Predeparture St Julians LS 2012

EF International Language Centers

Language Courses Abroad For adults and students aged 16 & above

St. Julian’s Malta’s Mediterranean climate, energetic nightlife, fascinating attractions and beaches make it one of the world’s best locations to study English. Get the extra attention you need in our highly personalised learning environment.

Contact details: EF Lower St. Augustine St St. George’s Bay St. Julian’s STJ 3312, Malta Tel: +356 2570 2000

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Comino

Fort Pembroke Casino

EF Beach Club

Malta

Tennis Club

St. Julians

Clubs & Bars Bus Terminal

Spinola Bay

Mediterranean Sea

St. Julian’s Bay

Water Polo

s EF St Julian’ Sliema

San Gwann

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Valletta

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 - St.Julian’s Section... Topic

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

Dear Student

2 .........Welcome to Malta 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 .......Maltese culture & living tips

Welcome to the Mediterranean Island of Malta and thank you for choosing EF for your English language studies!

EF opened its school in Malta in 1994. We have been a popular EF destination since day one, even more so now, with years of experience teaching international students like you and the modern facilities of our new school building.

EF school in Malta is located in the colourful town of St Julian’s, which has features of both a small fishing village it once was and a busy contemporary resort.

Whether you choose Malta for its historic sites, cultural variety, or sea, sun and countryside, the island will not disappoint, as everything is close by. With a perfect climate to practice outdoor land and water sports and an exciting nightlife - you will find it difficult to choose what to do next. Let us make your stay here a life-enriching experience.

We look forward to meeting you.

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

Best wishes, Roger Bugeja, School Director EF International Language Center, St. Julian’s

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

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

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

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

2. Welcome to the Maltese Islands

4. Travel & Transfer service

The island of Malta is positioned in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea to the south of Italy.

It forms an archipelago with its sister islands of Gozo and Comino, both of which are accessible by ferry. The total population of the Maltese islands is about 400,000. Malta’s history, warm climate and clear blue waters attract hundreds of thousands of tourists each year.

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.

Malta has an interesting history, in fact the Neolithic temples found on these islands have been set under the protection of UNESCO as World Heritage.

Malta obtained its independence from the U.K. in 1964, becoming a Republic & Sovereign State. Maltese and English are Malta’s two official languages both taught and spoken.

Since May 2004, Malta has been a member of the European Union and Maltese language is now one of the EU official languages

3. Weather Watch Located in the centre of the Mediterranean, Malta enjoys a mild & sunny climate. During the summer months the sun’s rays are very strong and felt from early morning up to about 7 pm in the evening. It is always advisable to wear a hat and/or sunglasses when you’re outside and to make sure you always carry sunscreen with you, especially when going to one of the many beaches or in any situation where you know you will be outside for long periods of time.

Winter months in Malta are not very cold, but it does rain sometimes, so bring an umbrella with you. Rain mostly falls during the months of November, December and January. Malta also has a high humidity level, 50 – 80%.

Temperatures range from: Spring: 11° to 24°C (52° to 75°F) Summer: 20° to 32°C (68° to 90°F) Autumn: 15° to 28°C (59° to 82°F) Winter: 9° to 18°C (48° to 64°F)

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St. Julian’s, Malta

At least one month before your arrival, you must inform the EF Office in your home country or your homestay hosts of the exact details of your flight (airline, flight number, date and time).

This will help avoid your homestay hosts waiting all day for you to arrive or them not being home when you arrive.

Malta is served by one international airport, LUQA Airport. When you arrive, it is important to meet the EF representative in the Arrivals Hall before changing money or claiming any lost baggage, etc. If you do not do this you may miss the person who is waiting to collect you.

If for some reason you do not meet our representative immediately, please do not leave the airport. Someone will be along to meet you.

Independent Travel If you have not booked a transfer, please go straight to your accommodation - you should have already told them when to expect you.

Customs Read the customs notices carefully. Do not try to bring any prohibited substances into the country. We cannot help you if you are stopped by customs for illegal importation of anything that is against the law in Malta.

