FAQ

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Housing

1. Where will I live while I study at Mandarin Capital?

Mandarin Capital offers a variety of accommodations. Our most popular option is a Single Room in a shared apartment. We can also arrange Private Apartments, Homestay, Hostel or Hotel accommodations upon your request.

Classes

1. How many people will be in my class?

The average class size is 3 to 4 students. The maximum number of students in one class is 5.

2. How do they know which level class to put me in?

Before registration, you are required to take a free pretest which will help us suggest you in the appropriate level.

3. What other courses are available?

We offer General Chinese, HSK preparation,Business Chinese,Chinese characters and Chinese culture courses. We also arrange plenty after class activities and weekend excursions, which provide even more opportunities for you to practice your Chinese and learn about the culture in China.

4. Do teachers speak English?

Teachers at Mandarin Capital are capable of speaking English, however, their teaching style is such that all classes even beginning are taught completely in Chinese. If you absolutely have to, it is ok to ask questions and confer with your teacher in English especially at the beginning of Elementary level.

5. What if I miss the application deadline?

It depends on what type of class you applied for. If it was 1 on 1 class, you could start your class on a later date. If it was an intensive or group class, you may be arranged to the next course, which works with your schedule and is suitable for your level.

7. What if I have to cancel my course?

Here is our Refund Policy:
• Any change that results in a shortening of the program duration or a downgrade in the program intensity will be subject to Mandarin Capital Refund Policy.

*TUITION REFUND

PROGRAM COMPLETED	TUITION REFUNDED
1-29 days before Starting Date	90%
0%-10% after Starting Date	50%
11%-29% after Starting Date	30%
30% or more after Starting Date	0%

* ACCOMMODATION REFUND
If students want to cancel accommodation arrangements after arrival, they must give Mandarin Capital four weeks notice. All fees paid for accommodation after these four weeks will be refunded, less the administrative fee of 1000RMB. There are no refunds or accommodation changes on stays for six weeks or less.

Money

1. What is the exchange rate?

Please visit www.x-rates.com/calculator.html. take into account that the actual rate at the banks in China will be less than the official rate as they charge for the exchange service. Rates are generally posted daily in the banks as there may be small daily currency fluctuations.

2. How much money should I bring with me on the plane?

We recommend students bring approximately $300USD.Since the first few days tend to be very busy it is a good idea to have a sufficient amount of cash. We strongly suggest paying tuition via credit card or cash. Accommodation must be completely paid a week after arrival.

3. When and how do I pay Mandarin Capital?

Tuition	Full Payment must be paid two weeks before the course starting date;
Accommodation	50% payment must be paid four weeks before the accommodation starting date, the rest of payment can be paid one week after arrival.
Local Application	Payment can be made by Bank Wire Transfer ONLY.

4. How do I get money or exchange money while in China?

Any Bank of China offers money exchange business. You can also, upon arrival at the airport, exchange your currency at the airport bank.

5. How much does transportation cost?

Taxis are very inexpensive and getting across town costs approximately 6USD.The only time taxis have been known to take foreigners for a *ride* is to and from the airport. It is not physically dangerous, however, it can be financially and you should be warned not to spend more than 150RMB .

6. How much do meals cost?

Meals typically run between 1USD and 8USD depending on individual preferences.

7. How much does general living and entertainment cost?

Buying DVDs from a small shop typically costs about 2USD per DVD and going to see one in the theater can cost as much as it does back home. A beer purchased in the supermarket costs less than 0.50USD vs. 1.20USD or more in a bar.

8. Can I use my credit card in China?

Yes. 80% shops and restaurants can accept credit card.

9. Can I and how do I open a bank account in China?

Of course you can. Opening an account with the banks is very easy. If you have any of these problems, our service staff will help you with it.

Passport, travel & visa

1. How long does it take to get a Chinese Visa?

After submitting the proper paperwork, it generally takes only a couple of days to process your visa request. This may differ slightly from country to country, but should not take longer than two weeks regardless of obstacles.

2. Which type of visa should I apply?

You should apply for an L Visa (tourist visa) by your flight tickets before you enter in China. This visa is normally valid from 30 to 180 days. or Mandarin Capital can email you infortation letter.

