WWE ILSY Student Handbook

Welcome to the EF Family

Learn a language, make new friends and create memories for life at one of our 50 destinations around the world.

Dear student,

Your EF Language Course is the start of a great adventure 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.

Take time to read this handbook, it will provide all the information you need for your stay abroad – from arranging a transfer to booking excursions. 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 the EF staff if you have any questions. 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

What to expect

What to expect from your language course

- Information about the course location before departure

- Staff to provide support and answer questions whenever you need

- 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 language certificate, which requires at least 80% attendance

What to expect from your homestay

- Experiencing a new culture

- Enjoying meals at your homestay

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

- Sharing 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 another student

- EF staff living on site

What we expect from you

- 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

Pick your perfect accommodation on page 21

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

Experiencing a new culture

You'll soon be immersing yourself in a different culture – tasting new foods, uncovering unique traditions and making new friends. We're here for you all the way.

Discovering 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 Course’s purpose.

Grow

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

Two ways to travel

Learn a new language, discover the world, and make friends for life.

Individual Travel

- Flexible-length courses, start any Monday at our International Language Campuses

- Study with EF's personalized learning method

- Learn from local EF language teachers

- A network of local and global EF staff offer 24/7 support throughout your stay

- Enjoy action-packed activities and excursions with students from over 100 countries

Group Travel

- An EF Leader accompanying you throughout, offering 24/7 support

- Benefit from an all-inclusive summer package, including all your travel

- Study with EF's personalized learning method

- Learn from experienced EF teachers, specialized in engaging younger learners

- Enjoy 2-4 weeks of exciting daily activities and weekend excursions

Both options will ensure that you have fun while being safe and under the supervision of our professionally trained EF staff.

EF Leader & group travel

My EF Course Leader

Silvia travels with EF for the fifth summer. Carefully recruited and trained by the EF Team, Silvia is here primarily for her students' safety. Think of her as an older sister on the trip! It is important that students listen to her instructions. In most cases, Silvia meets her group of students at the arrival airport or at destination. If the group travels with a Transfer Guide, students will meet Silvia at the destination. She will also work with the local team at destination to ensure fun activities.

For senior courses, International, Camps & Studios (except Malta) students are mixed out of their regular group during classes and activity time to ensure an exchange among students of different nationalities. Silvia is available every day to connect with the students in her group from her own country in case they need to address anything in their native language. She is also in constant communication with the EF office in the home country.

For junior courses, Silvia will have an assistant with her for courses over 17 students to ensure extra attention. Note that Silvia may be your EF Course Leader during your flight but not at the destination. She will have the electronic tickets for all her students.

“I got the opportunity to work as an EF Leader and I love it. It happened after my father persuaded me to study at EF Oxford, because my brothers had traveled with EF. I became an EF student when I was 23.”

Silvia

My trip, leader and group

My group

EF International Language Course & Studio courses

In class, you will be paired with a group of international students based on your level of English. This group may differ from the group you traveled with and the students you have activities with. These changes are made to ensure more interactions among students from different countries. The number of students coming from the same country in each class depends on their level of English. EF teams strive to mix at least 3 different nationalities per class.

EF Immersion Course

Students will be placed in different families all located in the same area, not necessarily in the same town. You will meet your Course Leader regularly for activities and excursions.

Traveling with a friend

Upon request you may be placed in the same Homestay or residence room, but may not be in the same class as this depends on nationality mix and language level. If you’re on an International Course, you might not be in the same activity group either. We do our best to ensure that you have classes at the same time (for example, in mornings or afternoons).

Traveling by plane

- Once you get your flight details, please check the luggage policy with your airline company (number of luggages, maximum weight, size, etc.)

- Meals: you will always be served meals on long-haul flights. For shorter flights, it depends on the airline; you may receive a meal, a snack or nothing. In any case, we recommend that you bring a snack with you or take some money to buy some snacks during your traveling day. You can’t bring any drinks through the security check

- Keep your seat: when traveling by plane, it’s important you keep your allocated seat. It is for safety reasons, and it’s also important if you have ordered a special meal

- Connecting flights: If you have a connecting flight with your group, please follow the instructions of the leader/transfer guide

- Immigration card: on flights towards some countries, like USA and Australia, you will have to fill in an Immigration Card. Be extremely careful with your answers as Immigration officers might refuse your entry to the country if you don’t answer seriously. If you need help, please ask the Course Leader traveling with you on the flight

- Item declaration card: remember to declare any prohibited items, such as food,

plant animal matter or wooden products. Failure to do so may involve penalty fines. If you can avoid it, do not carry any of these prohibited items.

