Guidance for those studying in China
We have created this web page to support students who are studying remotely in mainland China whilst travel restrictions are in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The situation in China is changing and many online services are dependent on a user’s specific set up (device, network, software, etc).
What software and services are available in China?
Canvas
Last year, we provided online services to students in China. Some were able to access Canvas but some, however, were not. Where students may not be able to access Canvas, we ask that they inform IT as soon as possible and we will ensure that the student is provided with provision using Microsoft Office 365.
Office 365
Office 365, which includes Outlook, Teams, OneDrive for Business and the office applications should work as normal in China. Due to some network restrictions, uploads to OneDrive can be slower than usual.
Microsoft Teams
Where students are unable to access Canvas, we would direct them to our Remote Learning Support Teams Channel where they can access subject level support from their teachers, including online resources and lessons.
Web Browsers
Google Chrome is NOT support in China. We advise using an alternative web browser, such as Firefox.
Study Times
Where possible, students studying in China would be expected to attend lessons in the evening. We have considered the time difference when planning provision for students studying in China. For example, Beijing has a seven-hour time difference. Therefore, the DLD timetable would be scheduled at the following Beijing times:
| Periods | London | Beijing |
| 1 and 2 | 8:50am-10:10am | 3:50pm-5:10pm |
| 3 and 4 | 10:25am-11:45am | 5:25pm-6:45pm |
| 5 and 6 | 12:00pm-1:20pm | 7:00pm-8:20pm |
| 8 and 9 | 2:00pm-3:20pm | 9:00pm-10:20pm |
| 10 and 11 | 3:35pm-4:55pm | 10:35pm-11:55pm |
What apps and websites are blocked in China?
There are many websites and applications that are unavailable in China. Without using a VPN, which the college does not advocate, you will generally be unable to send or receive voice messages, videos, images and any other types of files via a blocked application.
There are around 10,000 websites that are currently unavailable in China, under the internet censorship policy. These include, but are not limited to:
• Google Services (Maps, Gmail and Docs)
• YouTube
• Facebook
• BBC
• Guardian
• CNN
We have taken every effort to ensure that any student who is studying in China receives the gold standard of education and outstanding support. We wish all our students the very best for this academic year.
