2019 LS Student Handbook EF Seoul

International Language Campuses

Student handbook Your guide to the EF experience www.ef.com

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Welcome to your school 3

Thank you for choosing to study with EF. Whether your course is for one week or one year, we will do our best to ensure that you settle in easily and enjoy your stay in this fantastic city.

During your first few days here you will probably have many questions regarding your course, your accommodation and what to do in the city etc. This handbook is designed to answer many of those questions and provide you with some useful basic information.

If you still have any questions after reading this, please speak to a member of staff at school. We are here to help, and want your stay to be a happy one.

Contents 05 School regulations 07 Your Korean language course 10 Your home abroad 12 General information 14 Welfare and comfort 16 Health and safety 19 Activities and excursions 20 Problems and complaints procedure

Have a wonderful stay and don’t forget to speak Korean at all times!

12 Languages 54 Destinations 100+ Nationalities

Opening the world through education 4

EF’s mission is to break down the barriers of language, culture and geography through our products.

We are committed to providing a supportive, friendly and nurturing environment where students from diverse cultural backgrounds are able to study Korean in the most effective way.

Accordingly, we place great emphasis on effective learning, delivered by a qualified and dedicated academic team and support staff. We also offer professional advice on all aspects of life and culture in Korea.

Finally, our school is dedicated to developing a climate where hard work, ambition and self-realization are expected, and result in the achievement of academic and personal goals.

School regulations 5

To ensure that every student can enjoy and get the most out of their course, we ask all students to follow our School Code below.

School Code The following school code was created together by EF school staff and students.

Please follow it at all times.

-- To ensure maximum progress please speak Korean at all times.

-- It’s important that you take an active part in class and complete all homework.

-- Be punctual; attend your classes on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late for the first class in the morning or 5 minutes late for the rest of the classes you will not be allowed into the class and marked absent.

-- You must attend your lessons. A minimum of 80% attendance is required in order to receive your EF certificate.

-- Remember to always inform the school of sickness or absence for other reasons.

-- Please - no food/drinks with the exception of bottled water in classrooms and mobiles must be turned off in class.

-- Take care of your own property and the property of EF.

-- Please treat your fellow students, staff and host families with respect.

-- Make sure you inform your host family or residence staff and the school if you intend to travel and stay overnight.

-- It is important to abide by all national and local laws.

-- If you have any questions or concerns, please ask a school staff member we are always here to help.

-- Work hard and enjoy the experience!

Please note that in case of a student’s misconduct, or criminal offence, EF reserves the right to terminate the student’s course. Any refund of fees will be at EF’s discretion.

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Your Korean language course 7

With EF, you will study Korean both in a traditional classroom setting, as well as through technologically-enhanced lessons with an iPad or any other multimedia devices.

In order to maximize your Your schedule progress, we encourage you to speak Korean at all times, and to Your schedule will be made practice outside the classroom in available at the end of your first day, and you can check it on real-world situations. my.ef.com. Please check your timetable every Sunday since What is your level of next week’s timetable might be Korean? different from the previous week.

The results from the Korean Lessons are 40 minutes, but the test you took Online before you majority of the time you will have departed, together with an oral double lessons of 1 hour and 20 test that you will have with a minutes. You will have lessons member of the academic team alternating between morning and on your first day, allows us to afternoon determine your level of Korean so that you can be placed into Attendance the correct class. There are 6 Your attendance is carefully different stages and each stage monitored. has 3 different levels (i.e. B1-1, Please come to the Academic B1-2 & B1-3). Please note that all Office if you are going to miss the levels are not always offered class - if you are participating at a time. in an EF trip, for example. If you A1 – Beginner cannot come to school because you are sick, please telephone A2 – Elementary the school to let us know. If you B1 – Intermediate are sick for 5 days or more, please bring a doctor’s note to B2 – Upper Intermediate the school.

C1 – Advanced You will be marked absent whenever you are not in school, C2 – Proficiency whatever the reason. If your

attendance falls below 80%, you will receive a warning letter from the school.

If you receive a letter, please come to speak to the Director of Studies. If your attendance does not improve, you will receive further warning letters and your parents/sponsor may be informed.

