China: Community Health and Traditional Medicine Summer 2020
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China: Community Health and Traditional Medicine Summer 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COUNTRY OVERVIEW......................................................................................................................... 3
GENERAL INFORMATION ................................. 3
CLIMATE AND GEOGRAPHY ............................ 4
LOCAL CUSTOMS ............................................. 4
DIET ................................................................... 5
SAFETY, SECURITY, AND HEALTH .................. 5
ACCOMMODATIONS ......................................... 7
TRANSPORTATION ........................................... 7
COMMUNICATION ............................................. 7
PHONES AND E-MAIL ....................................... 8
MAILINGS........................................................... 8
MONEY............................................................... 9
VISITORS AND FREE TIME ............................. 10
LUGGAGE ........................................................ 11
PACKING GUIDELINES .......................................................................................................................11
CLOTHING GUIDELINES ................................. 11
EQUIPMENT .................................................... 11
COMPUTERS AND OTHER ELECTRONICS ... 11
GIFTS ............................................................... 11
WHAT YOU CAN AND CANNOT OBTAIN IN
COUNTRY ........................................................ 12
ALUMNI CONTACTS ........................................ 12
PACKING LIST .....................................................................................................................................13
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COUNTRY OVERVIEW
per capita income of the Chinese citizen is now
GENERAL INFORMATION between that of the average resident of Namibia and
China is so Turkmenistan. And these live under the shadow of an
immense, so increasing class of the superrich. A marked migration
diverse, so from the rural areas to the cities may have dramatic
populous and so repercussions for the economy. A powerful, if not
economically dominant, player on the world stage in the 21st century,
important that it is China is increasingly becoming a focal point of
impossible to academic study and world attention. Whether from the
make any viewpoint of the linguist, the anthropologist, the
generalizations or sociologist, the historian, the ethnomusicologist, the
blanket political scientist, the economist, or the student of
statements about religions, China has the capacity to provide endless
the country or its topics for study and research, including its world famous
people. The medical system, which is the focus of this unparalleled
diverse cultures study abroad program.
within its The
boundaries China:
include some of
the most enduring and rich of any that exist in the world.
After years of forced colonial access and plunder,
followed by the occupation of much of its territory during
World War II, China has rebounded phenomenally
under a communist system, although now it seems so
only in name. Marked by authoritarian rule and the
admitted social turmoil of the disastrous Cultural
Revolution, China has emerged with a rapidly evolving
social system within which few starve, and where basic
medical care is available to almost everyone, albeit at
increasing cost to the individual. With increasing
emphasis on economic reform, under which joint
ventures and entrepreneurs flourish, the world now
looks towards China as an emerging economic giant,
waking from slumber and poised to alter the global
status quo in ways that are of concern to those who
have long believed they hold the reins of world power in
their hands.
Community Health and Traditional Chinese Medicine
With these sweeping changes come new challenges summer study abroad program provides an exceptional
and social issues. The gap between rich and poor is opportunity for hands-on study and practice of one of
striking in this once purportedly classless society, and the most enduring and increasingly regarded medical
with this comes resentment. Although China is often systems on earth, one of this land’s many contributions
perceived in the West as an increasingly wealthy to world knowledge, philosophy, healing and well-being.
country, sparking debate over trade imbalances and
currency manipulation, the reality is that the average
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While on this unique program, you will have the healing methods and government-run medical practices
opportunity to learn from and practice alongside doctors in the rural areas of Yunnan,
and other professionally trained medical professionals
arguably China’s most scenic province and
from our institutional partner at the Yunnan Provincial
Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, learning the
skills of Chinese massage (tuina), acupuncture, Kunming, Yunnan Province:
moxibustion, cupping, and herbal medicine. You will Average High/Low Temperatures (°F)
learn the theory of the energy channels and meridian
through which vital life force (qi) flows through our
bodies and the various pressure points that are used in Jan Feb Mar Apr
healing. From the very first lectures you will also learn 60/36 63/39 69/44 75/50
about the ancient Daoist philosophical underpinnings of
what is now a modernized and increasingly scientific
system, often used in conjunction with western May June July Aug
medicines and surgical practices. Outside lecturers are 77/58 75/62 75/63 75/63
drawn from hospitals throughout the city and
educational excursions outside the classroom are unquestionably its most diverse.
