WIXLIB

Business Protocol, Customs, & Culturein ChinaBusiness Etiquette in ChinaMany of the customs and practices in the Chinese business realm draw from the country’s long-standingcultural values. Respect for seniority and punctuality is key and emphasis is placed on the group ratherthan the individual. Most Chinese involved in business speak English; though do not assume this toalways be the case.Dress/Attire Chinese business culture includes a neat, conservative dress code. When in doubt, err on theside of modesty.Button up shirts, slacks, suits, and ties are all acceptable for business meetings. All colors shouldbe subdued or neutral; bright colors are seen as inappropriate.Women should wear blouses or tops with modest necklines and shoes that are flat or that havelow heels.Men should wear suits and ties to formal events and meetings with executive officials.Jeans are not acceptable in the business environment, though they are worn as casual wear.Businesswomen There are no specific risks for female travelers or businesswomen. However, all women areadvised to follow commonsense security precautions such as: dressing modestly and observinglocal customs.Women are not advised to travel on public transport after dark alone. Be prepared to ask trustedcontacts to accompany you to your car, a taxi or your hotel after dark.Greetings / Public Conduct 9In China, a typical greeting is a nod of the head or a slight bow, although the latter is mostfrequently used in ceremonial situations. Handshakes are common in the business environmentand with foreigners upon greeting and departure, but wait to see if the person you are meetinginitiates this gesture.Use titles and last names when addressing someone. Note that in China, the family name comesbefore one’s given name. Some Chinese people switch the order of the names when dealingwith non-Chinese or use Western names that they have adopted.Frequent greetings used in China translate to mean literally 'have you eaten?' or 'where haveyou been?' and are the equivalent to 'how are you?' in North America; therefore they don’trequire a detailed response.Chinese culture does not condone outward displays of emotion, so individuals may not smile atfirst greeting. Maintaining an emotionless face carries through most public interactions,especially business meetings.o Avoid being too demonstrative: hugging, kissing, making large gestures, pointing withthe index finger, and laughing loudly are seen by the Chinese culture as inappropriate.When meeting a group, greet the most senior person first. Seniority and status play an importantrole in Chinese culture, both in the public and private sphere.Business cards are a very important part of business meetings, usually presented whenindividuals first meet.Public displays of affection are seen as inappropriate, though you may encounter members ofthe same sex holding hands as a demonstration of friendliness.

The Chinese consider putting your hands in your mouth as a vulgar act, so avoid actions suchas biting your nails or removing food from your teeth when in public. Spitting is also not toleratedin public.Beware: Cutting ahead in a line is a common practice, though the Chinese will not appreciatebeing on the receiving end of such actions.Topics of Conversation Small talk is a big part of business meetings and meals in China. Safe topics of conversationinclude just about anything relating to China (in a positive manner) – from geography andclimate to art.Meetings typically begin with a round of small talk before delving into business matters.Incorporating a few words or phrases in Mandarin is typically an appreciated effort.Taiwan is seen as an acceptable topic of conversation. Be sure to reference it as “Taiwan” or“Taiwan Province” rather than “The Republic of China” or a similar term.Note that negative responses are viewed as impolite, so the Chinese will rarely say “no” directly,preferring to use noncommittal statements such as “We’ll see” or “I’ll think about it.Topics to Avoid in Conversation Statements or topics that can be seen as controversial views or criticism of Chinese culture orpolitics.Potentially sensitive topics such as political or human rights issues. Chinese citizens are notsupposed to publicly criticize the government.Referencing China by names such as “Communist China” or “Red China.”Gift GivingThe practice of accepting gifts in China as a part of business relations remains somewhat inconsistent.Official Chinese policy considers gifts to be bribes, though gift giving is still a common, and at timesexpected, practice. Keeping certain guidelines in mind could help avoid complications. To best address the gift-giving policy, gifts are typically presented on behalf of your entirecompany to an entire company. Present the gift itself to the most senior member with whomyou’re working or meeting.Offer a gift with both hands.Due to official policy, some individuals might have to refuse your gift. In that situation, expressthat you understand the situation.Gifts should be gift-wrapped, but be careful in the color selection of your wrapping paper. Redis considered a lucky color and pink and yellow represent happiness. Avoid black, white, andblue.Gifts to avoid:o Anything associated with death or funeral customs including clocks, straw sandals,handkerchiefso Anything that can be seen as a symbol of “severing” a relationship – knives or scissorsGifts that are typically acceptable:o Items from your country or cityo Gifts of food, though not at an occasion where food is being servedo Writing pensBusiness Entertaining 10Entertaining is a critical part of Chinese business culture; hosts will take great care to ensuretheir guests are comfortable (and well fed).Banquets are frequently arranged by the host and typically take place in the evening, thoughthese are a sign of hospitality rather than a time to discuss business.Wait to be seated; who sits where is based on seniority.Meals often consist of many different courses and to be polite it is best to take a small sampleof every dish.A clean plate signals to the host that you did not receive enough food, so leave a small amounton your plate.