If you miss 2 consecutive days of school and you have not told us why you are away, you will receive a letter or email from us asking you to contact us immediately.

Lessons and progress 8

General Korean lessons

All students will have 10 x 80 minute lessons of general Korean using a textbook, handouts passed out in the classroom and multi-media materials like an iPad. In your General Korean classes you will study: -- Vocabulary -- Grammar -- Reading -- Writing -- Listening -- Speaking -- Pronunciation

Lectures

All students will have one lecture per week. They cover interesting subjects such as history, art, local culture and current affairs. Sometimes students give a presentation in lecture classes for practice of public speaking.

The Efekta™ System

The EF Efekta™ Learning System is a blended learning approach. This consists of communicative classroom lessons using text books and multi-media materials.

This is blended with teacher guided Online lessons on iPads or the screen in classrooms. The Online lessons have been specifically developed to add to your understanding of the materials and language presented in the text books.

Special Interest (SPIN) lessons

To complement your General Korean classes, you will have a choice of Special Interest (SPIN) classes, depending on your interests or your level. The amount of SPIN class options you have will depend on which course you have booked.

Homework

Your teachers will give you homework, which is to be completed by your next class. You will have the chance to ask the teacher and your fellow students about anything you don’t understand.

If you would like extra homework, please ask.

Testing your progress

To check that you are still in the correct level, you will take an EF progress test at the end of each level. To test how much you are learning, there will be class tests and quizzes frequently. You can also follow your progress on your iTracker.

Examinations

Examinations need to be booked in about three months advance.

The TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) has six levels from level 1 to level 6. The easiest level is 1 and the most difficult level is 6. Level 1 and 2 measure understanding of basic Korean that is mainly learned in the classroom. Level 5 and 6 measure understanding of Korean used in a broad range of actual everyday scenes. Level 3 and 4 bridge the gap between level 1/ level2 and level5/level6.

If you have any questions about exams; which ones to take, dates, availability, and costs please talk to the academic department.

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Outside the classroom

Traveling to Korea to learn the language gives you more possibilities to improve and practice your language skills at all times. To really advance your Korean, you should make an effort to speak Korean outside the classroom and make friends with students from other countries. You will also have some chances to meet local Korean students who have studied or will study abroad with EF. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; practice makes perfect.

Computer rooms – Private study and internet access EF Seoul has no computer rooms in the classrooms. You can use free Wi-Fi or two computers at the student lounge for personal Internet access.

Changing or extending your course

The Academic team can advise you on all the different courses that EF offers if you would like to change your course. If you would like to extend your course please speak to the Administrative manager, who will be happy to help you!

Your home abroad 10

There are two main types of accommodation, Homestay and Residence.

Staying in a host family is a great way to improve your Korean. You will experience typical local life and will be involved in the family’s routine and lifestyle. Living in a Residence helps you meet other international students in your course, and to practice Korean with each other.

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.

Respect Make sure that you do not treat your family like hotel staff. Make your bed, keep your room tidy and offer to help with small household jobs. Always ask before you bring friends home.

Meals and mealtimes Your host family will provide you with breakfast and dinner each day and lunch on the weekends. The food may be very different to what you are used to, you may need to be open about trying new things.

Residence allows you make new friends from day one

11 Let them know about your likes/ dislikes and any allergies. Many families will have set mealtimes which might be earlier or later than your own country. Plan your time so that you are home for dinner. If you are going to be late, or decide to miss a meal let your family know in advance.

Keys Most of the students will be given a key to the front door of the house. You are not expected to share this key with other students or family members. Do not give this key to anyone.

Laundry

available from the internet and the convenience store.

Staying out at night and going away

Internet

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.

You will need to ask permission to access the family’s internet and you may have to pay a charge. Not all families will have internet access, but you can buy a SIM card which will allow you to make data communications and phone calls. You can also rent a portable Wi-Fi at the shop close to the school or use the nearest internet café or the Wi-Fi in school.

Damages

You are responsible for washing your clothes, bed linen and towels. You may be able to use the family washing machine or the family may do your washing for a small charge or you can use the nearest laundromat.

Any damages or breakages are between you and the family, although we can help if needed.

