I N T E R N AT I O N A L

LANGUAGE
CAMPUSES

Student
handbook
www.ef.com
03
Welcome to the EF Family

04

Learn a language, make new friends

and create memories for life at one of
our 54 destinations around the world.

Dear student, bring it along with you to your Content

destination. You never know
Your EF Language Course is when you’ll need to find out 05 What to expect
the start of a great adventure more about doing laundry or 06 Experiencing a new
abroad. We’ll do everything we catching the bus to school. culture
can to make sure that you enjoy 09 Before you go
your stay – with dedicated Speak to a member of EF staff if
support, an innovative learning you have any questions. We’re 1) Study
method and a full schedule here for you around the clock –
of leisure activities. Set some and all want your experience to 12 Your language program
goals for your journey in the be a memorable one. We look 13 How you’ll learn
coming months. It’s going to be forward to welcoming you.
one to remember. Sincerely, 2) Live
This handbook will provide Your EF team 16 Accomodation FAQs
all the information you need 17 Make yourself at home
for your stay abroad – from 20 Your freetime
arranging a transfer to booking
excursions. Take time to read
3) Support
through it and be sure to
22 Your school team
23 Our school code
24 The elements of a
successful course
25 Become an Ambassador
27 Things to remember
28 Notes

12 Languages
52 Destinations
100+ Nationalities
 What to expect

05

You’re in for an exciting adventure.

Know what to expect from your EF
experience – and what we expect of you.

What to expect from What to expect from What we expect

your language course your homestay from you
-- Information about the course -- Experiencing a new culture -- At least 80% attendance in
location before departure -- Enjoying meals at your class
-- Staff to provide support and homestay -- Respect for your homestay
answer questions around the -- A one-hour maximum hosts, fellow students and
clock commute to EF’s language environment
-- Teaching that blends center -- Obeying all laws and
classroom lessons, interactive -- Sharing twin accommodation regulations applicable in the
tools and cultural immersion with a student from another country and school
-- Accommodation in a country -- Staying neat at school and in
homestay or residence your homestay or residence
-- Assistance if you wish to -- Telling EF Staff if something
prepare for a language exam What to expect from feels wrong or does not meet
-- A wide range of leisure your residence your expectations
activities – either free or for
a small cost -- A one-hour maximum
-- A course diploma and a commute to EF’s language
language certificate, which center
requires 80% attendance -- Sharing your accommodation
with a student from another
country

Pick your perfect

living situtation on
page 16
Experiencing a new
culture
06

You'll soon be immersing yourself in a

different culture – tasting new foods,
uncovering unique traditions and
making new friends. We're here for
you all the way.

Discovering another It shapes your identity – and Conquer culture shock

makes it easy to connect with
culture people from your country. Culture shock can begin as
Culture is a mix of beliefs, Behaviors and practices are the initial excitement of your
customs, art and language that easy to see, but our attitudes destination subsides. You may
define a society or population. and core values aren’t as simple feel uneasy or homesick, which
It’s learned from family, to pinpoint. Immerse yourself in leads to identifying drawbacks
teachers and friends, knowingly a new culture by reflecting on of the new country. It’s not
and unknowingly. Your culture what you’re most excited to try uncommon to experience
determines how you perceive or learn about your destination’s physical symptoms like trouble
yourself, the way you relate to culture. sleeping or losing your appetite.
others and what you consider Rest assured that this period of
important. adjustment will pass.

Take steps towards understanding

a new culture:

Friends Activities Adjust Goals Grow

Make friends Keep busy – Decisions are Set goals. You’ll Remember that
from countries from studying to best made after be reminded of you’re growing
other than your playing a sport. you’ve adjusted to your Language every day –
own. your destination. Course’s purpose. don't give up!
 Dominique Jaegger, Switzerland, EF New York
“Studying abroad with EF
gave me the opportunity
to make so many new
friends – it was an
incredible experience. ”
Graziella Bianchi, Italy, EF London

“ My time in London was

fantastic. I lived with a
great host family and my
host sister was amazing! ”
 Before you go

09

Your trip is right around the corner.

Be sure you don’t miss anything
before you leave – from applying for
visas to getting airline tickets.

