Orientation Week — Arrival Checklist, City Setup & Welcome Plan
Welcome to Chengdu! This Orientation Week plan helps au pairs y estudiantes 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 chino + contact number.
- Digital scans saved on your phone/cloud.
Practical Setup
- Excursiones 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.
- Configura 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).
Admin To-Dos (Tick These Off)
- Address registration (hotel auto / private housing in person).
- Health insurance confirmed; clinic/hospital map saved.
- Reconocimiento médico 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)
- 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.
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