EF ACADEMY 3

2014

TRAVELHANDBOOK

4 TRAVEL HANDBOOK

EF ACADEMY 1

IN JUST A FEW WEEKS, YOU’LL BE EMBARKING

ON ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT AND EXCITING

JOURNEYS OF YOUR LIFE: OBTAINING A HIGH

SCHOOL EDUCATION AT EF ACADEMY.

Rest assured that our faculty and staff members are already preparing for your arrival. From

now through September, they will be organizing your course schedule, getting the campus

ready and working on finding the perfect roommate or host family match for you.

We know you have a lot to look forward to. To make your transition as easy and simple as

possible , we have created this Travel Handbook for first-time EF Academy students, a great

reference guide for everything you need to know: from what to pack your first time heading

to campus, to what to do in your new host city.

Additionally, we have included tips on sharing space with your roommate, but most

importantly on sharing your culture with all of your new friends and teachers.

An amazing experience awaits you at EF Academy. Feel free to contact us with any questions

and we will be happy to support you on your journey.

Best wishes,

THE ADMISSIONS TEAM, EF ACADEMY

2 TRAVEL HANDBOOK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREPARING FOR YOUR JOURNEY

WHAT TO DO

WHAT TO BRING

DO YOUR RESEARCH

AT THE AIRPORT

VISA REQUIREMENTS

ON ARRIVAL

YOUR EF ACADEMY COMMUNITY

WHAT TO EXPECT YOUR FIRST DAYS AND WEEKS

SETTLING IN

RESIDENCE LIFE

HOST FAMILY LIFE

GENERAL ACCOMMODATION RULES

LIVING ABROAD

MANAGING YOUR TIME AND MONEY

STAYING HEALTHY / HEALTH INSURANCE

COVERAGE WITH ERIKA

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR EXPERIENCE

UNIVERSITY EXPLORATION

BREAKS & EXCURSIONS

SUMMER INTERNSHIPS

EF ACADEMY 3

”I ’M TAKING PHOTOS

OF MY NEW FRIENDS

HERE AT EF ACADEMY.

IT REMINDS ME OF

HOW MUCH FUN I ’M

HAVING AND HOW

LUCKY I AM TO BE

HERE.” NANNPOT VORAYOTSRI, THAILAND

4 TRAVEL HANDBOOK

EF ACADEMY 5

Send us your flight details and airport transfer

We need to know your flight details in advance so that we

can make sure your host family/house parents are ready

for your arrival. We also need to know if you’ll need an

airport transfer/pickup. Parents are welcome to travel with

students and visit the school, but even if your parents are

with you, we still need to know when you’ll arrive.

Send us your contact information

Send all contact numbers and email addresses for parents

and participants, as well as a designated emergency

contact, to your local EF Academy Admissions team.

Prepare your paperwork

Make sure you submit your visa paperwork in plenty

of time and let our office know when you receive your

visa. (Allow at least four weeks for processing. See page 9

for more information.)

Go shopping

If there are any special personal products you use

(cosmetics, food, vitamins, medicine) that might not be

available in the US or UK, buy them in advance, but make

sure it’s OK to bring them into your host country.

Manage your prescription medications

If you are bringing any prescription medicine, please make

sure that you also bring the doctor’s prescription with you.

The customs agents might need to see it when you enter

the country.

Alert us to your allergies and diet restrictions

Let your Admissions Team know in advance if you have any

allergies or diet restrictions so that we can make sure your

dorm, host family and cafeteria have suitable alternatives

available for you. This includes dietary restrictions related

to your personal or religious beliefs.

I T ’S A L M O S T T I M E !THERE’S A LOT TO DO BEFORE YOU LEAVE FOR EF ACADEMY, SO START PREPARING EARLY FOR A

SUCCESSFUL JOURNEY. IN THIS SECTION WE’VE PUT TOGETHER A HANDY LIST OF TO-DO ITEMS, AS WELL AS

INFORMATION ON WHAT TO PACK , WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE AIRPORT AND HOW TO BEGIN THE IMPORTANT

VISA APPLICATION PROCESS. GETTING AN EARLY START WILL MEAN MORE FUN AND EXCITEMENT NOW —

AND LESS STRESS WHEN YOU HEAD TO THE AIRPORT.

Get connected

You don’t have to wait until you arrive on campus

to connect with your new friends and teachers. Just

visit our Travel Portal www.ef.com/myacademy and

like us on Facebook to meet new people and see

what life will be like in your new city.

EF Academy New York:

www.facebook.com/efacademynewyork

EF Academy Torbay:

www.facebook.com/efacademytorbay

EF Academy Oxford:

www.facebook.com/efacademyoxford

6 TRAVEL HANDBOOK

Your most important travel document.

Bring your favorite tunes.

Capturethe moment.

Keep a notebook handy.

Don’t forget your necessary electronics.

Select a bag that you can use as a book bag.

PACK YOURBAGS

Bring your favorite snacks from home. Do your

research!

Make sure you sign up for a phone plan in your new country.

A gift for your house parent or host family.

EF ACADEMY 7

WH AT TO B R I N GREMEMBER TO PACK ONLY THE ESSENTIALS. ONCE YOU ARRIVE YOU WILL ENJOY SHOPPING IN YOUR NEW

TOWN. AND REMEMBER, YOUR PARENTS CAN ALWAYS MAIL THOSE ITEMS YOU TRULY MISS LATER IF THEY

DON’T FIT IN YOUR BAG. THE FOLLOWING IS A SHORT LIST OF THE BASICS YOU’LL NEED WHEN YOU ARRIVE.

