FAQ

Q. Can I bring pets?
A. There is a “no pets” policy at SIAS. This is to insure the quality and upkeep of the SIAS apartments.

Q. What is the weather like at SIAS?
A. The weather here is quite similar to the Midwest USA, with four distinct seasons, and similar types of humidity. You can get a weather report for this area by clicking on the link below and typing Zhengzhou in the city field. http://www.weather.com

Q. Preparations - What do I need to bring?
A. We recommend that you bring any prescription medication in sufficient quantities to last for the duration of your visit and any preferred brands of over-the-counter medications (cold & flu tablets, etc.) If you are planning for a long stay please consider bringing items that don't weigh much, but would make you feel at home in your apartment. For example, pictures of family, favorite books, favorite pillow etc…

Q. What is the cost of living like in China?
A. Compared to the U.S. the cost of living in Xinzheng is low. For example, bottled water is about 12 cents. We encourage all international students to have access to $500 to $1000 per semester for weekend travel and tours, dorm decorations, snacks, and taking Chinese students out to dinner.

Q. Is transportation readily available in and around Sias?
A. Yes, The airport is half an hour away. The train station and bus station are about a 5 minute taxi ride from campus. There are daily buses and trains to Zhengzhou. From there you
can take a train to almost anywhere in China. Taxis are available outside the campus at the
starting price of 3 yuan (about $.36).

Q. Am I able to live off campus?
A. For safety and security reasons, all international faculty and students are required to live on campus.

Q. Is there a library at SIAS?
A. There is a three-story library with a wide variety of English and Chinese books.

Q: Are refrigerators and cooking facilities available?
A: Yes, the apartments in the international student dormitory are equipped with refrigerators. You will not be permitted to cook within your dormitory.

Q:What is a Chinese banquet like?
A: When you embark on your first SIAS sponsored trip, you will experience China’s Banquet style dining. What is considered the best Chinese cuisine will be served. The cold dishes are usually offered first, followed by hot food and the soup comes last. The Chinese have a saying that goes, “rocks first (food), sand second (rice) and water last (that’s the soup)”. Another thing that will be served is Baijiu. It translates literally as white wine, so if you try to ask for a chardonnay in China, you might not get what you expect. Baijiu is a rice liquor that has a strong smell and is often used to toast at special occasions. The Chinese will often toast many times, for example dignitaries will roam the room and toast with everyone. When clinking glasses with someone in a higher position than you, you tap the rim of the glass lower than their rim. You might see the Chinese gentlemen engage in a drinking contest; it is a common display of Chinese machismo. Please avoid joining in. If you are a light drinker, they will drink you under the table and you will regret it the next day. If you have any alcohol tolerance what so ever, you will drink everyone under the table and the Chinese will lose face. Drunk Chinese men who have lost their face are not good company.

Q:Will I have to bargain for everything in China?
A: When shopping in China most of the time the prices will not be marked like they are at home. You will have to bargain. Being a good bargainer is a skill you should develop. It is important because, if you don’t bargain well, then the next foreign face that goes to that store will not get a good price. Most stores will see that you are foreign and double the price. Only accept half of what they offer you. Keep in mind that you now make Yuan and should be thinking in Yuan. It’s fun to think, “hey, this is only 2 buck back home,” but that is 16 Yuan that could buy a lot of dumplings.

Q:Do the students like to play basketball?
A: Many of the students love to play basketball, especially the boys. They greatly admire Michael Jordan and other famous players. So, you will notice that some of them have taken English names from NBA players. Keep in mind that the majority of the students are unaware of the controversies surrounding some of the players they admire. The students would love it if you spend some time playing basketball with them. Also, when the weather is nice out, the male students will be especially restless in the classroom, because they are thinking about how great it would be to play.

Q:Does everyone in China ride bikes?
A: Bikes are a common mode of transportation here in China. You can rent a bike outside of the Italian Street for 1 Yuan for 3 hours. Choose a good bike with a spoke lock. If the bike gets stolen, you might have to pay about 200 Yuan.

Q:Can I purchase English books in China?
A: Outside of SIAS there are 3 places to purchase English novels and they are all in ZhengZhou. The first one is the Foreign Language Book store; Book Plaza (Across the street from Dennis) and the bookstore across the street from King Bird. The vast majority of these books will be classics. For newer novels you need to have some shipped or you can get some in Beijing and Shanghai. Peter Hall has a library in the conference room. It is small but well organized. In order to check out a book, find the clipboard in each section. Also, it helps to engage in a book exchange with other teachers.

