International

Language Centers

Student
Handbook
Your guide to the EF experience
 Welcome to
the EF Family
Dear Student,

Your EF Language Course is the start of a great adven-

ture abroad. We’ll do everything we can to make sure
that you enjoy your stay – with dedicated support, an
innovative learning method and a full schedule of leisure
activities. Set some goals for your journey in the coming
months. It’s going to be one to remember.

This handbook will provide all the information you need

for your stay abroad – from arranging a transfer to book-
ing excursions. Take time to read through it and be sure
to bring it along with you to your destination. You never
know when you’ll need to find out more about doing
laundry or catching the bus to school.

Speak to a member of EF Staff if you have any ques-

tions. We’re here for you around the clock – and all want
your experience to be a memorable one.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Sincerely,

Your EF Team

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Contents

Welcome to the EF Family 3

What to expect 6

Meeting a new culture 8

Getting ready for your trip 12

Your language program 16

How you’ll learn 18

A home away from home 20

Your free time 24

Friendly support 26

Our school code 28

Join the Ambassador program 30

Things to remember 32

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5
 What to expect
You’re in store for a great adventure. Know
what to expect from your EF experience – and
what we expect of you.

6
The key to success is simple, seize
every opportunity to improve your lan-
guage skills inside and outside of the
classroom – and enjoy the journey.
What to expect from your
language course
• Information about the course location before
departure.
• Staff to provide support and answer ques-
tions around the clock.
• Teaching that blends classroom lessons,
interactive tools and cultural immersion
• Accommodation in a homestay or residence.
• Assistance if you wish to prepare for a
language exam.
• A wide range of leisure activities – either free
or for a small cost.
• A course diploma and a language certificate,
which requires 80% attendance.
What to expect from your homestay
• Experiencing a new culture.
• Enjoying meals at your homestay.
• A one-hour maximum commute to EF’s
language center.
• Sharing twin accommodation with a student
from another country.
What to expect from your residence
• A one-hour maximum commute to EF’s
language center
• Sharing your accommodation with a student
from another country.
What we expect from you
• At least 80% attendance in class.
• Respect for your homestay hosts, fellow
students and environment.
• Obeying all laws and regulations applicable
in the country and school.
• Staying neat at school and in your homestay
or residence.
• Telling EF Staff if something feels wrong or
does not meet your expectations.
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 Meeting a
new culture
The experience of a lifetime comes with
meeting a new culture. Prepare for your
adventure – and get ready to immerse in your
destination's culture.

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 o d!
 New fo
 New architecture!

 New
friend s!
im es!
 New past

 New clothes!
 New
greetings!

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 Culture
| ˈkʌltʃə |

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 per-
ceive 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.

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 Culture shock
| ˈkʌltʃə ʃɒk |

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 and becoming critical to
those around you. It’s not uncommon to experience physical symptoms like trouble sleeping or
losing your appetite.

Rest assured that this period of adjustment will pass – and we’re here to help. Take intentional
actions toward understanding and living in a new culture like:

• M ake friends from countries other than your own – and spend time with those people.
• Keep busy – from studying to playing a sport
• Sleep on decisions – like changing homestays. These are best made after you’ve adjusted
to your destination.
• Write it down to help sort through how you're feeling.
• Set goals. You’ll be reminded of your Language Course’s purpose.
• Remember that you’re growing through these experiences – overcoming them will make
you stronger.

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

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Checklist

 Sign and return the Code of Conduct

 Sign and return the Terms and Conditions

 Sign and return your completed medical form

 Take the Placement Test on My EF

 Ensure you have a valid passport

 A
 pply for the required visas
 Get travel insurance

 Book flights

 Arrange transfers

 Enter your flight details into My EF

 Attend an EF Departure Meeting

 Pack medicine

 Pack the phone numbers and addresses of your loved ones

and emergency contacts in your destination

 Get money in your destination’s currency

 Get school supplies

 ................................................................................................................

 ................................................................................................................

 ................................................................................................................

 ................................................................................................................

