Welcome to Mainland of

AIESEC Changsha!!! Waiting for you!!!

（长沙 pinyin: Chángshā;)

the capital city of ,is the

political,economic,scientific and

educational,tourist,cultural and

trade center of the province.

a province of south-central China, located on the lower reaches of Xiang river, a branch of the Yangtze River. Its municipality covers an area of 11,819 sq. kilometers and has a population of 6,017,600

(2003 intercensal estimate), the urbanized area has around 2.7 million people.

Changsha is among the first group of historical and cultural famous cities announced by the

State Council.It’s also one of the first group of superb tourist cities in China.

Changsha is known as the ―star city‖ and enjoys the reputations of

"The Entertainment and Consumption Capital of China. It is selected as the 2008 Happiest City of Mainland of China, and the “National Forest

City” by the China Forestry Bureau in 2006.

LIVING IN CHANGSHA

 How to get to Changsha

 Climate

 Cost of living

 Housing

 Electricity

 Transportation

 Finace

 Insurance &Safety

 Health care

 Telecommunication &Mail

 Language &Common Phrases

 Pbox in AIESEC Changsha

 Setting the right expectation

 How to get to Changsha

By Air

The most convenient method would be to fly to Changsha Huanghua International

Airport (CSX). International flights to

Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong are available while over 60 air routes connect Changsha to more than 40 domestic cities. As there aren’t many direct international flights to Changsha, travellers can take a flight from their home country to Hong Kong, Changsha or any other Chinese province and transfer to a domestic flight to Changsha.

Services:

 Airport Hotlines: 0731-84797255, 0731-84798777

 Information Desks: The information desks situated in the centre of the

Departures Hall, Lounge 6 and the Arrivals Hall

 Lost & Found: the information desk in the centre of the Departures

Hall, 0731-84797255

 Ticketing: south entrance of the Departures Hall, 0731-84798666,

0731-84799666

For more information on the airport, check out its page on Wikipedia.

Here is a list some of the major airlines in China

Airlines Airline Website Code Air China Limited CA http://www.airchina.com.cn/en/index.shtml China Eastern MU http://www.flychinaeastern.com/home_domestic.htm Airlines China Southern CZ http://www.cs-air.com/en/ Airlines China Shanghai FM http://ww1.shanghai-air.com/salnewweb-en/index.aspx Airlines

All the websites above are available in English.

By long distance bus

There are 446 coach routes operated by bus terminals in Changsha, among which are 138 inter-provincial routes, connecting Changsha with

22 provinces and autonomous regions, such as Beijing, Shanghai,

Chongqing, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Guangxi, Guangdong, Hainan,

Fujian, Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Hubei, Anhui, Zhejiang, Shandong, Shanxi,

Henan, Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia and Inner Mongolia.

At present, all bus terminals have adopted internet ticketing.

You can get more information about this service at www.csck.com.cn and www.daba168.com. However, these websites are only available in the

Chinese language.

By train

If you prefer not to take a plane to

Changsha, you can hop on to one of the domestic train service available. Please note that you’ll still have to board a plane to one of the nearby Chinese province to transfer to a train.

 Changsha Railway Station

As an important hub of the national Jingguang Railway

(Beijing-Guangzhou), Changsha benefits from rail connections to almost every major city in China. There is a bullet train departing from Shanghai

South Railway Station daily and it arrives in Changsha in 8 hours.

 Guangzhou South Railway Station

This railway station was built to serve the express trains running along the Wuhan-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway. Currently, there are over 50 high-speed trains departing and stopping at this railway station.

The train only takes about 1.5 hours running between Changsha and

Wuhan, and about 3hours between Guangzhou and Changsha.

You can only book your tickets up to five days in advance of your

travel date. However, it should be appreciated that sometimes this ticket pre-sell period may be adjusted when demand is heavy. The following table shows the locations of the various agencies so you can find the one nearest to where you intend to stay.

It is important to tell you that China is a very big country and we would advice EPs to come to Changsha by flight to avoid getting lost and confusion due to the language barrier. Trains and long distance buses are alternatives that are available if you know how to get around China from previous visits to China or if you are extremely comfortable with the Chinese language.

The cost of all 3 travelling methods varies depending on the period of booking and the distance between your start off point and Changsha.