Medical, safety

1. What is the general safety situation like?

China is a very safe country, and even large cities as Beijing and Shanghai are safer than most American cities. Hangzhou is appraised by the Ministry of Public Security to be the most secured city in China. It is nonetheless important to take precautions such as not walking alone at night and traveling in groups whenever possible. Pickpockets are common in and around tourist sites.

2. What is the traffic safety like?

Traffic safety is perhaps the most serious threat to you while in China. In practice, pedestrians and bicycles do not have the right of way. It is important to exercise caution when crossing the streets and riding a bicycle.

3. What about housing safety and theft?

The hotel and single room in single room in shared apartment are very safe. Security guards patrol the premises 24 hours a day. Housekeeping staff is courteous of your belongings, and we have never had a problem with theft from the hotel or single room in shared apartment.

4. What if I have an emergency?

We highly recommend people to carry a few hundred RMB with them at all times in addition to a major credit card and the emergency card we provide you with. In all likelihood you will never really need this, however, in case of an accident, hospitals here take payment in advance and it is then up to you to report the incident along with the proper paperwork to your insurance company in order to receive reimbursement. That is to say, this emergency cash and procedure is only for the most severe scenarios. Common illnesses can be cured at a much lower price in China. Students should always carry the emergency card issued by Mandarin Capital and should immediately let Mandarin Capital know if there is an accident.

Everything Hangzhou

1. What is the weather like in Hangzhou?

Spring and autumn are the most pleasant months and last for about two or three months each. There are often rainy showers during this period but the Lake takes on an almost mystical appearance in the fog. During the summer, the heat can be unbearably intense. Fortunately, The average temperature in the summer months is about 29 (85 Fahrenheit) degrees centigrade. Hangzhou's winters are never absolutely freezing and even in January, which is the coldest month, the average temperature is about 3 degrees centigrade （ 37 Fahrenheit ） . However, nearly all places are equipped with air-conditioners with heater.

2. What should I bring to Hangzhou?

Mandarin Capital sends all program participants a pre-departure student sheet including a detailed packing list.

3. Should I bring along reading materials?

It isn’t necessarily a bad idea to bring a couple of novels, however, keep in mind that when traveling in China, there are strict weight limitations of about one check-in of 45lbs and one carry on. Anyway, there are several large bookstores in Hangzhou with foreign books on offer.

5. Should I bring my cell phone to China? Should I buy a cell phone when I arrive?

Cell phones are very convenient and inexpensive here in China. Many program participants find that once they get involved in classes and activities, they are seldom in their rooms to take calls. Therefore, cell phones allow participants to stay in touch with new friends and contacts.

If your current cell phone is a GSM phone with a detachable SIM chip, then you can purchase a new SIM chip in China to use your current phone. If you would like to use a cell phone during your stay in China, Mandarin Capital can assist you in purchasing a phone.

Phones range in price from $100USD to $500USD. These phones operate on a pre-paid phone card system. Phone calls are inexpensive, and a $12USD phone card usually lasts around 3 to 6 months. A SIM chip (the phone number) costs $6USD. These phones operate on a pre-paid phone card system.

6. How do I make an international/overseas call from China?

There are several options for placing international phone calls from China. First, you can continue to use your ATT, MCI, Sprint, or other calling card plans, although be sure to check the rates and compare with other plans before coming to China. Pre-paid internet phone plans like dialpad.com or Skype can be an affordable way to call home. In addition, IP cards are also an affordable and convenient method to place international calls. These cards function like pre-paid phone cards, and the rate is about 15 cents per minute to the United States. It is also inexpensive to call other countries.

7. Where can I access the internet? Where can I check my e-mail?

Free Internet access for program participants is provided in all of our accommodation options. But for the students who choose to stay in the hotel, an additional fee might be charged.

8. What is the nightlife like in Hangzhou?

The nightlife in Hangzhou is thriving. Hangzhou has a variety of clubs, bars, discos, and live music venues around the West Lake area, so it is impossible to become bored. There are a number of local entertainments you can choose such as lakeside tea house, boat trip on West Lake, etc. It is equally entertaining to go out for dinner or to appreciate Chinese Plays. Moreover, Mandarin Capital also schedules some cultural events regularly.

9. Where can I do laundry? Dry-cleaning?

All the single rooms in shared apartments are furnished with washing machine. The dry-cleaning laundry can be collected by the house keeper twice a week. The rate can be approximately 10RMB (1.2USD) per shirt/trousers. The students who live in the hotel can call the dry-cleaning service any time.