International Language Campuses
Student handbook Your guide to the EF experience www.ef.com
Welcome to the EF Family 03
Dear Student,
Contents
Thank you for choosing Malta as your travel destination! Whether your course here is for two weeks or one year, we will do our best to ensure that you settle in as easily as possible and enjoy your stay in our exciting country!
04 A Little Background 06 What to expect 07 Meeting a new culture 08 Getting ready for your trip
During your first few days here, you will probably have many questions regarding your English course, your accommodation, and how to survive in Malta. This booklet is designed to answer many of those questions and provide you with some useful basic information. If you are still concerned or confused about something, please speak to a member of the EF School staff. We are here to help and want your stay to be a happy one. There may be many things about the Maltese way of life that are different from the culture of your home country and this can sometimes seem frustrating. Remember that if you keep an open mind you’ll not only settle in more easily, but also you will learn more English.
1) Study 11 Your language program 13 Progress you can expect
2) Live 15 Where to stay 19 Activities
3) Support 25 Problems/Complaints Procedure 26 General Information 30 Welfare 34 Health and Safety 36 How You Will Learn
Sincerely, Your EF Team
11 Languages 52 Destinations 100+ Nationalities
A Little Background 04 Malta has often been referred to as the island of sunshine and history. It has always been renowned for its excellent natural harbour and strategic location. The harbour provided a sheltered base for naval fleets whilst the island itself, situated at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, enabled its colonising powers to control shipping and trade in this area. History is part and parcel of the Maltese way of life. Even Maltese cuisine prides itself of being a mixed cocktail derived from the various former colonies that once ruled this tiny island. Special traditional dishes include rabbit stew, beef olives, “pastizzi” (pastry filled with ricotta cheese or peas),‘ġbejniet’ (goat cheese) and kawlata (mixed vegetable soup). We recommend you taste: -- Pastizzi (cheese cakes) -- Rabbit stew or fried rabbit -- Ħobz biż-żejt (traditional Maltese bread filled with tomato paste, tuna and capers) -- Bigilla – bean paste (great with Maltese galletti) -- Local Fish
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What to expect 06
You’re in for an exciting adventure. Know what to expect from your EF experience – and what we expect of you. The key to success is simple, seize every opportunity to improve your language skills inside and outside of the classroom – and enjoy the journey.
What to expect from your language course -- Information about the course location before departure. -- Staff to provide support and answer questions around the clock. -- Teaching that blends classroom lessons, interactive tools and cultural immersion -- Accommodation in a homestay or residence. -- Assistance if you wish to prepare for a language exam. -- A wide range of leisure activities – either free or for a small cost. -- A course diploma and a language certificate, which requires 80% attendance.
What to expect from your homestay -- Experiencing a new culture. -- Enjoying meals at your homestay. -- Sharing twin accommodation with a student from another country.
What to expect from your residence -- Sharing your accommodation with a student from another country.
What we expect from you -- At least 80% attendance in class. -- 85 % for Visa Extensions. -- Respect for your homestay hosts, fellow students and environment. -- Obeying all laws and regulations applicable in the country and school. -- Staying neat at school and in your homestay or residence. -- Telling EF Staff if something feels wrong or does not meet your expectations.
Meeting a new culture 07
The experience of a lifetime comes with meeting a new culture. Prepare for your adventure – and get ready to immerse yourself in your destination's culture. Discovering another culture
Conquer culture shock
Culture is a mix of beliefs, customs, art and language that define a society or population. It’s learned from family, teachers and friends, knowingly and unknowingly. Your culture determines how you perceive yourself, the way you relate to others and what you consider important. It shapes your identity – and makes it easy to connect with people from your country. Behaviors and practices are easy to see, but our attitudes and core values aren’t as simple to pinpoint. Immerse yourself in a new culture by reflecting on what you’re most excited to try or learn about your destination’s culture.
Culture shock can begin as the initial excitement of your destination subsides. You may feel uneasy or homesick, which leads to identifying drawbacks of the new country. It’s not uncommon to experience physical symptoms like trouble sleeping or losing your appetite. Rest assured that this period of adjustment will pass.
Take steps towards understanding a new culture
Friends
Activities
Adjust
Goals
Grow
Make friends from countries other than your own.
Keep busy – from studying to playing a sport.
Decisions are best made after you’ve adjusted to your destination.
Set goals. You’ll be reminded of your Language Course’s purpose.
Remember that you’re growing every day – don't give up!
Getting ready for your trip 08
Your trip is right around the corner. Be sure you don’t miss anything before you leave – from applying for visas to getting airline tickets. My EF
Travel protection
Log on to My EF – a social network exclusively for EF students. Use it to take your placement test, get in touch with your future classmates, reserve an airport transfer, join our Ambassador program, practice your language skills or explore your destination. Check your inbox for the email you received with login details upon enrollment – and log on at my.ef.com.
It is mandatory to be insured during your language course. Erika has been the exclusive insurance provider to EF customers for 20 years. Our EF staff are familiar with this insurance company and know what to do and where to call in case of an emergency. They also have claim forms at hand to help students with minor issues. Erika Insurance Ltd. offers tailor made coverage exclusively for EF Students which includes:
Passport Make sure that your passport is valid for the duration of your stay abroad and six months after your return. If you’re required to have valid identification while at your destination, your passport will work for this. Before you leave, make a copy of it to bring along to your destination and one to leave at home – this will come in handy if your passport gets lost.
Visa We’ll provide the instructions if you need to apply for a visa prior to departure. You’re responsible for your visa application, so be sure to start applying in time and pay all fees required for the application process. You can always get in touch with your local EF office for more information regarding the visa you need to travel abroad.