EF Campus Connect prior to departure. You’re staff and your homestay hosts
responsible for your visa know when to expect you and
Log on to EF Campus Connect application, so be sure to start can arrange your transfer from
– a social network exclusively applying in time and pay all the airport.
for EF students. Use it to fees required for the application
take your placement test, get process. You can always get in
in touch with your future touch with your local EF office
Transfers
classmates, reserve an airport for more information regarding Your local EF office can help
transfer, join our Ambassador the visa you need to travel with arranging transport to and
Program, practice your abroad. from your destination's airport
language skills or explore your – which you can reserve over
destination. Check your inbox the phone or on EF Campus
for the email you received with Travel protection Connect. Students who choose
login details upon enrollment It is mandatory to be insured to use our transfer service will
– and log on at www.ef.com/ during your language course. be met at the airport by an EF
campusconnect Erika has been the exclusive Representative and driven to
insurance provider to EF their accommodation’s front
Passport customers for 20 years. Our door. Please keep in mind that
EF staff are familiar with this we have many students arriving
Make sure that your passport insurance company and know at the same time, so you may
is valid for the duration of what to do and where to call have to wait a little while for all
your stay abroad and six in case of an emergency. They students to arrive.
months after your return. If also have claim forms at hand
you’re required to have valid to help students with minor
identification while at your issues.
EF Pre-departure
destination, your passport will Meeting
work for this. Before you leave,
make a copy of it to bring along Flights You’ll find out more about
to your destination and one to life at your destination, get a
Your local EF office can help packing list and meet fellow
leave at home – this will come with arranging your flights.
in handy if your passport gets classmates at our EF Pre-
Our travel services ensure departure Meeting – which we
lost. competitive prices and flexible recommend you attend. You’ll
tickets – which means you can receive an email invitation to
Visa rebook your flight. Once your your Departure Meeting, which
flight booking is completed, you can attend either online or
We’ll provide the instructions enter your trip details into EF in person.
if you need to apply for a visa Campus Connect, so the school
 10

Medicine accommodation filled out at the School supplies

back of this handbook. These
If you take medicine, it’s will come in handy if you need Bring pens and notebooks
important that you bring to communicate flight delays or along with you to your
enough of your prescription changes in your schedule. destination. Should you choose
to last for the duration of your to bring a dictionary with you,
trip – unless you’re sure you we recommend bringing one
can get a prescription at your Money translated into your native
destination. Tuck away any Bring enough money to cover language, as well as one in your
extra medicine, glasses or public transport expenses for study language. You’ll receive
contact lenses in your carry-on the first week of your stay. You all additional course material
luggage. may want to bring a little extra upon your arrival to school.
in case you’d like to purchase
Phone numbers and snacks or souvenirs. You can
request the currency used in
addresses your destination from your local
Make sure that you have the bank.
phone number and address
of your local EF office, airport
transfer service, EF school and

Checklist

Sign and return the

 Apply for the required Pack medicine

Code of Conduct visas
Get travel insurance Exchange money into your
Sign and return the T&Cs  destination’s currency

Book flights
 Get school supplies

Sign and return your

medical form Arrange transfers


Take the Placement Test Enter your flight details



on EF Campus Connect into EF Campus Connect

Ensure you have a valid Attend an EF Departure


 Meeting
passport
11

Study
\'st -dē\
e
Learning a language with EF is
more than just classroom study
– you'll also hone your skills by
practicing in real-world situations
and in technology-enhanced
lessons.
Your language program

12

Gather all the information you need

to know about studying abroad
with EF – from what your first day
of school will look like to what to do
when you’re absent.

Your language level Your timetable Changing or extending

Before you leave for your Your timetable is structured your program
course destination, you’ll need based on which program you’re The Academic Team can advise
to log on to your EF Campus studying. You’ll have either 32, you on all the different study
Connect account and take our 26 or 20 lessons per week, programs that EF offers. If you’d
language test. We’ll use your each lasting for 40 minutes like to change your program or
results – along with an oral test – mostly organized in double extend your stay, just come see
on your first day of school – to lessons lasting one hour and 20 us. We can also prepare you
make sure you’re in the right minutes. for official language exams in
class. There are 6 different your study language (English,
stages and each stage has 2
different levels (i.e. B1-1, B1-2). Attendance German, French, Spanish,
Italian, Mandarin and Japanese)
A1 Begginer It’s really important to attend all if you reserve them in advance
A2 Elementary of your classes – but, if you’re – and they're available at your
B1 Intermediate ill or can’t make it, be sure to course center. Talk to your
B2 Upper Intermediate let the Academic Office know. school's Academic Team to find
C1 Advanced If you’re ill for three days or out more about exam dates,
C2 Upper Advanced more, you’ll need to bring a costs and availability.
doctor’s note with you when
you return to class. If you’re not
Your first day of school sure how to get a doctor’s note,
talk to the staff at your school.
You’ll start learning on the first Please remember that we’ll
day of your course, and most have to send you a warning
of our students arrive at their letter if your attendance gets
destination the day before it close to the minimum of 80%.
begins. Your first day will be If you're under 18, we’ll also
spent getting ready for your have to contact your parents
studies ahead and meeting or sponsors if your attendance
classmates and teachers. You’ll continues to decline.
also receive your timetable, as
well as information about your
school and destination city.
 How you’ll learn