Important items to bring

__ Valid passport, including your visa (and I-20 if you are

going to the USA)

__ Your travel itinerary

__ Properly-sized carry-on bag (check with the airline to

find out the size and weight allowed)

__ Luggage tags for your suitcases

__ Camera

__ Electrical appliance converter

__ English dictionary

__ Glasses/contact lenses, if needed. An extra pair and

prescription for glasses/contact lenses

__ Prescription medicine, if needed. You must bring

documentation from your doctor of what the medicine

consists of and why you are taking it. This is for flight

and customs purposes.

__ Receipts for new suitcases. If your suitcases are

damaged or lost during your travels, you must

be able to produce the receipts for insurance

purposes

__ Receipts and invoices of any valuables, for customs

purposes and insurance

__ Information about your home country—books, photos

etc. to share with your new friends and teachers

__ Pocket money for at least two months

__ Small change and small currency notes to buy a snack

or make a phone call during your travels

Clothing items you will need

__ Nice shoes, casual shoes, athletic shoes and

warm boots

__ Underwear and socks for at least 10 days (you will do

laundry about once a week)

__ Athletic clothes for school or extracurricular

sports (swimsuit, shorts, etc.)

__ Shirts or t-shirts

__ Sweaters or sweatshirts

__ Jeans or other casual pants to wear to school

__ Raincoat or light jacket

__ Winter coat if you have one, otherwise you can buy one

__ For special occasions (events, dinner out), bring at least

two sets of nice clothes (jackets and ties for boys,

skirts or dresses for girls)

__ Travel size toiletries such as toothpaste, shampoo,

soap, body cream and deodorant. (You can buy bigger

sizes later.)

Don’t forget to take with you…

The EF Academy Emergency phone number

New York: +1 914 505 4874

Oxford: +44 (0) 7834 479979

Torbay: +44 (0) 7834 753 135

__ Your school address

__ Your residence or host family address and

telephone number

__ Home and post addresses of your family and friends

__ Official copies of your school transcripts, translated

into English. If you are going to the USA and plan

to apply to university, you should have 10 sets of your

transcripts for your university applications.

__ Vaccination proof and original Health Certificate

forms

__ Insurance papers (Erika insurance card or other proof

of insurance). Please note: If you elect to purchase a

non-Erika policy, you must bring a copy of your

policy and insurance card. (See page 25.)

8 TRAVEL HANDBOOK

EF Academy New York

EF Academy’s New York campus is located in a quiet

residential community called Westchester County, just

an hour from New York City. It offers a safe and peaceful

learning environment, with plenty of coffee houses,

restaurants, and shopping nearby. A train connects

Westchester County to New York, making day trips quick

and easy.

EF Academy New York is situated on a green and spacious

campus, including a large sporting field, theatres, and

numerous student dormitories. It is the largest EF Academy

location. More than 600 students live on campus, creating

a vibrant and active student community. Students are

involved in a wide range of clubs and sports, including

football, basketball, cheerleading, and tennis. They’re also

involved in the local community, making time to volunteer

in elementary schools and libraries, lakes and waters

clean-up projects, and even perform musical fundraisers at

Central Park in New York City.

EF Academy Oxford

EF Academy Oxford’s campus is located just 10 short

minutes from Oxford City Center. A walkable city bursting

with energy and tradition, Oxford is home to 150,000

people — largely students — from all over the world. The

city is packed with museums, libraries, book stores, coffee

shops, shopping centers, and restaurants, with bikes filling

the streets even in the earliest morning hours. Oxford is

also just one hour from London by bus.

The EF Academy Oxford campus is located on a safe,

wooded, suburban campus away from the hustle-bustle of

Oxford City Center, but is easily accessible by bus or bike.

Modern student residences are just a short walk away

from the classroom building, and students enjoy a large

cafeteria, numerous student lounges, and plenty of grassy

areas perfect for grabbing a cup of tea — and bit of sun —

throughout the day.

Students at EF Oxford actively participate in the school’s

wide range of clubs, from the Medical Society and Model

UN to Rugby and Soccer. They also frequently visit Oxford

University to attend any number of free lectures and

activities offered to the community.

EF Academy Torbay

EF’s Torbay campus is located on the South Coast of the

United Kingdom in a quiet beach region commonly known

as the “English Riviera.” With a population of 130,000

residents — many of them students — the city has all of

the conveniences of larger cities — restaurants, shopping,

and entertainment — with a relaxing holiday feel. One

of Torbay’s most popular assets: it’s beaches. Students

enjoy the sandy shore, perfect for surfing, studying or just

hanging out with friends. And, the campus is just a short

train ride to major cities like Plymouth and Exeter, and 3.5

hours to London by train.

The first thing students say when they arrive at EF Torbay

is that it instantly feels like home. Students spend most of

their time in the school’s “Castle” and adjoining classroom

buildings, which are situated on a large hill overlooking

the city. Because most students live with host families

off-campus, the Castle and surrounding campus area are

a major gathering point for socializing and catching up

with friends before and after class. Students also enjoy a

wide range of clubs and excursions organized by a full-time

director of student activities, be it the Cooking Club, the

Young Enterprise Club, or an afternoon of paintball or

hiking in the surrounding region.

D O YO U R R E S E A R C HTAKE TIME TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR NEW CITY BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME. FIND A SHOP, A RESTAURANT

OR A FAMOUS LANDMARK YOU WOULD LIKE TO VISIT. FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH YOUR NEW CITY’S BUS

AND TRAIN SYSTEM SO YOU FEEL CONFIDENT AND READY TO GO AS SOON AS YOU ARRIVE. HERE IS A BRIEF

INTRODUCTION TO YOUR NEW SCHOOL AND CITY.

EF ACADEMY 9

“ WHEN YOU’RE LIVING AND STUDYING WITH PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD, CHANGE IS INEVITABLE. YOU’LL BECOME MORE TOLERANT, MORE INDEPENDENT, AND YOU’LL BE MORE AWARE OF WHO YOU ARE IN THIS WORLD.”

