Predeparture Malaga LS 2012

EF International Language Centers

Language Courses Abroad For adults and students aged 16 & above

Malaga Capital of Spain’s sun-drenched Costa del Sol, the port city of Malaga boasts fantastic sandy beaches, palm-fringed boulevards, an excellent art scene, world class golf courses and the best nightlife on the Mediterranean.

Contact details: EF Escuela Internacional de Espanol Avda. Juan Sebastian Elcano, 117-29017 Malaga ESPAÑA Tel: +(34) 952 29 84 81

Parque Lazarillo Blanco Estadio La Rosaleda

La Alcazaba

Universidad de Málaga Palacio Gibralfaro

Museo Picasso de Málaga

Plaza de Toros de Málaga

Arroyo del Gálica

Caleta Beach

Baños del Carmen

Playa de las Acacias

EF Malaga Mediterranean Sea

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Or visit us at Facebook.com/ EFMalaga

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 - Malaga 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 Malaga! You’ve made an excellent choice in coming to study Spanish at the EF Escuela Internacional de Español. Our team of teachers and coordinators can’t wait to help you live and learn in this beautiful city!

Our school is located in a beautiful Malaga villa just two blocks from the Mediterranean Sea. On the lively beachfront you can sample the local catch, or go for a jog on the sand. The city centre, just 20 minutes away by bus, offers world-class shopping, bustling cafés, and the famous Picasso Museum, along with other big-city attractions.

Best of all, Malaga is the capital of Spain’s Costa del Sol, with great weather year-round. The locals are friendly and hospitable, so you’ll be feeling en casa before long.

The staff and I look forward to seeing and meeting you in the halls, classrooms and gardens of our school.

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

Hasta pronto, Liliana López, School Director EF International Language Center, Malaga

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 Malaga, Spain Malaga is a city of approximately 600,000 inhabitants located on Spain’s Mediterranean Coast. The city’s sunny weather, scenic country side and abundant beaches have long made it a popular destination for tourists from around the world. The city also enjoys a vibrant culture and academic atmosphere, attracting a significant population of international students who wish to learn Spanish.

Malaga’s history goes back nearly 3,000 years to its founding by the Phoenicians. The city later experienced Roman and Arabic rule before being reconquered by Spain’s Catholic Kings in the 15th century. Evidence of Malaga’s diverse past is easy to see. The Roman amphitheatre ”El Teatro Romano” and the Arabic fortress “La Alcazaba” are two of the city’s most striking attractions. Pablo Picasso’s house is located in “Plaza del la Merced”, which is a popular excursion destination.

3. Weather Watch The sun shines more than 320 days a year and the average annual temperature is about 19° Celsius.

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

When you arrive, after you come out of customs look for an EF representative holding an EF sign or a sign with your name on it. Do not exit the airport until you have found the EF representative.

If you can’t find him/her, please call the airport transfer emergency number which will be provided to you by your EF office prior to departure.

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Delayed flights: If your flight is delayed, don’t worry, the EF representative will know beforehand.

Flight cancellations and missed flights: Please inform the school or the EF representative about a missed flight or cancellation and about the new flight itinerary. Please call the airport emergency transfer number, which will be sent to you from your local office before your departure.

Lost or damaged luggage: In case of lost or damaged luggage, you will need to call the airport transfer emergency phone (+34 610 035 004), to let the transfer service know that they should wait for you while you make a claim at the lost baggage claims office before you reach customs.

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

There are several methods: ❚❚You can take a taxi to your homestay or to the EF Student Residence. Taxi fares from the airport cost from to 25 to 30€. ❚❚If you are travelling light, you can take the cercanías train from the airport to the Málaga María Zambrano train station. Trains run every 30 minutes, with the latest one departing at 00:19; the cost is 1.30 €. From there, a taxi to your homestay will cost between 7€ and 10 €, depending on the part of the city your homestay is located in. ❚❚There is also an airport bus (Bus #19), which will take you downtown to the main bus station. It leaves the airport approximately every 30 minutes from 7:05 to 24:00, and costs 1€.

5. School Information The EF Malaga school is located in the residential neighbourhood of Pedregalejo, running along the Mediterranean coast. The school building is a converted villa complete with an enclosed garden. Among the classrooms, lounge areas and computer labs are also the offices of the School Director, the Director of Studies, Housing Coordinator and Activities Coordinator, who are all ready to assist you

throughout your stay.

