Predeparture London AYA 2012

EF International Language Centers

Academic Year Abroad For adults and Students aged 16 & above

London Europe’s largest city is a colourful mix of cultures and languages, designer boutiques and funky street markets, old tradition and high fashion. The EF school is just a short walk to the River Thames, Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square.

Contact details: 74 Roupell St London SE1 8SS, UK Tel: +(44) 2074 018399

EF London

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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 - London Section.......Topic

1 ............ Introduction to EF

Dear Student Thank you for choosing to study in London. You have made

2 ............ Welcome to the UK

an exciting decision, as there is surely nowhere in the English-

3 ............ Weather watch

cosmopolitan and modern outlook on life as well as London.

4 ............ Travel & transfer service

EF London has a friendly atmosphere where staff will take time to

5 ............ School information

well-equipped, offering classes for all abilities, as well as iLab com-

6 ............ Academics 7 ............ Accommodation & meals 8 ............ Money matters 9 ............ Phones, faxes & Internet

speaking world that can combine centuries of tradition with a

help you with any aspect of your stay. The school is both large and puter rooms for online learning and wireless access for personal computer use. If you require help enrolling for exams, would like to gain work experience, or are interested in studying at an English university, we have experts available to help you. Our friendly staff can help you with every aspect of your stay, whether it involves your lessons, accommodation or your social life.

We are situated on a peaceful street, where during breaks from

10 .......... Health care & insurance

your lessons you can relax under the shade of the trees in our

11 .......... School activities & excursions

walk from the heart of the city, the River Thames, and the nightlife

12 .......... Transportation

private courtyard. At the same time, we are just a few minutes and theatres of Covent Garden.

And remember that only you can decide how much English you

13 .......... Expectations

will learn and how much you will benefit from living in this city. As

14 .......... UK culture & living tips

open mind and a willingness to learn. So welcome to the capital

well as your passport, you will need to bring determination, an city of England: EF London looks forward to meeting you.

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

Best wishes, Helen Deex, Executive Director EF International Language Center, London

1. Introduction to EF EF Education First welcomes students of all ages from every corner of the world to learn a language where it is natively spoken. Our innovative curriculum, the EF Efekta™ System, integrates face-to-face learning in a classroom with studying outside the classroom using the interactive learning tools in our online iLab. An intensively structured academic program along with an array of educational and social activities results 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 years to take advantage of this opportunity.

A large percentage of EF students apply their new language skills by taking a recognized exam, such as Cambridge, TOEFL, TOEIC and IELTS. Successful completion of such exams provides the necessary language qualifications for university and for professional endeavors. Many students view their time with EF as a chance to explore educational alternatives while improving language and study skills. Students wishing to study at university can access information and make informed academic choices through our EF University Placement Service.

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 the UK! Congratulations on choosing one of the most interesting and varied countries to study in! Britain’s character has been shaped by its position as an island. It has not been successfully invaded since 1066 and its people have developed their own distinctive traditions.

The Roman invasion of AD43 lasted for 350 years and helped bring culture and civilization to the islands. This was soon replaced by the culture and language of the Northern European settlers that followed.

For a small island, Great Britain encompasses much variety in its regions. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are ruled through London but they remain separate countries from England.

Many have their own regional language as well as English. Even the landscape, architecture and food can vary from region to region, from the mountains of Wales and Scotland to the rolling hills of the south and west and from the haggis of Scotland through to the fish and chips of England.

3. Weather Watch Situated in the southeast of England, the climate is rarely extreme but the weather can be variable.

Make sure to pack an umbrella for the rainy days.

Temperatures range from: Spring: 3° to 19°C (37° to 66°F) Summer: 9° to 25°C (48° to 77°F) Autumn: 3° to 18°C (37° to 64°F) Winter: 0° to 9°C (32° to 48°F)

tories. The effect of this can still been seen today with many of Britain’s streets containing small residential terraced housing that was originally built to house the influx of people.

4. Travel & transfer service

British cities are melting pots for people from all over the world. Since the 1950s hundreds of thousands of immigrants came from the former British colonies in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.

