Predeparture Quito LS 2012

EF International Language Centers

Language Courses Abroad For adults and students aged 16 & above

Quito One of South America’s most stunning cities, Quito offers students of Spanish an exotic experience.

Enjoy Quito’s mix of traditional and modern styles while taking classes at EF’s contemporary, highly individualised school.

Contact details: EF Escuela Internacional de Español Quito Catalina Aldaz 363 y Portugal Quito, Ecuador Tel: +(593) 22 271 140

Estadio Olympico

Mariana de Jesus

Parque la Carolina

TeleferiQo

Museo Fundacion Guayasamin

Pichincha

EF Quito Parque el Ejido Miraflores

Basilica del Vote Nacional

Plaza Grande Iglesia de San Francisco

Parque Itchimbia

Watch a video

Ilaló Or visit us at Facebook.com/ EFQuito

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 - Quito Section... Topic

1 ........ Introduction to EF 2 ........ Welcome to Ecuador 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 ...... Ecuadorian culture & living tips

Dear Student Welcome to the EF International School of Spanish! Your time abroad will certainly be memorable. You will learn and grow in many ways, as your academic experience at EF will be coupled with a linguistic, cultural and social experience.

Your time with us will be full of new challenges, adventures and opportunities. From the time you arrive at the airport, a new language and culture will surround you.

You will adopt a new primary language of communication as you make friends and share your own culture with classmates, and with your new Ecuadorian friends.

Everyone here at EF is looking forward to welcoming you to Ecuador, and we will be there to share in your adventure and help ensure that your stay is an unforgettable experience!

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

Kind regards Isabel Reyes, School Director EF International Language Center, Quito

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 Quito, Ecuador Quito, the capital of Ecuador, lies beneath a range of volcanoes that rise up into the blue Andean sky. As the equator is just kilometres to the north, the sun’s rays fall perpendicularly in this region, and therefore visitors are advised to wear sunglasses and sunscreen at the brightest times of day. The city is on the same site as the ancient capital of the Shyris, who fought against the invading Incas for seventeen years. Located on the slopes of the volcano Pichincha, Quito was built in an architectural setting of outstanding baroque beauty. To this day, churches, convents, cloisters, houses and squares are still places full of art and history.

UNESCO declared this city part of the Cultural Heritage of Mankind in 1978.

Discovering Quito is an adventure that doesn’t end in its historical centre. The artistic and cultural expressions have spread northwards, becoming one with the skyscrapers, charming scenery, theatres, cafes, handicraft shops, parks, museums, bars and discos in the northern modern part of the city. Ecuador is a country that is still developing. In Quito, you will find modern office buildings, shopping malls, fancy restaurants, new cars, a well-developed communication infrastructure with, but at the same time, you will at times experience power failures, water shortages, and problems with telephone and fax lines. When you come to Quito, please be flexible and be prepared to adjust your expectations, as you will not always have access to the same conveniences as at home.

Country facts at a glance ❚❚Area: 275.830 Km ❚❚Population: approx. 12 million inhabitants, 60% located in rural areas ❚❚Capital City: Quito, approx. 1.8 million inhabitants. The commercial centre is Guayaquil, with approx. 2.5 million inhabitants. ❚❚Language: Official language is Spanish Other languages: Quichua and other local dialects. ❚❚Government Organization: Republic, divided

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in 21 provinces. The President, elected for a 4-year period, is the head of the government. ❚❚Religion: 95% Catholic ❚❚Borders: to the north, Colombia; to the south and east, Peru; to the west, the Pacific Ocean. ❚❚Highest Mountains: Chimborazo 6310 m Highest Volcano: Cotopaxi 5897m. ❚❚Main Rivers: Napo 855 km, Pastaza 645km, Aguarico 600 km. ❚❚Islands: Galapagos

3. Weather Watch The climate forms part of the highly original landscape of Quito: spring-like mornings when the sun lights up the snow on the top of Cotopaxi, Cayambe or Antisana, and then cool, rainy afternoons. The temperature can vary between 8°C and 20°C in a matter of hours, and there are varying amounts of rainfall depending on the time of year. From October to February, you will have low temperatures, so please be sure you bring warm clothes.

The equator runs right through Ecuador, so most of the country is located in the tropics.