13

Our innovative learning method

guarantees that you’ll make
maximum progress in your studies.
And you’ll have our support around
the clock.

General language Lectures Monitoring progress

lessons You’ll have two lecture sessions To check that you’re at the
Sixteen of your lessons will every week. Each one will focus right learning level, there will
focus on general language on a different subject – like be class tests and quizzes each
skills like vocabulary, grammar, history, art, local culture or week. We’ll also give you a
reading, writing, listening, current affairs. progress test at the end of each
speaking and pronunciation. A study stage. You can follow
your progress on EF Campus
further four (two for the basic Outside the classroom Connect.
course) Project Sessions will
improve your research and Traveling to another country
communication skills through to learn the language means a Proof of your success
practical work tailored to your lot of opportunity to practice.
interests. To really advance your fluency, EF offers language exams in all
speak the language outside of the languages that we teach.
the classroom and make friends If you’ve attended at least 80%
Special Interest with students from other of your classes, you can take
Classes (SPINS) countries. And remember, don’t the EF Standard English Test
be afraid to make mistakes! (EF SET) in your final week
In addition to your General at school (English courses
Language classes, you’ll have only). This test evaluates
some Special Interest Classes Homework your language level using the
(SPIN classes) for subjects internationally-recognized
Your teachers will give you
that you’re interested in or that Common European Framework
homework to complement your
you’d like to use for your career of Reference standards.
work in class. Ask your teacher
or education goals. The SPIN
if you’d like extra homework,
class options you can choose
practice or assignments.
from depends on what program
you’re enrolled in and which
classes are available during
your stay. You can also take
online SPIN classes.
14
15

Live
\'liv\
Whether you’re going on a
weekend excursion with friends
or bonding over dinner with
your host family – you’ll live the
language with EF.
Accommodation FAQs

16

Sit back and relax – whether you’re

coming home to a local family, living
at a residence in the heart of your
destination city or staying steps from
your course center at an EF Campus.
What should I do if I damage What should I do if I want to old, you cannot stay in your own
something in my EF Homestay? stay out? accommodation. If you’re 16 or
older and staying in your own
At an EF Homestay, any You may only do so if you’re over or private accommodation, you
damages or breakages you 18. Always tell your homestay must tell EF about address and
cause should be resolved host or Residence Advisor if telephone number and update us
between you and your you’re not going to spend the of any changes during your time
homestay hosts – but we can night at home or you're going with us. Remember, it’s your res-
help if needed. It’s best that you away for the weekend. If your ponsibility to deal with landlords
offer to pay for any damages hosts are expecting you home and letting agents, not EF’s.
you cause or claim them on and you don’t arrive, they will
your insurance. report you as missing to the What is a EF Homestay like?
police. When going out, it’s a
good idea to only carry exactly Our homestay hosts come from
How do I keep my valuables all walks of life and from a wide
what you’ll need – like small
safe? amounts of cash, your EF ID and range of ethnic and religious
Keep your passport, return a copy of your passport. backgrounds, reflecting the
ticket, money, traveler’s cheques multicultural society of your
and anything else valuable in Can I change my homestay host? destination. Our homestay
a safe place (i.e. your locked demographic is represented
Please visit the Accommodation mostly by middle-income
suitcase). Tell your school staff
Team at your EF school if you're households.
immediately if anything goes
not comfortable – as it's one
missing. There’s no typical homestay.
of our top priorities. Changes
are usually made during the Among EF hosts there are
Do I have a curfew time? weekend – and we'll need people of all ages; including
If you’re 16 or 17 years old, you parental consent if you're under young professionals,
have a curfew for returning 18. Please keep in mind that it middleaged or retired people,
home. This may vary from is not possible to change your couples without children,
destination to destination but homestay based on distance families or single parents with
please respect the times you from school and that it may children of any age and single
are given, they are for your own not be possible to change your people. This means that there
safety. If you’re between 12 family immediately during busy might not be children of your
and 15 years old, your curfew times of the year. age in the homestay. It’s one of
is 10pm every day – including the reasons why we usually try
weekends. to place you with students of
Can I stay in my own
your age range. However, you
accommodation? may be the only guest in your
If you’re between 12 and 15 years homestay.
 Make yourself at home