London, UK

When you are studying you will notice how Britain has changed over the years. While still holding on to traditions such as the Royal family and the legal and Parliamentary systems, Great Britain will offer you the chance to experience varied historical, cultural and vibrant ways of life. We believe that living abroad and learning a language will give you valuable insights into the culture, customs and history of your host country and give you many essential skills to take home.

Over three quarters of the land is set aside for agriculture but during the 19th and 20th centuries there was a huge growth in the urban population.

Britain became the first industrialised nation and thousands of people moved from the countryside to the towns and cities near mines, mills and fac-

The British love their countryside and animals.

There is a great enthusiasm for country and city parks with many wildlife nature reserves across the country. This even extends to the home where many gardens are lovingly tended and it is common to find a cat or dog as a pet.

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This ensured a steady supply of labour into the country. Today nearly 10 per cent of Britain’s 58 million people are from non-white ethnic groups and over half of these were born in Britain. In larger cities such as London, this figure reaches nearly 40 per cent. As a result Britain boasts a wide range of music, art, food and religion - giving you the student exciting new experiences.

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

When you arrive in London, pass through customs and wait at the information desk in the arrival area for an EF Representative to meet you.

Do not go to another part of the airport unless an EF staff member tells you to. If, after approximately 30 minutes you still have not met with your greeter, go to the information desk and ask for help, or call the EF school emergency number for assistance. You will receive the emergency number and other important contact information from your local EF office prior to departure.

We would ask you to be extra vigilant on arrival at the airports as there have been a few incidents where students have been picked up by Taxi Touts, who frequently target foreign students.

They convince them they are EF Taxi drivers, drive the students to their destination and then charge them for the transfer telling them that they can then claim this money back from the school. This is not true, so please make sure that you do not go with any driver who is not holding an EF sign.

If your luggage doesn’t arrive on time and the airline sends it to you, please make sure you give the school address as the delivery address.

Independent Travel If you wish to make your own way to your accommodation, the best route to take depends on which airport you arrive at. zF rom London Heathrow Airport: you can catch the Heathrow express, which takes you into Paddington Station. You can also take the underground, Piccadilly line, which will take you into central London. zF rom London Gatwick: you can catch the Gatwick express which takes you into London Victoria Station. zF rom Stansted or Luton airport: you can catch a coach service which will take you into London Victoria or London Liverpool Street Station.

From any of these mainline stations, you can connect to other transport services to complete the remainder of your journey. If you travel to London by train, you will most likely arrive at Kings Cross St. Pancras, from where you can connect to other transport services to complete the remainder of your journey.

5. School Information The School Director is assisted by an accomplished staff of teachers and administrators.

There is also an Activities Coordinator who organises EF activities and excursions.

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London, UK

The school offers the following: z i Lab computer rooms for classes & self-study zC omputer lab zW ireless internet throughout the building and courtyard for personal computer use zS tudent lounge with TV zC afeteria zN otice boards to tell you what is happening. z Private Courtyard with pool table and table tennis

6. Academics EF language courses give students the opportunity to study the English language and the local culture for as long, and with as much intensity, as suits the student and his or her needs.

EF Level Placement Test Within 24-hours after booking your course, you’ll receive your personalized EF username and password for the online EF campus called My EF. Before traveling, you will take the EF Level Placement test online. This test will measure your language level and ability, grammar and listening comprehension abilities. Using your test results, our academic team will place you in one of six different language levels. As your English language skills become stronger, you will be promoted into the next language level. You may speak with your teacher if you feel you have been placed into the wrong level.

Orientation During your orientation you will receive your class schedule and other important information about the school and the city. Fun activities are planned to help you meet students and staff. Staff are on hand to help you with any questions or concerns during your first few days.

General English Classes General English classes focus on the development of the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. They also include work on grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. Each lesson is 40 minutes in length.