However, due to altitude differences, each region has its own climate and vegetation. In the Andes (where Quito is located), temperatures vary from pleasant and mild to cold and raw in its very high altitude 2,800 meters (9,000 feet). The rainy season is from October to May, with almost daily rain showers, especially in the afternoons. The rest of the year has less rainfall.

On the Pacific coast and throughout the jungle to the east, the weather is warm and humid very different from the climate in Quito.

Average temperatures in Ecuador ❚❚Guayaquil 5m/coastal Average temperature in January: 27°C Average temperature in July: 25°C ❚❚Esmeraldas 5m/coastal Average temperature in January: 26°C Average temperature in June: 22°C ❚❚Cuenca 2530m/mountain Average temperature in January: 15°C Average temperature in July: 13°C

❚❚Quito 2850m Average temperature in January: 18°C Average temperature in July: 15°C Temperature conversion Celsius to Fahrenheit (15 °C x 1.8) + 32 = 59 °F Fahrenheit to Celsius (54 °F - 32) / 1.8 = 12,2 °C

4. Travel & Transfer Transfer Service Arriving at a busy airport in a foreign city can be confusing. For this reason, EF offers oneway transfer service, for an additional fee, from Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito to your homestay or residence depending on the time of your arrival. We 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 of arrival).

When you arrive at Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport, you will have to first go through customs. You will then pick your luggage up and go through the area where you should look for the EF Greeter. He or she will be wearing an EF T-shirt and/or carrying an EF sign. If for some reason you cannot find the EF Greeter, after 20 minutes please go to a telephone and call the EF school office. After office hours, call the school emergency mobile phone. *Please note you will receive these important contact numbers before your departure from your local EF office.

If none of the solutions above work. Take a taxi from the airport and give them your homestay address. The airport is in the city very close to the school, and is in a safe area. You might also try to call your homestay hosts.

Arriving independently If you would like to take a taxi to the school, follow the signs from the baggage claim area outside to the taxi stand. Be sure to get into an authorised yellow taxi. A taxi ride to the school will take approx­imately 10 minutes and will cost about USD$8. The school offices are open from 9 am to 6 pm.

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Quito, Ecuador

5. School Information The EF International School of Spanish can be found in the beautiful residential part of town in the heart of the northern and modern part of Quito. It is 15 minutes from the old Colonial centre and is surrounded by Quito’s largest park where you can walk, play basketball, tennis, soccer, or simply relax and enjoy the mountainous scenery.

The school facilities are located in the lovely EF building, boasting bright, modern classrooms and a multimedia room which you can be used outside of your class time, during specific posted hours, simply ask the administrative staff.

Once classes are finished for the day, students may enjoy student common areas to meet and practice the day’s Spanish lesson with friends, watch TV, play video games on our flat screen, play volleyball, soccer in our soccer field or just relax. There is also a student cafe where students and staff can purchase refreshments and an English school for the local Ecuadorians. You will have the opportunity to interact with these Ecuadorians on a daily basis in the school by taking part in our Language Partner Programme, Life Club activities or even by studying English (additional cost).

EF staff A staff consisting of an Administrative Coordinator, an Academic Coordinator and qualified teachers of Spanish as a Second Language, assist the School Director. There is also an Activities Coordinator who helps students with personal travel plans and organises EF activities and excursions.

6. Academics The EF academic programme gives students the opportunity to study the Spanish language and the Ecuadorian culture for as long and with as much intensity as suits the student and his or her needs. Intensive, Exam Preparation, General and Basic courses of study are available at EF Ecuador. All students will attend grammar, listening, speaking, reading and writing classes.

Special Interest Courses Depending on your course type you may also select a number of special interest (SPIN)

classes. 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, and two lessons are combined into one eighty-minute teaching period.

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.

Attendance It is important to note that in order to be eligible for an EF certificate, students are expected to participate in class and must attend at least 80% of all classes.

7. Accommodation & Meals All housing matters during your stay should be directed to the Administrative Coordinator. When you arrive at the school, you will be asked to pay a security deposit of USD$50.

This will be refunded to you at the end of your programme, less any charges for damages you caused to your room or to the school, lost keys or linens, or outstanding bills.

Homestay Homestay accommodation is available at the EF school, and is a wonderful way to boost your classroom learning, by practicing your Spanish in the evening with your Ecuadorian host. Unless you have paid the single supplement and a single placement has been confirmed to you by EF, you will be accommodated in a double room with another student.