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My EF
Log on to My EF – a social network exclusively
for EF students. Use it to take your placement
test, get in touch with your future classmates,
reserve an airport transfer, join our Ambassa-
dor program, practice your language skills or
explore your destination. Check your inbox for
the email you received with login details upon
enrollment – and log on at my.ef.com.
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 for all EF students to have travel
coverage. Erika Insurance Ltd. offers tailor
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made coverage exclusively for EF Students
which includes:
• Unlimited medical coverage (some exclu-
sions apply).
• Flight, hotel and meal costs for 2 family
members to visit in case of a critical illness
or accident.
• Refunded course fee per day that is missed
due to illness or accident.
• Coverage for all EF-organized sports and
activities.
• Coverage in case of theft of personal be-
longings – including valuables and cash.
• Third Party Liability and Legal Assistance.
Erika has been the exclusive insurance
provider to EF customers for 20 years. People
working in the EF schools are familiar with this
insurance company and know what to do and
where to call in case of an emergency. They
also have claim forms at hand to help students
with minor issues.
Flights
Your local EF office can help with arrang-
ing your flights. Our travel services ensure
competitive prices and flexible tickets – which
means you can rebook your flight. Once your
flight booking is completed, enter your trip
details into My EF, so the school staff and your
homestay hosts know when to expect you and
can arrange your transfer from the airport.
Transfers
Your local EF office can help with arranging
transportation to and from your destination's
airport – which you can reserve over the phone
or on My EF. Students who choose to use our
transfer service will be met at the airport by an
EF Representative and driven to their accom-
modation’s front door. Please keep in mind, we
have many students arriving at the same time
so you may have to wait a little for all students
to arrive.
Departure meeting
You’ll find out more about life at your destina-
tion, get a packing list and meet fellow class-
mates at our Departure Meeting – which we
recommend you attend. You’ll receive an email
invitation to your Departure meeting, which you
can attend either online or in person.
Medicine
If you take medicine, it’s important that you
bring enough of your prescription to last for the
duration of your trip – unless you’re sure you
can get a prescription at your destination. Tuck
away any extra medicine, glasses or contact
lenses in your carry-on luggage.
Phone numbers and addresses
Make sure that you have the phone number
and address of your local EF office, airport
transfer service, EF school and accommoda-
tion filled out at the back of this handbook.
These will come in handy if you need to
communicate flight delays or changes in your
schedule.
Money
Bring enough money to cover public transpor-
tation 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.
School supplies
Bring pens and notebooks along with you to
your destination. Should you choose to bring a
dictionary with you – we recommend bringing
one translated into your native language, as
well as one in your study language. You’ll
receive all additional course material upon your
arrival to school.
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 Your language
program
Get everything you need to know about
studying abroad with EF – from what your first
day of school will look like to what to do when
you’re absent.

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Learning a language with EF is more Your timetable
than just classroom study – you’ll also Your timetable is structured based on which
sharpen your skills by practicing in program you’re studying. You’ll have either 32,
real-world situations and in technol- 26 or 20 lessons per week, each lasting for 40
ogy-enhanced lessons, which we call minutes – mostly organized in double lessons
iLab. Make sure you speak your study lasting one hour and 20 minutes.
language as much as you can – you’ll
Attendance
see the results in no time.
It’s really important to attend all of your classes
Your language level – but, if you’re ill or can’t make it, be sure to let
the Academic Office know.
Before you leave for your course destination,
you’ll need to log on to your My EF account
If you’re ill for three days or more, you’ll need
and take our language test. We’ll use your
to bring a doctor’s note with you when you
results – along with an oral test on your first
return to class. If you’re not sure how to get a
day of school – to make sure you’re in the right
doctor’s note, talk to the staff at your school.
class. There are 6 different stages and each
stage has 3 different levels (i.e. B1-1, B1-2 &
Please remember that we’ll have to send you a
B1-3).
warning letter if your attendance gets close to
the minimum of 80%. If you're under 18, we’ll
> A1 – Beginner
also have to contact your parents or sponsors
> A2 – Elementary
if your attendance continues to decline.
> B1 – Intermediate
> B2 – Upper Intermediate
Changing or extending
> C1 – Advanced
> C2 – Proficiency your program
The Academic Team can advise you on all the
Your first day of school different study programs that EF offers. If you’d
like to change your program or extend your
You’ll start learning on the first day of your
stay, just come see us.
course, and most of our students arrive at their
destination the previous day. Your first day will
We can also prepare you for official language
be spent getting ready for your studies ahead
exams in your study language (English, Ger-
and meeting classmates and teachers. You’ll
man, French, Spanish, Italian, Mandarin and
also receive your timetable, as well as informa-
Japanese) if you reserve them in advance – and
tion about your school and destination city.
they're available at your course center. Talk to
your school's Academic Team to find out more
about exam dates, costs and availability.

