China Trip FAQs
Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Planning a trip to China comes with plenty of questions. From flights and visas to accommodations, meals, transportation, safety, and what to pack, we’re here to make the experience feel simple and well supported. Explore answers to some of the most common questions about traveling to China with FIA Global Experience.
About the Journeys
What makes your China trips different from a traditional tour?
Our trips are designed around meaningful cultural experiences, language learning, and personal connections rather than simply checking destinations off a sightseeing list. We work to connect travelers with local schools, host families, cultural organizations, and community experiences so participants can experience China from a more personal and authentic perspective.
Who are the trips for?
Our China programs are designed for students, families, and adults who want to explore China while gaining a deeper understanding of its language and culture. Specific trips may be designed for particular age groups or audiences, so we encourage you to check the details for each trip.
What destinations do you visit?
Our past trips have included Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Wuhan and Xi’an. We choose destinations and experiences with the goal of creating a well-rounded cultural experience and connecting participants with local communities.
Do I need to speak Chinese to participate?
Not at all! Our trips welcome participants with a wide range of Chinese language experience, from complete beginners to more advanced speakers. We encourage everyone to use the Chinese they know, while providing support and opportunities to learn along the way.
What happens if I have never traveled to China before?
That's completely fine! We understand that international travel can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time travelers. We provide information and guidance before departure to help participants and families feel prepared and confident.
What kinds of cultural experiences are included?
Every trip is different and is shaped by the destination. Experiences may include visits to local schools, time with host families, cooking, traditional arts, community activities, historical and cultural sites, and opportunities to experience everyday life in China.
Will we visit schools in China?
When possible, we arrange visits and exchanges with local schools for students. These experiences give participants the opportunity to meet Chinese students, learn about their daily lives, and discover similarities and differences between students in China and the United States.
What is a host family experience?
Depending on the trip, students may have the opportunity to spend time with a Chinese host family. This can be one of the most memorable parts of the experience, providing a glimpse into everyday family life, food, traditions, and culture that isn't possible through sightseeing alone.The idea is to provide a richer cultural experience by incorporating a host family stay for students for a night or two during the trip. Younger students can pair up with older students or siblings if needed. Students can also opt out of the home stay opportunity and instead lodge with their parent/guardian/chaperone.
How much free time will we have?
We believe in having a thoughtful balance between planned experiences and time to explore, relax, and enjoy the destination. Each itinerary will indicate where participants have free time and how that time can be used.
Are the trips accessible for all abilities?
We strive to make our programs as accessible and inclusive as possible. Please note that some activities may involve significant walking or other physical activities, which may limit our ability to accommodate certain accessibility needs. If you have specific accessibility needs or questions about the program, please reach out to us before registering so we can discuss available accommodations.
Children, Families & Groups
Are the trips appropriate for children?
Yes. We have extensive experience creating and leading China experiences for students from K-12 grades and families. Trip details—including age recommendations, supervision, accommodations, and activities—will vary by program and will be clearly communicated before registration.
What ages are appropriate?
FIA offers experiences for students, families, and adults. The host-family experience is specifically available to families with children in Kindergarten through Grade 8.
Can parents or other family members come along?
Absolutely! Many of our experiences are designed for students and families. Family participation can make the trip especially meaningful by giving parents, grandparents and children the opportunity to discover China together.
What options are available for schools and groups?
Schools, organizations, and community groups can arrange private China departures designed around their interests and schedule.
How are students supervised?
Student safety and well-being are our highest priorities. If students are not traveling with their families we provide appropriate adult supervision throughout the program and establish clear expectations for students and families before departure. Specific supervision arrangements will depend on the age of participants and the particular trip.
Reservations & Inclusions
What is the trip cost?
The total cost of the China trip is $2,500 per participant.
Please note: The $2,500 trip fee does not include international airfare, visa application fees, or travel insurance. Airfare costs will vary depending on each selected travel dates and booking arrangements.