Jacobo Beli lty, Venezuela

10 TRAVEL HANDBOOK

AT T H E A I R P O RT THE PROCESS FOR FLYING TO THE US OR UK IS QUITE SIMILAR TO TRAVELING WITHIN YOUR OWN COUNTRY.

THE MAJOR DIFFERENCE IS THAT YOU’LL NEED TO GO THROUGH CUSTOMS WHEN YOU ARRIVE. WE’VE PUT

TOGETHER A QUICK LIST OF THINGS TO DO TO PREPARE FOR A SMOOTH DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL.

Print your ticket

Most of you will travel on electronic tickets. You might be

able to check in at home and print your boarding pass. This

cannot be done until at least 24 hours before your flight.

REMEMBER: Be sure to send your flight details to your

Admissions contact, even if you don’t need a transfer to

campus when you arrive.

Weigh your luggage

Check with your airline to see how much luggage you are

allowed to take on your flight. Typically, you are allowed

one suitcase to check (max. 23 kg), and one small piece of

carry-on hand luggage.

Pack your carry-on

Besides your music player, laptop, and some snacks, you

also should make sure to have:

__ Your school emergency number (see page 7)

__ Your passport

__ A little cash in case you need snacks or other supplies

__ Your health insurance card

__ Your important documents and any medications

__ All immigration paperwork

__ Camera (insurance may not cover it if it gets lost)

__ For those with a Tier 4 Visa for the UK, you will need

to carry all copies of all documents used for your visa

(transcripts, English test, CAS confirmation letter, bank

letter, etc.)

At the customs desk

Whether you are arriving in the UK or the US, you will be

asked about the purpose of your trip and how long you

are staying. These are normal questions that are asked

to everyone arriving into the country. Stay calm and be

honest. Just confirm to them: 1) where you are studying 2)

which academic program you will be studying and 3) when

you will be returning to your home country.

The following are a few documents you will need to have

with you at customs:

> A letter showing you’ve been accepted to a full-time

course of study

> Evidence that you have enough money to support

yourself while you’re away

> A health or medical certificate, chest x-ray (if required),

and vaccination report

When you exit immigration, you should collect your luggage

and then pass through the customs area and, lastly, head

to the arrival hall. If you have booked our airport welcome,

look for your airport greeters. They will be carrying EF

Academy signs and should be easy to find. Make sure you

verify that they have your name on their pick up list since

many students are arriving on the same dates. You should

also make sure you have your host family address or school

address with you if you are staying in residence.

IMPORTANT: Remember to keep your hand-luggage with

you at all times. If you leave it unattended, the staff at the

airport has the right to remove it for security reasons.

EF ACADEMY 11

For the New York Campus

All students attending EF Academy New York will be issued

a document called I-20 in order to apply for their visa. The

I-20 document certifies that you have been admitted to a

full-time study program and that you have demonstrated

sufficient evidence to support your studies in the United

States. With this document, you will apply for an F-1 student

visa at your local US embassy or consulate. You will need

to show both your F-1 visa and I-20 to an Immigration

inspection when you arrive in the US.

If you happen to travel outside of the US during your

studies (going home for Christmas break, taking a trip,

etc.), you will need to show the I-20 once again to re-enter

the country so it’s very important to always keep this

document in a safe place.

For the UK Campuses

Students who are from European countries will not require

a visa to study in the UK. Students from all other countries

will need a visa. Most of our students will require a Tier 4

Visa. The application process can take a little time, so it’s

important to apply at least four weeks before your course

starts. There are a few different visas that you can apply

for and the process might be slightly different depending

on the country you are from. Have a look at the UK visa

questionnaire to find out more about the types of visas

and their requirements here: https://www.gov.uk/visas-

immigration

Tier 4 Visas

Tier 4 Visas are based on a certain number of points and

require that students are sponsored by a school that is

registered with the UK Border Agency. Our schools are

fully inspected and accredited and we are listed as a Highly

Trusted sponsor with the UK Border Agency.

Our school will issue you a document called “Confirmation

of Acceptance for Studies” (CAS) with a special reference

number. This number will be used when you make your

application. Before a CAS number can be issued, we will

need to see your passport, transcripts, proof of English

language level, and will also do a short assessment

interview.

Your application can be done online or on paper (check

the website for the specific instructions for your country).

You must complete the application form carefully

and include all of the required documents such as

educational transcripts (officially translated into English),

accommodation information, evidence of payment made

towards your course, and proof that you have the funds

to support yourself. It is important that you include

everything required or you will risk your application being

rejected. If your visa application is refused, your CAS will

become invalid and you will require a new CAS to re-apply.

Our schools will only issue a maximum of two CAS per

student.

In certain countries, students will be required to attend an

interview with a UK Border Agency Entry Clearance Officer.

At these interviews, you will be assessed based on your:

> Ability to speak English

> Knowledge about the course you will study

> Academic background

> Plans to return home after your studies

> Finances

V I S A R E Q U I R E M E N T S OBTAINING YOUR VISA IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE TRAVEL PROCESS. WITHOUT ONE, YOU WON’T BE

ABLE TO ENTER THE COUNTRY. FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES TO ENSURE THAT YOU OBTAIN YOUR VISA

CORRECTLY, AND ON TIME.

12 TRAVEL HANDBOOK

“ EF WAS EVEN BETTER THAN I EXPECTED. THE CAMPUS WAS BEAUTIFUL. THE COURSES WERE INTERESTING. AND THERE WAS SO MUCH MORE. THINGS YOU CAN’T PROMISE IN A BROCHURE — GREAT TEACHERS, AMAZING FRIENDS — I FOUND IT ALL HERE AT EF.”

