Study trips to China
The College arranges clinical study trips to China to study acupuncture, tuina and Chinese herbal medicine in collaboration with Guangdong second provincial Chinese medicine hospital. Following a highly successful trip in 2013, CICM’s Danny Blyth will be leading the next study group to GuangZhou in November 2015. This page will be updated regularly as details are firmed up, but if you have questions in the meantime, please email Danny at danny.blyth@cicm.org.uk.
What the trip offers
A chance for 10 days of study in Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Tui Na or Nutrition in a modern TCM hospital with 20 clinical departments treating 2,000 patients per day in a completely integrated way. This will include lectures, clinical observations in small groups, and practical skill sessions with the hospital's finest Professors.
A translator is provided for each small group of 2-4 people. These are drawn from undergraduates and junior doctors so they have knowledge of Chinese Medicine as well as English.
Our 4 free days will include a city tour to temples and museums, excursions to beautiful Chinese countryside and parkland, and a chance to sample a more relaxed China. There will be some opportunity in the evenings for shopping, river trips, tea ceremonies and karaoke! There will also be an opportunity for morning Qi Gong in the park led by Danny.
Itinerary
Dates are confirmed as Friday 6th November - Sunday 22nd November 2015.
A direct flight is possible from Heathrow to GuangZhou International Airport, a short drive from the hospital.
Cost
Costs are close to being confirmed and likely to be in the region of £2,800, including direct flights, accommodation, food, tuition and excursions.
Accommodation
Comfortable and modest individual rooms a short walk from the hospital with en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning.
Guangzhou Basics
GuangZhou is the Capital of Guangdong province in Southern China. Formerly known as Canton in the West, GuangZhou has been a gateway to China for foreign travellers for many centuries. Today GuangZhou is recognised as one of the most prosperous, liberal and cosmopolitan cities in China. Although a major city, GuangZhou boasts the largest urban park in China, The Shamian Dao - an island of refurbished colonial buildings, where it is possible to take a step back in time and escape the bustle of the city streets. GuangZhou is regarded as one of the best places to eat in China and is famous for its old, established restaurants and for the more adventurous there are countless eateries lining the back alleys offering a wide array of delights!
The climate in GuangZhou is sub tropical, with the best weather found in Spring and Autumn. October is a pleasant time to visit with temperatures around 20-25°C – be prepared for a hot and humid climate.
The currency is the RMB or Chinese Yuan.
Security
GuangZhou is a relatively safe city, but as with all major cities, there are some parts that should be avoided such as the train stations where pick pocketing is common. It is advisable to stay in groups rather than travel around alone and avoid wearing expensive jewellery or carrying large amounts of cash. The accommodation has 24 hour security staff and is in a relatively quiet area of the city.
Vaccines
There are currently no compulsory vaccines necessary for this part of China but as with most Asian countries, there are some advised. Check out with your local pharmacy or GP surgery, which vaccines are recommended. Apart from the normal tourist vaccinations, you should also consider Hepatitis B, as you will be working in a Hospital.
Visas
The hospital will send out an invitation letter prior to the trip, you will then have the choice to either visit the Chinese Embassy (London or Manchester) to apply for and collect your visa or obtain your visa through China Visa Direct (recommended).
This page will be updated as details are firmed up. If you have any questions in the meantime please email Danny at danny.blyth@cicm.org.uk.
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"I love the teaching at CICM, it is varied, interesting and extremely inspiring and the teachers all have a wealth of experience to draw on.”
Keeley Farrington
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“CICM was suggested by an acupuncturist I know and recommended for its high-quality tuition and professional approach. I knew I wanted to explore a degree course and after my open day experience I knew it had to be CICM.”
Michelle Patrick
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"I recently joined CICM and there are so many things I love about the place. The teachers are genuinely helpful and want us to do well. The place has a calm, harmonic feel and studying has already had a tangible benefit to my lifestyle and health."
Erica Chen
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"I was an electrician before I started studying acupuncture. It might not seem like it but there are overlaps between them, you look at a circuit and work out where the problem is coming from and then rectify it. The difference is with acupuncture I’ll help people to get better!"
Jack Keeping
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"Since embarking on this course, I have been astounded every day by the passion that this subject has sparked in me. I realised very quickly that I was in the right place, doing the right thing. I can only describe it as finally finding my place in the universe and becoming part of something much bigger than myself."
Sally Connelly
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"I wanted to become an acupuncturist as I prefer to use natural remedies which are in line with my faith and cultural background. I have witnessed the profound effects treatment can have on patients. CICM has an excellent reputation and I love the whole package here, especially the staff and supportive teachers."
Bev Holder
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"I appreciated the integrated style of TCM and the five elements as being the most profound way to reach and help people. This was the best possible start to a long acupuncture career that I could possibly wish for."
Bethan Morgan
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"My years at CICM will always hold a special place in my mind. It was like entering Hogwarts. The subjects are mind-expanding, the teachers and tutors really passionate and always keen to answer questions and give guidance. It has transformed me as a person and changed the way I see people, emotions, relationships, disease and health."
Efthymios Fotenios
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The teachers are really supportive and make every effort to tailor how they teach to suit the different styles of students. I like to question things and look at things from different angles - and the teachers have always supported me by being there to answer things by email after class, recommend further reading, or even being there to support me when I set up a Chinese medicine society for the college.
Helen Reid
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The course covers a huge range of topics, angles and perspectives, and whilst so much of it is new, unfamiliar and challenging at times- especially the 'hands on practical aspects- I can’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing, or anywhere else I’d rather be doing it. CICM is a hub of connection, commitment and energy, and something I am honoured to be part of.
Ellie Farnfield
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All of my teachers are practicing therapists with a library of information and experience to reinforce their words and the lectures. I have gained a lot of insight into myself and I often find myself reflecting on what we learned in class and applying it to life. I am recommending the course to everyone I know!
Jacob Marley
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As I was in my late forties I was concerned that I was too old, however the Open Day dispelled any doubts that I had as the age range of students and staff spanned from 18 to 80. The beautiful building was a joy to explore and I felt immersed in the world of Chinese Medicine. It was a cocoon of learning in the heart of Reading and only ten minutes’ walk from the train station.
Samanthan Roderick