-- Unlimited medical coverage (some exclusions apply). -- Flight, hotel and meal costs for 2 family members to visit in case of a critical illness or accident. -- Refunded course fee per day that is missed due to illness or accident. -- Coverage for all EF-organized sports and activities. -- Coverage in case of theft of personal belongings – including valuables and cash. -- Third Party Liability and Legal Assistance. -- Erika has been the exclusive insurance provider to EF customers for 20 years. People working in the EF schools are familiar with this insurance company and know what to do and where to call in case of an emergency. They also have claim forms at hand to help students with minor issues.
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Flights
Phone numbers and addresses
Your local EF office can help with arranging your flights. Our travel services ensure competitive prices and flexible tickets – which means you can rebook your flight. Once your flight booking is completed, enter your trip details into My EF, so the school staff and your homestay hosts know when to expect you and can arrange your transfer from the airport.
Make sure that you have the phone number and address of your local EF office, airport transfer service, EF school and accommodation filled out at the back of this handbook. These will come in handy if you need to communicate flight delays or changes in your schedule.
Transfers
Bring enough money to cover public transportation expenses for the first week of your stay. You may want to bring a little extra in case you’d like to purchase snacks or souvenirs. You can request the currency used in your destination from your local bank.
Your local EF office can help with arranging transportation to and from your destination's airport – which you can reserve over the phone or on My EF. Students who choose to use our transfer service will be met at the airport by an EF Representative and driven to their accommodation’s front door. Please keep in mind, we have many students arriving at the same time so you may have to wait a little while for all students to arrive
Departure meeting You’ll find out more about life at your destination, get a packing list and meet fellow classmates at our Departure meeting – which we recommend you attend. You’ll receive an email invitation to your Departure meeting, which you can attend either online or in person.
Medicine If you take medicine, it’s important that you bring enough of your prescription to last for the duration of your trip – unless you’re sure you can get a prescription at your destination. Tuck away any extra medicine, glasses or contact lenses in your carry-on luggage.
Money
School supplies Bring pens and notebooks along with you to your destination. Should you choose to bring a dictionary with you, we recommend bringing one translated into your native language, as well as one in your study language. You’ll receive all additional course material upon your arrival to school. Bring a re-useable bottle for water. Bring your lap top / IPAD with you. WIFI in the school and your EF Residence is Free.
Study
[study] Learning a language with EF is more than just classroom study – you'll also hone your skills by practicing in real-world situations and in technology-enhanced lessons.
Your language program 11
Get everything you need to know about studying abroad with EF – from what your first day of school will look like to what to do when you’re absent. Your language level Before you leave for your course destination, you’ll need to log on to your My EF account and take our language test. We’ll use your results – along with an oral test on your first day of school – to make sure you’re in the right class. There are 6 different stages and each stage has 2 different levels (i.e. B1-1, B1-2). A1 Beginner A2 Elementary B1 Intermediate B2 Upper Intermediate C1 Advanced C2 Upper Advanced
Your First Day Of School Your first day will be spent getting accustomed to the school and its surroundings as well as meeting classmates and teachers. You will also be able to access your timetable, and you will be given information about your school and destination country. -- Come to school at 8:30 am. We will show you where you need to go in order to meet other new students and do your check-in and oral test. -- Introduction of Staff members.
-- Orientation + Test (if applicable). -- Town Walk around the school area (with an EF Staff member). -- First day Malta Tour. -- Welcome Party. NB! – If you have already done your placement test from home, you can choose to start your lessons. However we recommend you take the first day Malta Tour since this is a great networking opportunity.
Your EF Staff School Director Has overall responsibility for the school and will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Director of Studies
Accommodation Manager Responsible for accommodation and can help answer your questions. Student Services & Student Welfare Helps you with any general queries or difficulties you may have during your stay with us. Can also help you with any course changes, holidays or course extensions. Can also help with Insurance and Visa issues. Airport and taxi transfers are easily arranged at the reception. Activities and Events Provides you with a weekly activities programme and is a source of information about what to do in your free time to keep discovering the country.
Organizes your course content and everything related to lessons and teaching. Can help with questions about your class and timetable and give you information about examinations.
Teachers
Internship/Volunteer service and University Placements Coordinator
A problem can only be solved if we know about it! Please feel free to contact any member of staff should you wish to discuss any aspect of your stay with us at your school.
Allocates you to the right internship/volunteer acompany/ and or association.
Your teachers will be pleased to help you with any questions you may have regarding your class work, level or your progress.
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Your Course Each week you will have 32, 26 or 20 lessons of 40 minutes (depending on the course you choose), organized in double lessons lasting 1 hour and 20 minutes. You will see these as “Blocks” on your time-table. In class you will practice reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. You will have some lessons in the language lab using EF’s own Efekta™ system. We encourage you to borrow reading books and DVDs from the library to continue practicing English in your free time.
Attendance It’s really important to attend all your classes – but, if you are ill or you cannot make it to school, be sure to let the Academics Team know, you can call the school Reception and they will pass on the message to the Academics Team. You can send an email to ils.malta@ef.com You will still be marked absent for the classes you miss, however it is important for us to know that you will not be coming to school and what the reason is. If you are ill for three days or more, you will need to bring a doctor’s note with you when you return to class. If you are not sure how to get a doctor’s note or are too ill to go to the doctor yourself, make contact with the staff at Reception. The EF doctor can
visit you at your Residence or Host Family at an extra charge, Please remember that we will have to send you a warning letter if your attendance gets close to the minimum of 80%. Should your attendance remain below 80% at the end of your course, you will NOT receive a certificate. If you travel during your course, lessons are not refunded. However for your safety, please let us know if you do decide to travel.