The host will wash your clothes once a week; if you need to do laundry more frequently, you may ask the family. You are responsible for all transportation costs to and from the host’s home. Your hosts will provide bed linens and towels. Please note that you may be responsible for light housework as a member of the household and you should keep your room clean. Generally there will be a maid to do the major housework.

EF carefully chooses appropriate homestays for its students and requires a long-term commitment from hosts. Therefore, changing hosts is considered a serious matter, and will only be considered after speaking with the School Director.

Student Residence Students who have selected to live in one of our two EF residences will experience more independence and flexibility.

All meals will be home cooked. You will be matched with another EF student to share a room, or if you have paid the single supplement and availability has been confirmed to you by EF, you will be provided a single room.

There are single, double and triple bedrooms in the residence, and each room has its own bathroom. Rooms are furnished with a bed, desk and chair. There is also a pool and a student lounge in one of the residences. Smoking is not permitted in the residence.

Meals Students staying in homestays and in the residence will have breakfast and dinner Monday through Friday, and three meals per day on the weekends. Students are responsible for buying their own lunch during the school week.

Homestay hosts will only provide your meals when you are home to participate. Please be sure to call your hosts if you do not plan to be home for dinner. There will be no refund for meals not taken at home with your family. The cost of a typical lunch is USD$4.00. In a nice restaurant, lunch costs between USD$8 and USD$15.

Drinking Water You should always drink bottled water while in Ecuador. Tap water should be boiled for 20 minutes before drinking. Even if some beverages look tempting in markets – don’t try them. During the first days you should be careful with everything you eat. Due to hygiene, don’t drink in markets, and don’t buy food from street vendors.

Dietary Restrictions Rice, meat and potatoes are the most common meals in Ecuador. If you are vegetarian or if you have special dietary requirements, you

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Quito, Ecuador

should have already notified your sales offices so that our Administrative Coordinator in Quito can make the necessary arrangements with your homestay or residence accommodation.

Culinary Specialities Some of the Ecuadorian culinary specialties that you may encounter during your time here are listed below: ❚❚Locro de papas – potato soup with avocado and cheese ❚❚Caldo de patas – cattle hoof soup ❚❚Yahuarlocro – potato soup with blood sausage ❚❚Timbushca – meat soup with cabbage and potato ❚❚Sopa de bolas de verde – soup of plantain balls with peas ❚❚Ceviche – cold soup of different sea foods ❚❚Viche – fish soup with plantain ❚❚Fritada – well cooked spiced pork ❚❚Empanadas de morocho – fried corn turnovers filled with meat ❚❚Quimbolitos – sweet cake made out of maize flour ❚❚Tamal – combination of corn flour and meat wrapped and baked in large leaves ❚❚Colada morada– blackberry beverage served during holy days Special foods served during Easter ❚❚Fanesca – thick soup of various grains & fish ❚❚Seco de chivo – lamb meat stewed with potato and rice

8. Money Matters Currency Ecuador has been using US dollars since June

2000. It is advisable to bring traveller’s cheques with you and some US dollars in cash.

Spending money We recommend that you have approximately USD$200 in cash for expenses upon arrival, and the rest of your spending money in traveller’s cheques. These can be cashed for a fee in Money Exchange Offices.

Depending on your lifestyle, we recommend that you take between USD$75 and USD$100 per week in spending money or traveller’s cheques for miscellaneous expenses not including excursion expenses. Your spending will depend on how much travelling, shopping and eating in restaurants you plan to do during your visit and on what you choose to do in your leisure time, most students travel extensively during their stay in Ecuador.

You will also need to take money for learning materials used in class and for any language proficiency exams you plan to take.

Credit Cards In large cities it is possible to pay with major credit cards. Debit cash cards from major international networks are also strongly advised.

We strongly recommend that students travel with a Visa Card, MasterCard or Diners card.

These credit cards will enable you to rent cars, reserve hotel rooms, and do various activities, which may be more difficult with cash or traveller’s cheques. Please note: that at times students have had temporary problems

withdrawing money. We therefore recommend that you don’t leave withdrawals to the last minute, especially when you need to pay for an expensive trip that day.

Internationally-recognised credit card companies can arrange a transfer or advance funds much more quickly than a normal bank wire transfer. Such transfers and advances are provided for a fee.