11Most business entertaining meals will involve tea. Leave some tea in your cup if you do not wanta refill.Do not place the end of the chopstick in your mouth and try not to drop them. Once you aredone eating, place your chopsticks on the table or in the chopstick rest. Putting your chopsticksbeside each other on the top of your bowl is considered to be back luck, and sticking chopsticksin your bowl so they are standing upright is seen as rude.Business entertaining often involves a strong drinking culture. Participation is encouraged; thosewho refrain from taking part without a legitimate excuse are seen as suspicious.A meal has come to an end when fruit and hot towels are brought to the table.Tipping policy varies from place to place. Tipping is generally seen as insulting, but in certainhotels and cities and among younger workers, it can be expected.Some business entertaining takes place in private homes. In this case, you likely will be askedto take off your shoes.

Important Information Regarding Travel to ChinaThese instructions are provided for informational purposes only, and it is the responsibility of thetraveler to independently verify the visa application requirements by contacting the consulate orembassy directly. All U.S. citizens and Non-U.S. citizens with an established U.S. residence will receivea customized Toolkit within 24 hours of completing registration with full details on your specific visaneeds. All participants who do not meet these requirements will be contacted separately for furtherinstructions regarding assistance for your visa needs.*If you do not receive further communication in regards to your visa needs, please check your spamfolder or contact us directly.Prior to applying for your visa, please confirm that the visas requested are applicable to all of yourtravel plans. It is the responsibility of each participant to verify that the visa you apply for willaccommodate your travel arrangements. This includes your transit visa needs, if applicable. It is theresponsibility of each participant to ensure they have proper immigration and/or customsdocumentation for return travel at the end of the program. Please note that requirements may bedifferent for participants of different nationalities.Important Notes to Keep in Mind: All applications must be completed online. Handwritten applications will be rejected. No questions are to be left unanswered. If you do not have an answer, please write “N/A” inthe space provided. Do NOT mention Hong Kong anywhere on the application, even if it is part of your trip.Document Requirements:The following documents must be submitted for visa processing through WorldStrides. Please refer toyour Toolkit for your complete checklist: A signed, valid passport One (1) completed online typed visa application per person One (1) two-inch by two-inch recent color passport photograph (taken in the last sixmonths) with a front pose against a white background Copy of your hotel confirmation letter This will be provided by WorldStrides on your behalfCopy of your confirmed round-trip airline reservation If you did not book your round-trip airline reservation through WorldStrides, you willneed to provide a copy of your reservation with your visa application. If WorldStrides has booked your round-trip air travel, this will be provided on yourbehalf.WorldStrides Capstone programs - Visa Coordinator Contact Information: 12Please contact The WorldStrides Visa Team at 1-800-422-2368 orvisas@worldstrides.org in the event you have questions regarding the visaapplication process.