Changing Or Extending Your Programme The Academic Team can advise you on all the different study programmes that EF offers. If you would like to change your programme or extend your stay, just come and see us. We can also prepare you for official language exams, if you reserve them in advance. Talk to your school’s Academic Team to find out more about exams, costs and availability. If you have any problems please come to the Customer Service Office and speak to us.
Timetable Your Timetable is available online. Download the My EF app on your phone or tablet and log in to check your timetable (click on iLab/ School/Weekly schedule). The Timetable changes on Sunday evening for the following week.
Accreditations The EF Malta school is accredited by, and affiliated to, internationally renowned organisations attesting to the high level of teaching that we offer and ensuring you get the best possible language experience.
Progress you can expect Weeks of study
0
6
12
18
24
30
36
Language Ability Learning at higher levels continues through the C2 stage, where you can master new concepts and strategies to perform at native speaker level.
EF Intensive course EF General course
C2
Exam scores EF SET: 71+ Cambridge: CPE IELTS: 9 TOEFL: 119-120 TOEIC: 945+
C1
Exam scores EF SET: 61-70 Cambridge: CAE IELTS: 7-8 TOEFL: 110-118 TOEIC: 945+
B2
Exam scores EF SET: 51-60 Cambridge: FCE IELTS: 5.5-6.5 TOEFL: 87-109 TOEIC: 785-940
Upper Advanced Communicates almost as effectively as a native speaker.
Advanced Confident communicator, good comprehension of most texts.
Upper Intermediate Interacts with a degree of fluency; limited range of style.
B1
Exam scores EF SET: 41-50 Cambridge: PET IELTS: 4-5 TOEFL: 57-86 TOEIC: 550-780
Intermediate Good situational comprehension; limited creative capacity.
A2
Exam scores EF SET: 31-40 Cambridge: KET IELTS: 2.5-3.5 TOEFL: 19-56 TOEIC: 225-545
Elementary Understands and uses familiar sentences and expressions.
A1
Exam scores EF SET: 1-30 IELTS: 1-2 TOEFL: 0-18 TOEIC: 120-220
Beginner Basic phrases or no previous exposure to the language.
0
6
12
18
24
30
36
Each stage in the Common European Framework of Reference, published by the Council of Europe is divided into 2 EF course levels. This graph indicates the average rate of progress and is intended as a guide only.
Live
[live] Whether you’re going on a weekend excursion with friends or bonding over dinner with your host family – you’ll live the language with EF.
Where to stay 15
There are two main types of accommodation: Homestay and Residential. Students staying in one of EF’s residences will receive a separate handbook with useful information. Staying in a host family is a great way to practice and improve your English. You will experience typical local life and will be involved in the family's routine and lifestyle If You Live In A Host Family Our host families are specifically selected for their hospitality. During the course of your stay, you will have a unique opportunity to share and experience day-to-day life with a Maltese family. Life in Malta is different from life at home so please allow some time to adapt to the different lifestyle and new family. In the event that you wish to change your host family, please visit the Accommodation desk. Our staff is there to help you with any problems or questions you might have about your new family environment. A request to change your family will be considered on an individual basis. It is not possible to change your family based only on the distance from school. At busy times of the year it may not be possible to change your family. A family change usually takes a minimum of 10 days. However during busy periods, this could be longer.
Meals Your host family will provide you with breakfast and dinner during the week and packed lunch at weekends and public holidays. You are reminded that food is likely to be different from what you are used to eating at home and you should come to Malta prepared to sample a range of, perhaps, unfamiliar dishes. Points to Remember Customs and traditions in Malta may be very different from what you are used to at home and remembering a few simple rules will help to make your life, and your host family’s, a lot easier. Please remember that you are expected to: -- Keep your room neat and tidy. -- Make your bed in the morning. -- Not to use the host family’s kitchen without permission. -- Let your family know if you expect to come home late. -- Ask before you bring friends home. -- Tell your family if you are
going away for the weekend. -- Keep your house key safe and never lend it to anyone. -- Spend some time each day talking to your host-family. -- Adapt to their way of life. -- Speak English at all times. -- Ask before you use the telephone and pay for any calls you make. -- Pay for any damage you cause or things you break. -- Meet any medical costs you incur. NB! Tap water is safe to drink however it couldbe slightly salty. It is advisable to buy bottled water found in all local supermarkets. Family Routines Ask your family about their daily routine; when you can use the bathroom in the morning, what to do if you arrive home late; whether you can bring friends home etc. This information will help you all find a routine that suits everyone.
16 Respect Make sure that you do not treat your family like hotel staff. Laundry Your family will wash your bed linen, towels and clothes once a week. Please speak to them about their routine. Heating Most families will only have the heating on at certain times of the day as it is very expensive. If you are cold at night ask for extra blankets for your room. Ask your homestay host how it works in their house and speak to your school staff to find out more about how much a laundrette costs.
you “pay as you go” internet access; You can also use the Wi-Fi in school. At the school we have local SIM cards and can offer you local internet plans. Curfew times for 16 – 17 year olds Under 17 year olds must return home by 23:00 (Sunday to Thursday) and 24:00 (Friday to Saturday). 17 year olds must return home by 1:30 (Sunday to Thursday) and 01:30 (Friday to Saturday). Always tell your family if you are not going to spend the night at home, or if you are going away for the weekend. If your family are expecting you home and you do not arrive they may report you as a missing person to the police.
-- Always ask your hosts before using their home telephone to make a call. It’s usually easier to buy a prepaid phone card from the Activities Office at your EF course center. -- You can always access the internet at your EF school. Ask your homestay hosts' permission to use the internet at home. Remember, never download any illegal material from the Internet, either at school or your homestay. Internet You will need to ask permission to access the family’s internet. Not all families will have internet access, but you can get an internet dongle from school which will give
EF Campus Living allows you make new friends from day one
EF St. Julians
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If You Live In A Residence If You Live In A Residence Staying in the EF residence is a great way to meet students from all over the world and to stay close to the islands’ major entertainment area. Many of our residences are located minutes walk away from the school and are a short stroll away from the small sandy beach and the EF beach club. They offer basic accommodation in rooms for two, three and four students. WI-FI access and laundry service is optional in some residences.
