Volunteers should always view their vital contribution as part of the overall, seeking to be sensitive to the suggestions of long-term personnel with whom they might be working.   Volunteers should never intentionally take actions that might hinder ongoing ministries.

Try not to use overtly religious vocabulary while in China.  Words such as "missionary",  "ministry", and "witnessing" should be avoided.

One should never take the liberty of giving out information about other Christians who are living or working in China.  You are free to share your own Christian testimony, but should never tell someone else's story.  

Those working in an academic environment will most probably be required to relate to a Foreign Affairs Officer, the official government representative on campus.  Many of them are quite accommodating, although some are suspicious and overly watchful.  When it is necessary to establish a relationship with an FAO, attempt to be friendly and cordial, remaining aware that they are there not only to assist foreigners, but also to report on anything unusual that might be happening.   Remember to be wise as a serpent and gentle as a dove.  Be respectful of any specific requests the FAO may make.   In the event that you are serving on a team, always defer to your team leader to represent all team members to the FAO.

Remember that people will be constantly "reading" you.  Kind words, polite actions, a sweet attitude, and a sincere smile are powerful tools in building cross-cultural bridges of understanding and openness.   These are the very assets that will open the doors of witness that you so long for.  Under no circumstances do you want to be overheard criticizing China, her people, or her customs.  Make deliberate attempts to praise the attributes of China that you truly do admire.

In the event that an unkind remark is made about your home country, resist the urge to overreact.   Try to use this as an opportunity to build bridges of understanding.  Your purpose in visiting China is not to defend your country, but to help others find an eternal home.   Diffuse the situation by suggesting that you hope that your visit can help lead to better understandings between cultures.  This may be the beginning of an encounter that will lead to an opportunity to share the Christ.

Be careful not to embarrass your Chinese acquaintances.  The only thing worse than  "losing face" (status or respect) in Chinese culture is causing someone to "lose face!"  Accept their gestures of courtesy, be patient with them, and don't push a point just to prove you are right.   No matter what happens, never allow yourself to lose your temper.  Their growing trust of you may be the beginning of some treasured friendships.

Usually you will serve within the context of a team.  Work hard on being a cooperative, dependable, and sensitive member.  Pray often for and with your team members.  Don't allow seeds of anger, jealousy, or other discord to take root.  Team harmony is vital.  Stay attuned to God and to each other so that you can be fully used by Him.  Allow the love and fellowship that is shared within your team to be a powerful witness to non-believers.

Each team should designate a time each morning or evening for prayer and sharing.  This will strengthen you individually and corporately for your vital task.  Make this a priority!

Flexibility is a primary key to an enjoyable and fruitful volunteer experience.  Sooner or later, problems will arise.  Be prepared to accept them as challenges, rather than insurmountable difficulties. Allow God to teach you and grow you through unique cross-cultural experiences.    Seek to praise and honor Him in the midst of difficulty.  Let the light of Christ's presence shine forth during these times.

For your own safety, you generally should not venture out on your own.  However, whether in a group or alone, it is always best to take a name card from your hotel or university with you wherever you go. 

Carry your passport containing a valid China visa with you at all times.  If this document is lost or stolen, it will take much effort to replace it.

You may assume that some of your telephone calls, e-mails, and personal letters will be monitored.  Do not criticize the Chinese government when you use these means of communication, and do not share specifics about the work in which you are engaged.

Hotels and dormitories generally have a hall monitor on each floor that is responsible to respond to the needs of the guest, as well as report on any unseemly activities.  It may be assumed that any written materials left in the room may be examined.  Telephone calls will likely be monitored.  In some situations, conversations can be heard in the next room.  Rather than being fearful, however, accept the challenge to present a positive and winsome Christian witness.     

In order to avoid sending out unintended signals, you will want to exercise discretion in relating to members of the opposite sex.  Generally speaking, hugging is not culturally appropriate.  It is best not to spend time alone with a member of the opposite sex, no matter how innocent your motives. Even putting your arm around someone of the opposite sex for a photograph is not recommended.

In many contexts, and particularly in an academic environment, one should always use a title when addressing a teacher or someone else in authority.    One serving as a teacher in China should also introduce oneself by an appropriate title such as "Mr.", rather than by first name.

Worshipping in a registered church on a Sunday morning can be a powerful experience.  Try to make this a priority.  There are also many healthy house churches, but in most cases, foreigners cannot attend without causing risk to the members.

U.S. currency or traveler's checks can be easily exchanged at airports, banks, and most hotels.     Because all money exchanges are handled through the Bank of China or CITIC, you should get the same exchange rate regardless of where you are.  You may also get cash advances on your Visa card at the Bank of China or CITIC. Where ATM machines are available, your best option is to use your Visa card to get cash advances.  Before leaving home, you may want to check currency conversion rates.  Try the following: Personal Currency Assistant .

