WWE LY Student Handbook

Welcome to the EF Family

Dear student,

Welcome to your EF Language Year Abroad. Prepare for an unforgettable adventure as you explore a new destination, meet new friends and dedicate yourself to fluency in another language. You’ll head home at the end of your program with an international network for life – not to mention the academic credentials you’ll need to bring your professional dreams to life. You’ll make maximum progress by learning a language where it’s natively spoken – and gain confidence as you make your destination your home.

We’ll ensure that you have dedicated support to make the most of your time abroad, while you set personal and educational goals for the coming months to benchmark your success. This handbook will provide the information you need for your stay abroad – from arrival and your first day of class to settling into a new culture. Take a little time to read through it and be sure to bring it to your destination as you never know when you’ll need to find out more about something.

Good luck and travel safely – we’re looking forward to welcoming you at one of our campuses worldwide.

Sincerely,

Your EF team

What to expect

You’re in for an exciting adventure. Know what to expect from your EF experience – and what we expect of you.

What to expect before you depart

- Information about your program and destination

- Assistance in arranging flights and organizing visa applications

- Access to EF Campus Connect

- An invitation to a pre-departure meeting

What to expect from your language program

- Staff to provide support and answer questions whenever you need

- Teaching that blends classroom lessons, interactive tools and cultural immersion

- Assistance if you wish to prepare for a language exam

- A wide range of leisure activities – either free or for a small cost

- A language certificate, which requires at least 80% attendance

- EF Mentorship: a member of staff will meet with you at the beginning of your program. They will be on hand to help you adjust to life in your new host country, providing advice on everything from city transport to local customs.

- EF Academic Follow-up meetings where you'll discuss your academic progress and goals with a member of the academics team

What to expect from your homestay

- Experiencing a new culture

- Enjoying breakfast and dinner Monday-Friday and all meals on weekends

- Commuting for a maximum of one-hour to school

- Sharing twin accommodation with another student

What to expect from your residence

- A one-hour maximum commute by public transportation to EF’s language campus

- Sharing accommodation with other students

- EF staff living on site

What we expect from you

- Tell EF staff if something feels wrong or doesn't meet your expectations

- Respect your homestay hosts, fellow students and environment

- Follow all regulations set out by your school, as well as the laws of your host country

- Keep your belongings neat at school and in your residence or homestay

- Attend at least 80% of classes

Experiencing a new culture

Exploring a new culture is one the most rewarding but challenging aspects of an EF Language Year Abroad.

Welcoming another culture

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.

Conquer culture shock

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. Typically, it takes a number of weeks to get used to a new environment. Rest assured that this period of adjustment will pass. Don't hesitate to contact the EF staff in your school if you need further support or advice.

Take steps towards understanding a new culture:

Friends Make friends from countries other than your own.

Activities

Keep busy –from studying to playing a sport.

Adjust Decisions are best made after you’ve adjusted to your destination.

Goals

Set goals. You’ll be reminded of your Language Program’s purpose.

Grow Remember that you’re growing every day –don't give up!

“Studying abroad with EF gave me the opportunity to make so many new friends – it was an incredible experience.”

Dominique Jaegger, Switzerland, EF New York

“My time in London was fantastic. I lived with a great host family and my host sister was amazing!”

Graziella Bianchi, Italy, EF London

Getting ready for your travel

EF Campus Connect & EF Campus Learning

Download and create your account on our EF Campus Connect app. It will be your go-to resource for everything you need to make the most of your EF experience, whether you’re heading abroad or you're already at your destination. Use it to take your Placement Test, purchase EF Campus Credits, sign up for events, view your class and activity schedule and more. Make sure you have downloaded EF Campus Connect and gained access to EF Campus Learning – our intelligent digital platform before departure, to be ready for your language program.

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.

Travel protection

It is mandatory to be insured during your language program. 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. You can also choose to make your claim directly to Erika online.

Flights

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. All your travel information will appear automatically in EF Campus Connect once booked by our Travel Team. If you choose to book the travel on your own make sure you enter the details into EF Campus Connect, so the school staff and your homestay hosts know when to expect you and can arrange your transfer from the airport.

Transfers

Your local EF office can help with arranging transport to and from your destination's airport – which you can reserve over the phone or see and book on EF Campus Connect. 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 that we have many students arriving at the same time, so you may have to wait a little while for all students to arrive.

Your travel is right around the corner. Be sure you don’t miss anything before you leave – from applying for visas to getting airline tickets.

EF Pre-departure Meeting

You’ll find out more about life at your destination, get a packing list and meet fellow classmates at our EF Pre-departure Meeting – which we recommend you attend. You’ll receive an email invitation to your EF Predeparture 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 travel – 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. Make sure you are up-to-date

on all of your vaccines and check for the latest updates pertaining to vaccination in your destination country.