We would advise that you offer to pay for any damages you cause or if you have insurance you may be able to make a claim.

Heating

Keeping things safe

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.

Telephone Telephone calls are expensive.

You must ask the family if you wish to use your host family’s phone. You can buy a SIM card at the school reception or rent a portable Wi-Fi at the shop close to the school. Telephone card with pre-paid credit will also be

Make sure that you keep your passport, return ticket, money, traveler’s cheques, anything valuable in a safe place (lock them in your suitcase) and inform staff immediately if anything goes missing.

Curfew times for 16 - 17 year old 16 and 17 year olds must return home by: Sunday to Thursday 23:00, Friday and Saturday 24:00.

Changing your family If you wish to change your host family, please visit the Accommodation manager and explain the situation. 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 immediately.

Own or private accommodation 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 not EF’s.

General information 12

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.

Changing money You can exchange foreign currency and traveler’s cheques in a post office and in some stores. Unfortunately we cannot take foreign currency in school.

Cash withdrawal Some automatic teller machines(ATMs) in Korea do not accept credit, debit and ATM cards which are issued outside of Korea. If you have a trouble with withdrawing money from ATM, please speak to the school staff members.

Opening a bank account It is normally only possible to open a bank account if you have a resident card with the appropriate visa like Working Holiday, and even then it is not guaranteed. Please consult

with the school staff if you are interested in it.

Banks are usually open from 9:00am until 4:00pm, Monday to Friday. If you have a bank account, money can be directly transferred from overseas. If not, then money can be transferred through the Western Union – please contact the EF staff members, who will tell you where the nearest office is. When you are arranging to have money sent from your home country, please remember these two very important points: lease tell the sender not to P send cash, as even through registered mail since it very often does not arrive. ersonal cheques from P overseas banks cannot be cashed in this country.

Electrical Electrical sockets use 220 volts, so if you come from a country which operates on a different voltage, you will need a transformer before you use your equipment.

You might also need an adapter for any fitted plugs. If you are

not sure, check with your host family/residence before you use any electrical items you have brought with you.

Insurance All students should have accident and health insurance, either bought through EF or from another insurance company. EF works directly with ERIKA Insurance, which can be bought in school within the first 4 weeks of your course starting. Remember: it is too late to think about buying insurance after an accident or theft has taken place!

ERIKA insurance covers you for the following: -- Medical & Accident cover -- Baggage & Property Insurance -- Delay Insurance -- Program Interruption Insurance -- Liability & Legal Insurance If you do not have insurance, please speak to the Administrative staff and she/he will advise you on how to buy an insurance policy.

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School letters

Places of worship

To join the library, local clubs, the gym, applying for a visa for travel etc. you may need a letter from the school proving that you are a student with EF, just ask the EF staff members. Or your passport may be sufficient.

You might have difficulties to find your faith represented somewhere in the city. Ask your host family or check the school staff members for the nearest church, mosque, synagogue or temple.

Student mail You can receive letters and packages at the school address. Please check at the reception where these can be collected.

Your name may also be written on the board when your post has arrived. Please make sure that your full name, student number and “EF Seoul School” will be clearly written on the letters/packages since they are easily mis-delivered to other EF sections. Please note that the school takes no responsibility for lost items.

Post Our post system is relatively inexpensive and reliable. You can buy stamps for letters and postcards from local shops or from post offices.

Calling locally and abroad In Korea, the telephone number will be made up of an area code and the individual subscriber’s number. Note that telephone rates vary according to the time of day and distance. For local calls from a land-line, you do not need to dial the area code – just the subscriber’s number.

For long distance calls, dial the full number including the area code. For international calls, you need to dial 001 followed by the country code, area code and subscriber number.

To find out country codes visit: www.countrycallingcodes.com

Flight and travel arrangements Before you fly, you might want to check in to your flight Online. If you have any questions regarding your ticket, or you need to change your flight date, the school staff will be able to help. If you wish to book a return airport transfer, please speak to the school staff members 10 days before your departure at the latest.

Visas If you are not sure of your visa status or procedure to keep staying in Korea legally, please speak to the school staff members.

It is depending on your nationality, course length and visa you’ve obtained before arrival. You need to inform the school about your trip in advance every time when you go overseas.