essential to this experiential and academically rigorous Sep Oct Nov Dec
program offering. You will also learn the rudiments of Kunming serves as the base for both of SIT’s China
taiji, China’s most famous form of exercise, including programs. 73/58 68/53
Situated at 64/45
low latitude 60/38
but at an
elevation of 1,900 meters, higher than Kathmandu
or Denver, Kunming is known as the “city of eternal
spring.” It is the capital city of Yunnan Province,
which is home to almost half of China's recognized
minority nationalities, although the city itself is
primarily Han.
CLIMATE AND GEOGRAPHY
Southwest China is mild to chilly, with much
sunshine and very little rain. Summer temperatures
are moderated by altitude. However, it is important
to remember that indoor heating is minimal, so from
the end of November to early March interior
temperatures are low. During the winter season, it
can feel colder indoors than outside. Kunming is
elements of the martial arts. about 6500 ft. above sea level, and the program will
travel to Zhongdian (Shangri-la), at an altitude of
You will experience primarily Han culture in the city of over 10,000 ft. At a high altitude, students should be
Kunming, where you will study Traditional Chinese careful to stay hydrated and to observe good sun
Medicine (TCM). But, this being Yunnan, home to protection measures, including a hat and sunscreen.
nearly half of China’s recognized minority nationalities,
you will also have the chance to view Yunnan’s ethnic LOCAL CUSTOMS
minority cultures through the lens of their indigenous One of the most fascinating aspects of the China:
medical practices including herbal medicine in the Bai Community Health and Traditional Chinese
minority areas of Dali and Shaxi and the Dongba Medicine program is that it is located in Yunnan
shamanic practices in Naxi areas surrounding Lijiang, Province, home to 25 of China's 55 officially
with its scenic canals and cobblestone lanes, as well as recognized ethnic minority peoples. Due to this
Tibetan Medicine in areas near Zhongdian or Shangri-la fascinating cultural diversity, local customs and
(Tibetan: Gyalthang) that lie in northwestern Yunnan, ways of greeting vary widely. For the majority of Han
during a nine day field excursion to observe traditional Chinese, who you will encounter in Kunming and
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throughout the province, no physical form of
greeting, other than a smile and sign of recognition
is expected, although the western handshake is
increasingly being understood and adopted, along
with a simple "Nihao".
In Buddhist culture, encountered in Xishuangbanna,
in southern Yunnan, and the Tibetan areas of
northern Yunnan, a prayer-like, palms-together
gesture is used for greetings and salutations, as well
as farewells. These greetings, which are often seen
in India and Southeast Asia, are common.
The lifestyle here, particularly among university
students, is not that different from that found in the
States, but students tend to take their hard-earned Meals are rice-based, accompanied by dishes of
roles attending university more seriously; excessive meats, vegetables, and fish. Yunnan is famous for
partying or rowdy behavior is seen in a dim light. green vegetables and mushrooms that cannot be
Yunnan, perhaps because of its ethnic diversity, is a found in other areas of China and do not even have
fairly laid-back and relaxed place, compared to names in English; food in Yunnan also tends to be
other, more crowded and busier cities in China. spicy. Large banquets are a part of Chinese life, and
Tolerance is the rule and "foreign friends" are generally Chinese culture focuses around plentiful
expected to be a little different. Therein lies the fun food. Vegetarians and students keeping kosher or
of cross-cultural exploration. halal may encounter some minor difficulties, but
these are easily overcome. Our staff will help
students to learn to ask for vegetable dishes without
DIET any meat products or oil, but students will need to
SIT Study Abroad provides experiential learning be flexible. Dairy products are not generally
opportunities where students become embedded in prominent in the diet. Yunnan, however, is
their host community. As such, we strive to somewhat of an exception. There is a particularly
accommodate serious food allergies where possible
popular goat cheese dish famous in Yunnan, and
but simply cannot ensure that all dietary restrictions milk and yogurt may be served at breakfast, but
or non-medically mandated diets can be these dishes are generally easy to avoid if students
accommodated. have allergies.