Meals Depending on which residence you are staying at, you may be on either self-catering or halfboard basis. However, should you wish, you can purchase weekly food vouchers from the school reception. These vouchers entitle you to have lunch/dinner in a variety of restaurants and are a great way to budget your food costs. Points to remember -- There is a 100 Euro cash deposit which you have to pay upon arrival (this will be given back on departure). -- You are not allowed to bring any guests in your residence. -- You cannot change your room without the permission of the
residence advisor. -- Store your valuables wisely – ask residence staff about safety boxes available. -- Alcohol is not allowed inside an EF residence. -- You are responsible for your room, any missing or damaged items will be billed to your deposit account. Own Or Private Accommodation (Over 18’s only) If you are staying in your own or private accommodation, you are required to inform EF of your address and telephone number and update us of any changes during your time with us. Dealing with landlords and letting agents is your responsibility and not EF’s.
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Activities 19
Make the most of your trip abroad – explore your destination city, go on a weekend getaway or just play a game of cards. Activities are an important part of your course. The Activities Office is responsible for arranging a weekly timetable filled with a variety of day and weekend excursions, sports, events, parties, and attraction/ museum visits. We highly recommend that you join the scheduled events; You will learn more about Malta, make friends, practice your English and most importantly have fun and take home great memories. Please do not hesitate to contact us in case you have any ideas or questions about activities that you might want to organize. Remember we are here to ensure you have a great time here in Malta! -- Discover Malta: Every week the activities office organize a cultural trip around the Maltese Islands. There is no better way to get to know the rich Maltese Heritage if not with the professional EF tour guides. -- Info and Maps: At the activities desk we can provide you with information of special events. Moreover, we can also provide you maps and informative leaflets about special events or sites. -- Lunch vouchers and much more: Apart from info and maps, you can buy lunch
vouchers, discounted individual tickets and gym passes. -- The Club Scene: Malta has a lot of nightclubs and discos especially in the school area. The Activities organizer will keep you informed about the “trendy” places in town.
Your EF Student Card! This identifies you as a student at the school, and can also give you access to reduced prices in shops and restaurants in Malta. Please make sure you carry this with you at all times. This document is checked by Police in emergencies. Important Information for EF Excursions When you sign up for the trip in the activities office, you agree to the following points: Cancellations and Refunds: -- If we cancel the trip for any reason, then we will give you a full refund. We will inform you about any cancellations via the My EF app – Notification feature. It is your responsibility to check the app to ensure the activity is still going ahead. -- Tickets purchased for activities are only refundable upon presentation of a valid
medical certificate, proving that you were unable to attend the activity due to illness. -- If, whilst on an excursion, an activity is unexpectedly cancelled due to bad weather then we will try to find another similar attraction. If not, we will refund accordingly. If possible, the group may wait for latecomers to arrive before setting off either at the start or the end of an excursion. However, this is not guaranteed and every participant must take responsibility for being at the meeting point on time. If you miss the bus, you will have to find your own way back to St. Julian’s and EF will not refund any extra cost. My EF and Facebook You will find a lot of useful information about upcoming events, past excursions, photos, competitions and great news on My EF and the school’s EF Facebook page. You will also be able to make friends with past, present and future EF students all over the world. You may top up your My EF account by using a PC and purchase credits to use for activities. Activities may then be purchased on My EF directly.
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Must see
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Vittoriosa Mdina
Valletta Capital City Tour
Marsaxlokk
-- Half Day tour -- UNESCO site -- Price includes: Professional tour guide and transport. Duration 4 Hours.
Valletta
Blue Grotto Ta Qali Craft Village Sliema Megalithic Temples Dingli Cliffs
Marsalforn Ramla Bay
EF Beach Club Water Sports
The Blue Lagoon St Marija tower
Xlendi
Cathedral of Santa Marija
-- Any day of the week (in season/weather permitting) -- Variety of water sports -- Discounted prices
Inland sea in Dwejra
Megalithic Temples of Malta
Calypso Cave Victoria Rabat
T rekking – Autumn/Winter/ Spring
-- Half Day tour at a UNESCO site -- Experienced Team Leader -- Private transport
Watersports
Island of Gozo
Must do
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Rent a Bike or Car -- Booking can be done from school -- Discounted prices -- Bike equipment with rental -- Car rental can be done only if student is over 25 years old
Golden Bay
Gozo and Comino
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Panoramic Tour -- D rive round Malta's top spots led by an experienced team leader: Plenty of opportunities to take photos.
