Predeparture Cambridge Clare College ILS 2012

EF International Language Centers

Language Courses Abroad For adults and students aged 16 & above

Cambridge Clare College

Cambridge is a charming university city, offering the best of England’s academic heritage. While taking classes at Clare College you may enjoy the atmosphere and gardens of Cambridge University.

Contact details: 221 Hills Road Cambridge, CB2 8RN, UK Tel: +(44) 1223 240020

Stonebridge Common

EF Cambridge Clare

College

Midsummer Common Grafton Shopping Centre

King ‘s College Queen’s Green

University of Cambridge

Queen’s College

Parkers Piece

Coldham’s Common Anglia Ruskin University EF Corporate Training

University Botanical Gardens

Cambridge Train Station Homerton College

Cambridge Golf Course

Accreditations and Memberships The EF International Language Centers in London, Cambridge, Brighton, Oxford, Manchester, Bristol and Bournemouth are:

The EF International Language Centers in London, Cambridge, Brighton, Oxford, Manchester and Bournemouth are members of:

EF Dublin is accredited by:

The EF International Language Centers in the USA are accredited by:

The EF International Language Centers in the USA are members of:

EF Vancouver and Toronto are accredited

by Languages Canada.

The EF International Language Centers in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth are accredited by:

Important Note: Factual information contained in this document is subject to change.

The EF International Language Centers in Brisbane and Perth are members of:

The EF International Language Centers in Cambridge, München, Cape Town and Nice are accredited by:

EF Nice is recognized with the Label Qualité Français Langue Etrangère.

Federation of International Youth Travel Organizations.

All EF Courses are certified by Southern New Hampshire University.

EF Education is an active participant in the Comité Européen de Normalisation.

All EF Courses are recognized by Hult International Business School.

www.ef.com

Contents - Clare College Section.........Topic

1 ..............Introduction to EF 2 ..............Welcome to the UK 3 ..............Weather watch 4 ..............Travel & transfer service 5 ..............School information 6 ..............Academics 7 ..............Accommodation & meals 8 ..............Money matters 9 ..............Phones, faxes & Internet 10 ............Health care & insurance 11 ............School activities & excursions 12 ............Transportation 13 ............Expectations 14 ............UK culture & living tips 15 ............Adjusting to a new culture 16 ............EF school calendar & holidays 17 ............Checklist

Dear Student Thank you for choosing our school at which to study English. All the staff here looks forward to meeting you and I am sure you will enjoy your time at the EF International School of English, Clare College. The EF Summer School at Clare College was founded in 1990 and our qualified teachers are experienced in all aspects of English language teaching.

The school is lively and cosmopolitan, and outside the classroom you will be able to practice English with students from all over the world. You will be amazed at how many new friends you will make, and you can enjoy yourself with them on the activities and trips we organise for you to participate in during your free time.

Cambridge itself is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with a world-famous university and a great range of cultural and entertainment opportunities, from King’s College Chapel to the popular nightclubs.

We look forward to seeing you soon and helping you have an experience you will always remember!

Best wishes, Ulrike Wegner, Executive Director EF International Language Center, Cambridge

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

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

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

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

2. Welcome to the UK! Congratulations on choosing one of the most interesting and varied countries to study in!

Britain’s character has been shaped by its position as an island. It has not been successfully invaded since 1066 and its people have developed their own distinctive traditions.

The Roman invasion of AD43 lasted for 350 years and helped bring culture and civilization to the islands. This was soon replaced by the culture and language of the Northern European settlers that followed.

For a small island, Great Britain encompasses much variety in its regions. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are ruled through London but they remain separate countries from England.

Many have their own regional language as well as English. Even the landscape, architecture and food can vary from region to region, from the mountains of Wales and Scotland to the rolling hills of the south and west and from the haggis of Scotland through to the fish and chips of England.

Over three quarters of the land is set aside for agriculture but during the 19th and 20th centuries there was a huge growth in the urban population. Britain became the first industrialised nation and thousands of people moved from the countryside to the towns and cities near mines, mills and factories. The effect of this can still been seen today with many of Britain’s streets containing small residential terraced housing that was originally built to house the influx of people.