Students are encouraged to participate in the local
food culture as a central aspect of daily life. By SAFETY, SECURITY, AND
trying to replicate your diet at home you may miss
out on an important part of your host culture. Due to HEALTH
the unique living and learning community central to Maintaining good health is critical to having a
all SIT programs, we cannot separate food and successful program. To help you do that, we have
eating communally from the program experience. provided Health Guidelines and Requirements for
Please consider local diet seriously when selecting your program.
your program of choice. Your admissions counselor It is very important that you read the Health
is a great resource in better understanding the local Guidelines and Requirements document as early as
diet. possible and examine it with your medical provider.
The guidelines include recommended
China, and Yunnan Province in particular, is
immunizations; a suggested calendar for
renowned for its cuisine, especially for its variety. immunizations and other prophylaxes; and valuable
information on how to avoid exposure to common
carriers of disease.
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Students are thoroughly briefed on safety should think of the image you want to project to your
considerations during in-country orientation and are host community, as well as the danger you may put
updated throughout the semester if and when yourself in. Alcohol significantly increases the risk
circumstances change. For information regarding level of any situation, including social and gender
safety and security, emergency communications, relations or simply walking down the street. Your
SIT policies, health and personal property judgment may be impaired, and would-be criminals
insurance, and general program tips, please read
may think you an easier target.
the Safety, Security, and Health document and
Student Handbook. SIT and our staff have worked in China for many
years, and have built numerous relationships and
Remember that while you are a student in a cultural
networks that allow our programs to be successful
education program in China, you are also an
and our students to have the most positive possible
ambassador for your home country, home
experience.
institution, and SIT Study Abroad. We ask all
students to abide by all policies and guidelines in While in Kunming you will be studying and practicing
order to help maintain those important relationships in a highly regarded hospital that combines both
as well as their own safety and wellbeing. Failure to Western and Chinese Traditional Medicine in its
abide by established guidelines may result in treatments. In more serious situations, or when
disciplinary measures. The following are safety tips found to be advisable, quite adequate medical
for your time on the program:
facilities, both Western, Traditional Chinese and
China is a very welcoming and an extremely group- combinations thereof are available at other hospitals
oriented social culture. Most social events revolve and clinics as well. There is a program doctor on
around eating with many friends and associates. retainer for help at all times while in Kunming. In the
Social connections and business relationships often areas the program routinely visits, such as Dali,
take place around the dinner table, where business Lijiang and Zhongdian, hospitals are available and
transactions are sealed and previous friendships adequate for most illnesses, although more serious
reinforced and new ones established. Such social
situations may require a return to Kunming. In
gatherings often involve drinking. Excessive drinking
will result in immediate probation. Appropriate extreme emergencies, your health insurance
cultural dos and don’ts will be covered during your includes evacuation provisions to get you back to
initial program Orientation Period. the States, with an escort in attendance if required.
On this Community Health related program, we
China is generally a safe place, particularly Yunnan usually have a doctor accompany us on our field
and Kunming. But all of the usual security guidelines
excursion.
should be adhered to. Public transportation is
generally safe, convenient and inexpensive, as long Counseling and psychiatric care is not as widely
as you are mindful of your belongings. Taxis are available nor is it utilized in China in the same way
metered and drivers are honest. You are very as in the United States, and medications such as
unlikely to be “taken for a ride” that is more costly antidepressant or ADD medications are not widely
than it should be. Again, always be aware of your understood. Students should not plan on having
bags, cameras and possessions and never leave
regular access to local psychological services. In
pockets of backpacks open. As everywhere,
extreme emergencies, students may be able to
thievery does occur, but seldom in Kunming and
China in comparison with many other places. consult with a Vermont-based SIT therapist by
phone. We encourage you to comply with SIT’s
Sexual harassment is seldom encountered. Gays application guidelines regarding full disclosure of
and lesbians are increasingly accepted in China, but any medical and/or psychological problems or
overt homosexual behavior is still considered
needs. Failure to disclose health conditions or use
unacceptable. There are gay and lesbian
of medications may result in dismissal from the
establishments in China and Kunming, but
discretion is advised. More on this topic will be program.
covered in Orientation.