If you are not a European Union national, you will need to produce the following documents when you arrive: z y our passport (valid for at least six months after the end of your EF course). We suggest you keep a photo copy of your passport in your bag. zp roof of your ability to meet the cost of the course, to maintain yourself and your dependents without needing to work during your stay

z y our EF confirmation letter showing that you have enrolled for a full-time course of study

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

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

The school offers the following facilities: ❚❚Multimedia iLabs ❚❚Wi-Fi Internet access throughout school ❚❚Student lounge with TV/DVD ❚❚EF student cafeteria ❚❚Private EF Beach Club near school (available from Mid June to August) ❚❚Payphones ❚❚Fax ❚❚Notice boards to tell you what is happening ❚❚Bookshop and library ❚❚Photocopy machine ❚❚Sun Terraces ❚❚Business lounge

Special Interest Classes Depending on your course type you may also select a number of special interest (SPIN) classes. SPINs allow you to improve your English through the study of a wide range of subject options. Admission to some of these will depend on academic and linguistic level and availability of places. The selection of SPIN classes varies throughout the year and a student may not be able to repeat the same SPIN class. Each lesson is 40 minutes in length and two lessons may be combined into one 80-minute teaching period.

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

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

Class Schedule EF St. Julian’s school is open five days per week, Monday to Friday. Classes will be scheduled between 9 am and 5:30 pm and you will have a combination of morning and afternoon classes.

EF Level Placement Test Within 24-hours after booking your course, you’ll receive your personalized EF username and password for the online EF campus called My EF. Before traveling, you will take the EF Level Placement test online. This test will measure your language level and ability, grammar and listening comprehension abilities. Using your test results, our academic team will place you in one of six different language levels.

Attendance You are expected to attend all classes.

Consistent failure to attend class, for whatever reason, may result in expulsion from the program with no refund of course fees. In order to be eligible for an EF certificate, students are expected to participate in class and must attend at least 80% of all classes. Please note: Maltese immigration regulations require you to attend all of your classes.

As your English language skills become stronger, you will be promoted into the next language level. You may speak with your teacher if you feel you have been placed into the wrong level.

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

6. Academics

Orientation During your orientation you will receive your class schedule and other important information about the school and the city. Fun activities are planned to help you meet students and staff.

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

St. Julian’s, Malta

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

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. iLab Learning All English language school courses include six iLab sessions per week. iLab sessions complement and reinforce classroom learning in an interactive online learning environment. Please note: iLab is not included in the EF Basic Course.

Exams Prepare for the Cambridge, TOEFL, IELTS and City & Guiles exams during your stay in St. Julian’s. You may also enrol for several different public examinations during your course. Some can be taken at the school itself, others must be taken at an external examination center and booked several months in advance. You will need to pay fees to register for public exams in Malta. Advice as to the most appropriate examination to sit for will be given to you by your Director of Studies.

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

Further study at the University of Malta With the right qualifications, including a high enough score on an English exam, you can apply to study at the University of Malta. It is an international university, so lectures, assignments and exams are in English. Although Malta is part of the European Union, courses are less expensive than elsewhere on the continent and the cost of living tends to be more affordable too. The University of Malta also offers a one-year course in Foundation Studies.

EF University Placement Service EF offers a University Placement Service (UPS) that provides guaranteed admission into a university or college for qualified students. If you are interested in continuing your studies,

you are encouraged to talk with the University Pathways Manager at your school.

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

7. Accommodation & Meals Homestay and student residence accommodations are available at the EF St. Julian’s school. All homestay and student residence issues during your stay should be directed to the Accommodation Coordinator.

Life with a Maltese Host Family Students staying in a homestay will have the opportunity to experience Maltese life and also have the chance to practice their new language skills with fluent English speakers.

Students who choose homestay accommodation should do so because they want to live in a family environment and interact with the family members. Families choose to host international students because they want to learn about other cultures and people.

Students who live in a homestay must respect the family and their home. Likewise, the family will respect the student. As you get an in-depth look at the Maltese way of life, you will realize that the Maltese culture is not the same as your culture, and therefore, family life may be quite different. The relationships and roles of family members and the relationship with pets are just some examples. If you are open-minded about these differences, life in the family will be a great learning experience.