Special Interest Classes Depending on your course type you may also select a number of special interest (SPIN) classes. SPINs allow you to improve your English through the study of a wide range of subject options. Admission to some of these will depend on academic and linguistic level and availability

of places. The selection of SPIN classes varies throughout the year and a student may not be able to repeat the same SPIN class. Each lesson is 40 minutes in length.

Class size The average class size is 15 students with a maximum of 17 students.

Class Schedule The EF London school is open six days each week. Students studying less than 6 months will be on a Tuesday to Saturday timetable (with Sunday and Monday free). All other students will be on a Monday to Friday timetable (with Saturday and Sunday free). Classes will be scheduled between 8.30 am and 7.30 pm 5 consecutive days per week and may be in the morning or the afternoon.

Peak Summer Season Timetabling During the summer between the first week of July and the third week of August, the school is open for classes Monday through Saturday.

Your schedule will be either Monday to Friday or Tuesday to Saturday between the hours of 8.30 am and 7.30 pm. Your timetable will confirm your schedule.

Attendance You are expected to attend all classes. Consistent failure to attend class, for whatever reason, may result in expulsion from the program with no refund of course fees. In order to be eligible for an EF certificate and in order to take the EFCELT departure exam, students are expected to participate in class and must attend at least 80% of all classes.

Please note: EF complies with UK Border Agency regulations regarding periods of absence.

Homework You are expected to complete all assignments set by your teachers in General English and Special Interest classes. If you are taking an examination preparation class you should expect at least one hour of homework per night.

Assessment You will be assessed at regular intervals throughout the course. Assessment is based on attendance, participation, attitude and performance.

Course books You will have paid for your course books when you booked your programme. 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. iLab Learning All English language school courses include six iLab sessions per week. iLab sessions complement and reinforce classroom learning in an interactive online learning environment. Please note: iLab is not included in the EF Basic Course.

Exams You may enrol for several different public examinations during your course. For example, Cambridge and IELTS exams are popular with students. These must be taken at an external examination centre and booked several months in advance. You will need to pay fees to register for public exams in the UK. This is typically £90 to £110 for each exam. Advice as to the most appropriate examination to sit will be given to you by your Director of Studies.

Summer school Please note that during the summer months we operate two EF London schools. Depending on your course of study you will attend classes at either our EF London school in Roupell Street, or EF London Summer School in Portland Place, near Oxford Street. At both locations you will be met with prime learning facilities and an active student life.

Cancellation of course or school transfer If you decide to downgrade, cancel or transfer your course to another EF school within the UK, please talk to our Customer Support team. They will advise you of any transfer charges and visa restrictions.

EF University Placement Service EF International Language Centers offer a university placement service that provides expert advice on applying for university in the UK and Ireland. If you are interested in continuing your studies, you are encouraged to talk with the University Pathways Manager at your school.

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London, UK

University Transfer Credit Through our partnership with Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), EF students may be eligible to receive university credit for their coursework.

7. Accommodation & Meals Homestay and student residence accommodation are available at the EF school. All homestay matters or student residence issues during your stay should be directed to the Accommodation Staff.

Homestay accommodation Students staying in a homestay will have the opportunity to experience British life and also have the chance to practice their new language skills with fluent English speakers. Students who choose homestay accommodation should do so because they want to live in a home environment and interact with the members of the household.

Our homestay hosts choose to host international students because they want to learn about other cultures and people. Students who live in a homestay must respect the family and their home. Likewise, the hosts will respect the student. As you get an in-depth look at British life, you will realize that British culture is not the same as your culture, and therefore, home life may be quite different.

The relationship between husband and wife, the roles of family members, the relationship with or discipline of children and the relationship with pets are just some examples. If you are open-

minded about these differences, life in the family will be a great learning experience.

There is no stereotypical family. Hosts may consist of 1) mother and father without children, 2) single mother with children, 3) mother, father and children, 4) retired couple, 5) widowed woman, or 6) single father with children.

EF has two different types of homestay accommodation; Homestay, which has a maximum of four students per house and two students per room; and Homeshare which has up to eight students in one house and two students per room. Homeshare offers a more independent atmosphere and students have less direct contact with the homestay hosts.