Alcohol and drug consumption carry serious safety,
legal and intercultural risks. Before you drink, you
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It’s important to be clear with family and friends
about your availability during the term. Many
students recommend making an appointment to call
home or to receive a call, thereby avoiding
frustration and making connections more
meaningful. You should also consider the impact of
constant communication with friends and family at
home on your cultural immersion. While you are
encouraged to share with those close to you and
use them for support whenever necessary, it is also
important to remember that you are on the program
for just one term, and that you get out of the
program what you put into it.
ACCOMMODATIONS
While in Kunming, you will stay in a comfortable
hotel just a few minutes’ walk from the Yunnan
Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital,
where most classes will take place. You will live in
rooms of two with attached bathrooms.
During excursions, you will stay in hotels and
guesthouses in Dali, Lijiang and Zhongdian
(Shangri-la).
TRANSPORTATION
China has traditionally used public transportation,
bicycles, and walking as the main means of
transport. Car traffic is dramatically on the rise, with
more and more private cars on the roads. Student
housing is usually within walking distance to
lectures, so walking is generally the most common
mode of transport. Taxis, subways, and buses are
also widely available for transport to more out of the
way locations, at a reasonable cost. For long
distance travel during excursions, the group
generally travels by private bus.
COMMUNICATION
While you may want to be in regular communication
with friends and family from home during the term
abroad, please bear in mind that different time
zones, unreliable phone lines, and changing
program activities can complicate communication.
We have a few suggestions regarding
communication during the term, based upon our
experience.
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PHONES AND E-MAIL you make phone calls, the average cost is around
70-100 CNY per month (10-14USD).
As part of SIT’s commitment to student safety and
security, all students are required to have a working There are many cellphone stores for purchasing
smart phone capable of making and receiving both smart phones. The costs varies from 210 to 4000
local and international calls throughout the duration CNY, there are many options that cost about 300
of the program. For that purpose students are CNY to get a decent one (about 45 USD). Pay
required to either (a) bring an open, unlocked smart about 700 CNY (100 USD) and there are more
phone from the U.S. to the program that is able to options for getting one with great hardware
accept a local SIM card, and is compatible with and specifications.
usable at the program location, (b) work with the
China has increasingly cracked down on Internet
program assistant within the first week upon arrival
accessibility. Foreigners are often not allowed into
in country to purchase a smart phone locally, or (c)
public Internet parlors (smoky places primarily used
bring a dual SIM smart phone. During orientation,
with assistance from SIT Study Abroad staff, for gaming anyway). However, numerous western-
students will learn how to use their cellphone, how styled cafes have Wi-Fi and sometimes even
to purchase and use an appropriate local SIM card, computers. Our students’ hotel rooms are fully
and how to acquire minutes for calls and wireless.
texting. SIT Study Abroad requires that each In comparison to the US, Internet access is often
student have a local number for communication with available in very obscure places, so, although
the program staff. problems are bound to crop up, overall, you will
While we recognize that alternative communication usually be able to get online. Our program assistant,
methods can be free or cheaper than cell service i.e. Zhao Jie (Charles), is a self-described tech “geek”
Facetime, Skype, WhatsApp, etc. those programs and is able to help students obtain cell phones and
alone do not satisfy our need for regular SIM cards, as well as with many computer related
communication with the local program staff and problems. These issues will be fully covered during
partners, nor do they meet our emergency Orientation. We highly advise you to notify your
communication needs. Therefore, local cellular family immediately upon arrival of your safe arrival
capacity on each student’s phone is required for the in China. Please note that Facebook and You-tube
duration of the program. Students are required to as well as many foreign websites are blocked in
maintain a minimum amount of phone credits at all China. Gmail does not work well in China.
times for emergency calls. Full compliance with this
policy is expected. MAILINGS
Please install WeChat on your cell phone, which has Throughout the term, posted letters should be sent
become the most common application for daily to the following address:
communication in China. It is free!