Traveling by train

- Meal: on the train, meals might not be served, but there’s a cafeteria where you can buy food and drinks

- Liquid: there’s no liquid restriction on trains

Arriving to the destination country

Upon arrival, your Course Leader will take you through immigration and luggage collection. The entire group has to go through customs together so there might be some waiting at the luggage collection point before everyone has received their luggage. To facilitate the arrival procedure at larger airports, you will be greeted by an EF staff member at the arrivals hall. There, you might have to wait for other students. Always stay with your group and Course Leader while waiting. When everyone on the same transfer has arrived, the EF staff member will take you and your group to the vehicle transferring you to your destination.

Traveling to your destination

You will be traveling to the destination on a coach, a mini bus or a taxi organized by EF. Some transfers can take up to 5 hours, depending on your final destination, so remember to bring local currency with you for snacks on the way.

It’s important that you follow all safety instructions given by the driver and the leader on the vehicle. Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory on all transfers, including coaches, and you should stay seated at all times.

Arrival at your destination

On a Homestay course, depending on your destination, 2 different scenarios are possible:

- You will be brought to an arrival event where you will meet EF staff and other students. You will have the opportunity to participate in games, or rest, until your hosts come to pick you and any other students up

- You will be transported by EFbooked taxis from the arrival point to your hosts.

Courses to USA: depending on your landing time and if you are staying with hosts, your group might have to stay overnight in a hotel due to the distance between the airport and your destination. The distance between the airport and your destination can range from 45 minutes to 4 hours. This overnight stay is included in the course fee.

On a Residence course, you may also attend an arrival event where you will meet your new friends. You’ll also take a tour of the Residence. Don’t forget to call home!

EF Rules

Every language trip is an experience to be treasured for life. To ensure every student creates only the best possible memories, we have set out these rules for your time traveling with us. We kindly ask our students to read through them with their guardians.

Read this handbook

Our first rule is simply that every student reads and understands the Student Handbook – that’s the handbook you’re reading right now!

If it’s your first time traveling independently, we want you to understand what you can expect. Before your departure, make sure you and your guardian have read and understood everything.

Respect all EF Leaders and staff

Always respect the judgment of your EF Course Leader and staff. They are there to make your trip safe and enjoyable. As you are traveling with a group, you will have to adapt to the life of the group and follow your leaders’ instructions. Not following their instructions can jeopardize the safety of the group. When students don’t follow this rule, they risk being sent home at their own expense.

Attend everything in your EF schedule

Attend all of your scheduled sessions and ‘check in’ for every activity before they begins. Depending on the course you have chosen, this will include classes, sessions and/or activities. If you become ill and cannot make it to school or a planned activity, inform your EF Course Leader or school staff at your ‘check in’. In case of an emergency, it’s important that we know your whereabouts at all times.

Follow local rules and regulations

Abide by local rules and laws of the country you travel to. Any student engaging in illegal activity will be sent home at their own expense.

Respect the rules of your accommodation

EF Residences and EF

Homestays may have their own additional rules and regulations that you must respect. For example, your curfew time must be adhered to. Upon arrival, you will get information on your local residence and host family rules and regulations. Some of the information is also included in this handbook.

Inform us if you are leaving

If you wish to leave your destination with relatives or family friends at any point, you need written permission from your legal guardian. In this instance, correctly submit a Student Release Form to the EF office in your home country a minimum of two weeks prior to when your trip starts. EF has the right to deny a student the right to leave the planned EF schedule.

Alcohol and drugs

Purchase, possession and consumption of alcohol and drugs is strictly prohibited for all EF students – even if in some countries you can buy alcohol legally. For safety reasons, we send home any student who breaks this rule at their own expense. If someone offers you alcohol or drugs or you see someone in possession of them, walk away immediately and report the incident to your EF Course Leader or EF staff.

Damages

If you cause damage to someone else’s property, to your homestay host's house, in the school, EF venues, EF Residence or in any other facilities EF is using, you will be liable to pay for damages before you leave

your EF destination. Check your travel insurance for liability cover and read more about the Erika Insurance Coverage on www.erikainsurance.com.