Phone numbers and addresses

On EF Campus Connect, you will find the phone number and address of your local EF office, airport transfer service, EF Campus and accommodation. These will come in handy if you need to communicate flight delays or changes in your schedule.

Money

Bring enough money to cover public transport 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. Make sure to notify them about your travel plans and check that your bank card works abroad.

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 program material upon your arrival to school.

Checklist

□ Sign and return the Code of Conduct

□ Sign and return the Terms & Conditions

□ Sign and return your medical form

□ Take the Placement Test on EF Campus Connect

□ Ensure you have a valid passport

□ Apply for the required visas

□ Get travel insurance

□ Book flights

□ Arrange transfers

□ Check or insert your flight details on EF Campus Connect

□ Attend an EF Pre-departure Meeting

□ Pack medicine

□ Exchange money into your destination’s currency

□ Get school supplies

□ Pre-buy EF Campus Credits on EF Campus Connect

Study.

\ˈstʌdɪ\ Learning a language with EF is more than just classroom study – you'll also sharpen your skills by practicing in real-world situations and in technologyenhanced lessons.

Your language program

Your language level

Before you leave for your program, you’ll need to take our language test on EF Campus Connect. 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 or 3 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 of school starts at 8.30am on the Monday after you arrive – most students arrive at their destination on Sunday. Your first day will be spent getting ready for your studies by taking an oral assessment and meeting classmates and teachers. You’ll also receive your timetable, academic year calendar, student ID and a welcome pack before going on a neighborhood tour.

Your schedule

EF Language Year Abroad programs are divided into different terms depending on length:

Academic Semester –2 terms, 1 vacation

Academic Year –3 terms, 2 vacations

Academic Year Extended –4 terms, 3 vacations

Your timetable is structured based on the program you’re studying. You’ll have either 32, 30 or 26 lessons per week, each lasting for 40 minutes – mostly organized in double lessons lasting one hour and 20 minutes, with classes in both the morning and afternoon. There are no lessons on national holidays.

Attendance

It’s really important to attend all of your classes – but, if you’re ill or can’t make it, be sure to let the Academic Office know. If you’re ill for three days or more, you’ll need to bring a doctor’s note with you when you return to class. If you’re not sure how to get a doctor’s note, talk to the staff at your school.

Please remember that we’ll have to send you a warning letter if your attendance gets close to the minimum of 80%. If you're under 18, we’ll also have to contact your parents or sponsors if your attendance continues to decline.

Changing or extending your program

The Academic Team can advise you on all the different study programs that EF offers. If you’d like to change your program or extend your stay, just come see us. We can also prepare you for official language exams in your study language (English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Mandarin, Japanese and Korean) if you reserve them in advance – and they're available at your EF Campus. Talk to your school's Academic Team to find out more about exam dates, costs and availability.

Gather all the information 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.

How you’ll learn

General language lessons

Sixteen of your lessons will focus on general language skills like vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing, listening, speaking and pronunciation. A further four teacher-led lessons will take place online in Project Sessions or in class using interactive learning tools. You’ll also have one 80-minute lecture per week. Each one will focus on a different subject –like history, art, local culture or current affairs.

Special Interest Classes (SPINs)

In addition to your General Language classes, you’ll have between 4 and 10 Special Interest Lessons (SPINs) for subjects that you’re interested in or that you’d like to use for your career or education goals. The SPIN lessons options you can choose from depend on what program you’re enrolled in and which classes are available during your stay. You can also take online SPIN lessons, which you can complete in individual Project Sessions.

Academic year abroad projects

As part of your EF Language Year Abroad Program, you'll also complete special projects that combine classroom lessons with real-world practice and research. They're designed to combine academic study with a unique cultural experience. All students will read a novel, make an academic portfolio of their work and enjoy study visits.

Outside the classroom

Traveling 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. And remember, don’t be afraid to make mistakes!

Academic follow-ups

To ensure you meet your Academic objectives, you will meet at least once every six weeks one on one with EF teachers to discuss your progress, set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound) linguistic goals and look at best practices to maximise your language development.

Homework

Your teachers will give you homework to complement your work in class. Ask your teacher if you’d like extra homework, practice or assignments.

Monitoring your progress

To check that you’re at the right learning level, there will be class tests and quizzes each week. We’ll also give you a progress test at the end of each study stage. You can follow your progress on EF Campus Learning.

Our innovative learning method guarantees that you’ll make maximum progress in your studies. And you’ll have our support around the clock.