Malta
Diving
Water Park
-- Full day tour -- Professional Tour Guide -- Packed Lunch -- Private transport and Ferry ticket
Sailing
EF Jeep Tours
Jetski
-- Full day tour -- Guaranteed adventure
EF Boat Party – Summer Gozo Jeep Tour – Winter EF Beach Party – Summer
Swimming with Dolphins
-- Experienced Team Leader -- Various routes available Sicily Day Tour -- Full Day Tour -- Professional Tour guide -- Various Tours -- Every Sunday Malta by Night -- Half day Tour -- Professional tour guide -- Visiting Valletta – Mosta and Mdina -- Private Transport Mdina Silent City Tour -- Half Day Tour -- Old Capital City -- Price includes: Professional tour guide and transport -- Duration 4 hours Horse Riding -- Any Day -- Horse trainer to assist riders -- No experience required -- Private transport EF Grand Prix -- Fun Activity -- Trophy for 1st 2nd 3rd -- Evening event -- Private transport Marsaxlokk Sunday Market -- Half Day tour -- Sunday Fish Market -- Experienced Team Leader
Marsalforn Victoria Ramla Bay
Blue Lagoon Xlendi Dwejra Mellieha St. Paul’s Bay St. Julian’s Golden Bay
Valletta Mosta Mdina Rabat Tarxien Dingli
Hagar Qim Ghar Lapsi Marsaxlokk Blue Grotto
22 Rent a yacht -- Half Day or Full Day event -- Max 8 persons -- Pick up from EF Beach Club -- Discounted price for EF Students EF Malta Beach Days – Summer -- Different Beach every week -- Private transport -- Various days and times EF BBQ Nights – Spring/ Summer
Windsurf, Kite surfing and Sailing -- Half Day activity -- Courses available -- Discounted price -- All equipment provided -- Private transport
-- Discounted gym memberships -- Gym memberships include use of pool, sauna and fitness classes -- Gym opens every day
Scuba Diving
Special activities
-- Half Day activity -- Courses available -- Discounted prices -- All equipment provided
-- Harbour cruises, Round Malta Cruise -- Annual Events, Isle of MTV, Wine Festival and Gozo Carnival -- Wine tasting
Sports
-- Evening Event -- Food included -- Every week (summer) -- After party
-- Gym passes -- Volleyball, basketball, tennis, golf, football, squash -- Discounted court rental
The Island of Comino
Island of Gozo
-- Full Day Trip -- Swimming in the beautiful Blue Lagoon -- Price includes: Power boat, packed lunch and transport. Duration 8 hours led by an experienced Team Leader
-- Full day -- Citadel -- Bus & Ferry, plus leaders with you to visit the most amazing places on this lovely sister Island
EF Boat Party -- Every Thursday (summer/ weather permitting) -- An amazing experience -- Entertainment led by the EF Team -- Price includes: Food and drinks, live DJ, private transport
Gym Facility
Mediterraneo Park -- Spectacular show -- Sea animals and tropical bird show -- Swimming with the dolphins is available -- Booking is necessary
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Support \s
- port\ [support] We’re here to help you. Regardless of whether you have a question or just need some friendly advice.
Problems/Complaints Procedure 25
There may be things or situations that concern you or with which you are not satisfied. Please do not hesitate to come and speak to us. We are here to help and we aim to make your stay at EF a memorable one. Do you have a problem or query? Don’t take it home with you; we are here to help. In your first week you will meet with a member of staff to discuss how your first few days are going and if there are any issues that we can help to resolve. This staff member will be your allocated mentor if you have any questions or queries throughout your stay. Depending on the length of your course you will also complete an online questionnaire half way through your course and a couple of days or weeks before you leave. This is to monitor your satisfaction level in each area and for us to improve. However if you have a problem and you are unhappy at any point of your course please follow the below steps:
Step 1 If you have a general problem/query, speak to any member of staff. If they are unable to help they will refer you to the person responsible. Please speak to the following departments for the following problem/query: -- Lessons, exams, language levels – Academic Department -- Activities, excursions, free time programme – Activities Department -- Homestay, residence, meal plan – Accommodation Department -- Any other general problem/query – Reception/Customer Support -- All of the above representatives may be found in the Customer Service Office.
Step 2 If you are not satisfied with the outcome in Step 1 please speak to the School Director. Every effort will be made to resolve your problem/query within the school.
Step 3 If you are still not satisfied, we will help you to refer the matter to the EF Head Office. Selnaustrasse 30 CH-8001 Zürich Tel: +41 43 430 40 00
General Information 26
Being new in a foreign country, you will certainly have many questions regarding life in your host country. In this section you will find some important information to help you get started and feel comfortable in your temporary home. If you have any questions that are not covered here, please feel free to ask a staff member. What to Do in Case of a National Emergency. Let us know you are safe! Either log into My EF, and send a message to say you are safe and your whereabouts. Write your full name.OR Send an email to ils.malta@ ef.com which is on your wrist band.
Insurance Please bring proof of your insurance, whether it’s Erika insurance or your own private insurance. If you are from an EU country, please bring your European Health Care Card too. Please come over to front desk to make a copy of this together with your Passport and ID card. All students should have accident and health insurance, either bought through EF (ERIKA Insurance) or from another insurance company. If you still do not have insurance, please go to reception and a member of staff will advise you on how to buy an insurance policy. All students are strongly advised to make sure they are covered in the event of an accident or theft, and can buy EF insurance at the school. Remember it is too late to think about buying insurance after an accident has taken place! Usually
travel insurance only covers you for study and travel in Malta not for holidays taken within your course – for this you should get extra cover.
Money Matters The currency on the Island is the Euro. There are 100 cents to 1 Euro. All major credit cards are accepted in Malta – such as Visa and Mastercard. We recommend that you budget around Euro 100 for every week of your stay in Malta. This will cover personal expenses, laundry, local travel and EF activities in the local area. You will need more if you intend to rent a car, go on any weekend excursions or buy presents. We suggest you bring about Euro 250 cash and have the rest deposited on a credit card. Visa and/or MasterCard credit cards are widely accepted on the Island. So if you have one of these cards you may not need to bring so much money with you. You may also make money transfers via Western Union – just a few minutes away from the school. It takes only around 10 minutes to transfer money from any part of the world to Malta. You can also affect
27 a Bank Transfer via FEXSERV at Western Union.
Practical Tips Post Office Post Offices open Monday to Saturday from 07.45–12.30. They are closed on Sundays and on Public Holidays. You can receive mail at your accommodation or at the EF school. There is a post box for your disposal if you wish to post any letters to your family or friends. The letters in this post box are posted on a daily basis. Stamps can be bought from the reception desk. Telephone To call abroad from Malta, you need to dial 00 + Country Code + town code + number. To telephone Malta from abroad, please use International access code + 356 (for Malta).