Money transfers (wire transfers) Most students work with Banco del Pichincha for wire transfers. It is very important that the wire transfer is designated with a bank account number, and that your name and passport number are listed as the beneficiary. A transfer usually takes two to three working days to clear, but can take a week or more. You need to check with the bank two days after making the transfer from your home country. Students must claim their money within 3 days of the bank receiving the wire. Another alternative which is more expensive, but much quicker, is to use Western Union DHL. This takes about 15 minutes to arrive.

Local bank information Banco del Pichincha Avenida 6 de Diciembre y Portugal Esquina Quito, Ecuador Telephone (++593)-2- 2452-167 Information needed to wire money Swift Code of Banco del Pichincha PICHECEQ Credit to: ABA Code of Banco del Pichincha 066012867 Beneficiary Student name and Passport number Reference: Student at EF International School of Spanish in Quito Catalina Aldaz N 34-267 y Portugal Telephone: (++593 -2) 2457-289 / 2259-584/ 2465-335 Fax: 2466-833 International Banks that work with the Pichincha Bank, Quito, Ecuador USA: Citibank, N.Y. Japan: The Bank of Tokyo, Ltd. Belgium: Banque Bruxelles Lambert France: Credit Commercial de France Switzerland: Swiss Bank Corp Germany: Deutsche Bank

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England: National Westminster Bank

10. Health Care & Insurance

Western Union Av. De la Republica 396 y Almagro Tel: (++5932) 2565059/2554177 Student’s name Student’s address and phone number in Quito

The EF staff can recommend nearby hospitals and doctors offices if you need medical attention. For non-emergencies you will need to pay imme­diately in cash or by credit card for any medical service; you will be reimbursed later by your insurance company.

9. Telephones, fax & Internet Telephone All international calls must be made from a public phone using a phone card. Students may make local calls from their homestay, provided they are brief. Students must ask for permission in advance to use the host or residence telephone if they are making international calls and should reimburse the host/ residence for all calls made immediately after the call. (These calls need to be made via the operator to confirm the cost of the call).

Telephone bills in Ecuador are itemised by call; each toll call will appear on your host’s bill by date, location, telephone number called and duration of the call. Please remember that outgoing international calls on normal phones from Ecuador are extremely expensive, usually more than twice the cost as an international call from your home country to Ecuador.

However, if you go to an Internet café you can make a phone call through Skype. Quito has a well developed communications infrastructure; internet service is abundant and economic.

Fax and photocopy service Students can send faxes from the school. The Administrative Coordinator can assist students with sending faxes. The costs are predetermined according to the destination and the time it takes to send the fax over the phone lines: ❚❚Fax to USA: USD$2 ❚❚Fax to Europe: USD$3 ❚❚Fax to Asia: USD$3.20 ❚❚Fax to Australia: USD$4 The Administrative Coordinator will also make photo copies for students upon request for a fee. ❚❚Copy price: 4 cents per page Email and Internet Service The EF School has a computer lab with Internet access. Students can bring their personal laptop to use the school’s Wi-Fi service.

Medicine and immunisations The following Immunisations are advisable: Yellow Fever, Typhoid Fever, Malaria, Poliomyelitis, Tetanus, and Hepatitis. Don’t forget your own prescription medicine. For the coastal region and jungle, a malaria prophylaxis is advisable, although it is not necessary in Quito. Before your trip we recommend that you consult your personal physician for a general check-up and medical advice for your stay in Ecuador.

Erika Travel Insurance Because security is EF’s number one priority, we have negotiated a comprehensive tailor-made travel insurance package for EF students with Erika Travel Insurance, an international insurance expert. The policy protects you against expenses incurred through accident or illness, and provides coverage for loss or theft of baggage and personal effects. It also provides coverage against interruption of your EF program due to illness as well as liability and legal expenses.

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

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

Activity Programme The EF Activities Coordinator arranges a regular schedule of local activities, day-trips and weekend excursions to nearby attractions. These trips explore the different regions of Ecuador ranging from the jungle, Highland Sierra and the

coast. The trips give the students an opportunity to develop relationships with the other students and local Ecuadorians. Promoting adventure and cultural exploration, these trips are organised for all EF students, both long and short-term. *Note: most activities depend on a minimum number of participants.

Weekly activities We have a regular schedule of weekly activities that include sporting events, museum visits, fiestas, and other activities in and around the city. These activities are constantly changing to suit a variety of interests. The Activities Coordinator works together with the students to create an exciting and dynamic schedule.