The British love their countryside and animals.

There is a great enthusiasm for country and city parks with many wildlife nature reserves across the country. This even extends to the home where many gardens are lovingly tended and it is common to find a cat or dog as a pet.

British cities are melting pots for people from all over the world. Since the 1950s hundreds of thousands of immigrants came from the former

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Clare College, Cambridge, UK

British colonies in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. This ensured a steady supply of labour into the country. Today nearly 10 per cent of Britain’s 58 million people are from non-white ethnic groups and over half of these were born in Britain. In larger cities such as London, this figure reaches nearly 40 per cent. As a result Britain boasts a wide range of music, art, food and religion - giving you the student exciting new experiences.

When you are studying you will notice how Britain has changed over the years. While still holding on to traditions such as the Royal family and the legal and Parliamentary systems, Great Britain will offer you the chance to experience varied historical, cultural and vibrant ways of life. We believe that living abroad and learning a language will give you valuable insights into the culture, customs and history of your host country and give you many essential skills to take home.

3. Weather Watch The weather in Cambridge is typical of English weather and is often unpredictable, although much of the year is fairly mild. During the summer months of May, June, July, August and September, Cambridge often has very sunny days and the climate is generally warm.

Temperatures range from: Spring: 3° to 18°C (37° to 64°F) Summer: 9° to 24°C (48° to 75°F) Autumn: 3° to 18°C (37° to 64°F) Winter: 0° to 9°C (32° to 48°F)

4. Travel & transfer service Transfer service Arriving at a busy airport in a foreign city can be confusing. EF offers a one-way transfer service from the airport to your accommodation for an additional fee. We highly recommend that you take advantage of this service.

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

When you arrive you will be met by an EF Representative at the airport and usually transferred with other EF students. When you pass through customs wait at the arrival area for an EF Representative to meet you. Do not go to another part of the airport unless an EF staff member tells you to. If, after approximately 30 minutes you still have not met with your greeter, go to the information desk where an EF representative will be able to assist you.

We would ask you to be extra vigilant on arrival at the airports as there have been a few incidents where students have been picked up by Taxi Touts, who frequently target foreign students. They convince them they are EF Taxi drivers, drive the students to their destination and then charge them for the transfer telling them that they can then claim this money back from the school. This is not true, so please make sure that you do not go with any driver who is not holding an EF sign.

Please note: your local EF office will provide you with important contact information such as an emergency number before your departure.

Independent transfers If you have not booked an EF transfer you can take a coach as follows: ❚❚From London Heathrow Airport you can catch a bus from Terminal 5, or from the central bus stop outside Terminal 2; this will take you to Cambridge. ❚❚From London Gatwick you can catch a bus from outside the North Terminal or the South Terminal; this will take you to Cambridge. ❚❚From Stansted Airport (closest airport to Cambridge) you can take a train direct to Cambridge railway station or an airport bus to Cambridge. A short taxi ride will then take you to your final destination. ❚❚Taxis are available from Cambridge bus station or railway station.

EF International Summer School Clare College The Colony Chesterton Lane Cambridge CB4 3AA

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

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Clare College, Cambridge, UK

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

The school offers the following facilities: ❚❚Self-study room ❚❚Computer room ❚❚Free Internet and email access ❚❚TV room ❚❚Private garden ❚❚Notice boards: These are very important as they tell you most things that you need to know. They will answer a lot of your questions and give you a lot of information about what is going on. Please check the noticeboards regularly as they are for your benefit.

Like all Cambridge Colleges, Clare College is a residential community for students attending Cambridge University and therefore EF classes are held in specially adapted classrooms at The Colony. Although the campus is not equipped with an iLab, the teachers will ensure that you have every opportunity to use audio equipment in the classroom when necessary. Everything possible is done to ensure that the student’s time learning English at the school is made as effective as possible.

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

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

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

When you arrive at the school All new students must first report to the EF Office, The Colony, Chesterton Lane, Cambridge.

You will be asked to pay a £100 key deposit

and an EF member of staff will show you to your accommodation. You are then free to explore the campus or town, meet other students or perhaps make that first telephone call home. In the early evening you will meet with other new students, and a member of staff who will take you to dinner. If you arrive too late for dinner then you will be provided with a cold snack and drink on arrival, which you may eat in your room. However, should you require a hot meal there are many restaurants and snack bars close by.

