Predeparture Barcelona AYA 2012

EF International Language Centers

Academic Year Abroad For adults and Students aged 16 & above

Barcelona A lively city, Barcelona enjoys an unsurpassed social scene found in its many sidewalk cafes, tapas bars and nightclubs. The EF school is located in an elegant residential quarter, close to many important sites.

Contact details: EF Escuela Internacional de Espanol Balmes 155 08008 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 93 202 02 08

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EF Barcelona

Accreditations and Memberships The EF International Language Centers in London, Cambridge, Brighton, Oxford, Manchester, Bristol and Bournemouth are:

The EF International Language Centers in London, Cambridge, Brighton, Oxford, Manchester and Bournemouth are members of:

EF Dublin is accredited by:

The EF International Language Centers in the USA are accredited by:

The EF International Language Centers in the USA are members of:

EF Vancouver and Toronto are accredited

by Languages Canada.

The EF International Language Centers in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth are accredited by:

Important Note: Factual information contained in this document is subject to change.

The EF International Language Centers in Brisbane and Perth are members of:

The EF International Language Centers in Cambridge, München, Cape Town and Nice are accredited by:

EF Nice is recognized with the Label Qualité Français Langue Etrangère.

Federation of International Youth Travel Organizations.

All EF Courses are certified by Southern New Hampshire University.

EF Education is an active participant in the Comité Européen de Normalisation.

All EF Courses are recognized by Hult International Business School.

www.ef.com

Contents - Barcelona Section Topic

1 .......... Introduction to EF 2 .......... Welcome to Spain 3 .......... Weather watch 4 .......... Travel & transfer service 5 .......... School information 6 .......... Academics 7 .......... Accommodation & meals 8 .......... Money matters 9 .......... Phones, faxes & Internet 10 ........ Health care & insurance 11 ........ School activities & excursions 12 ........ Transportation 13 ........ Expectations 14 ........ Spanish culture & living tips

Dear Student Welcome to Barcelona! Thank you for choosing to study at EF Escuela Internacional de Espa単ol. During your nine months in sunny Spain, we will do our very best to make your stay with us enjoyable and easy.

We have a lot to offer you here in Barcelona. The school is in a good location in a lively area of Barcelona with excellent sports facilities nearby. Enjoy studying with us in this beautiful cosmopolitan city where we have sunny weather most of the year and where there is easy access to great beaches.

The school staff and I look forward to meeting you soon and helping you make the most of your time in Spain.

15 ........ Adjusting to a new culture 16 ........ EF school calendar & holidays 17 ........ Checklist

Best wishes, Moira Elena Lawlor, School Director EF International Language Center, Barcelona

1. Introduction to EF EF Education First, welcomes students of all ages from every corner of the world to learn a language at our schools all over the world. Our innovative curriculum uses an intensively structured academic program along with an array of educational and social activities, resulting in a fast and fun way to learn a language.

EF students come from diverse backgrounds and like you, they have chosen a program to enhance their language skills as part of their academic or career plan. Many have planned for many years to take advantage of this opportunity.

A large percentage of our students apply their new language skills by taking a recognized exam. Successful completion provides the necessary language qualifications for university and for professional endeavours. Many students view their time with EF as a chance to explore educational alternatives whilst honing language and study skills.

A great aspect of an EF program is the variety of nationalities at our schools. We welcome you to join this international community where you’ll experience life and language with EF. We take great pride in our continuing dedication to our mission - breaking down barriers of language and culture.

2. Welcome to Barcelona, Spain Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain, with over three million inhabitants. Fine public buildings and lovely shops lend an air of cosmopolitan sophistication to this prosperous metropolis. There are many large, tree-lined boulevards, gardens and fountains.

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and is proud of keeping up the Catalonian language and customs. On weekends and special Fiesta days, there are typical Catalonian folk dances in the squares, particularly in the old town. Most inhabitants of Barcelona speak both speak both Spanish(Castillian) and Catalan. In fact recent studies show that there is an increasing trend towards the exclusive use of Spanish in the city of Barcelona. They will always speak Spanish to a foreigner, of course. And at the EF school, all our teachers are specialised in teaching only Spanish.