What is included in the trip cost?
FIA journeys include English-speaking guides, dedicated local support, professional photography, thoughtfully planned itineraries, comfortable accommodations, local transportation, and hands-on cultural experiences.
When is payment due?
The total cost of the China trip is $2,500 per participant, payable in two payments:
Deposit: $500 due at registration to secure your spot.
Remaining balance: $2,000 due 60 days before departure.
What happens if a trip does not fill?
If a route/date window doesn't reach 35 signups by the cutoff, every registered traveler receives a full refund of their deposit and any balance paid, or the option to transfer to the next available date window at no cost.
How do interested travelers reserve a place?
Contact FIA to inquire and reserve a place.
How do I learn about upcoming trips?
We announce upcoming trips as dates, destinations, and itineraries are finalized. Join our mailing list, visit our website or contact us to receive information about future China travel opportunities.
What is the cancelation policy?
The $500 deposit is non-refundable once your participation is confirmed.
Cancellations more than 60 days before departure: If you have paid the full trip fee, you will receive a refund of the $2,000 remaining balance. The $500 deposit is non-refundable.
Cancellations 60 days or less before departure: All payments are non-refundable, as travel arrangements and other trip expenses will have already been committed to finalize trip planning.
If we cancel the trip: Participants will receive a refund of payments made, except for any non-recoverable third-party costs that were disclosed to participants in advance.
International airfare, visa fees, and travel insurance are not included in the trip fee. Refunds for these separate expenses are subject to the relevant airline, visa authority, insurance provider’s policies.
We strongly encourage participants to purchase travel insurance to help protect against unexpected circumstances that may affect their ability to participate in the trip.
Travel & Preparation
Are international flights included?
No. International airfare is not included in the $2,500 trip cost.
What should I expect from the accommodations?
Accommodations will be in 4-star hotels. We select accommodations with comfort, safety, and the overall cultural experience in mind.
How will we prepare for the trip?
Before departure, participants receive information about the itinerary, travel expectations, cultural etiquette, packing, communication, and other practical details.
What if I have dietary restrictions or food allergies?
Please let us know about dietary restrictions, allergies, or other food-related needs when you register. We will do our best to plan appropriately and communicate any limitations or considerations before the trip.
Do I need any vaccinations?
Make sure routine vaccinations are up to date, and check with a doctor or travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure about additional recommended vaccines (such as Hepatitis A or Typhoid) for travel to China. This is general guidance only. Please consult your own physician or a travel clinic for personal medical advice.
What about passport requirements?
A passport (valid 6+ months beyond travel, with blank visa pages), a completed visa application form, a passport-style photo, and the FIA invitation letter and group itinerary we provide once your trip is confirmed. We recommend starting the visa process at least 8 weeks before departure.”
How are visas handled?
U.S. citizens (and most non-Chinese passport holders) need a visa to enter China for this program, typically an L (tourist/group) visa. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date and have at least two blank visa pages.
Visa assistance is offered for travelers residing in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Wisconsin (the states served by the Chinese Consulate-General in Chicago). If you live outside these 11 states, your application is handled by a different regional Chinese consulate; we'll still provide you a full application checklist, but you'll submit through your own region's consulate or visa center.
What documents are needed to obtain a visa?
Visa documents FAQ: “A passport (valid 6+ months beyond travel, with blank visa pages), a completed visa application form, a passport-style photo, and the FIA invitation letter and group itinerary we provide once your trip is confirmed. We recommend starting the visa process at least 8 weeks before departure.
Is travel insurance recommended?
We strongly recommend that participants consider appropriate travel insurance for international travel. Information about insurance requirements and recommendations will be provided for each trip.
Your China Story Starts Here
Four journeys. Twelve days. Countless moments you'll remember long after you return home.
Whether you're traveling on your own, bringing your family, or organizing a school or community group, your China journey starts here.