Orientation During your orientation you will receive your class schedule and other important information about the school and the city. A tour of the college and city are planned as well as fun activities to help you meet students and staff.

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

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

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

Class Schedule Classes will be scheduled between 8.30 am and 7.30 pm 5 consecutive days per week and may be in the morning or the afternoon.

Peak Summer Season Timetabling During the summer between the first week of July and the third week of August, the school is open for classes Monday through Saturday.

Your schedule will be either Monday to Friday or Tuesday to Saturday between the hours

of 8.30 am and 7.30 pm. Your timetable will confirm your schedule.

Attendance You are expected to attend all classes.

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

Please note: EF complies with UK Border Agency regulations regarding periods of absence.

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

A specific time is set aside each week day for extra study, during this time students may do their own private study under the guidance of a qualified teacher.

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

Course books As part of your academic program, you’ll be expected to buy the books and classroom materials that you will use in class. The exact number of books that you’ll need is determined by your academic level, progress and choice of special interest classes. If you wish to buy additional books you may need more money. The books you buy are yours to keep, write in and take home with you for future reference.

Cancellation of course or school transfer If you decide to downgrade, cancel or transfer your course to another EF school within the UK, please talk to our Customer Support team.

They will advise you of any transfer charges and visa restrictions.

EF University Placement Service EF International Language Centers offer a university placement service that provides expert

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Clare College, Cambridge, UK

advice on applying for university in the UK and Ireland. If you are interested in continuing your studies, you are encouraged to talk with the University Pathways Manager at the EF Cambridge school.

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

7. Accommodation and Meals There are a number of residential buildings within Clare College. Students will be allocated a twin room or single room according to their requirements. Almost all rooms have a desk, wardrobe space and a wash basin in the room.

Showers and/or baths are available on every floor or in each unit. There are also coin operated laundry facilities for washing clothes.

Lunch can be taken at one of the many snack bars, restaurants, pizzerias and bistros located near The Colony and in the city centre.

Residence deposit On arrival, each student will be required to pay a £100 refundable deposit. This deposit covers such things as lost keys, damage or fines.

You will be notified of any deductions from this deposit. If there are no deductions made, the whole amount will be refunded at the end of your programme.

8. Money matters

Extra nights If an extra night is required at the beginning or the end of your course then please apply in advance at the EF office.

The Welfare Officer If you have any kind of a problem with your accommodation please bring this to the attention of the Welfare Officer.

Accommodations for friends or relatives The Welfare Officer will be happy to give advice on finding accommodation for friends or relatives, as accommodation is not available at the college for visiting friends or relatives.

Meals Breakfast and dinner each day are included in the course price. Breakfast comprises a choice of cereals, with toast, preserves, fruit juice and unlimited tea or coffee. Dinner is taken at Old Court, where students can select from a varied menu which always includes a vegetarian dish.

Currency British currency is in pounds sterling (abbreviated to GBP, Great British Pound, or nicknamed quid by the British). The symbol for this currency is £.

The pound is divided into 100 pence (abbreviated as p). If you purchase something that is 95 pence, for example, you will probably be told that the amount is “95 pee” rather than 95 pence. You will see amounts written this way: “95p” or “£0.95.”

Banknotes come in denominations of £5, £10, £20, and £50. They will each be a different size and a different color to allow you to tell them apart more easily. Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 pence, as well as 1 and 2 pounds.

Banks For short stays it is not possible to open a bank account. If required you can hire a safety deposit box at a bank, please ask the EF office for advice.

Spending money We recommend that you bring about £100 for your first days in England to cover costs such as travel to school, lunch, and telephone calls.

You will also need to take money for learning materials used in class.

We recommend that you bring £100 - £150 for each week you plan to stay in England. This should cover lunches, laundry, travel to and from school, and EF Activities mid-week. For weekend excursions, shopping and depending on what you choose to do during your leisure time, you may need to bring more. Please also remember you will need to pay for any language proficiency exams you plan to take.