You are responsible for all transportation costs to and from the host’s home. You may be placed up to one hour away from the school.

Before you leave your home country, please let your homestay hosts know the date and estimated time of your arrival to ensure they are at home to welcome you when you arrive.

Laundry and Facilities Your homestay hosts will change your towel and sheets every week. You are responsible for your own clothes. If you want to use your host ’s washing facilities, there will usually be a charge of approximately £4 - £5 per week.

You are responsible for your personal items such as shampoo, conditioner, soap and other items.

In England not all bathrooms have showers – it is very common to just have a bath. You will probably share the bathroom with others. This means that you may need to be flexible about shower and bath times.

Always remember to keep your room clean and tidy. Make your bed, and put your belongings away. You are also responsible for cleaning up after snacks and for washing your own dishes after breakfast. It is also polite to help clear the table after dinner.

Telephone use To call your friends and family you will need to use a prepaid telephone card, which is available at the school. Your family can telephone you, but please ask them not to call too late. Remember that you are sharing the telephone with the rest of the people in the home. Do not spend more than 15 minutes on the phone at any time.

Requests for change Homestay accommodation is booked for your entire course. You may only change homestays for very serious reasons. Requests for change will be considered on an individual basis. No refunds will be granted for students who choose to leave their homestay for personal reasons.

zV ideo entry phone zF ully equipped kitchen with washer/dryer, dishwasher and microwave oven zL ounge with colour TV z2 4-hour security zO nce a week cleaning with linen change zE levator to all floors/levels Manna Ash Summer Residence (July & August only) WIth a fantastic location in Zone 1 near Waterloo, Manna Ash is just a 10-minute walk from the school. This area is also very close to the city centre (20-minute walk) and around it are many good restaurants and other amenities. There is a student lounge with a TV, coin operated washing machine and bicycle parking, monitored 24 hours a day. zS ingle room zE n-suite bathroom zS elf-catering shared between 6-8 students zS ummer only residence (July & August only) Please note: towels are not provided in any of the EF London residences. You will need to pay for replacements of lost keys, damage, or fines if you break our health and safety guidelines.

Spending money We recommend that you bring about £100 for your first days in England to cover costs such as travel to school, lunch, and telephone calls.

We recommend that you bring £100 - £150 for each week you plan to stay in England. This should cover lunches, laundry, travel to and from school, and EF Activities mid-week. For weekend excursions, shopping and depending on what you choose to do during your leisure time, you may need to bring more. Please also remember you will need to pay for any language proficiency exams you plan to take.

Only carry as much money as you need for one day – remember 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 When changing money in the UK always go to a recognised bank or travel agent. Commission rates will vary so check first for the best rate. We regret that we are unable to change money in the school.

8. Money Matters Meals in a homestay Your homestay hosts provide breakfast and dinner Monday to Friday, and all meals on the weekends. You are responsible for your own lunch during the week. Meals will only be provided when you are home to participate. 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.

There will be no refund for meals not taken at home with your family. There is an EF Cafeteria at the school, where you can purchase food and drinks throughout the day.

Residential accommodation Please note: towels are not provided in any of the EF London residences.

Ability Towers The Ability Towers residence is located between the trendy areas of Old Street and Upper Street.

Central London and the West End are about a 10-minute ride away. The closest underground station is Old Street Station, which is about a 5-minute walk. The trip to the EF school takes approximately 35 minutes.

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London, UK

Currency British currency is in pounds sterling (abbreviated to GBP, Great British Pound, or nicknamed quid by the British). The symbol for this currency is £.

The pound is divided into 100 pence (abbreviated as p). If you purchase something that is 95 pence, for example, you will probably be told that the amount is “95 pee” rather than 95 pence.

You will see amounts written this way: “95p” or “£0.95.”

Banknotes come in denominations of £5, £10, £20, and £50. They will each be a different size and a different color to allow you to tell them apart more easily. Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 pence, as well as 1 and 2 pounds.