Proof of your success

EF offers language exams in all the languages that we teach. If you’ve attended at least 80% of your classes, you can take the EF Standard English Test (EF SET) in your final week at school (English courses only). This test evaluates your language level using the internationallyrecognized Common European Framework of Reference standards. We can also prepare you for official exams in your study language. If you reserve them in advance – and they're available at your program campus. Talk to your school's Academic Team or EF office to find out more about exam dates, costs and availability.

Live. \'liv\

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.

Make yourself at home

EF Homestay

Stay in an EF Homestay for maximum cultural exchange. Keep in mind that each homestay host is different and unique – just like your family back home.

Some important things to remember

- You may be sharing a room in your EF Homestay with another student of the same gender from your EF Campus.

- You’ll be given a key to the house – but if you lose it, you’ll have to pay for a new one.

- You should always ask your hosts’ permission before bringing friends back to the house.

- Enjoy breakfast and dinner during the week and all meals during the weekend.

- Be sure to let your homestay hosts know if you're going to miss a meal.

- Part of living abroad means trying dishes you might not have tasted before. If there are certain foods you really can’t eat for any reason, let the staff at your EF Campus and your homestay hosts know.

- If you get hungry during the day, you’ll need to buy extra snacks for yourself.

- Your hosts will wash your bed linen but you’ll need to clean your own clothes, either at home or at a local laundrette.

- Ask your hosts how it works in their house and speak to your school staff to find out more about how much a laundrette costs.

- 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 Campus.

- You can always access the internet at your EF Campus. 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.

EF Campus Living allows you make new friends from day one

EF Residence or EF Campus Living

Whether you choose an EF Residence or EF Campus Living, you'll get the chance to meet new friends and share your experience of living in another country. An EF Residence is usually off-site, while EF Campus Living is usually just steps from your classes. The location of EF Residences can vary, but they’re always located near local amenities and public transport links.

Some important things to remember

- You may be sharing a room with other EF students. The number of students in your room varies depending on your destination and your specific residence. You’ll find out who your roommates are when you arrive at your residence.

- Nationalities of students staying together in an EF Residence vary greatly, so it’s a great opportunity to connect with people from around the world.

- Meals provided depend on your destination and residence. Many residences feature shared kitchens where you can prepare your own meals. Speak to your local EF office or EF Campus staff to find out more about catering options.

- It’s a good idea to prepare for your stay abroad by planning a weekly budget. Remember that you’ll be sharing space with other students.

- Alcohol is not allowed on any of EF's premises, including our residences and campuses.

- You may need to bring an accommodation deposit along with you to your destination. Given there are no damages, this will be returned upon your departure.

Accommodation FAQs

What is a EF Homestay like?

Our homestay hosts come from all walks of life and from a wide range of ethnic and religious backgrounds, reflecting the multicultural society of your destination.

There’s no typical homestay. Among EF hosts there are people of all ages; including young professionals, middleaged or retired people, couples without children, families or single parents with children of any age and single people. This means that there might not be children of your age in the homestay. It’s one of the reasons why we usually try to place you with students of your age range. However, you may be the only guest in your homestay.

Do I have a curfew time?

If you’re under 18 years old, you have a curfew for returning home. This may vary from destination to destination but please respect the times you are given, they are for your own safety.

What should I do if I want to stay out?

You may only do so if you’re over 18. Always tell your homestay host or Residence Advisor if you’re not going to spend the night at home or you're going away for the weekend. If your hosts are expecting you home and you don’t arrive, they will report you as missing to the police. When going out, it’s a good idea to only carry exactly what you’ll need – like small amounts of cash, your EF ID and a copy of your passport.

What should I do if I damage something in my

EF Homestay?

At an EF Homestay, any damages or breakages you cause should be resolved between you and your homestay hosts – but we can help if needed. It’s best that you offer to pay for any damages you cause or claim them on your insurance.

How do I keep my valuables safe?

Keep your passport, return ticket, money, traveler’s cheques and anything else valuable in a safe place. Tell your school staff immediately if anything goes missing.

Can I change my homestay host?

Please visit the Accommodation Team at your EF Campus if you're not comfortable – as it's one of our top priorities. Changes are usually made during the week – and we'll need parental consent if you're under 18. Please keep in mind that it is not possible to change your homestay based on distance from school and that it may not be possible to change your family immediately during busy times of the year.

Can I stay in my own accommodation?

If you’re under 15 you cannot stay in your own accommodation. In some destinations, if you’re 16 or older and staying in your own or private accommodation, you must tell EF about your address and telephone number and update us of any changes during your time with us. Remember, it’s your responsibility to deal with landlords and letting agents, not EF’s.