Only carry as much money as you need for one day – remember thieves exist everywhere in the world! The safest way to carry money is traveller’s cheques. Many places also accept major credit cards.

Changing money When changing money in the UK always go to a recognised bank or travel agent. Commission rates will vary so check first for the best rate. We regret that we are unable to change money in the school.

be purchased at the EF school. We recommend that students expecting to stay for a long period of time come with or purchase a mobile phone.

Fax All EF schools use fax machines to conduct business. You can send and receive faxes from this machine for a small fee, although you are encouraged to limit the use. Please ask your family and friends to clearly mark your name when sending you a fax. When you receive mail or faxes at the school, these will be kept at the front desk for you until you pick them up.

11. Activities & Excursions There are also some places close to the school that send faxes and charge for the time used.

Ask the front desk for directions to the nearest fax machine you can use.

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

10. Health care and Insurance Money transfers If you need to have money transferred from home while you are in England we suggest you contact the EF office for advice. You may be able to transfer money through the EF office in your home country or from your home bank to your account in England. Don’t forget that there will be charges made to transfer money and you do need to allow sufficient time.

Credit Cards EF strongly recommends that students travel with either a Visa or MasterCard. Credit cards enable you to rent cars, reserve hotel rooms, and do various activities, which may be more difficult with cash or traveller’s cheques.

9. Telephones, fax & Internet Telephone We regret that it is not possible for students to receive incoming telephone calls in the EF office; however telephone messages can be taken in case of emergency.

All long distance calls must be collect calls, charged to the person you are calling, or charged to a prepaid telephone card, which can

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Clare College, Cambridge, UK

travel insurance package for EF students with Erika Travel Insurance, an international insurance expert. The policy protects you against expenses incurred through accident or illness, and provides coverage for loss or theft of baggage and personal effects. It also provides coverage against interruption of your EF program due to illness as well as liability and legal expenses.

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

The EF staff can recommend nearby hospitals and doctors offices if you need medical attention. Please ask the EF staff for assistance if you need medical attention. If you have any personal problems there is always someone who you can talk to confidentially.

Insurance All students traveling to the UK are required to have medical and accident insurance upon starting their program of study. You will still have to pay for some treatment if you see a doctor but you can claim the money back from the insurance company. Please note: You will need to keep all receipts in order to receive money back from the insurance company.

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

Activity Programme The EF Activities Coordinator arranges a regular schedule of local activities, day-trips, and weekend excursions to area attractions. The cost of these trips is not included in the tuition.

Weekly Activities We have a weekly programme of activities at either no cost or minimal cost. Typical evenings might include a trip to the theatre in London, a video night on campus or an evening in the local pub. On Friday night there is always the popular EF disco at the University cellar bar underneath Old Court. The Activities Coordinator will also organise sports games and tournaments, depending on student interest and participation.

All students are required to bring proof of insurance in English to show that they have proper health insurance when a medical emergency occurs. Students who do not bring proof of insurance will be required to purchase insurance through EF at the school.

Weekend excursions EF arranges weekend excursions and day trips to local attractions. Not all trips are available each month. The number of trips and the cost depend on the time of year and the number of students wishing to participate. Excursions can be paid in cash or with traveller’s cheques.

Erika Travel Insurance Because security is EF’s number one priority, we have negotiated a comprehensive tailor-made

Our excursions are organised at a minimum cost, are great fun and extremely good value. You are always accompanied by an EF staff member.

Typical activities and excursions Excursions could range from an afternoon trip to Ely, to a day in the Roman city of Bath or a long weekend in Paris or Amsterdam. Full day excursions cost between £20 and £35 and weekend excursions cost between £140 and £160.

Sports Although The Colony does not have its own sports facilities many sporting events will be organised on Jesus Green where you will also find Cambridge’s largest swimming pool, tennis courts and many musical events organised by the city. Of course, no visit to Cambridge would be complete without an afternoon’s punting on the river.

12. Transportation

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walking distance of central Cambridge. There are also regular buses that travel to the train station.

Cars Some students choose to travel to Cambridge by car. Parking is available at the College but it is essential to obtain a parking permit, on arrival at the College, from the Welfare Officer.