3. Weather Watch Barcelona has a mild climate. Winters are cool but sunny with a few rainy periods, mainly in autumn. Summers are usually sunny and hot. Average temperatures: summer 25 to 30 degrees Celcius, autumn 15 to 20 degrees Celcius, winter 5 to 15 degrees Celcius, spring 15 to 20 degrees Celcius. Students should bear in mind that most buildings are neither air-conditioned nor centrally heated in Barcelona. Please pack accordingly.

4. Travel & Transfer service Transfer service Arriving at a busy airport in a foreign city can be confusing. EF offers a one-way transfer service from the airport to your accommodation for an additional fee. We highly recommend that you take advantage of this service.

At least one month before your arrival, you must inform the EF Office in your home country

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of the exact details of your flight (airline, flight number, date and time).

Independent arrival It is very easy to get to the city from the airport.

There are several methods (please note that prices are subject to change): ❚❚Take a taxi to your homestay or to the Student Residence. Taxi fares from the airport cost from to 25-30€. There is a 1€ charge for a suitcase and an airport supplement of 3,10€. ❚❚If you are travelling light, you can take the train shuttle into Barcelona-Sants, the main train station, or Plaza Cataluña. Trains run every 30 minutes until 23:45 and cost 2,60€. From there, you may take a taxi to your homestay.

It will cost approx. 10-15€. You can also take the metro for 1,35€. ❚❚There is also an airport bus, which will take you downtown to Plaza Cataluña or Plaza España. It is a shuttle bus service leaving every 15 minutes from the front of the arrival terminal, and costs approximately 5€. From there you can either take a taxi or use public transport to go to your homestay.

IMPORTANT: If you are staying in a homestay, please advise your EF office or your homestay hosts of your expected arrival time. This will allow your hosts to plan their day accordingly and to make sure somebody is there when you arrive.

5. School Information Our EF Barcelona school lies in the exclusive northwest quadrant of the city, near the Diagonal. A very competent staff of teachers, Academic Director the Moira Elena Lawlor as well as Housing Coordinator, Administrative Coordinator and Activities Coordinator are all present to assist with questions and concerns.

Housed in a brand new state of the art building,the school has a language lab and 300m2 decked terrace.The location is just a 5 minute walk from fashionable Paseo de Gracia and Gaudis famoius Pedrera.Students can also eat lunch at the many cafes in pedrestain boulevard Enrique Granados right round the corner.

Orientation Orientation is a very important part of your course. It is when you first meet your classmates and where friends are made. It is your first introduction to the staff. You will also receive your personalised study timetable, details on the study centre, recreational activities and information about Barcelona.

There is spacious student lounge at the school and our lovely terrace which you can use outside of class.

Spanish teaching programmes Classes will be divided according to levels.

Our teaching staff will make sure that you are placed at the right level. Please note that Business and Exam courses are available to students of an intermediate to advanced level only. All classes are taught in Spanish. Please also note that promotions to higher levels are based on class performance, attendance and

Staff The School Director can help with anything to do with the general organisation of the course and will deal with any problems of a serious nature. He/she can also help with administrative problems such as banking, visas, course changes and insurance as well as with more important academic matters such as class changes and examinations.

If You Need Help Questions about your course can be answered most easily if you ask the right people. The following people are always ready and willing to help. ❚❚ The Accommodation Coordinator can help with homestay problems and financial questions. ❚❚The Activities Coordinaor is responsible for entertainment, sports, travel and other nonacademic events. They can give you suggestions of what to do in your spare time. ❚❚Teachers and Course Advisors can help with any language difficulties or study problems. ❚❚Homestay hosts can help with domestic and general problems about life at home.

6. Academics The EF academic programme gives students the opportunity to study the Spanish language and the local culture for as long and with as much intensity as suits the student and his or her needs. All students will attend grammar, listening, speaking, reading and writing classes.

First days at the school On your first day of school, you will be welcomed at 8:40 a.m. by the School Director, and you will be given a test lasting approximately 1.5 to 2 hours; this will allow us to allocate you to the right level.

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Also, a minimum number of participants are required for each special interest class to take place. The Director of Studies will discuss your particular needs and wishes with you. All General and Intensive courses include special classes on phonetics and additional Intensive Language practice.