MARTINA DIVKOVIC, SWEDEN

–Martina Divkovic, Sweden

EF ACADEMY 13

Headmaster

Each school has a headmaster who is the leader in the

school. Our headmasters are very involved in the day-to-

day school life. They even coach clubs and teach cooking

classes. Never be afraid to say hello.

Course Coordinator

Each of our programs (Preparation course, Grades 9/10,

International GCSE, IB, and A Levels) have a designated

academic course coordinator who helps students plan and

guide their studies. You will meet with them regularly to

make sure you understand all the course requirements.

Guidance Counselor

Guidance Counselors work with students as a point-person

for all matters, both academic and personal. They will also

help with giving university guidance. Parents are encouraged

to contact the counselors if they would like any information

about their child’s progress or have any concerns.

University Counselors

Our university counselors help students make a strong plan

for their university applications. From seminars on career

exploration, to visiting universities, and filling out university

applications, our university counselors, together with your

main counselor, will help you make sure you have the best

university admission’s plan possible.

Advisor/Tutor

This is the person who will check in with you every day to

make sure everything is going well. Your daily advisory/

tutor groups meet at least once per day in small groups.

They will also be the person to give you the daily school’s

important updates or remind you to hand in an assignment.

Teachers

You will also be in contact with many different teachers

throughout your studies and in club activities. Our

teachers will get to know you both inside and outside the

classroom and are always willing to give extra help or listen

to any problems you might experience.

House Parent/Host Family Coordinator

House parents live in residence with you and provide

supervision, help you when you are sick, or are just there

to listen if you are feeling a bit lonely or homesick. The

host family coordinator will fulfill the same role for those

students who live off-campus.

Host Family

If you’re living with a host family off-campus, you’ll meet

their entire family and begin to settle in to your new home.

Your host family will be part of your daily support system,

preparing your meals and offering support along the way.

Roommates

If you’re living in the residence, you’ll likely have one or

more roommates — and there’s a good chance they’ll

be from a different country than your own! Get to know

each other by asking about their culture, sharing some

snacks from your home country, and exploring the campus

together.

Activities Coordinator

They plan regular after-school activities for students and

are a good point person when you want to know what to do

in your free time.

Administration Team

They monitor attendance, give you important updates and

can help you get sorted with bank accounts, telephones,

etc. Usually they are located in the same place so they are

easy to find when you need help!

YO U R E F A C A D E M Y C O M MU N I T YDURING YOUR FIRST FEW WEEKS ON CAMPUS, YOU WILL MAKE MANY FRIENDS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

AND DISCOVER A WHOLE NEW WAY OF TEACHING AND LEARNING. IN THIS SECTION, WE SHARE MORE

INFORMATION ON THE STAFF MEMBERS YOU WILL MEET, HOW YOU WILL SPEND YOUR FIRST WEEK AT EF

ACADEMY AND ALL ABOUT YOUR NEW HOME.

14 TRAVEL HANDBOOK

Induction Days

All new students should aim to arrive in time for the

Induction Days, which are scheduled to begin September 3,

2014, at each of our EF Academy campuses. This is a really

important time to make sure you get settled in and prepare

to start your classes the following week. It’s also the best

time to make friends! Most EF Academy students say they

made life-long friendships their very first week on campus

because there are so many others who, just like you, are far

from home and looking for a friendly face. The easiest way

to break the ice: just say hello!

YOUR NEW HOME. For those living in student residences,

you will check in, get a key to your room and a welcome

package with your upcoming schedule and house rules.

You will be guided by a staff member or fellow student to

your room and you will also be given a tour. For those living

with a host family, you’ll meet your family, given a tour and

begin to settle into your new home.

ENGLISH TESTING. All students will take a test to assess

their English skills. We will also test your general knowledge

in Math and Science. There is nothing that you need to

study for in advance but this information will help advisors

and course coordinators identify your ability and any areas

where you might need extra support as well as areas where

you can handle extra challenge.

COURSE SELECTION. You will attend initial academic

orientation meetings where staff will find out more about

your academic and career goals. As part of the induction

process, we will assess your areas of strength as a student

and find the best combination of subjects for you. Subject

combinations are designed to provide you with an effective

university entrance profile.

TEACHER MEETINGS. You will meet all subject teachers to

learn about course content so that you will be able to make

the best subject choices. IB and A-Level students will also

have some discussions with university counselors about

potential careers to make sure that your subject choices

match your career plan.

CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES. During Induction Days, you will

learn about the many clubs and activities available to you.

If you don’t find something you like, create your own. All of

our clubs are student-organized, so your only limit is your

imagination. Your first week on campus should be one of

your best weeks on campus. Explore. Make friends. Check

out the town. Set up your room. Get ready for all that lies

ahead.

WH AT TO E X P E C T YO U R F I R S T D AY S A N D WE E K SASIDE FROM LEARNING YOUR WAY AROUND CAMPUS, GETTING USED TO YOUR HOST FAMILY OR RESIDENCE

SCHEDULE, AND MAKING NEW FRIENDS, YOUR FIRST FEW DAYS AND WEEKS AT EF ACADEMY ARE AN

IMPORTANT TIME TO PREPARE FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR AHEAD. YOUR FIRST DAY EXPERIENCE WILL

DIFFER SLIGHTLY DEPENDING ON WHETHER YOU ARE LIVING IN A STUDENT RESIDENCE OR WITH A HOST

FAMILY. NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE, OR WHAT SCHOOL YOU’RE IN, JUST KNOW THAT YOU ARE NOW PART

OF A WELCOMING INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY. THE FOLLOWING IS A SHORT DESCRIPTION OF WHAT TO

EXPECT WHEN YOU ARRIVE.