Q:Is there an international church at SIAS?
A: As many people here are Christian, a nondenominational fellowship has been organized for the foreign staff and students. A Sunday evening service is held at 6:30 pm in the meeting room of Peter Hall. Chinese students are not allowed inside the building after 5:00. Besides that, Chinese Law says that it is legal for Christians to meet in the government authorized 3-Self church, of which there are 2 in town. One is located just off campus as you go out the gate on European Street. Go straight across the road and down the street
leading away from SIAS. The church is on the left, look for the 3 crosses above the gate. The other church is downtown. You can grab a cab outside the gate and tell the driver “church” (in Chinese of course).

Q:Will I be able to drink my coffee in China?
A: The majority of coffee available here is in granular form. It goes without saying that for most people Nescafe is less than satisfying. Coffee as we have come to know it at home is accessible, but not convenient. So don’t expect a Starbucks on the corner. (However, if you get the chance to visit the Forbidden City, you will find that there is a forbidden Starbucks inside the walls.) Fortunately, in the Peter Hall Dining room there is brewed coffee for breakfast and sometimes some left over for lunch. Outside those times, there are other locations that serve acceptable coffee by western standards. Two places on campus that serve particularly good coffee are SIAS Café and Maike’s Café.

Q:Is the notion of communism pervasive in China?
A: What you will find interesting is that even some of the better English speaking students do not know this word in English. With more than 63 million members, the Communist Party of China is the largest political party in the world. The influence of people and organizations outside the formal party structure has recently tended to increase, particularly in the economic realm. Nevertheless, in all-important governmental institutions in the PRC, party committees work to see that party and state policy guidelines are followed. At SIAS, there are two party representatives on staff to assist the university with meeting national educational guidelines. These guidelines include and are not limited to military training and political philosophy classes.

Q:What is culture shock?
A: In orientation, you will be introduced to the concept of culture shock. If you are an experienced traveler, you might be familiar with it already. It is said that most people go through five different stages of culture shock. First is the honeymoon phase where everything in the foreign country is exciting and new. Second is the period known to many as “culture shock” where many things our compared to your home culture and usually anger, frustration, or confusion develops towards the foreign environment. The third stage is characterized by gaining some understanding of the new culture. A new feeling of pleasure and sense of humor may be experienced. In the fourth stage, the person realizes that the new culture has good and bad things to offer. The fifth stage is the phase that is called the "re-entry shock." This occurs when a return to the country of origin is made. One may find that things are no longer the same. For example, some of the newly acquired customs are not in use in the old culture. The phases repeat themselves in a cycle that varies from person to person but usually loops every three months. Even though culture shock can be difficult, going through this process can teach many new things about the new culture, your home culture, and yourself. The most important thing to know is that culture shock is normal and that your feelings will change over time. For more information check out the
website http://edweb.sdsu.edu/people/CGuanipa/cultshok.htm.

Q:What is the SIAS International Culture Week?
A: At SIAS, the culture week is one of the biggest events of the year and usually takes place late October or in November. The program features several consecutive days of celebration (display panels, food, games, lectures, music) for different parts of the world: Asia Day, Commonwealth Day, China Day, European Day, American Day and International Day (closing day). Each country chooses its own theme. Participation in Culture Week activities is a lot of fun. We encourage all international students to bring as much “stuff” from their home countries and states as possible to share with the SIAS community.

Q:Can I buy deodorant at SIAS?
A: Generally, deodorant is VERY HARD to find in China. It is highly recommended that you bring 2 sticks of your favorite brand with you. However, if you did not think to do this, you may find some in an Avon store in China. Deodorant has also been spotted in various cosmetic stores on the campus, but don’t expect to find your favorite brand in your favorite scent.

Q: How diverse is China?
A: You need to understand that China is diverse in every way. Don’t try to change it or its people because even they are diverse. If you came here thinking that all Chinese people look the same, you’ll soon learn that it was a mistake. The language and food are diverse. At first you’ll first love both and then hate them and then love them again and finally leave. And China will still be diverse and beautiful and then we’ll be gone. As a matter of fact, we are a part of that diversity. The students have a wide range of foreign teachers with a lot of different talents and backgrounds to inspire them. As we celebrate the diversity in China, we should always remember to celebrate the diversity within our international community and indulge in the many talents that we have on hand.