Bullying and inappropriate behavior

Treat your course friends, EF Leaders and staff and all people you meet with respect. Any violent, insolent or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and might lead to you being sent back home on your own expense. This applies to any attitude which would prevent the smooth running of the course, and includes carrying weapons of any kind, threatening and hurting yourself or others.

Smoking

Abide by the rules related to smoking in your Homestay, in the school, and within the community.

All EF Campuses, residences and other facilities have a nonsmoking policy. It’s also strictly forbidden to smoke on all Junior Courses and the smoking policy includes electronic cigarettes. If you do smoke, check with your EF Course Leader about their rules, and with your Homestay if that is where you are staying. If you are traveling to the USA or Australia and staying in a host family, it’s particularly important that you tell us if you smoke as most hosts do not permit smoking in the home, or even outside their house.

Again, remember to abide by the local rules and laws. For instance, the UK, Ireland, Malta, France, Germany, Spain, Asia and most US and Australian states have a smoking ban in public places. It is also illegal to purchase cigarettes under the age of 18 in the following countries: UK, Ireland, Malta, France, Canada, USA (most states), Australia, Spain, Asia and Germany.

Share the details of your legal guardian

In the unlikely event of an emergency, it is important that the correct contact details of legal guardians have been shared with us. EF always has the ambition to contact the student’s emergency contact before any medical treatments will be conducted. By signing our EF Rules document you agree to allow an EF staff member to authorize timesensitive treatments and/ or medical aid in case of an extreme medical emergency.

What happens if you break the rules?

If a student breaks the rules, disciplinary steps are taken. Steps can be a verbal warning, written warning and sending the student home at their own expense, without negotiations. If a student breaks the EF rules, they may not be able to participate in planned activities, including pre-paid optional activities. No refund is given in these cases.

The decision to send a student home is mainly made between the School Director together with the EF office. If EF suspects a student has broken the EF rules, individual talks between student, Course Leader and destination staff will occur to establish the chain of events.

Legal guardians will be informed about the decision to send the student home. The guardian has a responsibility to ensure the student is met at the airport. If EF cannot be sure guardians will meet the student, EF will consider handing over the student to proper authorities. EF policies on dismissal are clearly outlined in the Terms and Conditions when booking.

Key points for parents

Your child’s first days away

The first few days are always the most difficult. Your child will arrive in a new country after a long journey. Please refrain from calling every day at the beginning to allow your child to acclimatize to their new setting and make new friends.

Your point of contact

In case of a problem, encourage your child to speak with their EF Leader or school staff for a quick resolution. Leaders are not to be contacted by parents because we need them to give their undivided attention to the students. The local office in your country is your main point of contact.

Photography and film material

The student or its parent/ guardian accepts that EF can freely and for the purpose of promoting EF’s products and services use photography, film and sound material that has been created during the course that contains an image of the student, that the student creates as part of the course and uploads to EF’s website(s) or apps, and/or that the student uploads to social networks, such as Instagram and Twitter, under the hashtag #EFMoment, #EF4ever or other hashtag invented or promoted by EF. The student will be asked for consent prior to each collection of such material.

Setting expectations

Please help us by asking your child to respect all instructions given by the EF team even though your child might have more/less freedom at home and abide by different rules.

The ideal line of communication

Before you go

Your

is right around

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 course.

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 course. Erika has been the exclusive insurance provider to EF customers for 20 years. Our EF staff are familiar with this insurance company and know what to do and where to call in case of an emergency. They also have claim forms at hand to help students with minor issues. 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 trip information will appear automatically in EF Campus Connect once booked by our Travel Team. If you choose to book the trip 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. If you have booked an EF Group travel your flight details will automatically appear here when they are confirmed.

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 straight to their accommodation. 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.

trip

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. If you are under 18 years old we recommend that your parents attend together with you. You’ll receive an email invitation to your Pre-departure Meeting, which can be 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. 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 course 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 (for individual travel only)

□ 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 and/or activity packs on EF Campus Connect

□ If on a group course, reach out to your Course Leader

* If traveling as a group, check EF Campus Connect for your flight details.

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 course

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.

Your language level

Before you leave for your course destination, you’ll need to take our language test on EF Campus Connect. We’ll use your results to make sure you’re in the right class.