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

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

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St. Julian’s, Malta

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

Before you leave your home country, please let your homestay hosts know the date and estimated time of your arrival at their home.

If you do not do this, they may not be home when you arrive.

Laundry and Facilities Your bed sheets and towels will be changed once a week, but you will be responsible for your own laundry and keeping your room tidy.

Please remember that the towels issued are for home use only, beach towels will not be provided by your hosts. You are responsible for your personal items such as shampoo, conditioner, soap and other items. In Malta, not all bathrooms have showers – it is very common to just have a bath. You will probably share the bathroom with others. This means that you may need to be flexible about shower and bath times. If you want to take a long time in the bath or shower check to see that nobody else is waiting to use the bathroom.

Accommodation in a homestay includes a bed and a shared bathroom. Unless you have paid the single supplement and a single placement has been confirmed to you by EF, you will be placed in a double room with another student.

Always remember to keep your room clean and tidy. Make your bed, and put your belongings away. You are also responsible for cleaning up after snacks and for washing your own

dishes after breakfast. It is also polite to help clear the table after dinner.

Transporation to the school You are responsible for all transportation costs to and from the host’s home. During the months of September to May, your homestay will be approximately 30-35 minutes away on foot from the school. During the summer months, June, July and August, your homestay will be approximately a 60-minute bus ride away from the school. EF will organize direct public transport to certain areas at a special discounted student rate.

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

Smoking If you are a smoker, please ask your hosts where you can smoke. Remember that smoking in public places is prohibited in Malta.

Requests for change Homestay accommodation is booked for your entire course. You may only change homestays for very serious reasons and with the approval of the Homestay Accommodation Manager.

The homestay hosts and EF staff should receive at least a one-week notice about your

move. Requests for change will be considered on an individual basis and Terms & Conditions apply when a move is approved. The Homestay Accommodation Manager will advise you about these on a case by case basis. No refunds will be granted for students who choose to leave their homestay for personal reasons.

Meals in a homestay Your homestay hosts provide breakfast and dinner Monday through Friday and breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner on the weekends. You will eat dinner with your hosts at their set meal time. Meals will only be provided when you are home to participate. Please be sure to call your hosts if you are going to be late or if you are not going to be home for a meal. There will be no refund for meals not taken at home with your family. You are responsible for your own lunch during the week. There is an EF cafeteria at the school, where you can purchase food and drinks throughout the day and there are many snack bars, fast-food places, coffee shops and restaurants close to the school. Plan to spend between €5 to €10 a day on lunch and possible snack food items. Dinner in a restaurant will cost between €9 and €45 per person.

Typical food in a Maltese host family consists mainly of different types of pasta dishes for example: ravioli, spaghetti, lasagna etc.. sales, pizza, burgers and chicken.

EF Residence Our residence is located a couple of minutes on foot from the school and offers basic accommodation with breakfast and dinner included. Each room has its own bathroom, which is shared between two to four students. Some rooms are equipped with cooking facilities. Bed sheets and towels are provided, and you will be able to do your laundry in the residence washing machine for a small charge. If you are unsure about the rules and facilities of the residence, speak to the residence staff or Administration Coordinator.

Alternative Options If you prefer hotel accommodation, there are options that include a single or a twin room with bed and breakfast in a 3-star hotel within walking distance of the school. Students can also upgrade their booking to a 4- or 5-star hotel for a supplement.

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If you want to rent your own apartment, speak to the Residence Staff who will provide you with general advice and contact numbers. You will be responsible for all legal and financial arrangements.

Credit Cards EF strongly recommends that students travel with either a Visa or MasterCard. These are widely accepted all around Malta in different shops and outlets.

Once you have moved into your own accommodation, it is very important to give your new accommodation address to the school for safety reasons.

9. Telephones, fax & Internet

8. Money Matters

Telephone All long distance calls must be collect calls, charged to the person you are calling, or charged to a prepaid telephone card, which you can purchase from a nearby shopping mall.

Currency The currency in Malta 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).

Fax All EF schools use fax machines to conduct business. You can send and receive faxes from this machine for a small fee, although you are encouraged to limit the use.