Q:Can I hold my own English Corner?
A: When we hold classes or events outside of the class time, we will call this “English Corner.” You can set up an English Corner by asking the Foreign Language Department to help you reserve a room every week. Most English corners take place in the teachers’ and students’ campus residences. You can show movies, play music, or just talk with students. This is a great time for students to practice speaking their English or to listen to English being spoken. There is no strict way of doing things, even if you just talk and encourage questions that will be fine. If you don’t have the time to meet every week, you can join another teacher’s English Corner. Sometimes the Corner will have specific topics and some are general. Former topics included: Movies, Travel, Adventure Sports, Positive Thinking, Idioms/Slang/Colloquialisms, Western Performance/Acting, Public speaking and so on.

Q:Where can I find information about my embassy ?
A: If you are from outside the United States, you will find the list of embassies present in China and links to your countries website at: www.anyworkanywhere.com/embcn.html The US Embassy is located in Beijing and requests that you register with them upon your arrival in China if you are planning to reside in China for more than 30 days. The following is the
contact information:
United States Embassy of Beijing, China
Ambassador Clark T. Randt, Jr.
Xiu Shui Bei Jie 3, 100600
Phone (86-10) 6532-3831
www.usembassy-china.org.cn

Q:What is the exchange rate in China?
A: The Chinese currency is the Yuan (also called Renminbi). One US Dollar = 8.1 Yuan (approximate exchange rate). One Yuan is approximately 12 cents = 10 Jiao (1 Jiao = approximately 1.2 cent). Yuan notes come in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, and 1. Jiao notes come in denominations of 5, 2, and 1. Coins come in denominations of 1 Yuan, 5 Jiao, and 1 Jiao. A common colloquial word for Yuan is Kuai. It is similar to the way Americans use “Buck”. Western Union is available in Zhengzhou, which is an hour north of SIAS. Also, you can use your visa card or bank card in the Bank of China ATM machines which are conveniently located on campus. Exchanging American cash at a local Bank of China is also very convenient. For current exchange rates or to calculate between different currencies, check out http://www.xe.com/ucc/

Q:What do I need to know about feminine health?
A: Gentlemen, you may skip this one, because we need to be frank. The Chinese only sell sanitary napkins. This is actually a step up from toilet paper or nothing; which may be all some of your students can afford. There are only Chinese brands available, so you may have to try a couple before you discover one you like. If you are more accustomed to using tampons, I hope you brought a years supply with you. If not, OB non-applicator tampons can conveniently be found in Beijing and Shanghai. Some tampons have been found at Lotus in ZhengZhou. In Beijing, at Jenny Lou’s foreign foods stores you can find more options. If you are not fond of being stricken by your “time of the month” early, avoid the Hawthorn! It has been know to induce periods. Reflexology can also interrupt your schedule. At the clinic on German Street there is a Gynecologist on staff who also works in ZhengZhou.

Q:I heard living in China is like living in a fish bowl. Is that true?
A: Any where you go in China you will be observed. By this we mean as a foreigner you are rare. This is what we call the fish bowl. On the campus the students are more comfortable with you, but the new freshmen might follow you around at first. Laowai is Mandarin for foreigner. Here are some examples of it’s common usage in English: “Oh, look honey, there are some Laowai,” “Wow, check out the Laowai!” “Laowai, what are they doing in this little place?” “Look at me laowai! Look at me!” “LAOWAI, LAOWAI, LAOWAI! ” So you see, the deeper meaning of the word is conveyed in the context it is used in. Don’t be offended, they are just curious. If you notice people saying this, simply smile and say hello. You can make someone’s day! But remember, everything that you do and say will be heard, remembered and judged by all people here. You may not discover these observations until you are about to leave. Please remember that you are a representative for your country and SIAS. Keep that in mind whenever you are out.

Q:What is guanxi?
A: Throughout much of Chinese history, the fundamental glue that has held society together is the concept of guanxi or relationships between people. (In the west, we would call it networking or nepotism.) Today this means: who you know and what these people believe their obligations are to you. With a good network of contacts in China, almost anything can be accomplished. Guanxi is how things get done. Many of the students may be relying on building guanxi in order to achieve their major goals in life. It is a fact of life here in China.