Welfare and comfort 14

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.

The school staff members are 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. If you request, your conversation will be treated confidentially and shared only to the people who need to solve your problems.

Students’ responsibility It is the responsibility of our students to cooperate with staff and management of the building to achieve a safe and comfortable learning, working and living environment, and to take reasonable care of themselves and others.

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’s possible that you may suffer from homesickness from time to time.

Don’t worry, it’s normal and it will pass as you make new friends and explore the city/ country.

Anti-bullying policy We are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all of our students so that 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: motional: being unfriendly, E excluding, tormenting (e.g. threatening gestures). hysical: pushing, kicking, P hitting, punching or any use of violence. erbal: name-calling, sarcasm, V spreading rumors, teasing. acist: racial taunts, graffiti, R gestures. exual: unwanted physical S contact or sexually abusive comments. omophobic: because of, H or focusing on the issue of sexuality. yber: All areas of Internet, C such as email & Internet chat room misuse. Mobile threats by text messaging & calls. Misuse of associated technology, i.e. camera & video facilities.

If you are a victim of bullying

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please contact an EF staff member who will address your problem with 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.

Guidelines for students aged 16 and 17 urfew times: Sunday to C Thursday 23:00, Friday and Saturday 24:00.

I ndependent overnight trip: We strongly recommend traveling on EF-organized excursions. Any independent travel will require a parental authorization. ttendance: On arrival at school A each day registration is required.

In case of sickness the school should be informed immediately. orean Laws: Students below K the age of 19 are not permitted to buy cigarettes, alcohol or enter night clubs.

Health and safety 16

EF’s policy is to provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions, equipment and systems of work for all our employees, students and visitors, and to provide such information, training and supervision as they need for that purpose.

First aid

Emergencies

Selected staff are trained in first aid or emergency aid in the workplace. Please ask for their details if you need any help.

They are responsible for any first aid emergencies and for maintaining the appropriate first aid boxes.

In an emergency you will need to call the free phone number 112 for police and 119 for ambulance and fire services.

Doctor and dentist Your host family or residence staff will help you to make an appointment to see a doctor if you feel unwell. For coughs, colds, or a sore throat you can go to the pharmacy for advice on what medicine you need. EF staff members also introduce you the clinics close to the school. You should only call an ambulance in case of an emergency or accident. If you need to pay for your medical treatment at the doctors or the hospital you may be able to claim this back on your insurance, make sure you keep all receipts. If you are covered

by Erika Insurance, EF staff member will help you to claim the insurance.

Fire and emergency procedures There will be regular fire drills and fire alarm tests taking place in the center. Please familiarize yourself with the fire safety information on the school notice boards and any instructions in the classrooms. In the event of a fire please follow the directives of an EF staff member or fire officer.

It is against the law to cover smoke detectors.

Please note that EF operates a self-evacuation policy. In the event of an alarm kindly follow the below procedure:

avoid to climb down with highheels or any unstable shoes.

Make sure your name is ticked off the list.

O NOT re-enter the building D until told to do so.

Premises Buildings are checked regularly to identify any hazards.

However, if you see anything that concerns you, please report it to a member of staff.

Personal safety Please follow the below tips to ensure your safety during your time abroad:

-- Inform EF staff about any medical conditions or disabilities you have.

-- Seek medical attention if you Leave the building immediately are sick.

Share your mobile number DO NOT take your belongings with your host family, with you. roommate, friends and EF Follow the signs marked a green staff. Always carry EF school arrow and an emergency exit. number, school emergency number and host family Don’t use the elevator. If you number with you. have to use the stairs, please

17 -- Let EF staff know if you are worried about a friend for any reason.

-- Do not let strangers into the host family house.

-- Do not accept lifts from strangers or go anywhere with them.

-- Never travel alone at night, always go out in pairs or groups, and always avoid lowtraffic streets.

-- Stay in well-lit areas.

-- If you use a taxi, always ensure it is a licensed taxi and make sure the meter has been turned on.

-- Leave important documents, such as your passport and airline tickets locked in your suitcase at your host family or residence, and do not carry large amounts of cash around with you.

