TCM Clinical Internship Program
Frequently Asked Questions

April 7 - April 29 2012

Q. If we bring a non-intern along, how much would the trip be for them?

A. The normal cost for the trip with the internship is $3650. The cost of the trip for those not participating in the internship is 2850$. This price includes the services of an English speaking Chinese guide for planned local group excursions and sightseeing. Entry fees to local sights are not included in the non itinerary tours.

For those who would like their own private guide to assist them in an itinerary of their choice, the cost of a guide is 65$ per day, which can be shared with others who are interested in the same itinerary. Transportation costs and meals for themselves and their guide are not included.

Those who want special itineraries involving travel around China while their partner is interning should contact us (either by phone 941 400 4999 or by email annaless99@gmail.com) for information.

These prices are for adults. Several people have asked me about activities for their children and typically we can arrange for an English-speaking guide for your child for $50 per day. This price can be shared with other children of similar age who are participating in the same activities. Please contact us if you are hoping to bring a child.

Q. If we wanted to take our own excursions on certain days could we veer from the plan?

A. Yes you can veer from the plan. But there are no refunds for any part of the trip that is not used.

Q. Is it correct that airfare is not included? If not, is there any discount/travel advice you offer for the flight search?Ê

A. International airfare is not included in the price. If enough people sign up long enough in advance we can get a group fare, which will lower the price. Alternatively, we have access to fares that are often cheaper than the published fares and we are happy to help you find the best possible prices for no additional charge. However, if you want us to make the booking, the cost for that service is $75.00

Q. Could you specify exactly what is, and what is not included in the price of the trip?

A. The price includes pre-trip and arrival orientation, double occupancy accommodations (single rooms are available for an additional charge), breakfasts, dinners, medical translators, full tuition and certification from the Zhejiang College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, graduation ceremony and banquet, and guided sightseeing in Hangzhou, Huangshan and Shanghai. It also includes all group transfers to and from the airport in China, all group transportation, admission fees, and tickets for planned excursions.

Not included are the international air flight (we can help you find cheap air tickets), visa, lunches, beverages (except for tea) and personal items.

In addition interns normally pay transportation costs to the sight of their internship, this is usually a very inexpensive taxi ride that is shared with the others interning with you. Usually this is about or under 2 dollars a day on the days that you intern.

Also not included are ticket costs and transportation to optional events.

Personal expenses such as laundry charges, phone calls, mini bar, room service, etc. or any meals not taken with the group are also not included.

Tipping: We cover the normal tips such as bell man during check in and departure in the hotels, waiters at group meals, and we tip our bus drivers. However, it is normal for participants to provide small tips for special services such as room service, laundry service, etc.

It is also normal for participants to tip a translator or quide who has provided them with special individual care and it is also normal for the group to take a collection and offer a tip to their main guides with whom they have bonded during the trip. This is optional but something almost all participants want to do.

Q. Is there internet service in hotel? And what does it cost?

A. We will be staying in luxury hotels and Wi fi is available free of charge. It is good idea to have Skype installed in your computer as this will allow you to communicate with your friends at home for free of charge.

Q. Please let me know the deadline for the payment and approximate timeline for scheduling the trip, like further meetings, etc.

A. Please go to the davidlesstours.com website and click on the button that says Register. Then download the registration form and this will explain many things. A $1000 deposit will hold your place. The deposit is due with your application form, which you can download from davidlesstours.com.

Please print this form, fill it out, and enclose a check made out to David Less Tours (please put China Trip April 2012 in the memo) and mail this to: Anna Less 2364 Arden Drive Sarasota, Florida 34232

If you prefer to pay by credit card you can call me at 941 400 4999 to make your payments. We accept Visa or MasterCard, but unfortunately we must charge a 4% fee, which is what the credit card companies charge us for this service.

The payment schedule is as follows: $1,000 due with the application. An additional $1000 due by November 1st Payment in full by January 15th 2012. Refunds are explained on page 2 of the Registration Form

Regarding meeting before the China trip: I am happy to meet with you individually or in small groups at anytime regarding any of your questions or concerns, and usually we have at least one group meeting shortly before we leave for China. People who live at a distance can participate in these meetings by Skype.

Q. Which Airport in Shanghai do we choose when looking for plane fare?

A. Pudong International Airport (PVG). If you are making your own booking please make sure that you arrive at Pudong International Airport on Sunday April 8 so you can be met by our guide.