IF FOR ANY REASON YOU MISS INDUCTION DAYS

DON’T WORRY! WE’LL STILL SHOW YOU AROUND

AND MAKE SURE YOU GET A PROPER WELCOME

WHEN YOU ARRIVE.

EF ACADEMY 15

“IT’S SO EASY TO MAKE FRIENDS AT EF ACADEMY. WE’RE ALL FROM DIFFERENT

COUNTRIES, BUT AT THE SAME TIME, WE’RE ALL FAR FROM HOME. THAT

UNITES US. IT MAKES US A FAMILY.”

NAN TENG, CHINA

16 TRAVEL HANDBOOK

EF ACADEMY 17

Rooms

Students will be in either Multi or Twin rooms. If you

have a Multi room, you will be sharing with two or three

roommates. If you have a Twin room, you will be sharing

with one roommate. You will be provided with sheets and

towels but you can also buy these items locally if you

prefer. Feel free to decorate your space any way you like to

make it feel like home.

Bathrooms

The bathroom facilities differ from campus to campus. In

Torbay, students live in an off-campus residence and each

dorm room has its own full bathroom. In Oxford, there are

sinks in every room, but toilets and showers are shared.

There are several bathrooms with showers on each floor. In

New York, students sharing a triple room will have en-suite

bathrooms and those in double rooms will have access to

shared ones available on each floor.

Your house parents

You will meet your house parents when you arrive. They

will be like your parents while you are living there. They

will explain all the rules for living in residence; explain

about mealtimes, daily schedules, safety and emergency

procedures.

Internet access

There is wifi internet available throughout our campus — in

residence rooms, lounges, and in the cafeteria.

Laundry

You will be able to do your laundry on campus with coin-

operated machines in New York and Oxford (1.50 per

wash/1.50 per dry). In Torbay, students can use a local

laundromat or take advantage of a local wash and dry

service for approx. £7 per week. In New York there is also a

local wash and fold service charging $1.00 per pound.

Your new routine

Over the first few days, you will learn about the daily

routine for meals, breaks, classes, activities, and so on. You

will also learn the rules about weekend routines, when it’s

appropriate to leave campus, who to inform, and so on.

Getting to know your roommates

Getting used to sharing space with someone new can be a

fun experience, but it also takes a lot of communication and

mutual respect. Talk to your roommate early on about

wake-up times, bed times, and study times to ensure a

smooth transition. The following are some other tips for

living with your new roommate (and friend):

SHARE YOUR CULTURE. Talk to your new friends about

what life is like in your country, your customs, your food

and teach them some words in your own language.

SEE THE SIGHTS. Take a picture at a famous landmark,

visit a trendy store, or try a local dish together in your

new city.

BE OPEN-MINDED. Be open to new perspectives. It might

change the way you look at the world.

ASK QUESTIONS. If there is something you don’t know

or understand about your roommate’s culture, just ask.

Chances are he / she will have some questions about you

as well.

Mealtimes

In Oxford and New York, you will have breakfast, lunch, and

dinner in the cafeteria on weekdays; brunch and dinner on

weekends. If you live in residence in Torbay, you will have

breakfast and dinner on weekdays; brunch and dinner on

weekends. Torbay students have the choice to pack a lunch,

or buy something from the canteen or the nearby high

street. Lunch at the canteen costs £3-5.

House Rules

Just like any home environment, your residence is your

home and there are rules to follow. House parents will

always be with you to supervise and support you.

Communicate

If you have problems with a roommate, talk with them to

try and resolve it. If you can’t seem to make it better, talk

to your house parent about it. The more you communicate,

the easier and more rewarding it will be.

R E S I D E N C E L I F EEF ACADEMY HAS STUDENT RESIDENCE FACILITIES ON ALL THREE CAMPUSES. LIVING IN A RESIDENCE GIVES

STUDENTS THE CHANCE TO GAIN INDEPENDENCE AND RESPONSIBILITY AS PART OF THEIR EXPERIENCE

OVERSEAS. MOST STUDENTS FIND LIVING IN A DORM INCREDIBLY FUN AND INSPIRING. IT GIVES THEM THE

OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN ABOUT NEW CULTURES —AND MAKE NEW FRIENDS — NEARLY EVERY HOUR OF THE DAY.

18 TRAVEL HANDBOOK

Who is your host family

Host parents are carefully selected and thoroughly

screened to ensure that students will live in a safe and

comfortable family environment. Most of the families we

work with have hosted students before — many for decades.

Settling in

On your first day, the host family will show you around

their home, and most importantly you will finally see your

new room. Most likely you will be sharing with another EF

Academy student.

Setting expectations

Your host family will have some rules to follow when you

are in their home, so it’s a good idea to learn about them

on your first day. You should be prepared to discuss:

curfew, family routine, meal times, house chores, house

keys, telephone, internet, laundry and storage of some of

your larger items.

Laundry

Families may charge you extra to wash your clothes at

home, please discuss this with them (usually an additional

$5 or £5 per week). You may also like to take advantage of

a local wash and dry service for approximately £5 a week

in Torbay.

Internet

Most families have internet at home, but if they do not, you

can request for them to have access installed at your own

expense.

Special meals

If you follow a special diet or have food allergies, your host

family may expect your help to buy and prepare what you

might need.

Communications

Like all relationships, communication is really important to

make everything work. If you are unhappy about anything,

talk to your host parents about it. If you are unable to solve

the situation yourself, talk to the host family coordinator

at your school or even to your advisor. We all want you to

have a positive experience and we are committed to help

you make it the best it can be.

Getting to School

We try our best to have families who live within an hour of

school using public transportation. Some students may also

live within walking or cycling distance. Your host family will

help you find the best way to get to school.

