Do

• Interact with the local people. Buy a good dictionary in China-—they are much cheaper there.
• Go to a local restaurant on the street in Taiwan. Order something you have never tried before.
• Try all the Chinese food. Eat snake in Shanghai.
• Visit many of the local shops on the street.
• Take many pictures. Include yourself and your classmates in some of the pictures.
• Use chopsticks instead of knives, spoons, and forks.
• Help Chinese and Taiwan students who are learning English.
• Try Peking Duck.
• Know at least a little Cheese—enough to be polite, bargain effectively, etc.
• Climb the Great Wall to the top. It is hard work, but it is a great feeling to look down from up there and say, "Wow, I am in China on the Great Wall."
• Try to get adjusted to the new time as soon as possible. Staying up late the night before your flight may help. Also try to stay awake at least until sunset the first day, even if you are very tired.
• Try all the food. American "Chinese" restaurants do not give you any idea of real Chinese food at all.
• When in Shanghai, shop on Huai Hai Road where there are all kinds of great stuff. Also visit the Bund by the Huang Pu River.
• Be sure to visit Shanghai’s Nanjing Road at night.
• Before climbing the Great Wall, make sure that you have good shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, water, camera, and money.
• Always carry your notebook for taking notes of the Chinese words that you learn during the trip and spontaneous journaling during slow times.
• Traveling can be very tense, so everyone must be careful to treat others with respect and understanding. Remember what Thumper’s Mom said, "If you can't say somethin' nice, don't say nothin' at all."
• Start getting your immunizations at least six weeks before the trip.

Don’t

• Do not drink the local tap water. Bottle water venders are everywhere.
• Do not buy stamps of the street to mail postcards; many are fake.
• You rarely need to leave a tip. If you tip a waitress when it is not expected, it can be odd.
• Do not speak English when you buy things on the street. The venders start high because they expect you to bargain. If you get cheated, it is not their fault.
• Be careful about interacting with girls at disco bars. I will not bail you out of jail if you get arrested for buying a prostitute.
• Do not buy drugs. I will not bail you out of jail if you get arrested with drugs.
• Do not expect people to speak English to you. Remember that you are in China and you should try to speak the local language.
• Do not leave the group without letting someone know. Dr Stutes and Tai will panic if you suddenly disappear.
• Do not openly display your money. China is quite safe, but there are pickpockets and some people may try to overcharge you if they see you carrying lots of money.
• Do not exchange money with anyone in the street. All the major hotels can change money.
• Do not bring everything.  Pack lightly—big suitcases with lots of clothes are really inconvenient and you can always wash clothes yourself or have them washed at the hotel.
• Do not stay up late at night. A good night’s sleep is important for the next day’s activities.
• Do not act like a tourist. You are a student. Test your Chinese language skills and ask questions about China so you can get more out of the trip.
• Do not spend too much money in one place. If you run out of money before the end, you will not be able to buy souvenirs at the last stop.