Shopping The main shopping areas in Malta are Valletta and Sliema. You will find a large variety of different shops including clothes, jewellery, shoes, souvenirs, books etc. Most shops open between 09.00 and noon. Most shops close in the afternoon, and re-open from 16.30 to 19.00 pm. Please refer to the back cover for a onestop shopping experience. Shop times may vary from village to village; Shops are usually closed between 12:30 and 16:30 hours. Bus routes Ask Reception for the new and updated Bus Routes Map! Or alternatively check on www.publictransport.com.mt: check out the App: Tal Linja Taxi Service These companies offer very special rates for EF Students. However, we always suggest you ask the taxi driver the price in advance to avoid any misunderstanding. Download the App: ECABS Malta E–Cabs: + 356 2138 3838 Cabs: + 356 21 389 575 Visa Matters If you initially needed a visa to enter Malta, and this expires during your stay with us, you need to speak to a member of staff UPON ARRIVAL. The central visa unit in Floriana can issue a visa extension only if you have sufficient funds to cover the duration of your stay in Malta, and if you attend your classes regularly. The school will issue a confirmation letter which will facilitate the application process. This confirmation letter will confirm that you are indeed an EF student. The school will only issue this letter if you attendance is at least 85%. You will need the following documents to take with you
28 to the central visa unit. Come to Customer Services Office for any further information: 1. Passport – Full Copy 2. School confirmation letter ( you must have 85% plus attendance) 3. B ank Statements with proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Malta. 4. Original Insurance Certificates. 5. Application Form. 6. Flight reservations. 7. 2x Passport Photos.
Flight Confirmations and Transfers Make sure you check your flight departure details at least 3 days before you are due to travel. Should you require a return transfer you need to book this in the reception office, 3 days before your departure date. We will email you your transfer details. Please confirm you recieved them. The driver will pick you up 3 hours before your flight time depending on the time of day/night and season to ensure that you are at the airport on time. Please call our EF Airport Taxi company for any difficulties on +356 7949 2798. Recommended websites: www.visitmalta.com www.heritagemalta.com www.maltaandgozo.com
Places of Worship You will almost certainly find your faith represented somewhere in the country. Ask your host family or the school for the nearest church, mosque, synagogue or temple.
Coping with Cultural difference Some parts of our culture are very different; some like food, music, art and religion are easy to identify but others such as beauty, status and emotions are more difficult to quantify but may have an equally important effect on our lives. No one culture should be considered as “better” than any other. It is important to remember that “different” does not mean “worse” and you should try to keep an open mind about different aspects of your new culture until you have had time to settle down. Living in a new culture can be an exciting experience but it is possible that you may suffer from homesickness initially.
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Embassies And Consulates
Lithuania: + 356 2138 3849
Austria: + 356 2122 1597
Luxembourg: + 356 21 232 271
Belgium: + 356 2123 0893
Mexico: + 356 21230 680
China: + 356 2379 8801
Monaco: + 356 21448 466
Chile: + 356 2125 1411
Morocco: + 356 220 58058
Colombia: + 356 2340 2439
Netherlands: + 356 2131 3980
Czech Republic: + 356 2141 3893
Norway: + 356 2144 8466
Denmark: + 356 2569 1790
Poland: + 356 21244 306
Egypt: + 356 2133 3259
Portugal: + 356 2549 6000
Estonia: + 356 2137 8888
Romania: + 356 2123 2111
Finland: + 356 2134 3790
Russian Federation: + 356 2137 1905
France: + 356 2248 0600
Slovenia: + 356 2144 1063
Germany: + 356 2260 4000
Spain: + 356 2131 7365
Greece: + 356 2732 0888
Sweden: + 356 2569 1790
Hungary: + 356 2132 0963
Switzerland: + 356 2124 4159
Italy: + 356 2123 3157
Tunisia: + 356 21 417070
Japan: + 356 2122 6523
Turkey: + 356 2122 3424
Korea: + 356 2124 5127
Thailand: + 356 2131 9326
Libya: + 356 2148 6347
Ukraine: + 356 2124 2007
Welfare 30
Your welfare is our top priority and we have a few special guidelines and tips to ensure your well-being. Please make sure that these are followed. Our Student Services Manager is there for you if you would like to speak to someone or if you would like some help with any difficulties or questions you may have. Your conversation will be treated confidentially and if there is another staff member you feel more comfortable talking to, please do so.
Doctor If you are ill while in Malta and need medicaltreatment, EF recommends that you visit the following doctor: Dr. K. Navarro Gera. Potters Pharmacy Next to Barcelona Lounge – Paceville Opening Hours: 09.00 to 10.30 – 12.00 to 13.15 – 16.15 to 18.15. Monday to Saturday. Tel : 21363244 / 7747 8577 EF Doctor on Call 24 Hrs: + 356 9949 4115 Doctors charge: Approx 10 Euro if you visit the clinic/25 Euro if you call for the doctor to your room or Host family. You need to keep all the medical receipts in order to claim a refund from your health insurance.
Emergencies For any Emergencies (Police/Ambulance/ Fire) please dial the National Emergency: 112 EF Emergency 24 hour Phone: + 356 9928 1700
NB – Anything you might need, please contact front desk. Please note that numbers and times are correct at time of going to print.