Course books As part of your academic program, you’ll be expected to buy the books and classroom materials that you will use in class. The exact number of books that you’ll need is determined by your academic level, progress and choice of special interest classes. If you wish to buy additional books you may need more money. The books you buy are yours to keep, write in and take home with you for future reference.

teachers’ comments.

Tests You will take a placement test on arrival. Your progress is monitored through, among other things, a bi-weekly test covering all the skills: grammer, vocabulary, reading, writing and oral comprehension.

Official Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE) exams Depending on students’ interests and levels, we offer DELE preparation options. There are many levels – from A1 to C2. Exam dates are usually in May and November. Students interested should contact either their local Spanish Consulate for details or their local EF office.

Course Certificates At the end of your course, you will receive a certificate. You will also receive an academic record attesting to the progress you have made. However, please note that these certificates are only given to students who have attended courses regularly. It is important to note that in order to be eligible for an EF certificate, students are expected to participate in class and must attend at least 80% of all classes.

Special Interest Options General and Intensive courses include a number of special interest class options. After the initial placement test, you will have the chance to specify your preferences for these special interest classes. Some of these classes require intermediate or advanced Spanish proficiency.

Lessons All lessons last 40 minutes and are always taken in Spanish, including the beginner’s level.

The basic study classes are taken in blocks of two lessons.

Timetable The school’s timetable changes during the year, depending on enrollments. Students will either have a combination of morning and afternoon classes during their stay, or a morning or afternoon schedule only. The applicable schedule will be confirmed during the orientation on the first day.

7. Accommodation & Meals For your comfort and safety, please observe the following rules in your homestay accommodation: zT he taking of drugs is strictly forbidden.

Students not respecting this rule will be sent home immediately at their own expense. zN o animals are allowed in the rooms. zN o open flames (candles, cookers, etc.) are allowed in the rooms. z No alcohol is allowed in the rooms.

Homestay accommodation If you are staying in one of our carefully chosen homestays you should arrive at your hosts home between 17.00 and 19.00. If you cannot arrive at this time please inform your hosts of your arrival time so that someone will be there when you arrive. Any special requests for arranging additional nights should be confirmed

with your home office prior to departure. In a city as large as Barcelona, homestays can be up to one hour’s travelling time from the school.

Meals: Homestay accommodation includes breakfast and dinner at home seven days a week and all meals on the weekends. You are not allowed to use the kitchen to cook. However, you can put food, water or sodas in the refrigerator. You will have meals with your hosts at their set meal times. Please be sure to call your hosts if you are going to be late or if you are not going to be home for a meal.

Please also respect your host’s privacy at lunchtime by eating before returning to their home after school.

Note: Lunch and dinner times are very late in Spain compared with the rest of Europe.

Lunch is generally after 14.00 and dinner after 21.00. During school days it is usual to have a second breakfast/snack at the 11.30 break in order to keep you going until lunchtime. For lunch you can buy a something and eat it on our lovely terrace.

Room: Generally you will share your room with an EF student of a different nationality, although we are not able to guarantee this. You will be provided with a bed, bed linens, closet space, and towels for home use. You will also have access to a desk or table which may be in another room.

Bathroom: You will use the your host’s bathroom facilities. Please be considerate of your host’s habits when using the bathroom.

Laundry: Your homestay hosts will wash your sheets and towels. However, they are not responsible for doing your personal laundry (although some families may offer to do this for you anyway). An information sheet will be given to you at the school with a list of launderettes that you can; the price per wash ranges from 4-6€. Please do not wash any clothes in the bathroom and dry them in your bedroom, instead, please ask your hosts where their laundry room is.

Note: Most homes in Spain are not air-conditioned or centrally heated; our homestays are no exception.

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Inviting friends: Please ask your hosts before you invite friends to their home. Please do not expect your hosts to serve meals to your friends.

Damages: Should you cause any damages to your host’s property, please inform them immediately and settle the matter directly with them.

EF acts only as a mediator between student and hosts and cannot assume responsibility for any damages caused by you.

Telephone: Do not use your host’s telephone without asking them first. If you want to make a call to your own country, try to reverse the charges (in Spain this is called a “llamada a cobro revertido”), or ask your family to call you.