Banks For short stays it is not possible to open a bank account, however It is a good idea to open a bank account if you will be staying more than 6 months. If required you can hire a safety deposit box at a bank, please ask the EF office for advice.

Credit cards EF strongly recommends 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 All long distance calls must be collect calls, charged to the person you are calling, or charged to a prepaid telephone card, which can be purchased at the EF school. We recommend that students expecting to stay for a long period of time come with or purchase a mobile phone.

Fax All EF schools use fax machines to conduct business. You can send and receive faxes from this machine for a small fee, although you are encouraged to limit the use. When you receive mail or faxes at the school, these will be kept in Activities for you until you pick them up.

There are also many places close to the school that send faxes and charge for the time used.

Ask the front desk for directions to the nearest fax machine you can use.

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!

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.

11. Activities & Excursions

10. Health Care & Insurance The EF staff can recommend nearby hospitals and doctors offices if you need medical attention.

Please ask the EF staff or your homestay hosts for assistance if you need medical attention. If you have any personal problems there is always someone who you can talk to confidentially. We strongly recommend that you register with a doctor in your first week if you are staying for 6 months or more. Your host family or residence staff can advise you.

Insurance All students traveling to the UK are required to have medical and accident insurance upon starting their program of study. You will still have to pay for some treatment if you see a doctor but you can claim the money back from the insurance company. Please note: You will need to keep all receipts in order to receive money back from the insurance company.

All students are required to bring proof of insurance in English to show that they have proper health insurance when a medical emergency occurs. Students who do not bring proof of insurance will be required to purchase insurance through EF at the school.

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.

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London, UK

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 English in real situations and familiarize yourself with British culture.

Activity Programme The EF Activities Coordinator arranges a regular schedule of local activities, day-trips, and weekend excursions to area attractions. The cost of these trips is not included in the tuition.

Typical activities and excursions The school arranges weekend excursions and day trips to local attractions. The number of trips and the cost depend on the time of year and the number of students wishing to participate. Our excursions are organised at a minimum cost, are great fun and extremely good value.

Excursions could range from day trips to Brighton, or the Roman City of Bath and Stonehenge (cost between £25 and £55) to weekend trips to Edinburgh, Dublin, Amsterdam or Paris (cost between £145 and £249). These prices are subject to change at any time.

Example of the London activities schedule These activities may differ from those on offer during your stay here with us.

Monday zB oat Trip on the Thames: For all new students, see London’s fabulous sights and attractions aboard a boat. Including: Big Ben, Parliament, the Globe, London Eye and more. Cost £5.

Tuesday zL ondon Eye: Come and take a flight on the London Eye with EF. 2 p.m. Cost £12. zT rip to St Paul’s Cathedral: Climb to the top of the dome from where you can see a panoramic view of London and experience the Whispering Gallery 2 p.m. Cost £9.

Wednesday zT rip To Madame Tussauds: See all the famous stars face to face! Don’t forget to bring your camera. Cost £15. zT heatre Trip: Phantom of the Opera London’s most famous musical. Cost £30.

Thursday zC hanging of the Guard: Visit nearby Buckingham Palace where you can witness this spectacular royal tradition. Cost free. zT ower of London: Explore this 1,000 year old fortress, its history and see the famous Crown Jewels! Cost £15 Friday zF ootball: Come and play with us at the Colombo Centre (indoors if it rains) Cost free. ❚❚ Party Night!! Come and party at London’s most exclusive and fun clubs, including Ministry of Sound, Pacha and Café de Paris. Over 18’s only. Cost between free and £7.

Saturday zB righton and the Royal Pavilion: Come with EF to the beach town of Brighton. Includes coach and tour of the Pavilion and free time to explore.

Cost £25. zO xford and University: Come with EF to the beautiful city of Oxford. Includes return coach travel, guided tour of the city and entrance into Christchurch College. Cost £35.

Sunday zB ath and Stonehenge. Visit the historic site of Stonehenge and explore the unique city of Bath. Includes return coach travel, entrance to Stonehenge and a guided tour of Bath. Cost £45.

