China 2009 Tentative dates: May 4 - 17, 2009 Tentative Itinerary: Beijing, China, and either Guilin or Xian, China PROGRAM THEME China took the international stage in 2008 when it hosted the XXIX Summer Olympic Games in Beijing.  Learn more about this unique country, its culture, history, government, and the current events that are helping to shape the world. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROGRAM More information will be forthcoming!  The program will begin from Fort Myers, Florida for a fligh half-way around the world to Beijing, China. Programs in Beijing will include Tiananmen Square, the Great Hall of the People, the Forbidden City, the Empress' Summer Palace, a Lama Temple, a walk up The Great Wall, and much, much more. The program will travel on to either Guilin for a Li River cruise, or to Xian to see the terracotta warriors. Please come back when more details are available!     REGISTRATION FOR THE PROGRAM Registration for the travel program is in three steps.  You must submit a preliminary registration on the Preliminary Registration page of this website.  Upon receipt, review and preliminary approval, notice will be sent to you via email along with an electronic copy of the necessary forms for step 2.  You must complete and return (1) the application form, (2) educational waiver form and (3) your deposit not later than the date set forth on the form.  You will receive confirmation of receipt along with additional information relating to the program. Deposit for the program is due not later than 90 days prior to the start of the program.  If space is available, late registrations may be accepted, up to 60 days prior to the start of the program, however payment in full is due at that time. You will be sent a final invoice which must be paid before you may participate in the program.  Final payment must be completed at least 60 days prior to the start of the program. COLLEGE CREDIT If you are seeking college credit for your participation, be sure to include that information on the preliminary registration form. Course syllabi will be provided to you for submission to your college to seek approval for participation.  Acceptance of participation is in the sole discretion of that institution and the program is not responsible for providing any college credit. CANCELLATION POLICY We reserve the right to cancel the program for lack of adequate registrants or any other reason, with full refund. We also reserve the right to cancel, amend, or shorten the program at any time as deemed necessary by the program professors.  There is a $400 nonrefundable deposit due upon acceptance for the Program.  If the participant cancels or withdraws anytime before 60 days prior to the start of the program, a full refund, except for the nonrefundable deposit, will be made.  If the participant cancels or withdraws between 60 and 45 days prior to the start of the program, 50% of the fee paid, except for the nonrefundable deposit, will be refunded. Cancellations or withdrawals made less than 45 days prior to the start of the program are non-refundable.  No refunds will be made after the program departs from Miami, FL. ELIGIBILITY FOR TRAVEL This program is designed for college-level participants. Priority is given to students currently registered in a degree-granting institution of higher education at the level of junior or above. Participation by members of the public with an interest in the program theme are encouraged to participate and may do so as space is available. Limitations may be placed on participation based on the content and restrictions of the host country or program requirements. Spouses are encouraged to accompany the traveler. Persons under 18 are not permitted. The program is limited to a maximum of 20 participants. Single participants will be paired with another single same-sex traveler where possible. Single travelers requesting private accommodations will pay an additional fee for that premium service. LIABILITY All travelers assume liability for their participation in this program. Included in the cost of the program is travel insurance that covers basic health matters when traveling and basic trip cancellation insurance. Details will be provided. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS The United States requires that you have a passport in order to leave the country. China requires that you obtain a Visa in order to enter their country. So, your first order of business is to make sure that you have a passport that is valid for at least six months after the start of your travel. If not, you will need to obtain one. Information is available from the US State Department website, http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html To obtain a Chinese visa, you must have a letter from your travel provider and your US Passport.  The letter is provided to you after you have paid for your travel.  It is highly recommended that you use a Visa service to obtain your passport and that you use the expedited service to avoid any delay in travel.  Failure to have a visa is not a covered occurrence under any travel insurance program.  More information will be provided after you have registered.