If a personal appearance is required for your visa, contact The WorldStrides VisaTeam immediately to discuss your visa needs and how WorldStrides can providesupport and guidance.Instructions for Completing the Online Chinese Visa Application:Part 1: Personal Information1.1. LAST NAME: Please type your last name as it appears in your passport. MIDDLE NAME: pleasetype your middle name as it appears on your passport. If no middle name, type N/A in this field.FIRST NAME: Please type your first name as it appears in your passport.1.2. CHINESE NAME IF APPLICABLE: Please type N/A unless you are Chinese. If you have a Chinesename, you must write this out in Chinese letters.1.3. OTHER NAMES YOU HAVE BEEN KNOWN BY: Provide your maiden name or other names you are,or haven been, known by if applicable (otherwise type N/A).1.4. SEX: Place an X in the appropriate box.1.5. DATE OF BIRTH: Enter year - month - day of your birth.1.6. CURRENT NATIONALITY: Please enter your citizenship.1.7. FORMER NATIONALITY: Please type N/A unless if you have changed your citizenship.1.8. PLACE (PROVINCE/STATE, COUNTRY) OF BIRTH: Enter city, state, and country where you wereborn.1.9. LOCAL ID CARD NUMBER: List your Driver’s License number.1.10. PASSPORT TYPE: Place X in appropriate box.1.11. PASSPORT NUMBER: Enter your passport number.1.12. DATE OF ISSUE: Provide the date your passport was issued.1.13. PLACE (PROVINCE/STATE, COUNTRY) OF ISSUE: Enter city, state, and country where yourpassport was issued as listed under ‘Authority.’ This may just say ‘US Department of State.’ It isokay to list exactly that on your application.1.14. DATE OF EXPRIY: Enter the expiration date your passport.1.15. YOUR CURRENT OCCUPATION(S): Place an X in the appropriate box. Please only select one (1)box.1.16 EDUCATION: Place an X in the appropriate box.1.17. CURRENT EMPLOYER OR SCHOOL: Enter name, mailing address, and phone number of thecompany where you work, or where you go to school if you are not employed. If you areemployed by the U.S. military, religious organizations, teachers in the U.S. on a workvisa (non-U.S. citizens), defense contractors, or any publishing/media outlets, you mayrequire additional documentation to obtain a Chinese visa. In these circumstances andin order to avoid these additional documentation requirements, it is recommended thatyou check you are a student and put in the university's information.1.18. HOME ADDRESS: List your detailed home mailing address.1.19. ZIP CODE: List the zip code that corresponds to your home address.1.20. HOME/MOBILE PHONE NUMBER: List your cell phone number or home phone number.1.21. EMAIL ADDRESS: List your email address.1.22 MARITAL STATUS: Place an X in the appropriate box.1.23. MAJOR FAMILY MEMBERS: List the name, nationality, occupation, and relationship of at leastone family member. These cannot all be left blank.13

1.24. CONTACT PERSON IN CASE OF EMERGENCY: List name, phone number, and relationship of youremergency contact.1.25. COUNTRY OR TERRITORY WHERE APPLICANT IS LOCATED WHEN APPLYING FOR THIS VISA:Please type “United States” unless you are applying for this visa outside of the U.S.Section 2: Travel Information2.1. MAJOR PURPOSE(S) OF YOUR VISIT(S) TO CHINA: Place an X in the box beside TOURISM.Do not provide additional information as this may delay the visa approval process.2.2. INTENDED NUMBER OF ENTRIES: Place an X in the box beside Multiple Entries, valid for 12months from application.2.3. ARE YOU APPYING FOR EXPRESS SERVICE? Select “No.” This will indicate standard processing. Ifyou select “Yes,” additional fees and documentation will apply.2.4. EXPECTED DATE OF YOUR FIRST ENTRY INTO CHINA ON THIS TRIP: Please indicate yourscheduled arrival date into China. Please be sure to account for any personal travel in advance ofthe program.2.5. YOUR LONGEST INTENDED STAY IN CHINA AMONG ALL ENTRIES: Please enter number of daysyou will spend in China. Be sure to account for your personal travel as well as group travel.2.6. ITINERARY IN CHINA (IN A TIME SEQUENCE). List the dates you will be staying at each hotelduring your visit to China. List your hotel address and phone number in the space provided. Linksto the hotel sites are provided on the summary page of this registration site.2.7. WHO WILL PAY FOR YOUR COST OF TRAVELLING AND LIVING DURING YOUR STAY IN CHINA:Please type “Myself.”2.8. NAME, ADDRESS, AND PHONE NUMBER OF YOUR INVITER OR CONTACT UNIT IN CHINA: LindaWang, Destination Asia. Address: Ocean Express A, Suite 12A01, No. 66 Xia Guang Li, Chao YangDistrict, Beijing 100027. Phone: 86 10 8446 7622. RELATIONSHIP WITH APPLICANT: TourOperator.2.9. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN GRANTED A CHINESE VISA? Please indicate Yes or No. If yes, then specifythe date(s) and place(s) you visited when in China.2.10. HAVE YOU EVER VISITED OTHER COUNTRIES OR TERRITORIES IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS? Ifyes, please specify date, name of countries or territories, and purpose of the visits.Section 3: Other Information3.1. IF YOU SELECT YES TO ANY QUESTION FROM 3.1 TO 3.5, PLEASE GIVE DETAILED REASONS FORYOUR ANSWER IN SECTION3.6. Only complete if you have answered yes to any of the questions in this section. Otherwise, typeN/A.3.7. IF YOU HAVE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR VISA APPLICATION OTHER THAN THE ABOVE TODECLARE, PLEASE GIVE DETAILS BELOW: You should type N/A.3.8. IF SOMEONE ELSE TRAVELS AND SHARES THE SAME PASSPORT WITH THE APPLICANT: Pleaseaffix photos and provide full name, sex, and date of birth of each person who shares thepassport.Section 4: Relevant Declaration & Signature14