Permits are free of charge and should be displayed at all times in your car.

Flights and travel arrangements The Activities Office will be pleased to help you with flight information, return travel to the airports and, for a small fee, confirm or help change flights.

13. Expectations Expectations are a normal part of anticipating a new experience. Remember that many of your

Everything within Cambridge city is just a short walk away from the Clare College campus.

There is also a free shuttle bus service which operates in one circular route around the city centre, every 15 minutes.

Public transportation Cambridge has an excellent network of buses and trains, providing Cambridge with good connections throughout the UK. Buses Located in Drummer Street, close to the city centre, Cambridge bus station provides a wide range of transport options in and around the Cambridge area. A weekly bus pass will cost approximately £11-18 per week and can be bought on the bus. This bus pass can be used as often as the student wishes on any city bus route. Please note that these are current prices and are subject to change at any time.

Taxis

expectations may have been formed by the unreal world of TV and movies. Arrive at your course centre with an open mind!

There are two kinds of ‘taxi’ available in Cambridge, one kind is a “hackney carriage” and these can be picked up at many locations throughout Cambridge, they have TAXI signs on top of the car and the price is registered on a meter in the car. The other kind of ‘taxi’ is a “private hire car” which can only be obtained by telephoning the hire car company directly.

Bicycles No bicycles are permitted on the campus, however all EF facilities are within walking distance and as the campus is located centrally all other facilities are easily reached by foot.

Trains Located not far from the city centre on Station Road, Cambridge Train Station is within easy

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

Clare College, Cambridge, UK

What you can expect from EF: zS upportive staff, available for guidance and encouragement. zA n academic program which combines language, special interest and culture-oriented classes. zF ull program of local activities and excursions at special EF rates. zA ccommodation in a student residence. zA ll designated meals. z EF

Course Certificate for International Language Students with 80% attendance and good academic standing.

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

14. UK culture & living tips Visas You may need to obtain a visa before setting out on your journey if you are not a European Community national. Check with your EF office

and local British Consulate well before you start your journey.

Working in the UK All EU passport holders are entitled to work in the UK without restrictions. If you have a Tier 4 General Student visa you are able to work up to 20 hours per week. This does not apply if you come to the UK as a Student Visitor. The same rules apply for students wishing to participate in an internship during their course. If you want the possibility of working or doing an internship make sure you apply for the right visa.

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

Immigration If you are not a European Community national, you will need to produce the following documents when you arrive in Great Britain. ❚❚your passport (valid for at least six months after the end of your EF course). ❚❚apropriate visa for your stay ❚❚proof of your ability to meet the cost of the course, to maintain yourself and any dependents without needing to work during your stay. ❚❚your EF confirmation letter showing that you have enrolled for a full time course of study.

Food British food today has influences from abroad introducing a wider range of ingredients and more adventurous cooking. While still maintaining its love of more traditional dishes, Britain now has one of the widest selections of restaurants in the world.

Dos and Don’ts You will be required to abide by national laws as well as the rules of the EF school. Violations will lead to a verbal warning and possible disciplinary action by the School Director.

The following are illegal in Great Britain: z D rugs (non-medicinal) zA lcohol if you are under 18 years old zB uying tobacco if you are under 18 (or buying for someone who is under 18) zS moking law - no smoking in public buildings. Please note that smoking is against the law in all public, enclosed and semi-enclosed spaces in the UK. zS hop-lifting zD riving without insurance or a valid driving license zO ffensive weapons (including pocket knives) Please don’t break the law. If you do, you will almost certainly be sent straight home on the next available flight and you may even risk being sent to prison.

Travel outside of England If you are planning to travel outside England during your course you may need a visa.

Please ensure that you check any visa requirements before you leave your country to avoid disappointment.

If your passport has a single entry visa and you are studying for six months or less then you will not be able to travel outside the UK. This visa cannot be changed in the UK. It is strongly recommended that you apply for a Schengen Visa before leaving your home country if possible.

This will give you free travel throughout many European countries without the need to apply for individual tourist visas in the UK. Tipping Tipping is customary for taxi drivers and in restaurants where no service charge is added to the bill. 10% is normally acceptable. In restaurants where service is included and in bars, pubs and cafes, there is no need to leave a tip.