Student Name
Please make sure that your computer and cell C/O SIT
phone do not contain any information that may be
Foreign Affairs Office, Yunnan Provincial Hospital of
perceived as harmful to China.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
120Guanghua Street
If you are calling the States, China is exactly 12 Kunming, Yunnan, 650021
hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST) during China
US daylight savings time, when the DST ends, it
switches to 13 hours. Sending and receiving packages is another matter,
however. Unlike receiving a package here in the US,
In China, to start a cellphone account, 100 CNY receiving a package at your program site is usually
deposit is required (15 USD). For following months, expensive and problematic. Customs agents must
according to the data package and how often do inspect all packages and you, as the recipient, are
responsible for duty and storage fees. In addition,
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there are cases of items being lost in the mail or MONEY
taking so long to reach the recipient (due to customs
In addition to tuition, SIT Study Abroad program
delays) that the recipient is nearly back in the US by
fees cover room and board throughout the program.
the time the items are received. For these reasons,
When room and/or board are not taken with the
unless it is an emergency, sending packages should
group, students will be given a stipend to cover
be done on a needs basis. Additionally, sending
related expenses. The program will cover travel
valuables is highly discouraged. (This certainly
costs for excursions that are part of the normal
includes laptops! For this reason, make sure you
program itinerary.
bring your laptop with you on the plane). If you will
be celebrating a birthday during the program, please The local currency in China is the CNY, or Chinese
inform parents, grandparents, significant others, and Yuan. China’s economy runs mainly on cash or Ali
anyone else who might think of sending you pay/WeChat pay; for small purchases, credit cards
packages, of the above. and debit cards will not be accepted. When in larger
hotels or department stores, international credit
For this program, we strongly suggest that packages
cards may be accepted; VISA and Master cards
be sent to you via DHL, UPS or the United States
tend to be the most useful. Hospitals, post offices,
Postal Service. When given the option, it’s always
and most restaurants generally do not accept credit
a good idea to send packages certified and with a
cards. Many students have recommended bringing
number that allows the sender to track the package.
an ATM card for convenience; ATMs are more and
The delivery services listed above sometimes more widely available. However, it is a good idea to
require a phone number to mail a package have a backup in the event that your card is lost,
internationally. If the student has a cell phone in stolen, damaged or simply doesn’t work in a
country, please use that number. In instances in particular machine.
which student participants do not have individual cell
If using a debit and/or credit card, you should
phones, please contact the SIT Study Abroad Office
contact your bank and/or credit card companies
of Student Affairs at 802-258-3212 or call toll-free at
regarding your travel plans. This is very important; if
1-888-272-7881.
you don’t inform these companies that you will be
away, when they see charges from another country,
they will often assume the card has been lost or
stolen and will put an immediate hold on the card.
You should also check on costs of withdrawal, as
these costs vary and can sometimes be very
expensive. Renewing and receiving reissued credit
and debit cards while on the program will be an
expensive and highly inconvenient process. Before
you leave for your program, please check the
expiration dates on your cards to ensure that they
will not expire while you are abroad. If they will
expire while you are overseas, please contact your
bank and/or credit card companies for early
renewal. It is also very important that you make
photocopies of all your debit/credit card information
and leave them with someone you trust just in case
your card(s) is/are lost or stolen.
Following are suggestions for spending money
during the program, including estimates for medical
expenses, personal spending, and gifts. Figures are
based on recent student evaluations, though
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individual spending habits vary widely and these
costs are averages.
A suggested total amount of money to budget
ranges from US$700 to $800.To determine where
you might fall in this range, please examine your
spending habits during a typical term at your home
school and consider any exceptional expenditures
you may have on the program.
