[Must-see for international students!] Preparations you should make in advance for studying in China, a popular study abroad destination

Hello to everyone considering studying abroad in China.

China is an attractive country for international students from all over the world due to its rich culture and rapid economic development. A major attraction of studying abroad in China is that you can experience historical heritage and modern city life while learning the language. However, in order to be successful, you need to be well prepared. In particular, obtaining a visa, preparing for life there, and managing your health are important points. In this article, we will introduce how to prepare for studying abroad in China!

1. Obtaining a passport

When planning to study abroad, the first thing you need to do is get a passport. Make sure it has enough validity. If your passport expires during your stay in China, your visa application may not go smoothly. Generally, you need a validity period of at least six months from the date of your planned return. Applying for or renewing a passport can take time, so we recommend starting the process early!

2. Applying for a visa

The first thing you need to study in China is a student visa.
This time, we will introduce student visas for long-term study abroad. Long-term study abroad visas are divided into " X1 visa" and " X2 visa" depending on the study period and type of program.

X1 visa : This visa applies to long-term study abroad of 6 months or more. It is necessary for those who wish to participate in regular courses at universities or vocational schools.

X2 visa : This visa applies to short-term study abroad of less than six months. It is required for short-term language programs and exchange programs.

<Documents required to obtain a student visa>

• Admission Notice : This is a document issued by a Chinese university or vocational school that certifies that you have been officially accepted for admission.
• Form JW201 or JW202 : This is a study permit issued by the Chinese government, depending on whether you have a scholarship and the duration of your study abroad.
• Passport : Your passport must be valid for at least six months. A copy of your passport will be required when applying for a visa.
• Visa application form : Download it from the Chinese embassy or consulate website and fill out the required information.
• ID photo : You will need a standard-sized ID photo, usually the same size as a passport photo.
• Health Certificate : You may be asked for a health certificate, especially if you are applying for an X1 visa. You may also need to take a second medical examination once you arrive.

<Procedure for obtaining a visa>

• Getting Admission : First, you must apply to a Chinese university or college and receive an admission letter, which is the first step in applying for a visa.
• Prepare your visa application documents : Once you receive your letter of acceptance, gather all the necessary documents early, especially those that need to be prepared in advance, such as health certificates and passport photographs.
• Applying for a visa : Once you have all the necessary documents, you can apply for a visa at your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate. You can apply online, but you will still need to submit your documents in person.
• Visa issuance : Visas are usually issued within about a week of application, but it may take longer depending on the time of year and how busy the embassy is, so we recommend applying well in advance.

3. Consider getting a health check and purchasing overseas insurance

The medical system in China is well-developed in big cities, but the quality and response may vary in regional cities. Hospitals in big cities have doctors who can speak English, but in regional areas, they often only speak Chinese. The quality of service varies depending on the size of the hospital, so it is a good idea to research reliable medical institutions in advance.

<Enrolling in insurance while studying abroad>

Many universities in China offer medical insurance for international students, but the scope of coverage may be limited. Therefore, we recommend that you purchase overseas study insurance in Japan before traveling. Check the points below to choose the insurance that is right for you.

• Medical expense coverage : Make sure that medical expenses are adequately covered in the event of illness or injury. It is especially important to check whether hospitalization and surgery costs are included.
• Emergency repatriation costs : In the unlikely event that you need to return home urgently, make sure you are covered for the costs.
• Liability insurance : We recommend insurance that covers liability for damages caused to others. In particular, international students are not used to life in a foreign country and may encounter unexpected troubles.
• Theft insurance : To protect against theft or loss of valuables, choose an insurance policy that includes theft insurance for peace of mind.

4. Money management

First, calculate the total cost of tuition and living expenses. Tuition includes not only tuition fees, but also textbook fees and facility usage fees. Living expenses include housing, food, transportation, insurance, daily necessities, etc. Check the university's website or study abroad information site for approximate costs and create a budget. Rent and transportation costs can be expensive, especially in big cities such as Beijing, so it is important to calculate living expenses and create a budget in advance.

