Final Trip Meeting
April 1, 2014
Review Departure Information
- Meet at WCHS: April 10, 1:00 AM
- Depart from WCHS: 1:30 AM
- Depart from JFK: 7:00 AM
- Arrive in Beijing: April 11, 2:45 PM
- Depart Hong Kong: April 18, 11:55 AM
- Arrive at JFK: 7:13 PM
- Arrive back at WCHS: 10-11 PM
Packing List
Check the weather forecasts for Beijing and Hong Kong and be sure to pack appropriately. If you get cold easily, you may want to pack warmer clothes. Also note that the weather in Beijing and Hong Kong are drastically different. Beijing is much further north.
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Medications and Allergies
While we will be able to get medicines while in China, it's better to have them on hand in case of an emergency. If you have allergies or regularly take medications, be sure to bring them with you. If you have any allergies, especially to foods, be sure to share that information with Mr. McKinney tonight.
Below is a list of medications you might consider bringing with you to China:
Below is a list of medications you might consider bringing with you to China:
- Motion Sickness Pills
- Ibuprofen
- Antacids
- Anti-Diarrhea Medication
- Anti-Constipation Medication
Money
Students are responsible for holding onto their own money. The Chinese currency is the Chinese yuan, or the renminbi (RMB), and is used throughout mainland China. Hong Kong, however, uses the Hong Kong dollar, or HKD. Students can choose to bring US currency and exchange it at the airport, or they can take a debit card and take cash out at an ATM. I tend to do both, especially since I'm never sure exactly how many RMB or HKD I'll need beforehand. Most debit and credit cards have an international usage fee, so using the card heavily while abroad can cause you to incur a significant usage fee. Be sure to check with your carrier about international fees. It is also a good idea to contact your bank or credit card company to let them know that you will be in China from April 10-18, this way they don't cancel your card.
The current exchange rate can be found below.
The current exchange rate can be found below.
Contact Information
The internet in China is incredibly slow because of the many filters used to monitor and censor the internet. It is unlikely that the internet connection will be fast enough to allow for students to Skype or facetime with parents back home. Students will be able to check email, however, and can do so on my computer or phone. I will have my cellphone on me at all times and will attempt to send a daily update. Should an emergency arise, parents or students can use my cellphone to contact each other. Please understand that no news is good news. EF Tours will contact families immediately if anything were to happen during our trip.
- William McKinney's Cellphone Number: (678)634-3537
- Lauren Gallagher's Work Number: (860)266-2755
- Alicia Crichton's Cellphone Number: (718)974-6246
- Julia Rodi's Cellphone Number: (475)201-6588
Trip Contracts - Rules and Expectations
- Be respectful and culturally sensitive
- Be punctual
- No alcohol or drugs of any kind, even if you're 18
- Stay with group at all times; must be with an adult during free time if outside the hotel
- Must check-in with Mr. McKinney before going anywhere outside the hotel
- Strict curfew will be enforced. Must stay in room after curfew
- Must remain in hotel room until wake-up/breakfast knock
Rooming and Rooming Assignments
We will do and see a lot of things in China, so it's important that everyone is well-rested. Be sure to
Rules for Rooming
Roommate Sign-Up
There will be approximately 4 students in each room, unless you upgraded your rooming. Please click the header above to sign up who you want to room with. Obviously males can only room with other males and females can only room with other females. Please note that rooming is subject to change.
Rules for Rooming
- We are not the only guests staying in the hotel. Be courteous of the other guests. Respect quiet hours.
- There is a strict curfew of 10:00PM. That means that you must be inside YOUR hotel room no later than 10PM. You are to remain in your room until you receive a wakeup knock each morning, which will indicate that you can leave your room to go to breakfast.
Roommate Sign-Up
There will be approximately 4 students in each room, unless you upgraded your rooming. Please click the header above to sign up who you want to room with. Obviously males can only room with other males and females can only room with other females. Please note that rooming is subject to change.