Keys: You will most likely be given a key to your host’s home. Please keep it in a safe place. If you lose it, you may have to pay for a new lock, which can be very expensive!

Accommodation Questions: Should you feel unhappy with your homestay, please try to discuss any problems with them. You may suffer from “Culture Shock” because the Spanish may have different ways from what you are used to at home. However, if you have any serious problems and are still unhappy after the first week, you should contact our EF staff who may be able to find another homestay for you.

Should you wish to change your accommodation in any way during the course you must give the EF staff seven days notice. If you do

not respect this notice period, you may be subject to a penalty fee.

8. Money Matters Currency The currency in Spain is the Euro. The symbol for this currency is €. The euro is divided into 100 cents (sometimes referred to as eurocents, especially when distinguishing them from other currencies).

Banknotes come in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100. They will each be a different color to allow you to tell them apart more easily. Coins come in denominations of 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2.

Spending money We advise you to take about 100 to 125€ per week in spending money, although this truly depends on what you choose to do during your leisure time. You should bring most of your money in traveller’s cheques, as well as about 60€ in cash for when you first arrive, including, some small change for telephones, lockers and bus tickets. You will also need to take money for learning materials used in class and for any language proficiency exams you plan to take.

Only carry as much money as you need for one day – remember that thieves exist everywhere in the world! The safest way to carry money is traveller’s cheques. Many places also accept major credit cards.

Changing money Foreign money cannot be changed at the school,

but please ask staff where you are able to change money or traveller’s cheques.

Credit cards We strongly recommend that students travel with either a Visa or MasterCard. Credit cards enable you to rent cars, reserve hotel rooms, and do various activities, which may be more difficult with cash or traveller’s cheques.

9. Telephones, fax & Internet Telephone On your first day at the school, you’ll get instructions on how to use a payphone and how to telephone your home country. We remind you that you should not use your homestay host’s telephone to call your family, as there is no way of checking the total cost of the call. Depending on the length of your stay we highly recommend buying a local Spanish mobile phone. You will receive information about this on arrival.

Fax All EF schools use fax machines to conduct business. You can send and receive faxes from this machine. There is no charge for receiving faxes.

The price for sending faxes is 2€ per page. When you receive mail or faxes at the school, these will be kept at the front desk for you until you pick them up.

Internet The school is equipped with Wi-Fi wireless Internet. Students are highly encouraged to bring their personal laptop computers for email and Internet use on the wireless network.

Students are also able to access the Internet and email in the computer centre according to the timetable set by the school.

10. Health Care & Insurance We strongly recommend that you take out a comprehensive health insurance policy before leaving for Barcelona. An insurance policy will cover you in case of illness while away from your home country is available through your local EF office. If you have any health problems during your stay, please alert your homestay hosts or the EF staff at the school, either one can put you in touch with a doctor.

If you do have to see a doctor during your stay, you should:

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❚❚ Keep copies of all bills ❚❚ Keep all prescriptions or make copies ❚❚ Fill out an EF Insurance Claim Form if you have purchased Erika Travel Insurance (forms available upon request at the school).

Mutual Health Insurance Agreement Students from Austria, Iceland, Norway, Belgium, Israel, Poland, Denmark, Italy, Portugal, Finland, Liechtenstein, Sweden, France, Luxemburg, Switzerland, Germany, Morocco, Tunisia, Greece, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Former Yugoslavia have a mutual health insurance agreement with Spain. We recommend that students ask their health insurance in their home country for an E -111, -106 or -109 form.

Even students from the above countries should consider purchasing a supplementary insurance, since this mutual agreement covers them only for basic treatment by the first available doctor. A supplementary private insurance like Erika Travel Insurance entitles the student to a wider choice of treatments, doctors, health services available more quickly, and preferential conditions for hospital stays.

Third Party Liability Insurance Please make sure that you have third party liability insurance. Particularly for long-term students, this is a condition for obtaining your visa from the local authorities.