 Climate

When travelling in Changsha one should be aware of the temperamental weather. Summer comes around the later May with high heat and heavy humidity. Travellers should pack light breathable clothes during summer as temperatures could rise to 37˚C. The scorching heat might be uncomfortable to some travellers who are used to the cold hence one should carry a parasol and water with them to avoid falling ill under too much sun.

Whist winter comes around November bringing little sunlight and heavy fogs. Although it is reported that the average temperature in winter is about five degrees, the winter days in Changsha can be severely cold as those in the northern China cities due to the great humidity carried by the river winds from Xiangjiang River. The city has no heaters therefore we suggest travelers bring cotton and packed clothes, gloves and scarves and a hat for the windy cold days during winter.

Another thing a traveler should bear in mind is that the weather

changes greatly during the transit period between spring and summer or summer and autumn. Most of the rest days in a year are misty and cloudy.

 Cost of Living Changsha is famous for its lower general prices than other cities in

China such as Beijing, Shanghai and Changsha. You can totally enjoy the life here without worrying about expenses.

There are 3 possible circumstances for EPs-  Free food and accommodation is provided by the TN.  Free accommodation is provided by the TN.  The EPs will pay some of food fee because tasting Changsha amazing snacks.

Cost for Food: US$130(RMB800) per month for food but it varies depending on personal food intake. Service charge is not required in Mainland of China. Others: US$50 (RMB350) per month as a general guideline for these additional expenses but it varies depending on personal spending habits. Details in Changsha Item USD$ RMB A bottle of water(0.5Liter) $0.23 1.5yuan A bottle of Coca Cola(0.5 Liter) $0.52 3.5yuan A bottle of Juice(o.5 Liter) $0.52 3.5yuan A bottle of beer(0.5Liter) $1.02 7yuan A loaf of bread $0.30 2yuan A dozen of eggs $1.50 10yuan A small watermelon $0.60 4yuan 3 bananas $0.38 2.5yuan An umbrella $6.00 40yuan A magazine $1.50 10yuan

 Electricity The standard for Chinese plugs and sockets is set out in

GB 2099.1–1996 and GB 1002–1996. The voltage across the pins of a

Chinese socket will always be 220, no matter what the plug type.

Image of a electrical socket in China

Travellers do not have to worry about the sockets in China being different than those used in their home country as many socket converters can be purchased in supermarkets.

 Transportation Public Buses  Bus fare for Changsha Bus Service: ￥1(non-air-conditioned) ￥2(air-conditioned) ￥1 surcharge for crossing the Wuyi square  Operating Hours: 6 am to 12 midnight(varies between services&locations)  Waiting time for buses varies from 5 to 20 minutes and bus stop located about every 300-500m.

Taxis Taxi fares start at ￥6 which covers the first 2km. The fares then rise in stages, ￥1.8 for every kilometers traveled. 20% surcharge for journeys between 9pm and 5am, and ￥2.16 every kilometers over 2km.

Changsha Taxi Company Address: 66 Zhaoxia Gang, Huoxing Town, , Changsha Customer Service Center: 0731-474 3330; 474 3317 Hotline: 0731- 474 3309 Fax: 0731-474 3330

 Fiance

Currency: Legal tender is the Renminbi (sign: ¥; code: CNY), whose principal unit is the Yuan. Coins are produced in denominations of 1 jiao, 5 jiao and 1 yuan whereas notes have been produced in types of 1 jiao, 5 jiao, 1 yuan, 5 yuan, 10 yuan, 20 yuan, 50 yuan and 100 yuan. Note that 1 jiao is one tenth of 1 yuan.

Exchange rate: As of July 21 2005, the Yuan has been depegged from the U.S. Dollar and moved on to a managed floating exchange rate based on market supply and demand with reference to a basket of foreign currencies. To find out its latest exchange rate, please use a currency calculator from the internet or find out from the nearest bank available.

Commercial banking: Some of the commercial banks in China include Agricultural Bank of China, and Bank of China. Foreigners can open bank accounts in China, it would be best to open one in the Bank of China as it has the most branches across the country and it is one of the biggest banks in China. You would need your passport, local Yuan and a local address.