Q:Is it a problem to get a haircut in China?
A: No, not at all. You will see that many students have their hair chemically straightened. If you have thick hair and hate it, consider straightening. It makes your softer and shiner. Always take a student to translate when you get your hair done. There are many places to get your hair groomed and cut around SIAS. The “best” place will depend on who you ask and who happens to be working at the time you arrive.
• Expect to pay around 10 Yuan for a 30 minute head massage and a wash
• Expect to pay around 10 Yuan for a normal hair cut.
• Expect to pay about 20 Yuan for a 30 minute wash, head massage, cut and blown dry
• Expect to pay about 40 Yuan for a facial and the works: (located in the back of the beauty parlor) The Works: 2hr. of: facial, body massage, hair wash and dried, and eyebrows plucked

Q:What should I know about health related stuff?
A: When we get sick it is a matter of course to take it seriously. When you are feeling seriously ill, be sure to inform the program coordinator. There is a clinic on campus that employs doctors, nurses and student translators. However, it is always a good idea to call a student that you know to help you too. (Especially if you are confident in that student’s translating abilities.) If you are allergic to anything, be sure that you have a correct translation of those terms. The clinic on campus is a good place to go for mild illnesses. Try the on campus clinic before going off campus. They’re more sympathetic to foreigners needs. The Chinese are more inclined to use IV’s to deliver medicine. The needles are sterilized and the medicine works very well, especially if you have no clue what is wrong with you. Collect all of your receipts and fill out the paperwork in order to turn it in to ICED. For more health information, check out the CDC’s website on East Asia. http://www.cdc.gov/travel/eastasia.htm

Q:Will I have internet access at SIAS?
A: An internet connection (LAN) is available in each apartment (network card required) if you want to bring your own laptop. We highly advise you bringing your laptop if you have one. There is also a computer lab with computer and printing facilities. The rules for the computer lab are posted on the door. Also, detailed rules, policies and procedures can be found in your orientation package. You should take the time to read them. Some people think that “big brother” is watching over us and is blocking sites. Please do not develop a paranoid complex, for that is rarely the case. Most of the difficulties are due to poor hardware. However, SIAS has recently arranged to have a server operating on campus. This might be operational during your stay.

Is there any place to sing Karaoke in China?
A: The Chinese love to sing. It is likely that the Chinese students will ask you to sing them a song. If you like to be the center of attention, you have come to the right place! Keep in mind that although a place may have an abundance of KTV CD’s, this doesn’t mean they have any in English. Normally, you can find “My Heart Will Go On” from Celine Dion and “Yesterday Once More” by the Carpenters. Beyond those, it’s slim pickings. However, if singing is not your thing, kindly refuse. You will have to refuse several times before they get the picture. At first, they will feel that you are simply being humble. Normally, by the third go, they will understand. Bring your own karaoke cds if you enjoy singing karaoke.Please explain the concept of losing/saving face…

A: Losing face/saving face and giving face are very important and should be taken into consideration at all times. Chinese people will almost always seek to preserve harmony, save face and avoid conflict. It is important to avoid other people ‘losing face’ if possible, and it is a good idea to ‘give face’ to others. Losing your temper, confronting someone, putting someone on the spot, arrogant behavior, or failing to accord proper respect can cause a loss of face. Bear in mind, that the one that loses face and the person that makes them lose face, both lose face in the end. As for your students in the TESL practicum class, you will find that the possibility of losing face might keep them from speaking out in your class. Many of them might know the answer, but don’t want to risk being wrong or don’t want to appear too smart. Perhaps you will ask a question and will receive blank stares. The only way to get an answer is to call on a particular student. They all dread this, but will say something to you. It is best to establish your classroom as an embarrassment free zone. It will take a little bit of time for you to build up trust with them, but confidence in speaking English is the best gift you can give them.

Q: Are there Western style laundry facilities at SIAS?
A: Washers and dryers are available to use in both of the international apartment complexes. There is a sign up list above each machine. You must sign up for each hour you will use the machines. Dry cleaners downtown and near the university gates are cheap. You can also pay someone to do your laundry for a very cheap price.

Q: Will I be able to receive mail while I am in China?
A: The mailing address for SIAS is as follows:
SIAS International University
c/o John Doe, International Student
No. 168 Renmin Road
Xinzheng City, Henan Province
PR China 451150
Mail for the international teachers and students is delivered to the respective apartment complexes. Regular airmail to China and from China can take several weeks and packages can take two months. The best rate for small packages from the States to China is the "Global Air Mail", a small pouch costs a flat rate of $5.00 for a maximum of five pounds and the delivery time is about 5 days. Be aware that any mail may be opened. All letters sent from the university should be mailed in specific envelopes sold at the post office or at the SIAS
campus store. The postage rate varies in accordance with the weight of the letter. There is a small post office on the East Campus teaching building room 0109.