Next, think about how you will prepare your funds. If you have savings, you can base your plan on that, but if necessary, you should also consider applying for scholarships and grants. Many universities and organizations offer scholarship programs for international students. Scholarship information can be found at your university's international student office or scholarship information website. It is important to check the application deadline and application requirements, prepare the necessary documents, and apply early.

5. Housing arrangements

Choosing your place to live in China is also important. You have the choice of university dormitories, homestays, apartments, and more. Dormitories are located within the university facilities, making it easy to commute to school and allowing you to interact with other students. Homestays have the advantage of allowing you to practice the language and experience the culture by staying with a local family. If you rent an apartment, you can choose one that suits your lifestyle. Be sure to also consider safety and the convenience of commuting to school when making your choice.

6. Transportation

While studying abroad, local transportation is also important. China is a vast country, and transportation conditions vary from city to city. Below are some particularly recommended transportation methods.

subway
In big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, the subway is extremely convenient. The subway has a wide network of lines, allowing easy access to tourist attractions, shopping areas, schools, and more. It is also cheap and runs on time, making it an ideal way to commute to school or work. If you purchase a subway card, you can easily get on and off the subway.

bus
Buses in China are an important means of transportation connecting cities and their surrounding areas. Even in areas where subways are not well developed, buses allow you to travel efficiently. Bus fares are cheap, and you can travel while enjoying the local atmosphere. However, bus routes and stops are often written in Chinese, so it is a good idea to check in advance.

bicycle
Bicycles are very popular in China. Especially in urban areas, bicycle sharing is very convenient. You can easily rent a bike using an app, so it is ideal for short distance travel. It is environmentally friendly and helps you get more exercise. In addition, there are many areas with bicycle lanes, so you can ride safely.

Taxi/Ride-hailing apps
Taxis are easy to use in China. You can also call a taxi from your smartphone using a ride-hailing app (such as DiDi ). The fare is displayed in advance, so you can use the service with peace of mind. However, be aware that fares may be higher during peak seasons and at night.

7. Means of communication

When studying in China, securing a means of communication is an important item that you must prepare. There are ways to use your existing smartphone in China as is, such as a Wi-Fi router, SIM card, and eSIM (embedded SIM ). In particular, eSIM is a digital SIM that is built directly into your smartphone, unlike conventional physical SIM cards, and does not require the replacement of a physical card. You can start communicating immediately by simply completing simple settings online. There is no need to rent, carry around, or charge a Wi-Fi router, which significantly reduces the hassle.

If you're going to China! " eSIM " is definitely recommended! 

■ Advantages of using " eSIM " in China 

We strongly recommend " eSIM " (embedded SIM ) for traveling to China. Unlike conventional physical SIM cards, " eSIM " is a digital SIM built into your smartphone. This new technology eliminates the need to physically replace SIM cards, and allows you to easily start communication services online. It also eliminates the hassle of renting, carrying, and charging a Wi-Fi router, as well as the hassle of returning it. It is sure to make your stay in China even more comfortable. Use " eSIM " and experience the next generation of convenient and comfortable travel.

■ Recommended for traveling to China ! If you want an eSIM , try "VOYAGE eSIM"

VOYAGEESIM FOR CHINA

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You can choose from three plans: 7GB for 8 days , 9GB for 15 days , and 15GB for 30 days .

With "VOYAGEE SIM", you don't need to replace the SIM card you use in Japan! No need to wait for a purchase! Just buy it online and set it up in the local airport Wi-Fi environment! Your smartphone will be able to use data in China right away! It's simple, convenient, and smart!

*The communications service provider for this product is China Unicom (Hong Kong) Limited.

summary

When studying abroad, it is important to think in advance about what you want to learn and what skills you want to acquire. For example, choose a field that is directly related to your interests and career, such as deepening your business knowledge, dramatically improving your language skills, or acquiring specialized skills.

By making these preparations thoroughly, you will be able to enjoy your life as an international student in China with peace of mind. A life of study abroad filled with new experiences and learning awaits you. Get ready and start your wonderful life abroad! We hope you have a wonderful time studying in China!

The contents of this blog post are provided based on information available at the time of writing. Therefore, we would appreciate it if you would always check the latest information for yourself.