Sit back and relax – whether you’re going home to a local family, living at a residence in the heart of your destination city or staying steps away on an EF Campus.

Your free time

Make the most of your study abroad experience – explore your destination city, go on a weekend getaway or just play a game of cards.

Exciting weekly timetables

Activities organized by EF make it simple and fun to learn more about your country of study, meet friends, practice your language skills – and take home some great memories. You will be able to see and book all activities directly via EF Campus Connect.

Excursions

We organize day and weekend trips to the most famous cities and main attractions in the country, available throughout your stay. You’ll find these trips advertised in advance with posters around the school, as well as on EF Campus Connect and Facebook.

Independent travel

If you’d like to travel by yourself, our Activities Team is always available to offer helpful advice and suggestions. You’ll also find guide books, magazines and folders full of useful information about places to visit.

EF student card

You’ll be given your EF student card on the first day of school. Always keep it with you, as it will be used to identify you within the school or EF accommodation. You can usually use this card to get discounts around the city in restaurants, shops and attractions – find out more at your school’s Activities Office. Please note that your student ID can also be found within EF Campus Connect.

18+ Activities

The legal drinking age in many countries is 18 years old, although the exact age depends on the specific country you’re staying in. EF will host parties off-site. For some of these events, you must be the minimum drinking age or older to attend. You’ll need to show a valid ID, such as a passport or national identity card. Drink responsibly – and we recommend traveling home in a group for safety.

Items for sale

You’ll find plug adapters, postcards, EF souvenirs, SIM cards for mobile phones and other useful items for sale in your school’s Activities Office.

Sports equipment

If you need sports equipment, check with the Activities Office to see if you can borrow things like footballs, tennis rackets or ping-pong paddles and balls.

Support.

\səˈpɔːt\

We’re here for you. Regardless of whether you have a question or just need some friendly advice.

Your EF Campus team

Raise your concerns, ask your important questions and let us know how we're doing – we’re here to help.

School Director

The School Director is the head of the school and manages school operations and staff.

Director of Studies

/Academic Director

Talk to the Director of Studies regarding any academic related matters.

Residence Advisor

Any queries regarding residence life should go to the Residence Advisor.

Accommodation Manager

/Housing Director

Any queries regarding host families should go straight to the Housing Director.

Teachers

If you think you’re in the wrong class level, let your teacher know – they'll give you the support you need.

Our school code

You deserve the best experience –that’s why we have a school code. Follow our guidelines for the experience of a lifetime.

Why have a code?

Our school code was created together by EF Campus staff and students to make sure our campuses are happy places to be. It’s essential that you stick to the following guidelines at all times: please read through the guidelines on the next page carefully.

What happens if I break a rule?

Our school code is important to us – but any national laws are much more serious. If you break any EF rules or local laws like persistent absence from class, disruptive behavior or a criminal offense, we reserve the right to terminate your program. You can read the full school code on EF Campus Connect.

A successful program

To ensure maximum progress, speak your study language at all times.

Actively participate in class and complete all homework.

Attend all your lessons – you need at least 80% attendance to graduate and take the final language exam.

Arrive to class on time – you won’t be allowed in if you’re more than 10 minutes late.

If you’re going to miss a class because you’re sick or for any other reason, let the school know immediately.

Keep your mobile phone switched off in class and don’t bring food or drinks to lessons.

Your property is special – and so is ours. Make sure you take care of it.

Always treat your fellow students, staff and homestay hosts with respect.

Most importantly, you must always follow all national and local laws.

Become an EF Ambassador

Earn rewards by simply sharing your EF experience. There’s no commitment –share as much or as little as you’d like.

How it works

Join an international community of EF students and earn rewards by sharing your EF experience. Signing up is easy: go to EF Campus Connect and download EF Circle – the all-in-one app for EF Ambassadors. Any questions? Give your local EF office a call.

Collect points

Earn points through challenges – from speaking at your school or university about your EF experience, to sharing it on social media. We run regular challenges on the EF Circle app to help you collect Ambassador points.

Earn rewards

The more active you are as an EF Ambassador, the more exciting the rewards you are eligible for become. Earn enough points and we’ll send you to an international Ambassador Meeting, on a free course abroad or on next year’s globe-trotting Ambassador Tour!

Things you can do as an EF Ambassador

#1

Share your EF experience with your friends and followers and invite them along on the adventure of a lifetime.

#2

Soak up your EF experience abroad. Tell your story and remember it all with a blog.

#3 Attend a study abroad fair with EF’s staff – and tell everyone about your EF trip to earn rewards.

#4 Join our top ambassadors at one of the international Ambassador Meetings.

Milla Rissanen from Finland, EF Torquay