Orientation Week

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Orientation Week — Arrival Checklist, City Setup & Welcome Plan | Masons Au Pair

Orientation Week — Arrival Checklist, City Setup & Welcome Plan

Welcome to Chengdu! This Orientation Week plan helps au pairs and students get paperwork done, set up digital life, learn essentials, and explore the city calmly. Use the checklists and the day-by-day schedule to make your first week smooth and social.

Before Day 1 — Arrival Checklist

Documents & Copies

  • Passport + visa page; 4–6 passport photos.
  • School/host letters (Admission/Invitation), insurance proof.
  • Accommodation address in Chinese + contact number.
  • Digital scans saved on your phone/cloud.

Practical Setup

  • Local SIM/eSIM or roaming enabled upon landing.
  • Small cash for first rides; set up WeChat/Alipay once you have data.
  • Power bank & universal adapter.
  • Comfortable shoes + light rain layer.

Share your arrival time and accommodation with your coordinator and join the Orientation Week group chat.

Orientation Week — Day-by-Day Plan

Day 1 — Welcome & Essentials

  • Welcome briefing, icebreakers, emergency contacts card.
  • WeChat setup: add coordinators, group chat, key mini-programs.
  • Map & transport basics; QR Metro Payment overview.

Day 2 — Paperwork & Payments

  • Police registration for private housing; hotels register you automatically.
  • Set up Alipay/WeChat Pay (international card or local account where supported).
  • Buy/charge metro card; learn Didi/ride-hailing basics.

Day 3 — Health, Safety & Culture

  • Health insurance briefing; clinic & pharmacy locations.
  • Medical check info (if needed for long stays).
  • Food & street-smart tips; spicy scale + common allergens.

Day 4 — Language & City Walk

  • Survival Mandarin: greetings, directions, ordering tea.
  • Buddy Language Partner matching; first session plan.
  • City walk: People’s Park → Kuan Zhai Alley photo stops.

Day 5 — Program Kickoff & Weekend Ideas

  • Set goals & schedules with host family/school.
  • Sign-ups: Panda Base, Leshan, Dujiangyan + Qingcheng.
  • Q&A clinic; document check (copies, backups).
Registration Payments Health Language City Walk

Admin To-Dos (Tick These Off)

  • Address registration (hotel auto / private housing in person).
  • Health insurance confirmed; clinic/hospital map saved.
  • Medical check info for long stays (bring passport, photos, vaccine history).
  • If you’re on X1: note your Residence Permit timeline with school.
  • Payment apps working; small cash backup secured.

Keep a photo of your passport & registration slip on your phone. Carry originals when requested.

Digital Life Setup (Quick Guide)

WeChat

  • Add passport name to profile; enable security verification.
  • Join program groups; pin key chats.

Payments

  • Link card on Alipay International or use top-ups where available.
  • Test a small purchase; learn scan → pay flow.

Transit

  • QR Metro Payment or physical transit card.
  • Download metro map; save home & school on maps app.

Safety & Emergency

Numbers & Contacts

  • 110 police, 120 ambulance.
  • Program emergency line & school office.
  • Embassy/consulate phone & address saved.

Street Smarts

  • Keep bags zipped; avoid showing passports in crowds.
  • Use official taxis/ride-hailing; share trip in group chat.
  • Agree meetup points in busy areas (Jinli, Kuan Zhai, malls).

What to Bring on Day 1

  • Passport + 2 photos, phone with data, small cash.
  • Reusable bottle, light snack, power bank.
  • Notebook/pen; list of questions for coordinators.

First-Week Mandarin (Handy Phrases)

  • 请问，地铁站在哪儿？— Excuse me, where is the metro station?
  • 可以少辣/不要辣吗？— Can it be less spicy/no spicy?
  • 可以续水吗？— Could we refill the hot water? (teahouse)
  • 这个地址怎么走？— How do I get to this address?

FAQ — Orientation Week

Do I need to register if I’m in a hotel?
Hotels register you automatically at check-in. Private housing requires you to register in person.

Can I pay without a Chinese bank account?
Often yes via Alipay International/WeChat with supported cards; keep small cash as backup.

What if I miss a session?
Check the group chat for slides/notes and attend the next catch-up clinic.

Start Strong with Masons Au Pair

We’ll guide your paperwork, payments, and first city steps—plus match you with a language buddy and weekend plans—so your Orientation Week feels organized, friendly, and fun.

Join Our Au Pair Program