17

EF Homestay -- If you get hungry during the

-- You can always access the
day, you’ll need to buy extra
Stay in an EF Homestay for internet at your EF school.
snacks for yourself.
maximum cultural exchange. Ask your homestay hosts'
-- Your hosts will wash your bed
Keep in mind that each permission to use the internet
linen but you’ll need to clean
homestay host is different and at home. Remember, never
your own clothes, either at
unique – just like your family download any illegal material
home or at a local laundrette.
back home. from the internet, either at
-- Ask your hosts how it works in
school or your homestay.
their house and speak to your
Some important things school staff to find out more
about how much a laundrette
to remember
costs.
-- You may be sharing a room -- Always ask your hosts before
in your EF Homestay with using their home telephone to
another student of the same make a call. It’s usually easier
gender from your EF course to buy a prepaid phone card
center. from the Activities Office at
-- You’ll be given a key to the your EF Course Center.
house – but if you lose it,
you’ll have to pay for a new
one.
-- You should always ask your
hosts’ permission before
bringing friends back to the
house.
-- Enjoy breakfast and dinner
during the week and all meals
during the weekend.
-- Be sure to let your homestay
hosts know if you're going to
miss a meal.
-- Part of living abroad means
trying dishes you might not
have tasted before. If there
are certain foods you really
can’t eat for any reason, let
the staff at your EF Course
Center know.

EF Campus Living allows

you make new friends
from day one.
 EF San Diego

18

EF Residence or EF Some important things -- It’s a good idea to prepare for

Campus Living to remember your stay abroad by planning
a weekly budget. Remember
Whether you choose an EF -- You may be sharing a room
that you’ll be sharing space
Residence or EF Campus Living, with other EF students. The
with other students.
you'll get the chance to meet number of students in your
-- Alcohol is not allowed on any
new friends and share your room varies depending on
of EF's premises, including
experience of living in another your destination and your
our residences and campuses.
country. An EF Residence specific residence.
-- You may need to bring an
is usually off-site, while EF You’ll find out who your
accommodation deposit along
Campus Living is usually just roommates are when you
with you to your destination.
steps from your classes. The arrive at your residence.
Given there are no damages,
location of EF Residences can -- Nationalities of students
this will be returned upon
vary, but they’re always located staying together in an EF
your departure.
near local amenities and public Residence vary greatly, so
transport links. it’s a great opportunity to
connect with people from
around the world.
-- Meals provided depend
on your destination and
residence. Many residences
feature shared kitchens where
you can prepare your own
meals. Speak to your local
EF office or school staff to
find out more about catering
options.
19
Your free time

20

Make the most of your trip abroad –

explore your destination city, go on a
weekend getaway or just play a game of
cards.

Exciting weekly Independent travel EF will host parties off-site. For

some of these events, you must
timetables If you’d like to travel by yourself, be the minimum drinking age or
Activities organized by EF our Activities Team is always older to attend.
make it simple and fun to learn available to offer helpful advice You’ll need to show a valid ID,
more about your country of and suggestions. You’ll also find such as a passport or national
study, meet friends, practice guide books, magazines and identity card. Drink responsibly
your language skills – and take folders full of useful information – and we recommend traveling
home some great memories. about places to visit. home in a group for safety.
You can get a new weekly
schedule every Monday from EF student card Items for sale
the Activities Office or log on to
www.ef.com/campusconnect You’ll be given your EF student You’ll find plug adapters,
to find out what’s been planned. card on the first day of school. postcards, EF souvenirs, SIM
Always keep it with you, as cards for mobile phones and
it will be used to identify other useful items for sale in
Excursions you within the school or EF your school’s Activities Office.
We organize day and weekend accommodation. You can
trips to the most famous cities usually use this card to get
discounts around the city Sports equipment
and main attractions in the
country, available throughout in restaurants, shops and If you need sports equipment,
your stay. You’ll find these trips attractions – find out more at check with the Activities Office
advertized in advance with your school’s Activities Office. to see if you can borrow things
posters around the school, as like footballs, tennis rackets or
well as on EF Campus Connect 18+ Activities ping-pong paddles and balls.
and Facebook. Simply sign up
in the Activities Office, where The legal drinking age in
you can find more information many countries is 18 years old,
on all the excursions offered by although the exact age depends
your EF Course Center. on the specific country you’re
staying in.
21