Your first day of school

You’ll start learning on the first day of your course, and most of our students arrive at their destination the day before it begins. Your first day will be spent getting ready for your studies ahead and meeting classmates and teachers. You’ll also receive your timetable, as well as information about your school and destination city.

Learning progress

The Passport to Learn is where younger students and teachers track learning achievements in English as well as local cultural knowledge and life skills developed. It is recommended for students to write their learning goals and mark their progress on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference). This is a book that students should be proud to take back home and show everyone.

Your timetable

Your timetable is structured based on which program you’re studying. You’ll have either 32, 26 or 20 lessons per week, each lasting for 40 minutes – mostly organized in double lessons lasting 80 minutes.

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 course

The Academic Team can advise you on all the different study programs that EF offers. If you’d like to change your course 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.

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 (two for the basic course) Project Sessions will improve your research and communication skills through practical work.

Special Interest Lessons (SPINs)

In addition to your General Language classes, you’ll have some 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 course you’re enrolled in and which classes are available during your stay. You can also take online SPIN lessons. Depending on your course type you might also have SPIN lessons as part of your schedule.

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 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 Excursions

Some of your lessons might be in the shape of Academic excursions. It is important that you take part, interact with your classmates and take this opportunity to really live the language.

Homework

Your teachers will give you homework to complement your work in class. You can request extra assignments to practice.

Monitoring 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.

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 internationally-recognized Common European Framework of Reference standards.

EF Certificate of Achievement

Each student will receive personal test certificate with their CEFR score, achieved on their final test.

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

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 other students of the same gender from your EF Campus.

- The key might be shared between you & your fellow EF students staying with the family. In case you lose the key, you’ll have to pay for a new one. If you are not given a key to the house your Host Family will ensure they are at home to let you in.

- 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. (If you've booked full board you will get a packed lunch to bring to school/activities).

- 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 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

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 away on an EF Campus.

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 (i.e. your locked suitcase). 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.

Your free time

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 are 16+ and 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 campus 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 or will get guidance to the nearest place to buy what you need.

Sports equipment

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

Supervised courses

If you are on a group or supervised course you will have a full activity schedule during you course. This will include all the most popular things to do in your destination and maximise the fun you will have. There will be activities included in your course fee as well as activities that you can pay a small fee for. If you don't want to take part in the paid activity there will always be a free option.

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

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 Accommodation Manager/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.

Activities Team

They will know all the fun there is to do in your town and will ensure you make the most of your trip.

Course Leaders

If on a supervised course you might travel with a Course Leader. They will work closely with the activities & school team and you can always reach out to them if you have a question.

Our school code

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 course. You can read the full school code on EF Campus Connect.

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

The elements of a successful course

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 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.

Things to remember

Passports and visas

Every student needs to have:

- A valid passport: your passport validity has to be six months after the day you travel back home and have minimum 2 empty pages

- If you don’t have a passport, please check with your own Embassy or consulate as procedures and requirements might be different

- Tip: make two copies of your passport. One for your parents and one for yourself which you should place in your hand luggage. This will help a lot if you lose your passport

- A visa for specific destinations: please check the applicable requirements on the destination country's official website before you travel. The local office in your country is always available to help you.

Medication and medical conditions

If you take regular medication, pack them in your hand luggage and bring along your prescription with the names of its ingredients. It is advisable to take a bit more than you think you’ll need. If your medications need to be stored in a fridge, let the office in your country know beforehand, as this might require special arrangements in some residences. We recommend that you take with you basic medication, like aspirin or stomach medicine. For safety reasons, and with respect to the law, our staff are not allowed to give medicine to the students. If you have a medical condition, make sure to visit your normal doctor before departure to ensure you are fit for your language trip. Please also inform the office in your country, so they can let the EF Course Leader and the local team know if this is necessary.

Special diets and allergies

If you need a special diet because of allergies or special wishes like vegetarian food, inform the office in your country well before departure. This may cost extra in some destinations. Make sure you distinguish between ‘not liking’, ‘being intolerant’ and ‘being allergic to’. In general, the more precise you are, the easier it will be for us to find the most suitable family and to inform the Residence staff. Please note that most English houses are carpeted and that most of our hosts enjoy the company of a pet.

Become an EF Ambassador

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 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.

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