YO U R H O S T FA M I LY LIVING WITH A LOCAL FAMILY OFFERS THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: THE CHANCE TO SPEND YOUR DAYS

SURROUNDED BY A VERY INTERNATIONAL MIX OF STUDENTS, AND YOUR EVENINGS WITH A CARING FAMILY

WHO WILL SUPPORT YOU, GUIDE YOU, AND INTRODUCE YOU TO THE LOCAL CULTURE. STUDENTS WHO

LIVE WITH A HOST FAMILY OFTEN SAY IT’S ONE OF THEIR FAVORITE PARTS ABOUT LIVING OVERSEAS. THE

FOLLOWING ARE A FEW TIPS TO HELP YOU GET TO KNOW — AND LOVE — YOUR FAMILY AWAY FROM HOME.

Tips for living with your host family TALK! It’s the best way to improve your English.

ASK QUESTIONS. It will help you learn more about

your new culture.

DEFINE THE RULES. Let your host family know

when you like to sleep, eat and study — and they’ll let

you know their home curfew and other house rules.

INVITE THEM TO SCHOOL. Having a host family

means having someone to invite to school events and

share in your success on campus. Invite them to your

art show, soccer game, or theater production.

TELL THEM WHAT YOU NEED. Too hot? Too cold?

Too loud? Too ... hungry? Let them know.

JOIN IN FAMILY LIFE. Eat. Watch TV. Go to the mall

together. The more time you spend with your host

family, the more fun you’ll have.

SHARE YOUR CULTURE. Cook. Bring a gift. They

want to know you.

RESPECT THE LOCAL CULTURE. Expectations about

how and when to wash your own clothes, keeping

your room clean, or even personal space might be

different than they are in your own country. It is

important to respect the ideals and customs in your

host family’s household.

EF ACADEMY 19

“ MY HOST FAMILY IS ONE OF THE THINGS

I LOVE MOST ABOUT MY EF ACADEMY

EXPERIENCE. THEY ALWAYS TAKE TIME

TO CHECK IN AND SEE HOW I ’M DOING. WE

EAT DINNER TOGETHER AND TALK ABOUT

OUR DAY. HAVING SOMEONE HERE TO CARE

ABOUT ME AND HELP WHEN I NEED THEM —

THAT’S BEEN A HUGE PART OF MY SUCCESS.”

STANISLAV TIMONIN, RUSSIA

20 TRAVEL HANDBOOK

Study hours, lights out and curfew

In the student residence, there will be designated study/

quiet hours, as well as a curfew and lights out times. Your

host family may also designate a curfew and quiet periods

throughout the day, especially if they have young children.

All students are expected to adhere to these rules.

Sharing and respect

You will be sharing a room and a home with friends or

family of a different culture. It’s important to share your

perspectives and ideas with others, while at the same time

respecting their cultures and beliefs. Keep this in mind

when decorating your room. Try to keep your personal

space tidy and be considerate when chatting to friends

back home on the phone.

Home visits and holidays

We have a number of school holidays during the year. You

are welcome to stay on campus during short holidays, but

will be expected to leave campus for the longer Christmas/

New Year holiday, as well as Spring Break.

If for some reason you are unable to return home for the

holidays, please inform us as soon as possible so that we

can try to work out an alternate arrangement for you.

Visits from friends

It's possible that you will make friends outside of EF

Academy, within the local community. However, non-

EF Academy students are not permitted in the student

residence buildings. If you’re living with a host family, ask

your host parents for permission to bring friends

to visit.

Parent visits

Your parents and family members can certainly visit you

throughout the year. We only ask that family is mindful of

our exam periods and that students not miss school during

these visits. Family visits would be best at the start/end of

the year or during set holiday periods.

Family members are not allowed to stay at the residence

facilities or with a student's host family. Instead, they

should seek accommodation at a local hotel. A member

of our staff can provide your parents with hotel

recommendations.

Toiletries

You will also be expected to bring your own personal

toiletry items such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc.

and can buy these once you arrive to save space in your

luggage.

Hygiene

In the US and UK, it’s common to shower and change

clothing every day. You’ll be expected to handle your

own laundry, so be prepared to wash clothes and

undergarments at least once a week.

The best way to settle-in

It takes time to get to know one another and for this

reason, during the first month of school host family or

room changes are not recommended. If you’re having

communication problems with your roommate or family,

inform your guidance counselor and they will be help you

find the best solution. If you are still not comfortable after

the first month, you may request a permanent change.

G E N E R A L A C C O M M O D AT I O N RU L E S NO MATTER WHERE YOU’RE LIVING — RESIDENCE OR HOST FAMILY — THERE ARE CERTAIN RULES THAT

WILL ALWAYS APPLY. FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THEM. ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO HAVE A GOOD

ROOMMATE OR FAMILY IS TO BE ONE.

EF ACADEMY 21

“ LIVING IN THE RESIDENCE IS SO FUN. ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS KNOCK ON YOUR NEIGHBOR’S DOOR AND ASK FOR A CUP OF TEA. YOU CAN CHAT ANY- TIME YOU NEED A FRIEND OR HELP WITH YOUR STUDIES.”

DARIA STRUKOVA, RUSSIA

22 TRAVEL HANDBOOK

EF ACADEMY 23

Time management

Chances are good that you will have a lot more work — and

a lot more fun! — at EF Academy than you experienced in

your home school. Being able to enjoy it all to the fullest

will depend on your time management skills.

Most EF Academy students say that one of the most

valuable things they learned during their high school

program was time-management. Knowing how to balance

your time is a huge benefit in high school, as it allows

you to take advantage of all that EF Academy has to

offer, from your courses to sports and clubs, and time in

the surrounding community. Alumni also say that strong

time-management was an incredible asset in university and

preparing for success in their careers.