School Facilities The school is equipped with FREE WI-FI throughout the building; therefore you can use your own laptop anytime anywhere around the school. Alternatively, you can use one of the school’s computers for internet access. There are various lounges available for you to sit down and relax during your free time. You can take advantage of our sun terraces, or the TV/study room. You can find a pay phone. Phone cards may be purchased from the reception or the activities office. Telephone rates vary according to the time of day and distance called. We also have International calling cards to call all over the world at very affordable rates. We also have local SIM cards available which enable you to receive free calls and call at local rates from your mobile. Keep an eye out for the school notice boards which will display various important information about what is happening around the school, cultural events and other information. A post box and a suggestion box is available for you to use. We post your mail every evening.
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School Guidelines and Community Standards Please observe the following guidelines as well as Community Standards while you are at school: -- EF does not tolerate any form of bullying or intolerance. Incidents will be treated seriously. -- We request all students and staff are treated with respect at all times. -- Smoking is not permitted in the school buildings. EF Malta operates a smoke-free policy and smoking is only permitted in designated areas. -- Respect the school facilities, they are for everyone’s use and benefit, so please look after them. -- Take care of your belongings. Do not leave your belongings unattended at any time as EF cannot take responsibility for any losses. A lost and found box is available at reception. -- You must attend your lessons. A minimum of 80 percent attendance is required to receive an EF Course Certificate. -- You must be punctual for your lessons. If you are late, the teacher may ask you come back at the beginning of your next class. -- Do not take food or drink into the classroom/iLabs. -- Your mobile phone must be turned off during lessons. -- The school is in a residential area. Please show consideration for our neighbours and leave the area quietly. Please do not block the pavement outside the school. -- Use the rubbish bins provided at all times, keeping the school and Malta clean and tidy. -- Inform the school as soon as possible of
sickness, or absence for another good reason. You may want to take note of the serial number of your mobile – and write this in a safe place (not on your phone).Dial: *#06# for this number. Quote this in case you lose or have your mobile stolen. -- Any illegal act and/or act of vandalism, breakage and or act against any of the property of the school is taken very seriously and will result in expulsion from the school with no reimbursement of the remaining fees. -- Your EF Bracelet is to be worn at ALL times. This is a visual security and has the school Email, emergency number embossed on it. This will be given to you to wear on your first day at school.
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Bullying -- EF International Language School is committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all our students so they can learn in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at our schools. -- We are a telling school. This means that anyone who knows that bullying is happening is expected to tell a member of EF staff.
What Is Bullying? -- Bullying is the use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person. Bullying results in pain and distress to the victim. -- Bullying can be: -- Emotional – Being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting (e.g. hiding books, threatening gestures). -- Physical – Pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence. -- Racist – Racial taunts, graffiti, gestures. -- Sexual – Unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments. -- Homophobic – Prejudice because of, or focusing on the issue of sexuality. -- Verbal Name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing. -- Cyber – All areas of internet, such as email and internet chat room misuse. -- Mobile threats by text messaging and calls -- Misuse of associated technology, i.e. camera and video facilities.
If you are a victim of bullying please contact an EF staff member who will address your problem in the strictest of confidence. If a student is found to be bullying, the case will be dealt with accordingly by the School Director. In serious cases, students may be excluded from school.
Health and Safety 34
EF’s policy is to provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions, equipment and system of work for all our employees, students and visitors, and to provide such information, training and supervision as they need for that purpose. Student’s Responsibility It is the responsibility of our students to cooperate with staff and management of the building to achieve a safe learning, working and living environment and to take reasonable care of themselves and others. Please report anything unusual to the school welfare team immediately.
First Aid Selected staff are trained in first aid or emergency aid in the workplace. Please see the notice board for their details. They are responsible for any first aid emergencies and for maintaining the appropriate first aid boxes.
Fire And Emergency Procedures What do you do when you hear the fire alarm? -- Don’t panic! -- Listen to your teacher (if in class) and/or to school staff. -- Do not stop – leave all your things behind you! -- Take the nearest fire exit (follow the signs) and go outside to the fire assembly point. -- Listen to instructions given to you by the staff marshals.
-- Do not go back into the school until school staff say that it is safe. NB! Do not use the lifts to exit the buildings during evacuation.
Personal Safety Malta is relatively safe and it is unlikely that you will encounter any crime. However, it pays to take sensible precautions: -- Do not leave your bags unattended or carry large amounts of cash with you. -- Drugs of all sorts are illegal. -- Keep the address and telephone number of your place of residence in Malta with you at all times. -- Hitchhiking is illegal. -- Do not walk around alone at night but rather in a group. -- Please be sensitive to the local culture. Do not walk around town in swimwear. Please make sure you put a T-shirt on when in town. -- If you visit a church, wear a pair of trousers or a long skirt, and your top should have sleeves. If you do not follow these guidelines, the church may be able to provide you with something suitable.
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-- Unless you know a person very well, do not accept an invitation to their house. Do not accept lifts from strangers. -- Do not bring alcohol or illegal substances onto EF premises. Alcohol consumption is Illegal in the streets/ beach of St. Julian’s. -- Please pay the buses using coins – they are cheap and take you everywhere. -- Think before you cross the road. In Malta like in the UK and Japan, we drive on the left hand side – so traffic comes on the other side of what you are usually used to. -- Always carry a EF student ID. Leave your original documents in your luggage locked at your accommodation. NB! If you have items stolen or see a crime take place at school, then please report it to the school welfare team as soon as possible.
Guidelines for students aged 16 and 17 Independent travel outside the course town. We strongly recommend travelling on EF-organized excursions. Any independent travel will require a parental authorization. Attendance: On arrival at school each day, registration is required. In case of sickness the school should be informed immediately. Maltese Laws: Students below the age of 17 are not permitted to buy alcohol or enter night clubs.