Credit cards: Credit cards are not widely used in Changsha, travellers could

bring along cash or traveller’s cheque. Major credit cards such as Master Card, Visa, Diner's Card, American Express and JCB can be used in major cities such as Beijing or Shanghai to purchase goods in large shopping malls and stores in the big and medium cities, to pay for hotel rooms and for meals in some of the fancier restaurants, and to buy plane tickets with them. It would be better for you to check with your bank to enquire about this matter before leaving for China.

Operating hours: Banks are generally open daily from 08:30 or 09:30 to 16:00 or 18:00.

Address of Bank of China branch in Changsha, Hunan. Hunan Branch 593 FURONG ROAD (M), CHANGSHA 410011, HUNAN PROV CHINA SWIFT:BKCH CN BJ 970 TEL:(86) 0731-2580703 FAX:(86) 0731-2580707 POST CODE:410011

 Insurance & Safety It is strongly recommended for all travelers in China to get insurance before leaving for China. Please check with agents regarding the available policies that are valid in China. You could also sign up for international insurance as a safety precaution. If you already have an insurance policy prior to your trip to China, check with your insurance company about its coverage and its validity in China. The Public Security Bureau of Changsha has provided some tips to foreigners in Changsha for their own safety.  Please observe the traffic regulations consciously and beware of the traffic.  Please be alert at crowded places like stations and docks; take good care of your wallet and valuables in case of being stolen.  If you lose your way when you are travelling or visiting relatives and friends, please don't be panic. Dial 110 for police help.  Please observe laws and disciplines and do not involve in "pornography, gambling and drug abuse" activities, and promote a healthy and civilized life style.  Do not involve in activities like stealing, robbing, ganging or fighting.  Please be alert to strangers and do not open your security door when they knock.

 Please check and make sure the gas valve has been shut off in case of gas poisoning.  Important numbers in Changsha  Police: 110  Fire: 119  Local directory assistance: 114  If you have any trouble, please call: 12580

 Healthcare

Xiangya Hospital of Central South University was one of the earliest hospitals of Western medicine established by Yale-China Association and named Yale-China Hospital in1906.InFebruary1915 Yale-China Hospital was renamed Xiangya Hospital, and became the teaching hospital affiliated to Xiangya Medical College which was established in 1913. As Xiangya Medical College has been renamed many times during the history, Xiangya Hospital has also been renamed from Yale-China Hospital to Xiangya Hospital of Central South University when the Central South University was established through mergence of 3 universities including Hunan Medical University in the year 2000. The hospital was rated Tertiary-A Hospital, which was among the first of its kind in Hunan province with another two affiliated hospitals named the Second Affiliated Hospital of Central South University and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Central South University. The hospital is reputed both in China and abroad for its strict management, excellent leechcraft and outstanding talents. Xiangya was made famous by the saying: ― Xiangya is the best in South (China)‖.

 The First Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Address: 87 Xiangya Road Changsha Hunan, China TEL：0731-4328888 Postcode：410008 Web：http://www.xiangya.com.cn/

 The Second Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Address: 139 RenMinzhong Road Changsha Hunan, China TEL：0731—85295888/85295999 Postcode：410007 Web：http://www.xyeyy.com

 The Third Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Address：TongZipo Road the West of Changsha Hunan,

China TEL：0731—88638888 Postcode：410013 Web：http://www.xy3yy.com

 Telecommunication & Mail

 Telecommunication:  General information: Changsha thrives on efficient telecommunication. Changsha is connected to all major international telephone, fax and satellite communications systems. Microwave radio relay, satellite links and extensive fiber-optic networks provide excellent domestic and international services.  Country code: 0086  Cost:

Mobile phone Local Long distance International make a call 0.1yuan/Min 0.2-0.4yuan/min 2-5yuan/min Answer a call Usually free Usually free Usually free Send a message 0.05-0.1yuan 0.05-0.1yuan I yuan Receive a message Free Free Free

It’s quite expensive to make International calls or send International messages, so we suggest you to contact your friends and family through Skype, MSN or etc.

Common mobile network service providers

Click on the pictures to visit their websites.  Public telephone: you can find public telephone in the street, and you need to buy an IC telephone Card to use it. It’s cheaper to make a long distance call using the IC card.