Check current exchange rates:
http://www.oanda.com/currency/converter/
Please budget approximately:
Personal spending (from past
400 USD
student suggestions):
Up-front medical costs: 300 USD
Included in
Estimated total: program cost x USD
Drinking water:
VISITORS AND FREE TIME
SIT strongly discourages and will not provide
support for any visitors to students during the term,
due to the rigorous nature of the programs and the
disruption that such visits cause in program flow and
group dynamics. Students should be sure that
relatives and friends are aware of this policy and
that visits are scheduled for dates after the formal
conclusion of the program. Students will not be
excused from program components to attend to
visitors. See Attendance Policy.
During the program, students follow an intense
schedule of classes and field-based learning
assignments. Free time for pursuing an independent
interest or hobby during the program will be limited.
Your admissions counselor can advise you about
particular interests you may have. For example, if
you must keep in shape for your next athletic
season, we can help you to understand your
schedule and any concerns or limitations that may
exist.
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PACKING GUIDELINES size 8 or above for women and a size 9 or above for
men) you should plan to bring all of your shoes with
LUGGAGE you, as large sizes are not easily available in China.
Please pack lightly and include only necessary
For warmer weather your dress should be casual
items. You should be able to carry all your luggage and conservative. Fabrics containing some synthetic
significant distances on your own. Try to minimize fiber make washing easier. Although laundry service
both the number of bags and weight of your bag(s) is available in many places, be prepared for
since you will likely be acquiring more belongings situations in which you will wash your own clothing
while abroad. Please bring, at most, one medium by hand.
sized backpack or wheeled suitcase, and a daypack
You will have extraordinary access to members of
If carrying prescription medications, you should the academic community, government officials, and
carry a letter from your doctor to prevent any important members of non-governmental
concerns at customs or in transit. (Please see the organizations, as well as the laobaixing (local
“General Health Tips” section in the Safety, people), while on the China: Community Health and
Security, and Health pre-departure document.) Traditional Chinese Medicine program. So students
planning to attend should be aware that, while
extreme hairstyles and obvious body piercings do
Please check the current requirements of the occur on the fringes of Chinese society, they may be
Transportation Security Administration looked down upon by much of the general
(http://www.tsa.gov) as well as those of the airline population, and such style choices may affect
on which you are flying for domestic and contacts with the health care professionals you will
international baggage restrictions. be studying under.
EQUIPMENT
CLOTHING GUIDELINES You will not need to bring any highly specialized
In general, students’ dress does not necessarily equipment for this program. Sheets and pillows will
have to be formal in nature. Casual but not sloppy is be provided throughout the program. Towels in
acceptable. Students may not want to bring brand China tend to be smaller and less soft than those to
new clothes, as certain situations (e.g. climbing which you may be accustomed; some previous
mountains) will ruin them quickly.
students recommend bringing your own. Unless you
plan to trek or camp after the program ends, you will
A pair of conservative slacks can be useful and not need a sleeping bag or pad. If so, these can
jeans (neat and not torn) are acceptable. Pants easily be purchased here. For safety, you should
should be loose and comfortable, and should be in
plan to bring small locks for your luggage.
good condition. Women may wear skirts. Pack
clothing appropriate for warmer weather—nice
shorts and T-shirts are acceptable (try to avoid tank COMPUTERS AND OTHER
tops if possible, especially for women). Most ELECTRONICS
clothing items can be found in China at cheaper
prices, though smaller sizes are more readily If you bring a laptop, the computer will be your
available than larger ones. It is best to pack as few personal property and responsibility. It is
things as possible and purchase clothing (or have recommended that you insure your computer,
them made) in China. smartphone, or other valuables for full coverage in
the event of loss or theft. SIT is not responsible for
A cultural note regarding footwear: Chinese do not any duty tax you may have to pay when you enter
go barefoot anywhere – not even in their own rooms. the country, theft, or loss.
Standard flip-flops are not seen on the street, but
sandals with straps such as Tevas are acceptable.
