   |
> Pre departure China > Travel
Traveling to China
Airline tickets
Students are responsible for booking their own airline tickets to China. The Alliance will arrange a group flight from the US (most likely O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, IL) which may be purchased before the booking deadline through our travel agent, Student Universe. For more information about Student Universe and to book the group flight ticket online, visit http://www.studentuniverse.com/study/alliance.
Students taking the group flight or suggested itinerary to China will be met at the airport by the Beijing or Shanghai Resident Director and transported to their student housing.
Students who do not take the group flight should make their way by taxi to their dorm or apartment. Once you have booked your flight, be sure to send a copy of your travel itinerary to Julia Levy.
You should plan to arrive in Beijing or Shanghai on the same day the group flight arrives. If you are flying from the U.S., most flights that arrive in China on the day after they depart the U.S. Be sure to confirm that you are arriving on the same day the group flight arrives.
If you choose not to travel to China on the group flight, you might consider looking at the following websites to find a discounted ticket:
If you consult a travel agent, be sure to ask about student rates, as well as taxes and other fees. Also ask about the fees involved if you would like to change your return date to the U.S.
Beijing students should fly to Beijing International Airport. The airport code is PEK.
Shanghai students should fly to Shanghai Pudong International Airport. The airport code is PVG.
Arriving in China
If you take the group flight to China, the Alliance staff will meet your flight and take you to campus. If you are not taking the group flight, but are arriving in China around the same time as the group flight (between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm), you may meet the Resident Director and take the bus with the group to campus. However, you MUST communicate your travel plans to the Alliance before you depart for China.
After you leave the customs area and exit to the main arrival hall at the airport, look for the Alliance Resident Director holding a sign that says "The Alliance for Global Education".
You will likely experience jet lag during your first few days in China. To help you adjust to the time difference, try to sleep on the plane and drink a lot of water (not alcohol or drinks with caffeine) on the plane and in the first few days after you arrive.
Your apartment or dorm will be available on February 13 (spring term 2008), June 25 (summer term 2008) or September 3 (fall term 2008). If you plan to arrive in China early, you are responsible for making your own hotel arrangements. You are also responsible for getting to your university dorm or apartment on the day the group flight arrives. Rooms are typically ready after twelve noon. If you arrive in China early, please contact your Resident Director by email to let them know your flight details.
Directions to campus for independent arrivals
Students who will be taking the group flight to Shanghai or the suggested flight to Beijing will be met by the Alliance Resident Director or Program Assistant at the airport and will travel together by bus to campus.
Students who purchased tickets independently and are arriving at the airport between 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm on the group arrival day can also travel with the group to campus. Otherwise, students arriving after 3:00 pm should print the following taxi directions from the airport. These students should go directly to their dorm or apartment after exiting the aiport. Please download the directions for arrival by taxi to the Beijing program, Fudan Program, or SUFE program.