Weekend excursions EF arranges weekend excursions and day trips to local attractions. We encourage students to take part in the weekend activities as they are a great way to get to know Ecuador and practice Spanish. The trips vary each month and will depend on the number of students that enroll which also affects the cost of the excursions.

Sample excursions & approximate prices ❚❚One-day excursions ❚❚City tour, first day (free) ❚❚Visit to the equator $9 ❚❚Papallacta hot springs $15 ❚❚Full-day Otavalo 8-10 hrs $35 ❚❚Bike ride down Cotopaxi Volcano $35 ❚❚White water rafting (2-day trip) $50-75 ❚❚Two-day tours ❚❚Mindo cloud forest $68 ❚❚Chilcapamba Indigenous community $70 ❚❚Nariz del Diablo Mountain train $35 ❚❚Mountain horse back riding $75 ❚❚Three-day or longer trips ❚❚The Amazonian jungle adventure $150 ❚❚Cuyabeno National Park $200 ❚❚Montañita surfing trip $130 ❚❚Baños adventure trip $75 These prices are based on a minimum of five participants. The trips typically include transportation, accommodation, meals, activity and guides.

Sport facilities The EF school is a five-minute walk to Quito’s largest and most beautiful park, where students can enjoy the following public sporting facilities: zT ennis courts

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zJ ogging paths zS occer fields zB asketball and Volleyball courts

12. Transportation Public transportation Public transportation to downtown Quito is very inexpensive and convenient from the EF school. It is a simple five-minute walk to the bus stop on Avenida 6 de Diciembre.

Buses and Trolleys The typical way to travel between the different regions and within every city is by bus. They are very inexpensive and run frequently, but they are not always the model of comfort and modern technology. Always pay attention to your belongings and your surroundings. Pick pocketing is common.

Different types of buses and trolleys that serve Quito and the surrounding area. ❚❚Bus Especial: The cost for a one way trip is 25 cents (USD). ❚❚Trolley Bus: The cost for a one-way trip is 25 cents (USD) Taxis Taxis are also an easy and relatively inexpensive way to get around. You can hail one down in the street or phone for one. A three-mile ride will cost you approximately USD$2.50. Prices are higher after 8:00 p.m. when taxi metres are not used. Remember to agree on the price before you get into the cab at night; prices are negotiable and if it’s too high you can hail another cab very easily.

Trains There are two railroad trips in Ecuador (QuitoIbarra-San Lorenzo and Quito-RiobambaGuayaquil) that make for interesting adventures. Be prepared for some delays due to the condition of the tracks - railroads can sometimes be out of order for several days. An adventurous recommended trip is the stretch from Guayaquil to Alausi.

Airplane More expensive, but the quickest way to travel is by plane. There are daily flights between Quito and Guayaquil.

Car rentals Your passport and/or your credit card is needed as a security deposit and guarantee.

Check the gas tank first, as it may be possible that your first drive will be to the gas station!

Rental car prices will vary according to the model of the car and the company. The following companies rent cars: ❚❚Quito: Avis, Budget, Carritos Diligentes, Dollar, Expo, Hertz ❚❚Guayaquil: Avis, Budget, Dollar, Ecuacars, Hertz

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 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. Tips for Life in Ecuador Immigration regulations Long-term EF students need to obtain a Student visa 12V in their home country. You should get the visa for one year. EF and your local sales office will help you with your application and provide you with the documents you need.

Note: To enter the country you must have a valid passport. You will also need to register your visa shortly after your arrival in Quito. To

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register your visa you will need to pay $14 USD and give the immigration office two recent photos of yourself you will then be given an Ecuadorian ID card. Foreigners should always carry their Ecuadorian ID card, since regular inspections are carried out along roads. Long delays and even temporary imprisonment could occur if you do not carry proper identification.

EF Multi-Language Year visa issues For EF Multi-Language Year (MLY) students please check that, if Ecuador is your second or third destination, the visa is valid for the whole period of your stay. Normally the start date of your visa for Ecuador will be from the date that you leave your home country not from the date that you arrive in Ecuador. Even if you are here for only six months your visa may need to be for more time. For this reason we recommend again that your student visa be for one year. Once you arrive at Quito airport, remember to get your “Entry Stamp” from the customs official.