 Mail Service Postage Service: It is inexpensive and the service is reliable. China Post international EMS service has established service links with more than 200 countries and regions in the world

 Price List for International EMS

Zone Destination of EMS First 500g Additional Destination of China Express D M 500g 1: Hong Kong, Macau 90 150 30 Hong Kong, Macau 2: Japan, P..R Korea, R.Korea, 115 180 40 Japan, R.Korea, Mongolia Mongolia 3: Cambodia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, 130 190 45 Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam Vietnam 4: Australia, Brunei, New Australia, New Zealand, 160 210 55 Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea 5: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Greece, Ireland, Italy, 220 280 75 Luxembourg, Malta, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Sweden, Switzerland, U.K. U.K., Vanuatu 6: Canada, U.S.A 180 240 75 Canada, U.S.A

More information about the price, please click here: http://www.ems.com.cn/serviceguide/e-zi-fei-biao-zhun.html

 Language & Common Phrases Situation.1: Shopping in the Supermarket A: qǐng wèn kě lè zài nǎ?(Excuse me, could you tell me where is the coke?) B: zài nà pái jià zi shàng. Qǐng gēn wǒ lái.(They are over there. Please follow me.) A: Xiè xiè.(Thank you.) B: bù kè qì。（You’re welcome.）

A: qǐng wèn yī gong duō shǎo qián?(How much in total?) B: yī gong yī bǎi bā shì yuan.(180 yuan in total.) A: gěi nǐ.(Here you are.) B: zhè shì ling qián.(Here are the changes.) A: Xiè xiè.(Thank you.) B: bù kè qì。（You’re welcome.）

Situation.2: Eating at the restaurant A: qǐng wèn yào chi shén me? (What can I do for you?) B: wǒ yào hàn bǎo hé shǔ tiáo.(I would like to order hamburgers and chips.) A: gěi nǐ. yī gong yī shī jiǔ yuan.(Here you are.19 yuan in total.) B: Xiè xiè.(Thank you.) Situation.3 In the bank A: qǐng wèn nín yào bàn lǐ shén me yè wù?(What can I do for you?) B: wǒ yào qǔ qián.(I want to take some money out. Here is my card.) A: qǐng shū rù mì mǎ.（Please type into your password.） [you have typed into the password.] A: zhè shi nín yào qǔ de qián.(Here is the money.) B: Xiè xiè.(Thank you.)

 Pbox in AIESEC Changsha Pbox in Changsha is a family full of warmth and fun. In this family, we work together, learn together and achieve our goals together.There are mainly 3 projects running in our Pbox this term.

1.Dare to Dream(Focus on education and teaching)

2.Green Map(focus on environment protection)

3.Wexplore China(focus on cultural learning and education )

AIESEC Changsha!

Main contact list of Pbox in Changsha Name Position E-mail Tel(+86) sophia VP Project [email protected] 18670037833

Janet TL of WEC [email protected] 1472956708

Monica TL of GM [email protected] 14789800824

Paradox TL of DtD [email protected] 15111091530

om

Iris Trainee manager [email protected] 15898531569

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 Setting the right expectations

Exchange Participant will be responsible for the following:

● Facilitate cultural exchange and discuss your problems with AIESEC members and other trainees

● Do your job with a positive attitude and to the best of your abilities

● Communicating with AIESECers and initiating that communication

● Fill in the traineeship surveys to give back feedback.

● It is only possible for us to help you if you communicate with us about any problems, concerns and expectations. Many things may not be obvious to us and we need you to tell us.

● After the initial reception stage you are responsible for your actions and getting involved with the city.

AIESEC in Mainland of China will be responsible for the following:

● Our Responsibilitiy as Hosts LC is to Communicate with you before you arrive to ensure you are preparedyou’re your trip.

● Pick you up at the point of your arrival

● Help you with arranging accommodation

● Help you with all the regular daily functions (shopping, taking the bus, getting a bank account, how to use the telephones, how to order food etc…)

● Take you to the organization on your first day of your traineeship

● Be there to answer questions and provide support whenever we can

● Help you get integrated into the culture

● Provide many activities that can teach you about the Chinese culture and lifestyle

● Provide you with names and a telephone list of the AIESEC members in your LC as well as information about upcoming events or activities.

Remember that AIESEC assistance is only for guidance and not them holding hands with you throughout your entire Traineeship experience in Changsha.

● As a general rule of thumb for both parties, expect about 3 -5 hours of assistance from AIESEC on the first 2-3 days after your arrival to Changsha.

● This initial reception will include:

● Pick up at the airport and guidance to location of stay until apartment is found.