IMPORTANT: Sign and date your application. No electronic signatures accepted. Thesignature must be original and in black or blue ink only.Section 5IF THE APPLICATION FORM IS COMPLETED BY ANOTHER PERSON ON THE APPLICANT'S BEHALF,PLEASE FILL OUT THE FOLLOWING:5.1. NAME OF PERSON COMPLETING THE FORM: Full name (first, middle, last); Type N/A.5.2. RELATIONSHIP TO THE APPLICANT: i.e. mother, father, brother, etc.; Type N/A.5.3. ADDRESS: Address of that person; Type N/A.5.4. PHONE NUMBER: phone number of that person; Type N/A.5.5. DECLARATION AND SIGNATURE: The person who fills out the form should sign and date.15

Embedded Insurance Policy OverviewGroup Name: WorldStridesPolicy Number: F369WTripMate One Call from inside the U.S.: 1-800-555-9095TripMate One Call from outside the U.S.: 1-603-894-4710WorldStrides Key Contact Phone Numbers for On-Tour Support1. 24-Hour Tour Central Office: 434-951-5938Medical Issue Procedures – Getting Started1. Call the TripMate numbers above to obtain a case number. You will need to supply keyinformation about the traveling participant such as: Passenger/patient name Passenger/patient address University Name Age/DOB of patient Symptoms of the patient Program destination Patient callback number (hotel room/mobile number)2. Provide the Medical Team with your location and a call back phone number where they can reachyou or the participant.3. Depending on the facts of the medical case, the Medical Team will advise about next steps, suchas hospital recommendation(s) if needed and how to handle billing and payment.4. Once you have an assigned case number, please ensure you contact WorldStrides and share thecase number and any important facts about the medical situation within 24 hours.5. This process is not filing a claim. If a claim needs to be filed after the trip is completed, call 1800-888-7292 or visit www.tripmate.com.Policy Schedule of Benefits*1. Accident Medical Expense 7,500 (Primary)2. Sickness Medical Expense 7,500 (Primary)3. Dental 7504. Emergency Medical Evacuation, Repatriation, or Bedside Visitor 50,0005. Accidental Death & Dismemberment 10,000*Please note that the insurance industry is highly regulated and that WorldStrides employees are not insuranceexperts. Please speak with a TripMate/One Call representative with detailed questions or concerns. Certainexclusions, as defined in the Description of Coverage, are not covered.16

March 1, 2017 Travel to Shanghai & Business Visit Wednesday Breakfast at hotel Hotel check-out and load bags for train transfer Transfer by private coach and English speaking guide to the train station (bottled water provided on coach) Intra-Program Train: Nanjing to