Please inquire at your local EF office prior to departure, as this type of coverage may already be included in your policy IF you have purchased student travel insurance through EF. Erika Travel Insurance Because security is EF’s number one priority, we have negotiated a comprehensive tailor-made travel insurance package for EF students with Erika Travel Insurance, an international insurance expert. The policy protects you against expenses incurred through accident or illness, and provides coverage for loss or theft of baggage and personal effects. It also provides coverage against interruption of your EF program due to illness as well as liability and legal expenses.

The EF staff is trained to assist with your Erika Travel Insurance questions and claims. When you are sick or injured the last thing you want to do is deal with such issues. Let us help you!

11. Activities & Excursions Extracurricular activities contribute greatly to your social and academic success. They not only help you to relax after a day studying, they also provide you with an opportunity to meet and make friends from other classes, other countries and other cultures. Your school’s activities and trips give you the opportunity to apply your life skills, practice Spanish in real situations and familiarize yourself with the Spanish culture.

Activity Programme You will have the chance to take part in a programme of sports, activities and excursions.

They are organised by the Activity Director at a minimum cost to the student.

Barcelona offers a tremendous range of cultural and recreational activities. At the beginning of every second week you will be informed of the programme planned two weeks ahead. This programme will include activities and suggestions on how best to spend free time. Please note that most excursions and activities require a contribution from the students and a minimum number of participants to run.

Some examples: ❚❚ Visits within the city of Barcelona: 5-7€.

(Examples: Pablo Picasso Museum, Sagrada Familia, Cathedral, Joan Miró Museum) ❚❚ Full-day excursions: 30-35€. (Examples: Dalí Museum, Tarragona, Costa Brava) ❚❚ Two-day excursions: 200-230€. (Examples: Madrid, Mallorca, Rafting, Skiing) Sports EF students are able to use the sports facilities of the University of Barcelona which include: indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis, squash, football, athletics, and a gym.

Membership Fees: 89€ (two month membership fee) The fees get progressively cheaper the longer you sign up but the minimum is two months.

You can sign up at the University Sports Complex, and you should bring money and a photograph. The above membership fee entitles you to use the sports facilities as mentioned above. If you want to take lessons in any sport there is an additional fee, the amount depends on the sport. You can

find out more information once you are in Barcelona.

EF students can join DiR Gyms at a 10% discount. DiR Gym is the most prevalent gym chain in Barcelona, there are many in all the different districts of Barcelona Our students have the opportunity to take sailing courses at The Real Club Nautico de Barcelona for very low rates starting at 75€ per month.

12. Transportation Public transportation The public transport system in Barcelona is very good. A detailed bus and metro map will be given to you upon arrival. The EF staff will also inform you on ticket prices. The best course of action for the first week is to buy a card with ten single trips (T-10) at a reduced price of 7,70€.

The closest metro stop to the school is PROVENZA (L6, S1, S2, S5, S55.) There are also several bus stops nearby, while taxis are inexpensive and generally always available.

Cars We do not recommend that you bring your own car to Barcelona. It is a very large city with dense traffic and parking is limited.

13. Expectations Expectations are a normal part of a new experience. Remember that many of your expectations may have been formed by the unreal world of TV and movies. Arrive at your course centre with an open mind!

What you can expect from EF: zS upportive staff available for guidance and encouragement. zA language programme which combines language, special interest, and culture-oriented classes. zA full programme of local activities and excursions at special EF rates. z Accommodation in a homestay. zA ll designated meals. zE F Academic Year Abroad Diploma for Academic Year Abroad students with 80% attendance per term and good academic standing and academic records

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zE F Course Certificate for International Language Students with 80% attendance and good academic standing. zP reparation classes and/or materials for appropriate standardised language exams What EF expects of you: ❚❚To develop a greater understanding of the world around you. ❚❚To attend at least 80% of all classes and to do your best in class at all times. ❚❚To be respectful of your homestay hosts, your classmates, your teachers, and your community. ❚❚To keep your room and shared areas clean. ❚❚To speak Spanish at all times. ❚❚To abide by all laws, rules, and regulations of your host country and school. ❚❚As a representative of your country, community and school, the highest standards of responsibility and behaviour are expected What you can expect from your homestay hosts: ❚❚A comfortable, clean place to live. ❚❚ Prepared meals or accessibility to food to prepare yourself according to the meal plan. ❚❚ Access to the school in approximately one hour by public transportation. All transportation costs are your responsibility.

