For those who are going to or have the intention to study abroad, this is the number you must remember, 12308, China’s consular protection hotline. If you run into difficulties and need consular protection, dial this number immediately to get care and assistance from Chinese Embassy.
While studying abroad, self-security is the top priority. Apart from that, many other aspects should be paid special attention to as well. To help those who are going to study in UK to better prepare for their trip, a pre-departure briefing was held at the North Campus of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS) in Guangzhou on the afternoon of June 15, 2017. About 400 students who will or have the intention to study in UK and parents attended the briefing.
Professor Chen Hanlin, vice president of GDUFS delivers the opening speech for the briefing. [Photo: Newsgd.com/Monica]
Mr. Liu Xiaoming, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the United Kingdom, delivered a speech through video message. He said it is a “golden age” for Chinese students to study in UK, and reminded the overseas students of paying high attention to self-security and legal interest. “If you are in danger, you must ask the police for help without delay and call China’s consular protection hotline 12308 immediately,” said Liu Xiaoming.
After that, attendees watched a video to learn about the guidance on food, clothing, housing and transportation for studying in UK. The video is produced by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United Kingdom.
Mr. Ye Lan, Director of Consular Assistance Division of Guangdong Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, gives a speech at the briefing. [Photo: Newsgd.com/Monica]
Mr. Ye Lan, Director of Consular Assistance Division of Guangdong Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, gave a explanation on security risk and consular protection which are highly concerned by the overseas student. Ye also shared some related cases happened before, aiming to raised overseas students’ vigilance.
A legal expert from Christine Lee & Co. and a senior student of International College of GDUFS back from UK shared more legal knowledge, practical information and personal experience with the students. They emphasized that while studying abroad, students should be independent, abide by the law, plan and finish studies well, actively take part in social practice, make friends from different countries and enhance all-round capabilities.
It is known that the briefing was highly recognized by the attendees. Xiao, a male student of the International College of GDUFS, told the reporter that he is going to study in UK soon and he found the briefing very informative, practical and timely. Others expressed that the consular protection knowledge and preparation tips for trip to the UK were very helpful and made them feel more confident about their upcoming trip.
Students and parents attend the briefing. [Photo: Newsgd.com/Monica]
The pre-departure briefing in Guangdong is co-hosted by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United Kingdom, Guangdong Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, Department of Education of Guangdong Province, and GDUFS. It is co-organized by the International College of GDUFS, OKHIWI Media, and Guangdong Study Abroad Service Association.
The briefing is the third stop of its national tour after Beijing and Shanghai, and is also the first time that the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United Kingdom holds such activity in Guangdong.
The briefing is held at the North Campus of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies in Guangzhou on the afternoon of June 15, 2017. [Photo: Newsgd.com/Monica]
Some things you should know before starting a trip to the UK:
Emergency telephone number in the UK: 999
China’s consular protection hotline: 12308
China Consular Affairs on WeChat mini program: 外交部12308
For more information, please visit “Your Journey to the UK” Website (“中国公民旅居英国指南”网站 www.chinesejourney2uk.cn/) or the official website of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United Kingdom (http://www.chinese-embassy.org.uk/chn/).
(By Monica)