Support
\s - 'port\
e
We’re here for you. Regardless of
whether you have a question or
just need some friendly advice.
Your school team

22

Raise your concerns, ask your

important questions and let us know
how we're doing – we’re here to help.

School Director
The School Director is the head
of the school and manages
school operations and staff.

Director of Studies &

Academic Director
Talk to the Director of Studies
regarding any academicrelated
matters.

Residence Advisor
Any queries regarding
residence life should go to the
Residence Advisor.

Accommodation Manager
& Housing Director
Any queries regarding host
families should go straight
to the Housing Director and
manages school operations and
staff.

Teachers
If you think you’re in the wrong
class level, let your teacher
know – they'll give you the
support you need.
 Our school code

23

You deserve the best experience –

that’s why we have a school code.
Follow our guidelines for the
experience of a lifetime.

Why have a code? What happens if I

Our school code was created break a rule?
together by EF school staff Our school code is important to
and students to make sure our us – but any national laws are
campuses are happy places to much more serious. If you break
be. It’s essential that you stick any EF rules or local laws like
to the following guidelines at persistent absence from class,
all times: please read through disruptive behavior or a criminal
the guidelines on the next page offense, we reserve the right to
carefully. terminate your course.
The elements of
a successful course
24

To ensure maximum progress, Actively participate in class Attend all your lessons – you
speak your study language at and complete all homework. need at least 80% attendance
all times. to graduate and take the final
language exam.

Arrive to class on time – you If you’re going to miss a class Keep your mobile phone
won’t be allowed in if you’re because you’re sick or for any switched off in class and don’t
more than 10 minutes late. reason, let the school know bring food or drinks to lessons.
immediately.

Your property is special – Always treat your fellow Most importantly, you must
and so is ours. Make sure students, staff and homestay always follow all national
you take care of it. hosts with respect. and local laws.
 Become an EF Ambassador

25

Earn rewards by simply sharing

your EF experience. There’s no
commitment – share as much or as
little as you’d like.

How it works Share Travel

Join an international You’ll earn points simply by Earn enough points and we’ll
community of EF students and sharing the EF experience. There send you to an international
earn rewards by sharing your EF are many ways to spread your Ambassador Meeting, on a free
experience. Signing up is easy. message – from posting things course abroad or on next year’s
Go to the site www.ef.com/ on Facebook to hitting the globetrotting Ambassador Tour!
ambassador or click on the streets with EF flyers in-hand.
"Ambassador" tab on your EF
Campus Connect profile and Sign up
follow the steps to sign up. Any Earn
Simply go to www.ef.com/
questions? Give your local EF Receive great rewards – like ambassador or to the
office a call. movie tickets, a new iPad or Ambassador tab on your
even a free language course EF Campus Connect profile
abroad by earning points to sign up.
through the activities you do
and friends you recommend.
 26
Andrea Beltrando, EF New York

“Being an Ambassador is
incredible. It gave me the chance
to meet new friends and the big
opportunity to fly to Zurich for
the global meeting.”

A year in the life of an EF Ambassador

Month 1 Month 3 Month 6 Month 9 Month 12

Become an EF Share your EF Soak up your Attend a study Join our top
Ambassador experience with EF experience abroad fair with ambassadors
as soon as you your friends abroad. Tell EF’s staff – and at one of the
enroll in your and invite them your story and tell everyone international
course. along on the remember it all about your EF Ambassador
adventure of a with a blog. trip to earn Meetings.
lifetime. rewards.
 Things to remember

27

This contact information will come

in handy during your stay. Be sure to
fill it all in before you leave for your
adventure abroad.

My local EF office
Address:

Phone:

Email:

Skype:

You can find the following information on EF Campus Connect.

My transfer service
Address:

Phone:

Emergency phone number:

My EF School
Address:

Phone:

School Director’s name:

My accommodation
Address:

Phone:
Notes

28
EF International Language Campuses
www.ef.com