-- Don’t give out personal information to people you do not know. Unless you know a person very well, do not accept an invitation to their house or go with them by car.

-- Take care crossing the road.

-- If you get lost, then telephone someone; your group leader, the EF school’s emergency number or your host family.

If you have items stolen or see a crime take place, then please report it to EF staff as soon as possible.

Police Advice

Reliable

Internet Safety Please read the following important information from the Police concerning chat rooms, instant messaging and social networking sites such as Facebook, Line, Twitter, Instagram, and so on:

Someone Online may be lying about who they are and information you find on the Internet may not be reliable.

Be SMART when surfing the Internet.

Safe Keep safe; do not give out personal information such as your name, email, phone number, address or school name to people you do not trust Online.

Meeting Meeting someone you have only been in touch with Online can be dangerous. Only do so with the permission of your host family or any member of EF staff - and even then only when an adult can be present.

Accepting Accepting emails, IM messages, or opening files, pictures or texts from people you don’t know or trust can lead to problems - they may contain viruses or nasty messages!

Tell Tell your host, teacher or trusted adult if someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable or worried. If you are in immediate danger, telephone the police on 112 or go to the Police Station.

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Activities and excursions 19

The Activities Office is responsible for arranging a weekly timetable filled with a variety of day and weekend excursions, events, sports, parties, attractions and museum visits.

You can also get advice on what to do in the city and beyond.

We highly recommend that you join the scheduled events; you’ll learn more about the country, make friends, practice your Korean and most importantly have fun and take home great memories. You can see an activity schedule on the noticeboard, or log into my.ef. com to find out what has been planned.

Excursions Day trips are organized throughout your stay to the famous cities and main attractions in Seoul and other prefectures around Seoul.

Weekend trips can be more countryside or other areas of Korea. These will be advertised in advance with posters around the school and on My EF and Facebook. To book a place you will need to get the activity points and sign up with My EF. Activities staff will provide you with the terms and conditions of your booking

Advice and information If you would like to do some independent travel, the Activities

Office can give advice and suggestions. There are also guide books, magazines and folders full of useful information about places to visit.

19+ Activities The legal drinking age in this country is 19 years old. EF may advertise and run parties in pubs/bars/nightclubs, but keep in mind that you must be 19 years or older to attend these events. You will be required to show a valid ID (i.e. passport or national identity card) - an EF student card is not a valid ID. Make sure that you drink responsibly and that you make your way home safely (try to travel home with friends).

Items for sale You will find SIM cards for mobiles, stationery, postcards, EF souvenirs and other useful things for sale at the reception.

Sports equipment If you require sports equipment, check with the Activities Coordinator to see if you can borrow a football, baseball glove, yoga mat, Frisbee etc.

Food and restaurants There are so many restaurants and shops around the school. If you would like to know tasty and cheap lunch places, please ask the information at the reception.

The activity coordinator will give you the best suggestion.

My EF and Facebook You will find a lot of useful information about upcoming events, past excursions, photos, competitions and general news on My EF and the school’s EF Facebook fan page. You will also be able to make friends with past, present and future EF students all over the world.

Please check at: www.facebook. com/EFSeoul

Problems and complaints procedure 20

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. Long term students will have one specific staff as a 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

Step 2

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. If you would like to log an official complaint, please ask a member of staff to give you a complaint form to fill out.

Please speak to the following departments for the following problem/query:

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.

essons, exams, language L levels – Academic Department. ctivities, excursions, free A time program – Activities Department. omestay, residence, meal H plan – Accommodation Department. ny other general problem/ A query – Reception/ Administrative staff.

Step 3 If you are still not satisfied, we will help you to refer the matter to the EF Head Office.

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Things to remember 22

This contact information will come in handy during your stay. Be sure to fill in all details for your adventure abroad.

My local EF office Address: Phone: E-mail: Skype: You can find the following information on My EF. My transfer service Address: Phone number: Emergency phone number: My EF school Address: Phone number: School director’s name: My accommodation Address: Phone number:

Notes 23

EF International Language Campuses EF Seoul 7FL, K-Tower, 621 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06524 Tel: (02)6979-9699 www.facebook.com/EFSeoul www.instagram.com/efseoul www.youtube.com/EF