Appliances and electricity Remember that the mains voltage in Great Britain is 220-240. You may need to bring an adaptor if you wish to use any of your own electrical appliances.

Recommended Reading ❚❚Lonely Planet Britain, Lonely Planet Publications, Ltd. Great user-friendly travel guide for where to go, how to get around, where to stay and what to eat.

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Clare College, Cambridge, UK

❚❚ Let’s Go UK, Harvard Student Agencies, Inc. Great student travel guide for where to go, how to get around, where to stay and what to eat.

Recommended websites ❚❚www.cambridge.gov.uk ❚❚www.city-explorer.co.uk

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

One’s culture is made up of values, beliefs, arts, traditions and practices of a specific community or population. Our culture affects how we view ourselves, how we relate to others and what we value as important in life. We are often unaware of how much our culture affects our lives.

You may have already had some exposure to the new culture you are about to experience. You may have seen television shows, read books, or studied in school about the UK. While some parts of this culture may already seem familiar to you, experiencing a new culture first-hand will prove exciting. You will be meeting students from all over the world who, like you, are looking forward to spending a year learning and living a language, both inside and outside the classroom.

As a visitor to a new culture, you may experience periods of fatigue and discomfort when you are uncomfortable. Culture shock is what sometimes happens when we try to meet challenges of our new culture by using the values, beliefs, and attitudes of our own culture. As visitors to a new culture, we must learn that cultural differences are merely different - not right or wrong.

It is a good idea to bring traditional objects from your culture to share with other students and your host to teach them about your country.

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

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

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

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

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

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

16. EF school calendar & holidays

17. Checklist

School holidays The EF International Language Centers in the UK recognize the following public holidays when there will be no classes. If your arrival falls on one of these dates, please check with the school staff upon your arrival for an exact orientation schedule.

■■ Valid passport (with visa where necessary) It’s a good idea to make copies of these and pack them in your suitcase just in case. You don’t need to carry your passport with you while you are in the UK but you must keep it and your other documents in a safe place while you are in the country.

2012 1 January - New Year’s Day 6 April - Good Friday 9 April - Easter Monday 7 May - Early May Bank Holiday 4 June - Spring Bank Holiday 5 June - Queen’s Diamond Jubilee 27 August - Summer Bank Holiday 25 December - Christmas Day 26 December - Boxing Day

■■ All original documents submitted for your visa application, if you are travelling on an Adult student visa (Tier 4).

■■ Passport Photos (4) for EF student identification cards, travel cards and other possible documents ■■ Flight ticket

2013 1 January - New Year’s Day 29 March - Good Friday 1 April - Easter Monday 6 May - Early May Bank Holiday 27 May - Spring Bank Holiday 26 August - Summer Bank Holiday 25 December - Christmas Day 26 December - Boxing Day

■■ Luggage correctly labeled

Checklist

■■ E F Confirmation letter & other EF documents ■■ M ake sure all EF forms are complete, especially the Health Certificate ■■ Medical and travel insurance documents with proof of insurance in English. If you have secured Erika Travel Insurance from EF, you do not need to have anything translated.

■■ Basic medical supplies, any medication you take regularly and a spare pair of contact lenses or glasses if you wear them.

■■ An International Driving License if you are planning on hiring or buying a car.

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

Additional notes or numbers:

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

Homestay host’s or student residence address:

Homestay host’s or student residence address

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

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

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

■■ Local currency for first week and for any learning materials that are not included in the cost of the course.

■■ Money in the form of an ATM card (Automatic Transaction Card), credit cards and/or traveler’s checks (Do NOT bring large amounts of cash in any currency!).

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

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

EF Sales Office telephone number:

EF Sales Office telephone number

■■ Pencil and/or pen and notebook.

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

EF School telephone number:

EF School telephone number

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

+44 1223 240020

■■ Personal sports equipment.

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

EF School emergency telephone number:

EF School emergency telephone number

+44 7774 200600 _________________________________________

_________________________________________

■■ Favorite books, photos and a camera.

■■ Homestay or student residence details and emergency numbers.