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

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Our learning methodology combines
classroom lessons with multimedia ma-
terials and EF course books – we call it
the EF Efekta™ Learning System. It’s
a blended learning approach, which
means you’ll learn both in class and
online, using iPads and iLabs.
General language lessons
Sixteen of your lessons will focus on general
language skills like vocabulary, grammar, read-
ing, writing, listening, speaking and pronunci-
ation. A further four (two for the basic course)
teacher-led lessons will take place in iLab or in
class using interactive iPad activities.
Special interest classes
In addition to your General Language classes,
you’ll have some Special Interest classes (SPIN
classes) for subjects that you’re interested in
or that you’d like to use for your career or ed-
ucation goals. The SPIN class options you can
choose from depends on what program you’re
enrolled in and which classes are available
during your stay. You can also take online SPIN
classes, which you can complete in individual
iLab sessions.
iLabs
iLabs are computer rooms where you'll
complete some of your course curriculum.
You can also study, complete online work for
class or just access the Internet to check your
Facebook. Check the school notice board for
iLab opening times.
Lectures
You’ll have two lecture sessions every week.
Each one will focus on a different subject – like
history, art, local culture or current affairs.
Outside the classroom
Traveling to another country to learn the lan-
guage 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!
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 your iTracker.
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 Stand-
ard English Test (EFSET) in your final week at
school (English courses only). This test evalu-
ates your language level using the internation-
ally-recognized Common European Framework
of Reference standards.
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 A home away
from home
Sit back and relax – whether you’re coming
home to a local family, living at a residence in
the heart of your destination city or staying
steps from your course center.

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Accommodation FAQs
What should I do if I damage something in
my EF Homestay?
At an EF Homestay, any damages or breakag-
es 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 (i.e. your locked suitcase). Tell
your school staff immediately if anything goes
missing.
Do I have a curfew time?
If you’re 16 or 17 years old, you have a curfew
for returning home. This may vary from destina-
tion to destination but please respect the times
you are given, they are for your own safety. If
you’re between 12 and 15 years old, your cur-
few is 22:00 every day – including weekends.
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
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.
Can I change my homestay host?
Please come see the Accommodation Team
at your EF school if you're not comfortable –
as it's one of our top priorities. Changes are
usually made on the weekend – 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 between 12 and 15 years old, you
cannot stay in your own accommodation. If
you’re 16 or older and staying in your own or
private accommodation, you must tell EF about
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.
What is a typical 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. Our homestay demograph-
ic is represented mostly by middle-income
households. There’s no typical homestay.
Among EF hosts there are people of all ages;
including young professionals, middle-aged
or retired people, couples without children,
families or single parents with children of any
age, 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.
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 EF Homestay

Stay in an EF Homestay for maximum cultural exchange. Keep in mind, 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 course center.
• 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 you’ll need to try dishes you might not have tasted before. If there are
certain food you really can’t eat for any reason, let the staff at your EF course center 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 homestay host 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 course center.
• You can always access the internet at your EF school. Ask your homestay hosts' permission to
use the internet at home. Remember, never download any illegal material from the Internet, either
at school or your homestay.

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 EF Residence or EF Campus

Staying at an EF Residence or EF Campus gives you the chance to meet new friends and share
your experience of living in another country. An EF Residence is usually off-site, while an EF Campus
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 opportu-
nity 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 school 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 EFs premises, including the Residence and Campus.
• 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.

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 Your free
time
Make the most of your trip abroad
– explore your destination city, go
on a weekend getaway or just play a
game of cards.

24
Our Activities Team fills the weekly
schedule with fun activities for you
to take part in. You’ll find a variety
of day, evening and weekend excur-
sions, events, sports, parties and visits
to attractions including theme parks,
museums and iconic landmarks.
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.

Exciting weekly timetables

18+ activities
Activities organized by EF make it simple and
The legal drinking age in many countries is 18
fun to learn more about your country of study,
years old, although the exact age depends on
meet friends, practice your language skills –
the specific country you’re staying in. EF will
and take home some great memories. You can
host parties off-site. For some of these events,
get a new weekly schedule every Monday from
you must be the minimum drinking age or older
the Activities Office or log on to my.ef.com to
to attend. You’ll need to show a valid ID, such
find out what’s been planned.
as a passport or national identity card. Drink
responsibly – and we recommend traveling
Excursions
home in a group for safety.
We organize day and weekend trips to the
most famous cities and main attractions in the Items for sale
country, available throughout your stay. You’ll
You’ll find plug adapters, postcards, EF sou-
find these trips advertised in advance with
venirs, SIM cards for mobile phones and other
posters around the school, as well as on My EF
useful items for sale in your school’s Activities
and Facebook. Simply sign up in the Activities
Office.
Office, where you can find more information on
all the excursions offered by your EF course
center. Sports equipment
If you need sports equipment, check with the
Independent travel Activities Office to see if you can borrow things
like footballs, tennis rackets or ping pong
If you’d like to travel by yourself, our Activities
paddles and balls.
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.