There is a language computer lab at the school, which you can use outside of class for school projects during limited hours. The computer lab is also available for checking email during certain times.

Two main bus lines stop just outside the school gates that will take you into the centre of Malaga. Cafés, supermarkets and traditional Spanish markets, shops of all kinds, and of course – the Mediterranean Sea – are all within a five-minute walk from the school.

The EF academic programme gives students the opportunity to study the Spanish language and the local culture for as long and with as much

Course Certificates At the end of your course, you will receive a certificate. If you have stayed at the school for four or more weeks, 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

intensity as suits the student and his or her needs and wants. All students will attend grammar, listening, speaking, reading and writing classes.

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.

The first day of school On your first day of school, you will be welcomed at 09:00 by a member of the academic staff, and you will be given a test lasting approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. This test will allow us to put you in the right language level. You will also receive details about Malaga, the study centre, and recreational activities that will be available to you during your stay. On your first day of class, you will receive your personalised study timetable.

Special Interest Classes General and Intensive courses include a number of Special Interest options. After the initial placement test, you will have the chance to specify your preferences for special interest classes.

Some special interest classes require intermediate or advanced Spanish proficiency. Also, a minimum number of participants are required for each special interest class. 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.

6. Academics

Spanish teaching programmes There will be General and Intensive courses on certain set intake dates throughout the whole year. Classes will be divided according to levels. Our teaching staff will make sure that you are placed at the right level. Business and Exam courses are available to students of an intermediate to advanced level only. All classes are taught in Spanish. Promotions to higher levels are based on class performance, attendance and teachers’ comments.

Exams and tests You will take a placement test on arrival. Your progress is monitored through, among other things, a bi-weekly test covering reading, writing, and comprehension.

Official Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE) exams

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Depending on students’ interests and levels, we offer D.E.L.E. preparation options. There are three levels – from Lower Intermediate to Advanced. Exam dates are usually in May, November, and August (only in Spain.) Students interested should contact either their local Spanish Consulate for details or their EF office or check the official website from the Instituto Cervantes.

Malaga, Spain

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.

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

Language Computer Lab The school has a fully equipped language computer lab, however, due to the number of

lab stations available per session, General and Intensive students will sometimes have one additional General Language lesson substituted for one Language Lab lesson.

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. The general language study classes are taken in blocks of two lessons.

7. Accommodation & Meals For your comfort and safety, please observe the following rules in either accommodation option: 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. zN o alcohol is allowed in the rooms.

Homestay Accommodation If you are staying with one of our carefully chosen host families, you should arrive at their home on the Sunday before your course starts and stay until the Saturday immediately after your course ends. You should arrive between 17:00 and 19:00. If you cannot arrive at this time, please inform the family or your EF office 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.

Room: Generally you will share your room with an EF student of a different nationality, allowing you to practice Spanish outside of class. There will be a bed, bed linens, closet space, towels for home use. You will also have access to a desk or table, which may be in another room of the house.

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

Bathroom: Please be considerate of the

family’s habits when using the bathroom. In many houses and apartments, the supply of hot water is limited - therefore, please do not use an excessive amount of hot water.

Laundry: Your homestay hosts will wash your sheets and towels. However, they are not responsible for doing your personal laundry ( some families may offer to do this for you anyway either for free or for a small charge.)

The school will provide you with information about launderettes that you can use near the school upon request. Please do not wash any clothes in the bathroom and dry them in your bedroom. All host families have a laundry room - please ask them where it is.

Inviting friends: Please ask your homestay hosts before you invite friends to the 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 a student and the homestay if necessary 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 phone 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 can also buy a pre-paid phone card or a Spanish SIM card if you already have a cell phone from your home country.

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

Meals: Included in your course fees are breakfast and dinner provided by your homestay hosts. You will have your meals, breakfast and dinner, together with the family at their set meal times. You are not allowed to use the kitchen to cook. However, you can put food, water or sodas in the refrigerator.

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

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generally after 14:00 and dinner after 21:00.

Usually during school days you will have a second breakfast at the 11:30 break in order to keep you going until lunchtime. For lunch you can buy a snack/sandwich. Please respect the family’s privacy at lunchtime by eating before returning to their home after school.

Problem solving: 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 do things differently 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 will guide you and may find another homestay for you if necessary.

Changing homestays: 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.

EF Residence Accommodation As an alternative to staying in a homestay, EF offers the option of residence accommodation, located in the same building as the school (classrooms are on the ground floor, and residences are above on the first floor). Residence accommodation is generally in triple or quad rooms. A limited number of singles are also available upon request and for a supplemental fee.