Let us help you have fun!

London has more galleries and museums than any city in the world. These include The Natural History Museum, the Museum of the Moving Image, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the National Gallery and the British Museum. Some charge a small entrance fee whereas most others are completely free of charge.

Parties, club nights and pub visits are held on a regular basis as well as going to theatres, musicals & TV shows. We will organise anything of interest - just let us know what you would like to do. Our staff will keep you informed about

what’s going on and show you the most happening places of the time.

Whether booking theatre tickets, searching for a cheap flight or planning a trip, the activities office has the contacts and means to help you.

12. Transportation Public transportation There are many forms of reliable public transportation in and around the London city centre.

It is also affordable, so take advantage of every opportunity to use it.

Bus Traditional London buses travel to all parts of the city and are easy to identify, being painted bright red.

Train London has a complex network of underground train stations and this is more commonly known as ‘The Tube’. It consists of 11 different lines crossing much of London and provides a fast and cheap way to travel all over, categorising London into zones. Each line has its own colour and name - all you need to know is which direction you are travelling in. Day / weekend passes may be purchased, providing unlimited travel.

Taxi If you are in a small group, London’s metered black cabs can be an economical way of getting around the centre. A yellow light over the windscreen tells you if the cab is available - just stick your arm out to hail it. London’s cabbies are the best trained in Europe, every one of them knows the shortest route between any two points.To stay safe, always use black cabs as these are properly licensed – there is no guarantee that other taxis are real taxis.

language, special interest, and culture-oriented classes. zF ull program of local activities and excursions at special EF rates. zA ccommodation in either homestay or student residence. 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 zE F Course Certificate for International Language Students with 80% attendance and good academic standing. zP reparation classes and/or materials for appropriate standardized language exams and availability of University Placement Service (UPS). z EFCELT departure exam for International Lan-

are eligible to work in the UK. This does not apply if you come to the UK as a Student Visitor.

The same rules apply for students wishing to participate in an internship during their course. If you want the possibility of working or doing an internship make sure you apply for the right visa.

guage Students with 80% attendance and good academic standing.

❚❚ your passport (valid for at least six months after the end of your EF course). ❚❚ appropriate visa for your stay ❚❚ proof of your ability to meet the cost of the course, to maintain yourself and any dependents without needing to work during your stay. ❚❚ your EF confirmation letter showing that you have enrolled for a full time course of study.

What EF expects of you: zT o develop a greater understanding of the world around you. zT o attend at least 80% of all classes and to do your best in class at all times. zT o be respectful of your homestay hosts, your classmates, your teachers and your community. zT o keep your room and shared areas clean. zT o speak English at all times. zT o abide by all laws, rules and regulations of your host country, state, campus and school.

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.

14. UK culture & living tips 13. Expectations

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Expectations are a normal part of anticipating 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!

Visas You may need to obtain a visa before setting out on your journey if you are not a European Community national. Check with your EF office and local British Consulate well before you start your journey.

What you can expect from EF: zS upportive staff, available for guidance and encouragement. zA n academic program which combines

Working in the UK All EU passport holders are entitled to work in the UK without restrictions. If you have a Tier 4 General Student visa your visa will state if you

London, UK

Customs Read the customs notices carefully. Do not try to bring any prohibited substances into the country.

We cannot help you if you are stopped by customs for illegal importation of anything which is against the law in Great Britain.

Immigration If you are not a European Community national, you will need to produce the following documents when you arrive in Great Britain.

Food British food today has influences from abroad introducing a wider range of ingredients and more adventurous cooking. While still maintaining its love of more traditional dishes, Britain now has one of the widest selections of restaurants in the world.

Dos and Don’ts You will be required to abide by national laws as well as the rules of the EF school. Violations will lead to a verbal warning and possible disciplinary action by the School Director.

The following are illegal in Great Britain: z D rugs (non-medicinal) zA lcohol if you are under 18 years old zB uying tobacco if you are under 18 (or buying for someone who is under 18) zS moking law - no smoking in public buildings.