The following are a few tips for juggling your academic,

athletic, and personal commitments at EF Academy.

SET STUDY TIMES. Your studies are the main reason

you’re here, so make them a priority. If your residence or

host family don’t already have set study times in place,

create them for yourself — and stick to them — every day.

FIND THE RIGHT BALANCE. You’ll have a lot more

freedom at EF Academy than you did back home, with

lots of chances to explore new sports, clubs, and service

projects throughout your new city. Though your academics

are a priority, make sure you make time to enjoy the fun

things at your new school, as well.

CREATE LISTS AND CALENDARS. Keep track of important

tests, projects and other due-dates, especially during the

university application process, when your time is split

between class work and application preparation.

MAKE PRIORITIES. As much as you may want to, you won’t

have time to do everything on campus. Have an honest

discussion with yourself about which courses, clubs, and

sports are most important to you.

SLEEP. A productive person is one who gets enough sleep!

Never deprive yourself of the sleep you need. You’ll get

more done in less time if you are well rested.

Your classes are your responsibility

Both the US and UK authorities require that you attend all

your classes and obey all rules of the country in order for

your Visa to stay current. If your attendance rate at school

is poor, this will be reported to immigration officials and

you may lose your student status. This would result in you

having to return home before the program is complete. To

be on the safe side, always attend your classes and take

your academic responsibilities seriously.

Finances

Since you are going to be “on your own” you will also have

to administer your own expenses. That means buying items

like food or clothes that your parents probably provided for

in the past. Therefore, you’ll need to plan to have enough

pocket money on-hand to last a few months — at least until

you’ve had time to establish a bank account and allowance

plan with your family.

POCKET MONEY. You should plan on having a certain

amount of pocket money dedicated for each month. Most

students spend around USD300 or GBP200 per month,

depending on the activities they choose to do. Parents

should ensure that students have access to this amount

minimum per month.

BUDGET. Agree on a budget with your parents. Remember

that some periods of the year you might spend more than

others (your arrival, Christmas, spring, graduation, etc.).

In addition, you are responsible for all your personal costs,

such as: movie tickets and snacks, going out with friends,

school lunch (if you choose to purchase it), toiletries, phone

bills, specialty/gourmet groceries, school lunch, optional

excursions etc.

BANK AND CREDIT CARDS. We recommend that you bring

a debit or credit card from home for your expenses in your

new host country (Visa, Mastercard or similar).

BANK ACCOUNTS. We will give you advice on how to

set up a local bank account where your parents can send

money to you on a regular basis to save on international

banking charges.

M A NA G I N G YO U R T I M E A N D M O N EY

MOST STUDENTS REPORT CHANGING — IN BIG WAYS — THANKS TO THEIR EF ACADEMY EXPERIENCE. AFTER

ALL, LIVING FAR FROM HOME MEANS MANAGING YOUR OWN TIME AND MONEY, AND TAKING RESPONSIBILITY

FOR YOUR OWN ACADEMIC SUCCESS. THE FOLLOWING ARE A FEW TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL INTRODUCTION

TO INDEPENDENCE.

24 TRAVEL HANDBOOK

“ BEING AT EF ACADEMY TAUGHT ME THAT THERE

ARE CERTAIN THINGS IN LIFE YOU NEED TO DO

ON YOUR OWN. THERE ARE CERTAIN PROBLEMS

ONLY YOU CAN FIX. MY PARENTS ARE PROUD

OF ME FOR BECOMING SO INDEPENDENT. EVEN

MORE IMPORTANTLY, I AM PROUD OF MYSELF FOR

LEARNING WHAT I ’M CAPABLE OF.”

JOEY HO, CHINA

EF ACADEMY 25

Coverage with ERIKA

We recommend students to purchase the Erika Travel

Insurance since our schools are very used to how it works

and can assist you better in case of an emergency.

Erika Insurance is a travel insurance policy which covers

health, travel and liability related claims. It meets all

required guidelines and there is additional limited coverage

for non-accidental dental treatments. Information on terms

and conditions and how to file a claim will all be provided to

you in your native language.

Erika has a 24-hour emergency assistance service. All

contact details can be found on the insurance card and in

the general conditions booklet. In the US you can visit a

network doctor (900 000 doctors/hospitals are part of the

network) and you don’t have to pay up front. The doctor

will send the invoice straight to Erika’s US claims agent.

Otherwise, there is a larger deductible for doctors outside

of the network.

OPTIONAL SPORTS & ACTIVITIES ADDITION. The Erika

Travel Insurance coverage excludes coverage for certain

risky sports and activities. However, with the Erika Travel

Insurance, all sports organized by your school are covered.

You also have the possibility to add the Sports & Activities

Addition which covers you for risky activities such as white

water rafting, martial arts, skiing and sailing. It will not be

possible to add this insurance in the middle of the school

year, so please make sure to book it before departure.

If you are not purchasing the Erika insurance coverage,

please submit documentation showing purchase of another

travel insurance which meets our guidelines.

Should you get sick during your stay:

FOR MINOR COLDS AND ILLNESS. You will visit a local

clinic. Staff will help you register with a local clinic once

you arrive.

FOR SERIOUS INJURIES, ILLNESS OR ACCIDENTS.

You will visit a hospital. Hospital emergency rooms tend to

be costly, and depending on your insurance and the

attending doctor’s treatment policies, students may

have to pay for all medical costs up front (and then be

reimbursed in part or in full by their insurance provider).

S TAY I N G H E A LT H Y HEALTHCARE ABROAD CAN BE VERY EXPENSIVE. IT IS THEREFORE MANDATORY FOR ALL STUDENTS TO

HAVE TRAVEL INSURANCE THAT FULFILLS THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF OUR PROGRAMS BEFORE

HEADING TO CAMPUS.