Q: What about the massages?
A: Another thing about China that many of our internationals love is the affordable back and foot massages. Foot massages are called reflexology. There are massages given by the blind, but some find them to be too rough. You can get a Thai massage, where they walk on your back as well. There are many different types of massages available, perhaps there is one that is right for you. Most massages will cost between 20 – 30 Yuan for one hour. There are several massage establishments in Xinzheng. The Hong Kong Massage Company is very professional and is one of the many places you can frequent for your massage needs. It is a 5 Yuan taxi ride. An English service/price list is available at the front desk. To our knowledge, these are medical massage companies (not with the “happy ending” connotations we put on them in the West). Unless you are in a bathhouse, you will remain fully clothed for the duration of your massage.

Q: Should I bring my mobile phone?
A: If you already have a GSM or Tri-band mobile phone, you will most likely be able to use it in China. You can also purchase a mobile phone here in China. GSM in America runs on 850 MHz or 1900 MHz. Europe, Africa, and Asia run on about 1800 MHz. This means if you have a moderately priced phone from America, don’t count on it working. You have to get it unlocked. If you have a Quad-Band from America, it’s more likely to work here. Those of you from Europe, Africa and Asia should not have a problem as most of the phones are tri-band. This has all been tested by teachers here in the past. If you are looking to buy a phone here in China to take back home, make sure that it is a Quad-Band phone. The phones are not cheaper here.

Q:Is nose picking in public common?
A: Ever feel ashamed every time you needed to pick your nose? Were you hiding in dark corners to pick your nose back home? Well, feel ashamed no more. You can often see people enjoying a little brain tickle as the walk down the street. Don’t be surprised to see one of the SIAS students digging away as you are giving your lesson. However, when you visit a place that is not used to seeing foreigners, your nose picking will be entertaining.

Q: Is there a Western shower with hot water?
A: As utilities are expensive, hot water is only available during certain hours of the day. This is something you should become accustomed to. Occasionally, when the campus has guests arriving, there will be hot water longer to assist them in coping with jet lag. Normally, you will have hot water from 6:30am to 8:00am and 7:00pm – 11:00pm.

Q: Will I have access to cable TV?
A: Providing cable/satellite television is extremely expensive. However, we are provided with cable TV for free. Occasionally, stations may go out. If you are not receiving any channels what so ever, first check to see that the cable is plugged into the wall. If you are still not receiving any channels, contact the front desk. The following are the television channels that you may receive:
BBC World
Cinemax Asia
CCTV 4 (Chinese Broadcasting in Chinese)
CCTV 9 (Chinese Broadcasting in English)
Fox News (yeah, really!)
The Hallmark Channel
Star (Chinese Sports Station)
Channel V (Music Videos in English and Chinese)
ABC Asia Pacific (Australian Broadcasting)

Q: Is tipping common in China?
A: Here in Henan Province, it is 100% NOT customary to give tips. So, please don’t tip any where because next time they will expect it or raise their prices. The only places where you might be expected to tip is at western establishments in large cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, or Hainan Island.

Q: What is the toilet situation like in China?
A: In China, as an international, it is the law that you are provided with a western style toilet. In the international student’s dormitory, you will have one. Most places off campus will not have a western toilet. We recommend that you start early and learn how to use a squatty. There will come a time when you have no choice and you need to be prepared. The Chinese enjoy the squatting position simply to relax. Observe how they do this, and then find a clean one, like KFC or McDonalds in Zhengzhou. Take some little scented tissues with you and take your time. Don’t hover or you will only get exhausted. After it is over, you won’t find it that big of a deal.

Q: What is the voltage situation like in China?
A: China uses 220 volt power supply. In your apartment you will find both “straight two-pin plugs,” and “triangular 3-pins plugs.” Although your plug might look the same, the voltage is different. Do not attempt to plug in thing from America into these plugs. You could severely damage the already fragile electrical system and you will no doubt permanently damage what you plug in. Some computers are the exception because most come with a built in power converter, but please check before you plug. A computer technician can assist internationals and help with the purchase of converters. You can conveniently purchase voltage adapters in China for much cheaper than in your home country.

Q: Will drinking water be provided?
A: Yes. The tap water in China is not suitable for drinking. Precisely what this means is that ingesting the water can make you sick. So, if you are in the shower and a bit of water gets in your mouth, there is no reason to be concerned. Most people have found they can brush their teeth with the water, but others feel it is better to be safe than sorry. In every hall there are about two are three water coolers that dispense hot and cold water. The building staff will take care of changing the bottles.Thanks to Melanie Rivera for organizing these “SIAS ABC’s”!