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.

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

Banking The school staff will help you to open a bank account at the start of your course. There are various banks in Malta, the main ones being Bank of Valletta and HSBC. In order to open a bank account, you need to be a student at our school for more than 6 months.

10. Health Care & Insurance

Banks are normally open until early afternoon from Monday to Friday and until midday on Saturday. Some banks work longer hours.

Summer and winter opening hours may differ Spending Money We recommend that you bring around €140 for expenses upon your arrival and the rest of your spending money on a card account.

We recommend that you budget €100 - €150 for each week you plan to stay in Malta. This should cover lunches, laundry, travel to and from school, and EF Activities mid-week. For weekend excursions, shopping and depending on what you choose to do during leisure time, you may need to bring more.

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

You have the option of using either the public hospital in Tal-Qroqq or a number of private clinics and hospitals close to the EF school. You will need to pay immediately in cash or credit card for any medical service you use at the government hospital; private hospitals will accept medical insurance coverage. Please ask the EF staff or your homestay hosts for assistance if you need medical attention. The Administration Coordinator will assist you with submitting the insurance claim after your doctor’s visit.

We always recommend that you choose Mater Dei hospital at Tal-Qroqq for any serious medical attention that you may require during your stay.

Note: If you are hospitalised, please contact your insurance company or EF within the first 48 hours of admittance. You can contact EF staff at all times in case of an emergency on the emergency number you will receive from your local EF office before your departure.

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 insur-

ance 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 weather. Sports centres on the island offer an enormous range of aerobics, athletics and karate. You can practice your English while learning how to dive or sharing a round of golf.

12. Transportation

11. Activities & Excursions

Public transportation Public transportation in Malta is affordable.

Most people travel on the brightly coloured local buses. As an alternative to buses we advise that you only use EF recommended taxi companies. Don’t forget that one of the best and cheapest ways to see Malta is to walk!

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

Car Hire If you would like to really explore the island you may want to hire a car with friends for the weekend. Car hire is relatively cheap on the

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!

other cultures. Your school’s activities and trips give you the opportunity to apply your life skills, practice English in real situations and familiarize yourself with the Maltese culture.

island, costing you €100 per week during the winter months and €163 per week during the summer months.

13. Expectations Activity Programme The school employs a full time Activities Coordinator, responsible for the organisation of all free-time activities. The Activities Coordinator can provide information about what’s happening on and around the island, where to eat, what to do on the weekend and can help you organise your independent travel plans.

Weekly activities The Activities Coordinator arranges student activity evenings on a regular basis to encourage students to meet and make friends with each other. Typical evenings might include a trip to a ‘cheap and cheerful’ restaurant, an evening dancing or an evening at one of the local village’s annual ‘festas’.

Excursions A whole range of excursions are organised throughout the year for students at the school.

The excursions range from a visit to the capital, Valletta, the “old” capital, Mdina, as well as boat trips to the islands of Gozo and Comino.

Sports A varied sports programme is proposed each week. Sports offered may include horse-back riding, tennis, biking, beach volleyball, rock climbing, snorkelling, scuba diving and sailing.

Sports offerings each week are dependent on

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Expectations are a normal part of anticipating a new experience. We understand that everyone has their own individual beliefs and anticipations, however we ask you to come with an open mind.

What you can expect from EF: zS upportive staff, available for guidance and encouragement. zA n academic program which combines language, special interest, and culture-oriented classes. zF ull program of local activities and excursions at special EF rates. zA ccommodation in either homestay or student residence. zA ll designated meals. zE F Academic Year Abroad Diploma for Academic Year Abroad students with 80% attendance per term and good academic standing and academic records zE F Course Certificate for International Language Students with 80% attendance and good academic standing. zP reparation classes and/or materials for appropriate standardized language exams and availability of University Placement Service (UPS).

What EF expects of you: zT o develop a greater understanding of the world around you.

zT o attend at least 80% of all classes and to do your best in class at all times. zT o be respectful of your homestay hosts, your classmates, your teachers and your community. zT o keep your room and shared areas clean. zT o speak English at all times. zT o abide by all laws, rules and regulations of your host country, state, campus and school.