Please note that smoking is against the law in all public, enclosed and semi-enclosed spaces in the UK. zS hop-lifting zD riving without insurance or a valid driving license zO ffensive weapons (including pocket knives)

Please don’t break the law. If you do, you will almost certainly be sent straight home on the next available flight and you may even risk being sent to prison.

Travel outside of England If you are planning to travel outside England during your course you may need a visa. Please ensure that you check any visa requirements before you leave your country to avoid disappointment. If your passport has a single entry visa and you are studying for six months or less then you will not be able to travel outside the UK. This visa cannot be changed in the UK. It is strongly recommended that you apply for a Schengen Visa before leaving your home country if possible.

This will give you free travel throughout many European countries without the need to apply for individual tourist visas in London.

Tipping Tipping is customary for taxi drivers and in restaurants where no service charge is added to the bill. 10% is normally acceptable. In restaurants where service is included and in bars, pubs and cafes, there is no need to leave a tip.

Appliances and electricity Remember that the mains voltage in Great Britain is 220-240. You may need to bring an adaptor if you wish to use any of your own electrical appliances.

Recommended reading zR ough Guide, Lonely Planet & Directions City Guide to London are all great guides for where to go, what to do, how to get around, where to stay and what to eat.

Recommended websites zw ww.thisislondon.com zw ww.londontown.com ❚❚ www.viewlondon.co.uk

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

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,

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London, UK

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 the UK. While some parts of this culture may already seem familiar to you, experiencing a new culture first-hand 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

English 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.

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, dancing and music from Austria and a piñata and tortillas from Mexico. 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).

September 2011 Academic Year and Semester Program Orientation: Fri 23 Sep - Sun 25 Sep Term 1: Mon 26 Sep - Fri 16 Dec Holiday: Sat 17 Dec - Sun 8 Jan Term 2: Mon 9 Jan - Fri 9 Mar Semester Departure: 10 Mar 2012 Holiday: Sat 10 Mar - Sun 25 Mar Term 3: (Year) Mon 26 Mar - Fri 1 Jun Departure: 2 Jun 2012 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:

2012 1 January - New Year’s Day 6 April - Good Friday 9 April - Easter Monday 7 May - Early May Bank Holiday 4 June - Spring Bank Holiday 5 June - Queen’s Diamond Jubilee 27 August - Summer Bank Holiday 25 December - Christmas Day 26 December - Boxing Day

Sat 15 Dec - Sun 6 Jan Mon 7 Jan - Fri 8 Feb 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

■■ 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 the UK but you must keep it and your other documents in a safe place while you are in the country.

■■ All original documents submitted for your visa application, if you are travelling on an Adult student visa (Tier 4).

■■ Passport Photos (4) for EF student identification cards, travel cards and other possible documents

■■ 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 with proof of insurance in English. If you have secured Erika Travel Insurance from EF, you do not need to have anything translated.

■■ Basic medical supplies, any medication you take regularly and a spare pair of contact lenses or glasses if you wear them.

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

________________________________________ Homestay host’s or student residence address:

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

■■ An International Driving License if you are planning on hiring or buying a car.

■■ Local currency for first week.

■■ 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.

■■ Pencil and/or pen and notebook.

________________________________________ EF Sales Office telephone number:

________________________________________ EF School telephone number:

+44 2074 018399 ________________________________________ EF School emergency telephone number:

Please note: there will be no classes on public holidays.

17. Checklist

■■ Flight ticket 2013 1 January - New Year’s Day 29 March - Good Friday 1 April - Easter Monday 6 May - Early May Bank Holiday 27 May - Spring Bank Holiday 26 August - Summer Bank Holiday 25 December - Christmas Day 26 December - Boxing Day

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: Term 3: (Year) Departure:

School holidays The EF International Language Centers in the UK recognize 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.

+44 7970 266 229 ________________________________________

■■ 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.

■■ Homestay or student residence details and emergency numbers.