Module 3: Semester in China – Mail

For any length of period you’re abroad, your friends and family may want to send you a care package, important mail, debit or credit cards, or even cell phones if you need a replacement.

For programs where the best mailing address is unknown:
The best mailing address for our program in China is not known until you arrive onsite, or sometimes just before. Please ask Victoria Wan for the best mailing address based on your housing assignment once you arrive in Beijing.

In the meantime, below are some resources you may use and send to your family explaining the mailing process in different countries. The USPS has a great website with an “Index of Countries” that include postal codes, postage prices, and mailing conditions.

When shipping internationally, please make sure that your envelope or package has everything necessary to ship.

Please note: when shipping cell phones, hefty customs taxes may be added. In some locations, you may have to go to the airport to pick up your package and pay the import/customs tax before collecting your package.

Index of Countries and their postal codes, instructions

FedEx International Resource Center

Shipping Internationally with DHL; Customs Support

Traveling after the program for an extended period? Don’t want to carry your luggage around with you and pay hefty luggage overage charges? If you’ve answered yes to these two questions, you may want to look into whether or not luggage shipping services fit your travel needs.

In most cases, luggage shipping service is not recommended as costs are high and packing light is ideal. However, if you do need to ship your luggage home, here’s a list of companies that offer shipping services:

Lugless program 

Luggage Forward 

UPS Luggage Shipping