They should be comfortable as we anticipate a lot of
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Gifts are an important form of social interaction in If you have further questions, please contact your
China. Not only do they serve as an opportunity for admissions counselor and/or ask an alumni contact:
you to show your appreciation and gratitude for the http://studyabroad.sit.edu/admitted-
hospitality you will receive and the friendships you students/contact-a-former-student/.
will form, but they also provide an opportunity to
Don’t miss the Packing List on the next page!
share information with your new friends and
contacts about American culture and customs. These packing guidelines are based on suggestions
Successful lightweight gifts in the past have been T- from past students and your academic director.
shirts, calendars, CDs of music, musical instruments
(harmonicas, recorders, etc.), fancy soaps and
cosmetics, lotions and perfumes have also been
popular gift items for younger people.
If you should decide to bring a number of gifts, it is
best to bring a variety. Please try to avoid gifts that
break easily or require much maintenance.
Remember that imported goods are appreciated
more than goods manufactured in China, even if you
bought them in the U.S.! So try and find gifts that
don’t say, “Made in China”. This is a lesson on
China’s impact on globalization in itself.
WHAT YOU CAN AND CANNOT
OBTAIN IN COUNTRY
Most things can now be found in Kunming. Brands
such as Pantene Pro-V, Johnson & Johnson, Clairol,
Proctor and Gamble, even Colgate and Crest, can
be found at the larger department stores in Kunming.
Notebooks can be found here in plentiful supply,
though they are generally not 3-ring binders. Photo
film, digital photographic and computer equipment
are readily available. It is also possible to buy
inexpensive hair dryers, radios, CD players,
recorders and all computer related products in
China.
Toiletries: Bring some shampoo, toothpaste, etc. for
the trip and during the first few days of orientation.
Later these items are available and inexpensive
here. Students have mentioned that many hygiene
products for women such as soaps and face wash
are skin-bleaching, although it is possible to find
some that are not. Students should be sure to bring
a portion of clothing that is hand-washable: electric
dryers are a bit harder to find. Students can utilize
the services of a laundry helper who will wash
clothing for a reasonable fee.
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GENERAL o A small first aid kit with band-aids, first aid
cream such as Neosporin, hydrogen
o T-shirts peroxide, moist towelettes, and over the
o Underwear - one-week supply counter drugs for minor pain, diarrhea, anti-
o 4-5 pair socks itching, and motion sickness, as approved by
o 1 sweater or a fleece (for layering) your doctor.
o 1 swimsuit (optional) o Extra pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses
o 1 light coat o Women: feminine hygiene products
o 1 pair comfortable, everyday shoes that are (tampons difficult to find in China)
fairly dressy and good for walking
o 1 pair sturdy shoes (comfortable and good for OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS
walking)
o Camera
o laptop computer
WOMEN o Heatproof water bottle/thermos (you’ll be
o 1 spring/fall skirt drinking a lot of tea!)
o 1 pair loose pants/leggings (recommended for o Luggage locks
doing Taiji) o Power converter/plug adapter
o Long-sleeve blouses or shirts (comfortable to o Visa or MasterCard for emergencies
walk long distances in) o Photos of friends/family to share
o 1 pair jeans
o Shorts of an appropriate length
o Short sleeve shirts OPTIONAL
MEN o Dental floss
o Deodorant (difficult to find in China)
o 1 long-sleeved shirt o Fluoride toothpaste
o 1 pair loose pants (recommended for doing Taiji) o Sunblock
o 1 pair jeans o Sunglasses
o Short-sleeved shirts o Rain coat or umbrella
o Shorts of an appropriate length
Remember to place all valuable items
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS and any prescription medications in your
o Passport carry-on luggage while traveling and all
o Yellow WHO Card (see the Safety, Security, and sharp items in your checked luggage.
Health document for more information)
o Two photocopies of your passport, stored
separately from your actual passport
o Photocopy of visa
HEALTH/TOILETRIES
o Hand sanitizer
o Bug spray (for field excursions)
o Shower shoes (e.g. flip flops)
o Adequate supply of any medication you use
regularly, including birth control
o (Drugs for use other than for
medical purposes are strictly
forbidden on your program and
strict penalties are in effect).
SIT Study Abroad - 13
Flight, Passport, and Visa Information 12/10/2019You can also read