What your homestay hosts expect of you: ❚❚ Treat the family members of your homestay and their property with respect. ❚❚ You will be responsible for a reasonable amount of chores/housework ❚❚ No refunds will be granted for students who choose to leave their homestay for personal reasons

❚❚ You must observe “quiet hours” if and when they are established by your homestay hosts ❚❚ You must abide by all rules listed in the homestay contract (where applicable) Rules and regulations You will be required to abide by all local and national laws as well as any rules of the EF school. Violation of these rules will lead to a verbal warning and possible disciplinary action by the School Director. Any student who ignores a verbal warning will be given a formal written warning, a copy of which will be sent, when appropriate, to the formal legal guardian. Any further breaches of the rules may be followed by expulsion from the programme. In the case of serious misbehaviour, you will have to return to your home country at your own expense. You will be required to sign a copy of these rules prior to your departure, which will be explained again at orientation.

National laws ❚❚ Everyone must carry identification at all times ❚❚ Drinking and purchase of hard liquor is prohibited under the age of 18 ❚❚ Under the current visa legislation, non-EU students are not permitted to undertake employment in Spain ❚❚ Students under the age of 16 may not enter discos. Those under 18 may enter, but must leave before midnight ❚❚Remember that you are legally governed by the laws of Spain. If you break these laws, your consulate cannot offer you free legal assistance or bail you out of jail. You are considered responsible for your own actions.

EF International Language Center Rules ❚❚In accordance with immigration regulations, non-EC students may not accept paid employment ❚❚If you leave the programme during the course of the year, EF International Language Centers have the right to revoke your student visa and advise you to return home ❚❚You must notify the School Director and your homestay hosts if you plan to travel independently of EF and if you will be away overnight

14. Spanish culture & living tips Passport and visa issues You will need a valid passport. In addition, you may need a student visa, depending on the length of your stay. Please check with the Spanish Embassy in your country.

The Schengen Visa (very important for nonEU students on the Multi-Language Year Programme or any non-EU students intending to travel after or during their programme in the Schengen states).

The following European Countries participate in the Schengen programme: Austria, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxemburg, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and The Netherlands.

If applicable, a Schengen Visa issued by a consulate of one of the countries mentioned above allows the holder to travel freely through all of the countries. For any non-EU students who are not normally required to hold a visa for individual stays of up to 90 days in one Schengen country, but who will be staying for a consecutive period of more than 90 days in the Schengen countries collectively, either a Schengen visa or a valid visa from each of the countries to be visited is required. In either case, the visa application(s) must be completed before you leave your home country, and cannot be applied for through the consulate in one of your host countries. In other words, you will not be eligible to apply for a visa from outside your home country, and would need to return home in order to obtain the appropriate visa in person. ❚❚If you intend to visit only one Schengen country, you must apply at the consulate of that specific country.

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❚❚If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply at the consulate of the country, which is your main destination. ❚❚If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, but do not have a main destination or you will be staying the same amount of time in each of them, you must apply at the consulate of the country you will enter first. ❚❚If you do not need a visa for the Schengen country which is your main destination, please note that a visa may be required for other Schengen countries. You should then apply for a visa at the consulate of the country you will enter first.

To apply for a Schengen visa, you will need: ❚❚To appear in person at the visa office of the Consulate General closest to you. You must submit the application form, available through the consulate, and a recent passport-size photograph. Please inquire with your local consulate to see if more than one copy of the application form, or multiple photos will be necessary in your particular case, which may vary depending on the countries you intend to visit during your stay. ❚❚To present to the visa office your passport which must be valid at least 90 days over your expected stay, proof of residency in your consular jurisdiction, a valid round trip ticket for transportation, and proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay.

You should also bring the acceptance letters from each of the schools you will be attending in the Schengen countries, specifying dates of attendance. If you will be travelling to another destination following your stay in the Schengen countries for which you are required to hold a separate visa, you will also need to present this visa when applying for your Schengen visa. Further documentation may be requested from you by the consulate, particular to your application. *Fees will vary, please inquire at the time of your application.

