Frequently Asked Questions
- Are participants in past Chinese Bridge Delegations eligible to apply?
- What is the cost to delegates?
- Which places will be visited?
- What kind of accommodation is provided?
- Can spouses or guests participate?
- Can I depart from the delegation or choose not to attend events during the trip?
- Can I arrive early/late to the delegation? Can I stay in China after the delegation?
- Where can I find travel and safety information?
- How do I know if my participation is permissible under applicable laws?
Are participants in past Chinese Bridge Delegations eligible to apply?
Yes, participants in past Chinese Bridge Delegations are eligible to apply. The activities and itinerary are tailored especially to the needs of schools and districts already teaching Chinese. Moving beyond initial exploration of Chinese language and culture, the focus of this program is on in-depth school visits and educational workshops.
What is the cost to delegates?
Delegates are required to pay a $450 nonrefundable fee, and to cover the cost of their independent travel to and from the designated U.S. hub cities. Payment is required to confirm participation in the program. The fee may be paid by delegate participants or their schools.
Delegates are provided with, and do not need to pay for, international round-trip airfare, accommodations, food, and travel expenses in China.
Which places will be visited?
The delegation spends a few days in Beijing, and then divides into groups to visit one or two regional cities. Final program itineraries are sent to delegates prior to departure. Each day, the schedule begins in the early morning and continues through the evening. The schedule is demanding and all delegates are expected to attend all activities and events. Therefore, delegates should verify that they are in good general health.
What kind of accommodation is provided?
Single-room accommodations in three- or four-star hotels will be provided. Delegates receive the names and addresses of their hotels prior to departure.
Can spouses or guests participate?
Spouses and other guests are not eligible to join the Delegation. If you have made arrangements for family or friends to travel in China at the same time, please be advised that they will not be able to attend Delegation events and activities, due to limited space capacity. In addition, delegates have very busy daily schedules, running from the early morning through the evening.
We suggest extending your trip in China so that your spouse or guest can join you after the end of the delegation.
Can I depart from the delegation or choose not to attend events during the trip?
Delegates are hosted in China as guests of the program sponsor Hanban. Except in the cases of illness or other unforeseen emergencies, delegates are expected to attend ALL scheduled events and to stay with their assigned group at all times. Due to the size of the delegation and for safety reasons, delegates are not permitted to leave the group, and will be responsible for their own safety, well-being, transportation, and expenses, if they separate from the group.
Can I arrive early/late to the delegation? Can I stay in China after the delegation?
Due to the complex logistics involved and tight schedule of the delegation program, delegates must travel to China with the delegation on their designated flights. It is not possible to request an earlier or later departure from the U.S. to China. However, delegates may request to extend their stay in China after the delegation. They may request a later date for their return trip from Beijing to the U.S., but it will be subject to availability and any extra costs and travel arrangements involved will be the responsibility of the delegate.
Where can I find travel and safety information?
Important travel and safety information is available on the U.S. Department of State website.
How do I know if my participation is permissible under applicable laws?
Requirements vary by state/locality and you should consult your employer’s legal and/or ethics office as there may be rules that apply to your ability to participate/accept international round-trip airfare, accommodations, food, and travel expenses in China. Of special consideration are applicable ethics, conflict of interest guidelines for public employees (e.g., elected or appointed officials, employees of agencies, superintendents, etc).