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One data point if you’re interested – I had been using a VPN pretty heavily around Chengdu for the past few weeks, from a variety of homes/hotels/cafes/4G, without any issues.
I was using PandaPow with PPTP (which goes over TCP), so maybe that supports the UDP blocking theory…
We’ll be at the 5pm seating with the 2 & 4 year old in tow – glad to hear there’s a kids table, maybe the kids can entertain each other for a bit without causing too much trouble (wishful thinking). See you there!
Sweet – not exactly cheap… but I probably want some 1-1 tutoring anyway, and if it resolves the visa issue to boot, that would seem like a great option… thanks for the info, @trudat.
Hey @Vincent, I’m curious – were you able to enroll in SWUN (or SWUFE)? If so could you share your experience with the program and obtaining a visa? Thanks!
@Charlie, @iameric, @trudat, @Sascha, @bwezza, @Valerie – awesome information, thanks so much. We’ll pay a visit to American Eagle Institute and Soong Ching Ling International Kindergarten during our visit next month, as well as the Waldorf and Golden Apple. @bwezza, if Soong Ching looks like the best option I will PM you regarding the potentially discounted price.
After chatting with you all, I’m coming to the conclusion that a Student (X) Visa is probably my best option, and I guess that means I need to get the rest of my family an accompanying L-Visa. I totally agree about not screwing around with the Visas – potentially having to haul the kids off to HK to sort out a visa issue is not something I want to deal with. I’ll look into the programs at SU and SWUN and see if something like that will work.
Thanks again, and I do hope I get the chance to chat with some of you in person. @Sascha, not sure we’ll have room for frozen fish burritos on this trip, but I’ll try to bring along some Ghirardelli chocolate =)
@trudat, @bwezza, @Charlie, @Sascha, @iameric – many many thanks for your feedback. The information regarding the schools and visas in particular is immensely helpful. If we get the opportunity to meet up I’d like to buy you guys a beer 🙂
@Sascha – yes, we love San Francisco and the Bay Area and will return (if we actually get the opportunity to make it to Chengdu). But it’s been home for almost 15 years, so it’s time to mix things up a bit – I’m certain you can relate to what I’m saying. My wife is a US citizen, and does not have Chinese citizenship any longer. I will look into enrolling at Sichuan University. BTW I had previously read your series – very informative and nice writing, and I’m looking forward to your upcoming post on education. I hope we get the opportunity to meet up with you on our visit next month!
@Charlie – according to china-embassy.org, the “L” (Tourist) Visa has a “Multiple Entry for 24 Months” option: http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/hzqz/zgqz/t84246.htm
Do you know anyone who has been able to get that? I will take your advice and contact Shan Shui to see if they can enlighten me on all of my options.
@bwezza – can you tell me the address of Soong Ching Ling International Kindergarten? I Googled it and found their Shanghai locations, but could not find their facility in Chengdu. I emailed them but have not yet heard back – it’d be great if we can check it out on Google Maps and swing by when we’re in town.
Thanks again everyone! I have a lot more questions but will save those for another thread some other day.
-mike
