other Information

1. Students who lack a prior background in Fukienese should probably focus on learning Mandarin, the national language.  Even Chinese who visit Xiamen for extended periods find Mandarin adequate, and Mandarin is the local language in Beijing.  Instruction in Mandarin will be available at Jimei at no charge.
2. Instruction in Tai Chi will also be available at no charge, and instruction in other forms of meditation or martial arts will be available as well.
3. Places that we will visit are quite cosmopolitan, and polite behavior in the U.S. manner will be adequate when dealing with persons who speak English – which will usually include everyone in the tourist trade.