What you can expect from your homestay hosts: ❚❚A comfortable, clean place to live. ❚❚Prepared meals or accessibility to food to prepare yourself according to the meal plan. ❚❚Access to the school in approximately one hour by public transportation. All transportation costs are your responsibility.

14. Maltese culture & living tips Local food and culture Maltese culture is influenced by its Mediterranean, English, Arab and Catholic connections.

It is reflected in the way Maltese communicate, holidays they celebrate, food they eat and other habits and rituals.

Traditional Maltese food includes dishes with beef, pasta, seafood, vegetables and almonds.

Breakfast usually consists of a cup of tea and toast and is taken between 6:00 and 10:00 in the morning. Lunch during the week is usually taken between 13:00 and 14:00 in the afternoon and may include “ftira” (local leavened bread with tomato paste and tuna) or a sandwich. On the weekends lunch is a traditional family gathering and usually consists of roast meat and potatoes.

Dinner often is taken between 19:30 and 21:00 and usually includes pasta, rice or meat. During the hot season the Maltese prefer to eat dinner outside in the open air (al fresco).

Tipping If the service is not included, leave a 10-15% tip.

Appliances and Electricity Electric outlets in Malta provide a current of 240 volts, 50 hertz. The plugs are rectangular with three prongs, the same as in the U.K. It is advised that you bring an adapter from your home country though they are easy to find in Malta as well for approximately €2.

Alcohol The legal age to purchase and/or consume alcohol is 17. You may be asked to present

your ID card on entering some of the clubs or at the bar counters.

Smoking Smoking is prohibited in all public places, excluding specially designated areas in some restaurants and bars. Please remember that smoking is not allowed inside the school building.

Shopping During the week shops are usually open from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00. Some apparel outlets stay open as late as 20:00 to 21:00. Most shops are closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Beaches Please make sure to put on a top and/or t-shirt before you leave the beach. Beachwear should not be worn in the street. Females should NOT bathe topless anywhere. This is an offense to the local custom.

General safety tips ❚❚Do not hitch hike. Use transport provided by your school, public transport and/or licensed taxis ❚❚Avoid walking around unfamiliar areas at night unaccompanied ❚❚Avoid beaches at night ❚❚Always cross roads at zebra crossings or pedestrian lights ❚❚Always walk on the pavement and not on the road Dos and Don’ts You will be required to abide by National laws as well as the rules of the EF school. Violations will lead to a verbal warning and possible disciplinary action by the School Director and the authorities.

The following are illegal in Malta zD rugs (non-medicinal) zA lcohol if you are under 17 years old zB uying tobacco if you are under 16 (or buying for someone who is under 16) zD riving without insurance or a valid driving license zO ffensive weapons (including pocket knives) Learn from Differences Life will be different in Malta than in your home country. Try to think of the differences as something positive, something to learn from.

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St. Julian’s, Malta

Remind yourself that Malta is a tiny island and a unique experience in itself. Try not to make comparisons with the way things are in your country and learn from and experience the differences.

Recommended websites zw ww.visitmalta.com zw ww.maltaandgozo.com zw ww.maltairport.com zw ww.maltaweather.com zw ww.gozo.com

15. Adjusting to a New Culture The EF community is more than a group of students who have come together to learn English. It is also a multi-cultural group of young adults who are eager to share their own culture and learn the culture of their host country and fellow classmates.

One’s culture is made up of values, beliefs, arts, 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 Malta. 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.

Tips on coping with change Remember that change does not come without some effort! We humans need a certain amount of stress to motivate us to learn new ways of being. Learning always involves some form of change. You should try the following: zW hile you might be tempted to surround

yourself with things that are familiar to you, try not to isolate yourself by being only with others from your home country. Keep reaching out to your host, roommates and other students. zP ut off making major decisions such as an accommodation change, until you feel more “at home” with the culture in general. zT alk to us about your worries or problems.

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

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

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

Bring pictures and Items from home If you have room in your suitcases for some music, a costume, pictures, or some typical crafts, it would be good to show other students, as well as to decorate your room to make it seem like home. We have seen costumes and drums from Korea, dancing and music from Austria and a piñata and tortillas from Mexico. Please bring pictures of your friends, family and surrounding area.