EF School Malaga and the on site residence

are very beautiful, old colonial buildings from the 19th century. On the ground floor there are classrooms, a student lounge, cafeteria, computer room, offices and laundry room. On the first floor there are 11 student rooms. The school and other areas have Wi-Fi. All bedrooms are furnished with a bathroom, air conditioning, heater, TV, fridge and desk. There is a another small building with the remaining bedrooms. Gardens surround the big house and all buildings are within five minutes walk from the beach.

Residence deposit On arrival at the residence you will be required to pay a 60€ room deposit. This deposit covers such things as lost keys, damage or fines.

Any deductions from this deposit will be notified to you at the time. If there are no deductions made the whole amount will be refunded at the end of your programme.

General advice for residence living zA s a typical Student Residence, it cannot be compared to a hotel, so please do not expect daily maid service and other conveniences that only a hotel provide. The big advantage is that you will find yourself in a generally young, international, student atmosphere. zB y staying at the Residence, you will share in the daily life of the other students staying there. Please be considerate and avoid making unnecessary noise after 23:00. NO GUESTS ARE ALLOWED IN ROOMS AFTER 23:00. zY our accommodation includes breakfast only

(no other meals). zT here will be an EF Resident Advisor living at the Residence to whom you may speak to if you have any problems during your stay. zG enerally, you will share a room with EF students of other nationalities. Single rooms are available, but their number is limited. zY our room is reserved for you from Sunday noon before your course starts through the Saturday morning immediately following the end of your course. Each room is furnished simply, but comfortably, and you will have a bed, chair, table and a closet. All rooms have private bathroom facilities. zS heets, blankets, and towels are provided.

Towels cannot be taken to the beach or swimming pool. zR ooms will be cleaned once a week. You are expected to make your own bed, and to keep your room tidy. zY ou will be responsible for any damages caused by you to the residence or for lost keys. You will be asked to provide a deposit upon arrival that will be returned to you before your departure and after a room check. zT here is a laundry room at the residence that may be used once per week. You will be charged a fee of 2€ per load. z I ncoming calls and letters: Once you get your room number, have your family and friends always specify your room number. z I f you leave valuables in your room, please lock them in your suitcase. You are responsible for your own belongings.

Meals in the student residence Breakfast hours in the residence are as follows: Monday through Friday: 8:00 until 10:00.

Check with the school staff for lunch and dinner suggestions.

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.

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Spending money We recommend that you bring about 60€ for your first days in Spain 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 Spain. This will cover lunches, laundry, travel to and from school, and leisure activities. The amount will vary depending on what you choose to do in your spare time, for weekend excursions, shopping and presents you will need more!

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 bring 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 of school, you will receive instructions on how to use a payphone and how to telephone your home country. Phone cards are the best way to make calls from a payphone.

You can currently purchase phone cards at local news stands and tobacconist shops (“estancos”) in two credit values: 6€ and 12€. 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.

Fax All EF schools use fax machines to conduct business. You can send and receive faxes from this machine.

Internet

Students are able to use the Internet and check their E-mail at the school free of charge.

Usage is limited to open lab times.

10. Health Care & Insurance We strongly recommend that you take out a comprehensive health insurance policy before leaving for Malaga. An insurance policy specifically geared to 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, your accommodation manager or any staff member at the school, they can put you in touch with a doctor.

If you do have to see a doctor during your stay, you should: ❚❚Keep copies of all bills ❚❚Keep all prescriptions ❚❚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 and doctors, health services available to them 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 with your 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 tailormade 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 Malaga offers a great number of cultural and recreational activities. Every Thursday afternoon throughout the year there are tours that feature the city’s heritage, organised by the Tourist Board. Please note that most excursions and activities require a contribution from the students and a minimum number of participants.

Some examples: ❚❚Tour of Moorish Malaga: visiting the “Alcazaba,” a fortified Moorish palace built in the 11th Century, and the 14th Century “Gibralfaro” fortification. ❚❚Tour of Holy Malaga: visiting the city’s Gothic cathedral with its magnificent interior, and the Sanctuary of Victoria’s ancient baroque crypt. ❚❚Tour of Green Malaga: visiting the historical botanical gardens “Jardin Historico-Botanico de la Concepcion”, an impressive collection of tropical and Mediterranean flora. ❚❚Tour of Malaga’s People: visiting the “Casa Natal de Picasso”- Picasso’s birthplace and the “Museo de Artes Populares”.