Information on health precautions for travelers can be obtained in the United States from the Centers for Disease Control (888) 232-3228, the U.S. Public Health Service, private physicians, and inoculation centers. The U.S. Public Health Service recommends diphtheria/tetanus and polio vaccines for all travelers abroad. For China, most health warnings are directed at those who plan extended travel or travel outside major urban areas.  A Hepatitis A vaccine or a dose of immune globulin (IG) is recommended before travel for persons two years of age or older. In addition, immunizations for Japanese B encephalitis (JE) are recommended during the summer months for visitors planning to stay in rural farming areas for four weeks or more.

Do not drink the tap water in China. Hotel rooms and university guesthouses are almost always supplied with bottled water or a canter of boiled water, either of which should be safe to drink.  Bottled water can also be purchased quite conveniently in cities and most other places.  If your project will involve backpacking to outposts or other extreme living conditions, you may want to bring some water purification tablets.

To enter the People's Republic of China, a U.S. citizen must have a visa. You may apply for a visa either in person or by mail.  Visas can take up to 10 working days to process. An additional fee of US$30 may be paid for one-day service, US$20 for two-day service, and US$10 for three-day service.  To apply for a visa you will need: a completed visa application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph (2" x 2", either black-and-white or color), and the appropriate fee. Contact the Embassy or nearest consulate for detailed payment information. Proof of intended travel, such as airline tickets or hotel reservations, is also required.

Visas for tour group members are usually obtained by travel agencies as part of the tour package. China International Travel Service (CITS) has exclusive responsibility for all foreign tourism in China. You may book a CITS tour through a number of travel agencies and airlines in the United States and abroad, although these are not generally recommended for volunteer mission trips.

Bathroom facilities will very possibly be unpleasant.  Do the best you can to accept the reality without comment or complaint.  Always carry toilet paper or tissue, as it is not available at most public facilities.

Taxis abound in China, and prices are extremely reasonable.  Except in rare instances, they will charge according to the meter.  If the driver does not start the meter as you begin your ride, be sure to request that he do so, even if you have to communicate with hand motions.   Another means of economical transportation is buses.  Be sure, however, to guard your valuables, especially during rush hour when the bus is very crowded.   

When traveling long distances, train or planes are generally recommended.   However, purchasing train tickets inside China can be tricky.  Unless you speak Chinese fluently, it is best to rely on the assistance of a friend who knows the system.   Ticket prices may be higher for foreign travelers. Trains have four classes: hard seat, soft seat, hard sleeper, and soft sleeper.   Generally speaking, soft seat is recommended for journeys of up to six hours, and soft sleepers for longer journeys.  Although train rides are a great way to see the China countryside, be aware that unless you have four persons in your party, you may share a sleeping compartment with strangers who are chain smokers!  Also, you may be able to travel by air for only a few dollars more.  When traveling by air, be sure to reconfirm your tickets at every stop.  Usually your hotel or university host will help you with this.

There is no need to feel isolated from your home country while in China.  You can usually call home by using an ATT or MCI access number. Call 10811 and get an English-speaking ATT operator for credit or collect calls. It is also a good idea to carry an international calling card.  In many places, fax and E-mail will also be available. Mail covers China, although, in some parts, somewhat slow. In others, it is quick and cheap.

China time is 12 hours ahead of New York time,   Therefore, if it is 8 a.m. Monday in New York, it will be 8 p.m. Monday in China.   All of China is under one time zone, with no variation from location to location.

Delicious Chinese food is plentiful.  Generally speaking, any dishes prepared in local restaurants will be safe if they are steaming hot.  Be cautious about eating cold foods or foods purchased from sidewalk vendors.  Because health standards vary so drastically from one restaurant to another, it is advisable to carry some disposable chopsticks to be pulled out discretely if needed.  One can eat bountiful meals at low prices at local restaurants.   Hotel food will be more expensive, but may be more convenient and appealing in some cases.  Many western fast food restaurants are scattered throughout China in the case that one needs an occasional "taste from home."

China, just like any other culture, has it's own table etiquette.  Although you may be surprised by some of what you see, try not to surprise others in return!  Dishes are generally placed in the middle of the table.  Rather than passing the dishes, it is appropriate to reach across the table to serve yourself.   In situations where serving utensils are provided, use those instead of your own chopsticks to place food in your bowl.  Do not sort through a dish with your chopsticks, but use them only to pick up the portion that you intend to eat.  Many Chinese drink only soup with their meals, although tea or soft drinks will be available on request.  You will want to politely decline alcohol beverages that are offered.  Don't feel obligated to eat anything that doesn't appeal to you, but try to refrain from criticizing the food. 

Generally speaking, accommodations are clean and comfortable, although they will rarely afford the same level of comfort to which one may be accustomed at home.  Some of the places may not have heat, air conditioning, or even hot running water.  Beds will generally be hard.  Double beds are not always available for married couples traveling together.

The luggage weight restriction for flights from Hong Kong to China, and for all domestic flights in China is 44 pounds.  Luggage exceeding that limit will require payment for overage.