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

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

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: Term 3: (Year) Departure:

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

School holidays The school in St. Julian’s 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 10 February - St. Paul’s Shipwreck 19 March - Saint Joseph 31 March - Freedom day Malta 2 April - Good Friday 1 May - Labour Day 7 June - Malta National Holiday 29 June - Saint Peter and Paul 15 August - Assumption Day 8 September - Victory Day Malta 21 September - Independence days Malta 8 December - Immaculate Conception 13 December - Republic Day Malta 25 December - Christmas Day 26 December - Boxing Day 31 December - New Year’s Eve 2013 1 January - New Year’s Day 10 February - St. Paul’s Shipwreck 19 March - Saint Joseph 29 March - Good Friday 31 March - Freedom day Malta 1 May - Labour Day 7 June - Malta National Holiday 29 June - Saint Peter and Paul 15 August - Assumption Day 8 September - Victory Day Malta 21 September - Independence days Malta 8 December - Immaculate Conception 13 December - Republic Day Malta 25 December - Christmas Day 26 December - Boxing Day 31 December - New Year’s Eve

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):

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

■■ Valid ID card - It’s a good idea to make copies of these and pack them in your suitcase just in case.

■■ 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 ■■ E111 European Health Card ■■ 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 cash and credit cards – Visa and MasterCards are highly accepted around the island. Do not bring large amount of cash in any currency. (Do NOT bring large amounts of cash in any currency!).

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

________________________________________ EF Sales Office telephone number:

■■ Pencil and/or pen and notebook.

________________________________________

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

EF School telephone number:

+356 2570 2000 ________________________________________ EF School emergency telephone number:

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

17. Checklist

+356 9928 1700 ________________________________________

■■ Personal sports equipment.

■■ Favorite books, photos and a camera.

■■ Homestay or student residence details and emergency numbers.

School holidays The EF International Language Center in St. Julian’s 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 10 February - St. Paul’s Shipwreck 19 March - Saint Joseph 31 March - Freedom day Malta 2 April - Good Friday 1 May - Labour Day 7 June - Malta National Holiday 29 June - Saint Peter and Paul 15 August - Assumption Day 8 September - Victory Day Malta 21 September - Independence days Malta 8 December - Immaculate Conception 13 December - Republic Day Malta 25 December - Christmas Day 26 December - Boxing Day 31 December - New Year’s Eve

2012 1 January - New Year’s Day 10 February - St. Paul’s Shipwreck 19 March - Saint Joseph 29 March - Good Friday 31 March - Freedom day Malta 1 May - Labour Day 7 June - Malta National Holiday 29 June - Saint Peter and Paul 15 August - Assumption Day 8 September - Victory Day Malta 21 September - Independence days Malta 8 December - Immaculate Conception 13 December - Republic Day Malta 25 December - Christmas Day 26 December - Boxing Day 31 December - New Year’s Eve

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

■■ Valid ID card - It’s a good idea to make copies of these and pack them in your suitcase just in case.

■■ 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

Checklist

16. EF school calendar & holidays

■■ M ake sure all EF forms are complete, especially the Health Certificate ■■ Medical and travel insurance documents ■■ E111 European Health Card ■■ 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.

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

Additional notes or numbers:

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

Homestay host’s or student residence address:

National Emergency Number: student residence address

112 _________________________________________

_________________________________________

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

EF Doctor: idence telephone number(s)

+356 9949 4115

■■ 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 cash and credit cards – Visa MasterCards are highly accepted around the island. Do not bring large amount of cash in any currency. (Do NOT bring large amounts of cash in any currency!).

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

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

EF Sales Office telephone number:

EF Sales Office telephone number

■■ Pencil and/or pen and notebook.

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

EF School telephone number:

EF School telephone number

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

+356 2570 2000

■■ Personal sports equipment.

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

EF School emergency telephone number:

EF School emergency telephone number

+356 9928 1700 _________________________________________

_________________________________________

■■ Favorite books, photos and a camera.

■■ Homestay or student residence details and emergency numbers.