EU citizens who will be staying for a consecutive period of more than 90 days in Spain must sign up in the local police station. Once arrived, school staff will explain how to do this easy procedure.

15. Adjusting to a New Culture The EF community is more than a group of students who have come together to learn

Spanish. It is also a multi-cultural group of young adults who are eager to share their own culture and learn the culture of their host country and fellow classmates.

One’s culture is made up of values, beliefs, arts, traditions and practices of a specific community or population. Our culture affects how we view ourselves, how we relate to others and what we value as important in life. We are often unaware of how much our culture affects our lives.

You may have already had some exposure to the new culture you are about to experience.

You may have seen television shows, read books, or studied in school about Spain. While some parts of this culture may already seem familiar to you, experiencing a new culture firsthand will prove exciting. You will be meeting students from all over the world who, like you, are looking forward to spending a year learning and living a language, both inside and outside the classroom.

As a visitor to a new culture, you may experience periods of fatigue and discomfort when you are uncomfortable. Culture shock is what sometimes happens when we try to meet challenges of our new culture by using the values, beliefs, and attitudes of our own culture. As visitors to a new culture, we must learn that cultural differences are merely different - not right or wrong.

It is a good idea to bring traditional objects from your culture to share with other students and your host to teach them about your country.

Tips on coping with change Remember that change does not come without some effort! We humans need a certain amount of stress to motivate us to learn new ways of being. Learning always involves some form of change. You should try the following: zW hile you might be tempted to surround yourself with things that are familiar to you, try not to isolate yourself by being only with others from your home country. Keep reaching out to your host, roommates and other students. zP ut off making major decisions such as an accommodation change, until you feel more “at home” with the culture in general. zT alk to us about your worries or problems.

EF Staff are here to help and would prefer to

know about any problem you may have so that we can help you. zS et goals, no matter how big or small, and accomplish them! You will feel good about yourself in doing so, and you will reduce the negative feelings associated with culture shock. For example, set a goal that you will speak Spanish at all times. zR emind yourself that you came to this country to experience a new culture, to meet others and to explore your new surroundings.

Relax, take a deep breath and reflect back on the days before leaving your home country when you were excited about your new adventure. Try to refocus this former excitement towards your experience.

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Keeping a journal One way to keep track of emotions and changes that take place over the year is to keep a journal. By recording your experiences and feelings on a regular basis, you will be able to reduce the impact of culture shock. You will have a record of your academic and personal progress to look back on in days and years to come. Be sure to note changes in: zL anguage skills zS chool performance and involvement zC ampus/host adjustment z I ndividual learning and growth Keeping a journal will help to remind you that culture shock is truly a temporary phase of adjustment.

Bring pictures and items from home If you have room in your suitcases for some music, a costume, pictures, or some typical crafts, it would be good to show other students, as well as to decorate your room to make it seem like home. We have seen costumes and drums from Korea, music from Austria and traditional dress from France.

Please bring pictures of your friends, family and surrounding area.

16. EF School Calendar Academic Year Schedule The Academic Year is divided into three terms.

(See the applicable start date below for your program’s specific term and break schedule).

