applying to:
From the Heartland
to the Borderlands
A Catholic Study Tour of China’s West & South
The USCCA is dedicated to dialogue and mutual understanding. In light of our mission we conduct this pilgrimage to build bonds of friendship with all the people we meet, as well as to provide an opportunity to learn about the inspiring story of the Catholic community in China first-hand. People who participate in this Pilgrimage agree to do so in the spirit of our mission and to contribute to a positive experience for all group members.
Saturday, May 11 to Sunday, May 26, 2019
Spanning two full weeks,
15 days and nights in total.
how to apply
If you would like to participate in the Heartland & Borderlands Study Tour, please follow these steps:
1. Carefully review the information on this study tour provided on our website. That information can also be found on a downloadable Study Tour Info Sheet.
2. Fill in the Study Tour Application and email to
Deadline for first-round decision is January 15, 2019. It there is space available after that date, we may continue to accept applications. Inquiries welcome. If you need a decision before January 15, you may request expedited review of your application.
Dates and further steps
January 15, 2019: Application deadline for first round decision.
January 17: Acceptance notification for first round decision.
February 1: $500 per person deposit (non-refundable after February 20).
February 1: Email a copy of your U.S. passport.
Deposit and passport are necessary so that we can book your travel within China.
If the pilgrimage has openings after the first round of applications, you may apply after January 15. Then you will be notified of your acceptance within 2 days of applying. Deposit and passport may be due shortly thereafter, depending upon the date.
April 1: Unless other arrangements have been made, total amount due.
April 1: Confirmed travel arrangements to Beijing due.
Please note: We understand that plans do change. While we will try to accommodate unanticipated changes, failure to adhere to the above deadlines could lead to forfeiture of your place in the program and/or of your deposit.
Saturday, May 11: Arrival time in Hong Kong by noon of this date.
Sunday, May 26: Date of departure from Guangzhou (or later, if you decide to stay on).
Assistance in making arrangements
Chinese Visa
If you do not already have a tourist visa for China, you should begin the application process for one once you receive notification of your acceptance. The current Chinese Visa application form is available here.
Assistance with the Chinese Visa application process
NOTE: You must apply for a Tourist Visa to China.
Applying for a visa to China can be a bit tricky. Many people have their visa application for China rejected, sometimes for very technical reasons. If you would like assistance with the application process, our travel agent can shepherd that process for a reasonable fee. For visa assistance click here.
Transit to Hong Kong
Note that traveling to Hong Kong from the United States involves crossing the international dateline. When doing so you lose an entire calendar day. Take this into account when booking your flight.
Kayak and similar online services often do locate excellent travel options, but if you would like to work with our travel agent to arrange your travel, please contact:
Mr. James Khoh
Apollo Travel &Tours
6100 Corporate Drive, Suite 328
Houston, TX 77036
(713) 490-7888
Further assistance
For other questions or assistance regarding the Heartland and Borderlands Study Tour, please contact:
USCCA Study Tour Coordinator