26 TRAVEL HANDBOOK

EF ACADEMY 27

EF Academy staff plan events, excursions and other

opportunities to get involved in your new city and country.

The following are just a few of the things you can look

forward to when making the most of your high school

experience abroad.

School excursions

There will be a number of excursions throughout that you

will join with your teachers and classmates. Some of these

will be educational and a way to expand on your classroom

learning, others will be focused on visiting universities and

preparing you for the application process.

TORBAY: In Torbay, students have two opportunities to

visit universities through EF Academy during their Junior

Year. Those interested in attending a UK university can

visit and learn about more than 150 different schools at

the HE University Convention at Exeter in March. Those

interested in US schools will have a chance to attend the

US University Fair in Taunton in May. Past universities

in attendance include Harvard, New York University,

Vanderbilt and Rutgers.

NEW YORK: Students at EF Academy New York have plenty

of universities to explore in New York City, including NYU,

Columbia and Yale. In addition, the school plans numerous

excursions throughout the year, which allows students

to explore universities outside the immediate area. Trips

for 2014-15 include Boston and Philadelphia (Fall) and

Washington, D.C. (Spring).

OXFORD: Each fall, students attend the EF University Fair

in London, dedicated entirely to EF students in the London

area with many of the top 20 UK universities participating

such as Birmingham and Lancaster. In spring, they have

the chance to participate in the QS World University Fair in

March, which attracts universities from different countries

such as MIT in the USA as well and other top universities

in the UK such as the London School of Economics and

Imperial College. The fair also attracts universities from

many other countries such as The Netherlands and

Australia. The fair focuses primarily on international

students.

Breaks and excursions

Though you’ll be busy with studies during your stay at

EF Academy, we encourage students to use their holiday,

spring and summer breaks to explore their new country or

pursue a work study or internship program. Students are

not allowed to stay on campus during these break periods.

The following are break dates for 2014-2015:

Holiday Break: December 6 - January 4

Spring Break: March 21 - April 5

Popular ways to spend school holidays

NEW YORK: Spend time exploring Boston, Washington, DC,

and Philadelphia — all of which are within a short bus or

train ride of the school. Amtrak and Greyhound are popular

— and affordable — ways of exploring New York and beyond.

While you’re out and about, be sure to check out the wealth

of universities in the Northeast United States, from NYU

and Columbia University, to Boston College, Princeton, and

Harvard University.

OXFORD & TORBAY: The UK has one of the best train

systems in the world, meaning that almost any city in the

country is just a train ride away. Head to London (1 hour

from Oxford, 3.5 hours from Torbay), or even further afield

to places like Manchester, Bath, or Edinburgh. It’s all within

reach! Don’t miss the chance to visit Oxford University,

London School of Economics, University College London,

Cambridge University, and more while you’re at it!

T R I P S A N D E XC U R S I O N SAT EF ACADEMY, YOU’LL HAVE MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO TRY NEW THINGS, GO NEW PLACES, AND EXPLORE

CULTURES YOU NEVER EVEN KNEW EXISTED. WHETHER THAT’S TRYING A NEW SPORT, EATING A NEW FOOD,

OR LEARNING A NEW LANGUAGE — EVERY DAY WILL BE FILLED WITH THE CHANCE TO GROW AS A PERSON

AND EXPAND YOUR WORLD VIEW. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF AS MANY AS POSSIBLE

WHILE YOU’RE WITH US.

28 TRAVEL HANDBOOK

S U M M E R I N T E R N S H I P P R O G R A M AN EF ACADEMY SUMMER INTERNSHIP IS A WONDERFUL WAY TO TAKE YOUR GLOBAL FUTURE TO

ANOTHER LEVEL. THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER, YOU WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO GAIN NEW SKILLS AND

KNOWLEDGE, WORKING ALONGSIDE OUR EF TEAM IN FIELDS LIKE MARKETING, FINANCE, SALES AND

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT IN OUR OFFICES ALL OVER THE WORLD. WHAT’S MORE, YOU’LL GAIN IMPORTANT

PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS, IMPROVE YOUR INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC LANGUAGE SKILLS, AND GAIN AN EDGE

IN THE UNIVERSITY APPLICATION PROCESS.

EF ACADEMY 29

Locations

New York, Mexico City, London, Lucerne, Dusseldorf,

Moscow, Dubai, Ho Chi Minh City, Shanghai, Hong Kong,

Taipei, Beijing, Bangalore, Almaty, Bangkok or Jakarta.

Program length and timeline

Minimum 2 weeks, Maximum 4 weeks

Summer Break Begins: June 12, 2015

Program details

> Minimum age: 17

> For students who will finish IB Year 1 or A level Year 1

at one of the EF Academy campuses in summer 2015

and who plan to continue their studies at EF Academy in

September 2015.

> A stipend towards food and accommodation will be

provided by EF Academy depending on destination.

(Travel and accommodation expenses not included.)

> A limited number of internships will be provided to

the top applicants after screening and interview.

> Final selection will be at EF Academy’s discretion.

More details about next summer’s program will be

released in Spring 2015. Stay tuned!

BECOME AN

INTERN AT EF

ACADEMY IN

SUMMER 2015

30 TRAVEL HANDBOOK

ADDRESSES AND CONTACTS

UNITED STATES

EF Academy New York

582 Columbus Avenue

Thornwood

New York 10594

UNITED KINGDOM

EF Academy Oxford

Pullens Lane

Headington

Oxford OX3 0DT

UNITED KINGDOM

EF Academy Torbay

Castle Road

Torbay

Devon TQ1 3BG

EF ACADEMYINTERNATIONAL BOARDING SCHOOLS

HEADQUARTERS

EF Education First

Haldenstrasse 4

6006 Lucerne

Switzerland