How You Will Learn 36
Our learning methodology combines classroom lessons with multimedia materials and EF course books – we call it the EF Efekta™ Learning System. It’s a blended learning approach, which means you will learn both in class and online. General English Classes The majority of your lessons will focus on general language skills, such as vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing, listening, speaking and pronunciation. You will also have teacher led lessons that take place in iLab.
Special Interest Classes In addition to your General Language classes, you will have some Special Interest Classes (SPIN classes) to focus more closely on specific aspects of your language learning experience, or for subjects that you might need to look into in more detail for your career or educational goals. The SPIN class options you can choose from depend on the type of course you are enrolled in and on which classes are available during your stay with us at EF. You can also take online SPIN classes which you can complete individually in your own time either at school or in your Residence/Host Family.
Lectures You will have one lecture every week. The scope of the lectures is to give you exposure to the English Language in a broader setting, where you are with students of different levels sharing ideas
and learning about a specific topic. Please feel free to ask any member of staff for more information about this.
Outside The Classroom Travelling to another country to learn the language means a lot of opportunity to practice. To really advance your fluency, speak the language outside of the classroom and make friends with students from other countries.Do not be afraid to make mistakes – that is how you learn.
Homework Your teachers will give you homework to complement your work in class. Ask your teacher if you would like extra homework, practice or assignments.
Monitoring Your Progress To check that you are at the right learning level, there will be class tests each week. We will also give you a progress test at the end of each study stage (every 6 weeks). You can follow your progress on the iTracker. If you feel that you are in the wrong level please approach your teacher who will guide you accordingly. You can discuss such matters with your teacher during the tutorial time in the iLab. Please visit the Customer Service office for more clarification.
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Certificates
General Course
Students departing, whose Attendance is over 80% will receive an Academic Portfolio consisting of the following:
This is ideal for students looking to gain a sound understanding of the essential disciplines of a language through a wellrounded course. The General Course is made up of 26 lessons of 40 minutes, amounting to 17 hours and 20 minutes of tuition, blending classroom and teacher guided lessons in iLab. The focus is on communicating clearly and effectively in everyday situations.
-- EF Certificate. -- EFSET Departure Test Certificate. -- EF Course Report (students on a course of minimum 4 weeks). -- EF Language Assessment Report (students on a course of minimum 4 weeks). -- EF Internship Certificate (depending on the course). -- EF Business Language Certificate (depending on the course).
Learning Guarantee Our EF Efekta™ Learning System has been shown to be the most effective way to learn. We guarantee that you will learn faster using our materials developed by top class linguists and assessment experts. The EFSET (EF Standardized English Test) will assess your level at the beginning and end of your course, and will clearly indicate your progress and improvement with the EFSET Placement Test at the beginning of your course and the EFSET departure test at the end of your course. The EFSET evaluates your language level according to the internationally recognized standard of reference the Common European Framework.
Summer Course This course is ideal for students who want to focus on how to communicate as well as enjoy lots of free time to explore Malta. You will have 20 lessons of 40 minutes per week, amounting to 13 hours and 20 minutes of tuition. This course concentrates on understanding and speaking the language in practical situations.
Intensive Course A course specifically designed for students who want to learn a language for academic or professional reasons. It allows for accelerated language acquisition through intensive study. EF’s Intensive Course is made up of 32 lessons of 40 minutes, with a total tuition time of 21 hours and 20 minutes blending classroom and teacher guided lessons in iLab and in the iPad interactive class.
Business English Course A course focusing on General Language together with specific Language used in Business situations. It is an ideal course for students who need to gain the essential tools and skills needed to succeed using English in business while achieving a solid understanding of business principles and jargon. Classes are taught using contemporary and authentic real-world learning tools and case studies. This course is aimed at students who are at Upper Intermediate level or higher. It is made up of 32 lessons of 40 minutes each, with 10 lessons of 40 minutes focusing specifically on Business English. The total tuition time for this course is 21 hour and 20 minutes per week.
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Exam Preparation Course The course is for students interested in preparing for a Cambridge ESOL, IELTS or TOEFL exam. Sitting for these exams is necessary for students who need proof of proficiency for university admissions, immigration or employment in most English-speaking countries. The exams test reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in English. The course is made up of 32 lessons of 40 minutes each a week, with 10 lessons of 40 minutes focusing on exam preparation. The total tuition time for this course is 21 hour and 20 minutes per week. For all the above, we suggest that students dedicate 3 – 4 hours of study daily after school to ensure best results are obtained.
Internship Programme The Internship Programme combines lessons in the school together with work experience in a local organization. The programme is available to students who are at least 18 years old and in an Upper-Intermediate level. Previous work experience is preferable, but not essential. As an intern you will achieve documented work experience to add to your CV while having contact with native speakers and experiencing the work culture of another country. The experience will enhance your language skills and increase your confidence in use of the English language. This is not intended to be a specialized work training opportunity. The more open you are to a variety of placements, the more successful we will be at placing you. The more specialized your requirements are, the less likely we are to find exactly what you want.
The internship course can be followed as follows: 4 week course + 4 week work placement 8 week course + 8 week work placement 2 week course + 12 week work placement
Special Interest Class Options The Special Interest options at the Malta school may change from time to time, so please check with the Academics Team in the customer service office the options while you are in the school. However in general we always have the following classes: Communication – Grammar – Vocabulary – Conversation – Writing – Exam Preparation – Business. We also offer a range of more specialized Electronic Spin options – these are SPIN classes you can follow in your own time via My EF. A list of all ESpins is available to see on the Academics notice board in Melita Hall at level 0. Please come to the Customer service Office should you require more information or should you want us to activate the ESpin of your choice for you
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EF International Language Campuses EF International Language Campuses The Mayfair Business Centre, Lower St.Augustine Street Malta – St. Julian’s STJ 3312 Tel: 00 356 2570 2000 E-mail: ils.malta@ef.com
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