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❚❚ Historic Malaga: there are Flamenco dance classes where you can learn the typical dances such as the “Verdiales” and the lively “Malagueñas”, before moving on to “Sevillanas”.

Full-day Trips Day excursions visit such exceptional cities as Ronda, Marbella, Puerto Banus, Córdoba, Granada, and Seville. The average participation fee for such excursions ranges between 3040€. All of this is made possible by Malaga’s excellent location.

Two-day Excursions For students looking to experience Spain beyond Malaga we also offer weekend excursions to places further a field such as Madrid, Barcelona, and even Morocco! Such trips have an average participation fee of 150-160€.

Parties Welcome parties, farewell parties, barbecues on the beach, paellas in the school’s garden patio and more! Our Activities Director is dedicated to making your time with us fun and relaxing by planning various social events each week.

12. Transportation Public transportation The public transport system consists of a network of bus lines that run frequently. There are two bus lines (11 and 34) that stop just outside the school’s gates every 15 minutes, and take you to the city centre (20-25 minutes

travel time). The EF staff will inform you about bus prices. Taxis are also an inexpensive way of transport and are readily available.

Cars We recommend that you do not bring your own car to Malaga, as the city is a large tourist destination with dense traffic and limited parking. Also, foreign cars are frequently broken into as they seem to attract the thieves.

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 that 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 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.

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 non-EU students on the Multi-Language Year Programme or any non-EU students intending to travel after 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 the countries mentioned above allows the holder to travel freely in these 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,

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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. ❚❚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) stating the reason for requesting a visa and the expected length of stay in the first Schengen state you will visit, 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 application.

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 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 Spanish at all times.

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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 remind you that culture shock is 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 Malaga 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 28 February – Day of Andalucia 5 April – Holy Thursday (Holy Week) 6 April – Holy Friday (Holy Week) 1 May – International Workers Day 15 August – Assumption of Mary 19 August – Patron saint of Malaga 8 September – Our Lady Victoria 12 October – Hispanic Day 1 November – All Saints 6 December – Spanish Constitution 8 December – Immaculate Conception 25 December – Christmas Day 2013 1 January – New Year’s Day 6 January – Celebration of the Biblical Magi 28 February – Day of Andalucia 28 March – Holy Thursday (Holy Week) 29 March – Holy Friday (Holy Week) 1 May – International Workers Day 15 August – Assumption of Mary 8 September – Our Lady Victoria 12 October – Hispanic Day 1 November – All Saints 6 December – Spanish Constitution 8 December – Immaculate Conception 25 December – Christmas Day

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) 952 29 84 81 ________________________________________ EF School emergency telephone number:

Please note: there will be no classes on

17. Checklist

+34 680 13 5235 ________________________________________

■■ Homestay or student residence details and emergency numbers.

16. EF school calendar & holidays School holidays The EF International Language Center in Malaga 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 28 February – Day of Andalucia 5 April – Holy Thursday (Holy Week) 6 April – Holy Friday (Holy Week) 1 May – International Workers Day 15 August – Assumption of Mary 19 August – Patron saint of Malaga 8 September – Our Lady Victoria 12 October – Hispanic Day 1 November – All Saints 6 December – Spanish Constitution 8 December – Immaculate Conception 25 December – Christmas Day

2013 1 January – New Year’s Day 6 January – Celebration of the Biblical Magi 28 February – Day of Andalucia 28 March – Holy Thursday (Holy Week) 29 March – Holy Friday (Holy Week) 1 May – International Workers Day 15 August – Assumption of Mary 8 September – Our Lady Victoria 12 October – Hispanic Day 1 November – All Saints 6 December – Spanish Constitution 8 December – Immaculate Conception 25 December – Christmas Day

17. Checklist ■■ 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

Checklist

■■ 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!).

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

Additional notes or numbers:

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

Homestay host’s or student residence address:

Homestay host’s or student residence address

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

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

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

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

■■ 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.

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

EF Sales Office telephone number:

EF Sales Office telephone number

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

EF School telephone number:

EF School telephone number

+(34) 952 29 84 81 _________________________________________

_________________________________________

EF School emergency telephone number:

EF School emergency telephone number

+34 680 13 5235 _________________________________________

_________________________________________

■■ Favorite books, photos and a camera.

■■ Homestay or student residence details and emergency numbers.