January 2012 Academic Year and Semester Program Orientation: Fri 6 Jan - Sun 8 Jan Term 1: Mon 9 Jan - Fri 9 Mar Holiday: Sat 10 Mar - Sun 25 Mar Term 2: Mon 26 Mar - Fri 1 Jun Semester Departure: 2 Jun 2012 Holiday: Sat 2 Jun - Sun 10 Jun Term 3: (Year) Mon 11 Jun - Fri 17 Aug Departure: 18 Aug 2012 April 2012 Academic Year and Semester Program Orientation: Fri 13 Apr - Sun 15 Apr Term 1: Mon 16 Apr - Fri 1 Jun Holiday: Sat 2 Jun - Sun 10 Jun Term 2: Mon 11 Jun - Fri 7 Sep Semester Departure: 8 Sep 2012 Holiday: Sat 8 Sep - Sun 23 Sep Term 3: (Year) Mon 24 Sep - Fri 30 Nov Departure: 1 Dec 2012 June 2012 Academic Year and Semester Program Orientation: Fri 8 Jun - Sun 10 Jun Term 1: Mon 11 Jun - Fri 7 Sep Holiday: Sat 8 Sep - Sun 23 Sep Term 2: Mon 24 Sep - Fri 14 Dec Semester Departure: 17 Nov 2012 Holiday: Sat 15 Dec - Sun 6 Jan Term 3: (Year) Mon 7 Jan - Fri 8 Feb Departure: 9 Feb 2013 September 2012 Academic Year and Semester Program Orientation: Fri 21 Sep - Sun 23 Sep Term 1: Mon 24 Sep - Fri 14 Dec Holiday: Sat 15 Dec - Sun 6 Jan Term 2: Mon 7 Jan - Fri 8 Mar Semester Departure: 9 Mar 2013 Holiday: Sat 9 Mar - Sun 24 Mar Term 3: (Year) Mon 25 Mar - Fri 31 May Departure: 1 June 2013 January 2013 Academic Year and Semester Program Orientation: Fri 4 Jan - Sun 6 Jan Term 1: Mon 7 Jan - Fri 8 Mar Holiday: Sat 9 Mar - Sun 24 Mar Term 2: Mon 25 Mar - Fri 7 Jun Semester Departure: 8 Jun 2013 Holiday: Sat 8 Jun - Sun 16 Jun Term 3: (Year) Mon 17 Jun - Fri 16 Aug Departure: 17 Aug 2013

School holidays The EF International Language Center in Barcelona recognizes the following public holidays when there will be no classes. If your arrival falls on one of these dates, please check with the school staff upon your arrival for an exact orientation schedule.

2012 1 January - Año Nuevo 6 January - Dia de los tres Reyes 6 April - Viernes Santo 9 April - Lunes de Pascua 1 May - Fiesta del Trabajo 24 June - Día de San Juan 15 August - La Asunción 11 September - Fiesta Nacional de Cataluña 12 October - La Hispanidad 1 November - Todos los Santos 6 December - Día de la Constitución 8 December - Día de la Inmaculada Concepción 25 December - Navidad 2013 1 January - Año Nuevo 6 January - Dia de los tres Reyes 29 March - Viernes Santo 1 April - Lunes de Pascua 1 May - Fiesta del Trabajo 24 June - Día de San Juan 15 August - La Asunción 11 September - Fiesta Nacional de Cataluña 12 October - La Hispanidad 1 November - Todos los Santos 6 December - Día de la Constitución 8 December - Día de la Inmaculada Concepción 25 December - Navidad

Important telephone numbers Homestay host’s or student residence name:

public holidays.

■■ Valid passport (with visa where necessary) It’s a good idea to make copies of these and pack them in your suitcase just in case. You don’t need to carry your passport with you while you are in Spain but you must keep it and your other documents in a safe place while you are in the country.

■■ Passport Photos (4) for EF student identification cards, travel cards and other possible documents ■■ Flight ticket ■■ Luggage correctly labeled ■■ E F Confirmation letter & other EF documents ■■ M ake sure all EF forms are complete, especially the Health Certificate ■■ Medical and travel insurance documents ■■ Basic medical supplies, any medication you take regularly and a spare pair of contact lenses or glasses if you wear them.

■■ An International Driving License if you are planning on renting a car.

■■ Local currency for first week and for any learning materials that are not included in the cost of the course.

■■ Money in the form of an ATM card (Automatic Transaction Card), credit cards and/or traveler’s checks (Do NOT bring large amounts of cash in any currency!).

■■ Electric adaptor for any electrical appliances you plan to bring with you.

________________________________________ Homestay host’s or student residence address:

________________________________________ Homestay host’s or student residence telephone number(s):

■■ Pencil and/or pen and notebook.

■■ Items from your hometown or country so you can share your culture with friends, homestay hosts and teachers.

■■ Personal sports equipment.

________________________________________

■■ Favorite books, photos and a camera.

EF Sales Office telephone number:

________________________________________ EF School telephone number:

+34 93 202 02 08 ________________________________________ EF School emergency telephone number:

Please note: there will be no classes on

17. Checklist

+34 60 682 1078 ________________________________________

■■ Homestay or student residence details and emergency numbers.