Dress appropriately In Quito, you can expect summer weather from June to August. Casual and warm clothes, including a raincoat, are needed in Quito for rest of the year. Expect cool evenings and warm days. You should always wear sunglasses and sun block to protect yourself from the harsh sunrays near the Equator, especially in the high altitude of Quito.

Travel smart Unfortunately, as in all countries, there are thieves. Please be very careful with your personal belongings.

Electrical current 110 V. 60 Hz plugs (same as in the United States). If you are coming from Europe or Asia, you will need to get the appropriate adaptor before travelling to Ecuador, as they are not easily available in Quito.

Handicrafts Ecuadorians have a very strong handicraft tradition. In Quito, along Amazonas Avenue, the craft stores are open daily. In other cities there is a variety of handicraft centres. In addition, there are several Indian Markets, such as Otavalo, famous for their handicrafts. Don’t forget to bargain, this is part of the Ecuadorian experience.

Store hours Stores and shops are open Monday - Saturday from 9 am to 8 pm. Some small stores close earlier. Newer shopping malls and some small stores are also open on Sundays from 10 am to 6 pm.

Time difference Ecuador is 6 hours behind GMT (seven hours behind Continental Europe) during April to October and five hours behind GMT (six hours behind Continental Europe) during the winter.

For North American students, Ecuador is on Eastern Standard Time (EST) most of the year, but one hour behind EST from April to October.

Airport tax The departure tax for all international travelers leaving Ecuador is USD$40.80. Be sure to save this amount for your last day in Ecuador to pay the tax.

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 Ecuador.

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

9

Quito, Ecuador

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

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

Keeping a journal One way to keep track of emotions and changes that take place over the year is to keep a journal. By recording your experiences and feelings on a regular basis, you will be able to reduce the impact of culture shock. You will have a record of your academic and personal

progress to look back on in days and years to come. Be sure to note changes in: zL anguage skills zS chool performance and involvement zC ampus/host adjustment z I ndividual learning and growth Keeping a journal will help to remind you that culture shock is truly a temporary phase of adjustment.

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

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

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

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

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

2012 1 January - New Year’s Day 4-8 March - Carnival 22 April - Good Friday 1 May - Labor Day 24 May - Pichincha Battle Anniversary 10 August - Independence Day 2 November - Day of the dead 5 December - Fiestas of Quito* 6 December - Quito’s Foundation Anniversary 24 December - Christmas Eve 25 December - Christmas Day *School will be closed at noon.

2012 1 January - New Year’s Day 11 & 12 February - Carnival 29 April - Good Friday 1 May - Labor Day 24 May - Pichincha Battle Anniversary 10 August - Independence Day 2 November - Day of the dead 5 December - Fiestas of Quito* 6 December - Quito’s Foundation Anniversary 24 December - Christmas Eve 25 December - Christmas Day *School will be closed at noon.

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: Term 3: (Year) Departure:

School holidays EF International Language Center in Quito 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.

Sat 9 Mar - Sun 24 Mar Mon 25 Mar - Fri 31 May 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

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):

■■ Passport Photos (2) 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.

■■ 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:

+(593) 22 271 140 EF School emergency telephone number:

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

________________________________________

________________________________________ Please note: there will be no classes on

17. Checklist

+593 97 097 827 ________________________________________

■■ Homestay or student residence details and emergency numbers.

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

2012 1 January - New Year’s Day 4-8 March - Carnival 22 April - Good Friday 1 May - Labor Day 24 May - Pichincha Battle Anniversary 10 August - Independence Day 2 November - Day of the dead 5 December - Fiestas of Quito* 6 December - Quito’s Foundation Anniversary 24 December - Christmas Eve 25 December - Christmas Day *School will be closed at noon.

2012 1 January - New Year’s Day 11 & 12 February - Carnival 29 April - Good Friday 1 May - Labor Day 24 May - Pichincha Battle Anniversary 10 August - Independence Day 2 November - Day of the dead 5 December - Fiestas of Quito* 6 December - Quito’s Foundation Anniversary 24 December - Christmas Eve 25 December - Christmas Day *School will be closed at noon.

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

■■ Passport Photos (2) 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

+(593) 22 271 140 _________________________________________

_________________________________________

EF School emergency telephone number:

EF School emergency telephone number

+593 97 097 827 _________________________________________

_________________________________________

■■ Favorite books, photos and a camera.

■■ Homestay or student residence details and emergency numbers.