Don’t leave without

 Eating local  Exploring your city

 Being amazed  Getting out of town

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 Friendly support
We’re here to help you. Regardless of
whether you have a question or just need
some friendly advice – we’re here for you.

26
Your school’s team

Raise your concerns, ask your important questions

and let us know how we're doing.

Director of Studies &

School Director
Academic Director
The School Director is the head of
Talk to the Director of Studies regard-
the school and manages school
ing any academic-related matters –
operations and staff.
such as certificates or exam dates.

You

Residence Advisor Accommodation Manager &

Any queries regarding resi- Housing Director
dence life should go to the Any queries regarding host
Residence Advisor. families should go straight
to the Housing Director.

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

27
 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.

28
Our school code was created together by EF school staff and students to make sure
our course centers are happy places to be. It’s essential that you stick to the follow-
ing guidelines at all times:

The pieces of a successful course

To ensure maximum Actively Attend all your

progress, speak your participate in lessons – you
study language at all class and need at least
times. complete 80% attendance
all homework. to graduate and
take the final
language exam.

Arrive to class on If you’re going to

time – you won’t
be allowed in if
you’re more than
10 minutes late.
miss a class because Keep your mobile
you’re sick or for any phone switched
reason, let the school off in class and
know immediately. don’t bring food or
drinks to lessons.

Your property is Always treat your

Most importantly,
special – and so fellow students,
you must always
is ours. Make sure staff and
follow all national
you take care of it. homestay hosts
and local laws.
with respect.

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 course.

29
 Become an
Ambassador
Earn rewards by simply sharing
your EF experience. There’s no
commitment – share as much or as
little as you’d like.

30
How it works
Join an international community of EF students and earn rewards by sharing your EF experience.
Signing up is easy. Go to my.ef.com/ambassador or to the Ambassador tab on your My EF profile
to sign up. Any questions? Give your local EF office a call.

Share Earn Travel

You’ll earn points simply by
sharing the EF experience.
There are many ways to
spread your message – from
simply posting things on Face-
book to hitting the streets with
EF flyers in-hand.
Receive great rewards – like
movie tickets, a new iPad or
even a free language course
abroad by gaining points
through the activities you do
and friends you recommend.
Simple as that.
Earn enough points and we’ll
send you to an International
Ambassador Meeting, on a
free course abroad or on next
year’s globetrotting Ambas-
sador Tour. Better renew your
passport.

Share Earn Travel

A year in the life of an EF Ambassador

Month 1 Month 3 Month 6 Month 9 Month 12

Become an EF Share all about Soak in your Attend a Join our top
Ambassador EF with your EF experience study abroad ambassadors
as soon as you friends – and abroad. Tell fair with EF’s at one of the
enroll in your invite them on your story and international International
course. the adventure remember it all staff – and tell Ambassadors
of a lifetime. with a blog. everyone about Meetings.
your EF trip.

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 Things to
remember
This contact information will come
in handy during your stay. Be sure
to fill it all in before you leave for
your adventure abroad.

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Important addresses and phone numbers

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: _____________________________________________________________

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 The place for The place for

your own your own

#EFMoment #EFMoment

The place for

your own #EFMoment

The place for

your own #EFMoment

The place for

your own #EFMoment

The place for

your own #EFMoment

Check out
The place for
#EFMoment
your own on Instagram
for student
#EFMoment memories.

34
Notes

35
The world is waiting.
www.ef.com

EF International Language Centers

Bureau de Bordeaux Bureau de Nantes Midi-Pyrénées
Tél. : 05 56 80 17 93 2 allée Duquesne Sophia Djemmali
Fax : 01 42 86 09 91 44000 Nantes 29 bis rue Ingres
ef.bordeaux@ef.com Tram: place du cirque 31130 Quint
Tél. : 03 88 16 16 05 Tél. : 0800 94 01 31 Fonsegrives
Fax : 03 88 16 17 89 Fax : 01 42 86 09 91 Tél. : 05 61 23 63 94