predeparture manchester aya 2012
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Predeparture Manchester AYA 2012TRANSCRIPT
Accreditations and Memberships
The EF International Lan-guage Centers in London,
Cambridge, Brighton, Oxford, Manchester, Bristol
and Bournemouth are:
EF Dublin is accredited by:
The EF International Language Centers
in the USA are members of:
The EF Internation-al Language Cent-
ers in the USA are accredited by:
The EF International Language Centers in
Sydney, Brisbane and Perth are accredited by:
EF Nice is recognized with the Label Qual-ité Français Langue
Etrangère.
EF Vancouver and Toronto are accredited by Languages Canada.
All EF Courses are certified by Southern
New Hampshire University.
EF Education is an active participant in
the Comité Européen de Normalisation.
The EF International Language Centers
in Brisbane and Perth are mem-
bers of:
The EF International Language Centers in
Cambridge, München, Cape Town and Nice are
accredited by:
The EF International Language Centers in London, Cambridge,
Brighton, Oxford, Manchester and Bourne-mouth are members of:
All EF Courses are recog-nized by Hult International
Business School.
Federation of International Youth
Travel Organizations.
Academic Year AbroadFor adults and Students aged 16 & above
EF International Language Centers
www.ef.com
EF Manchester
Important Note: Factual information contained in this document is subject to change.
ManchesterBritain’s second largest urban area is home to a
thriving student population, friendly locals and is un-
matched when it comes to entertainment. With two
top-class football teams and a burgeoning music
scene, you’ll never want to leave.
Contact details:26 Wilbraham Road, FallowfieldManchester, M14 6JX, UKTel: +(44) 1612 258919
Watch a video
Or visit us atFacebook.com/EFManchester
Section ...... Topic
1 ............Introduction to EF
2 ............Welcome to the UK
3 ............Weather watch
4 ............Travel & transfer service
5 ............School information
6 ............Academics
7 ............Accommodation & meals
8 ............Money matters
9 ............Phones, faxes & Internet
10 ..........Health care & insurance
11 ..........School activities & excursions
12 ..........Transportation
13 ..........Expectations
14 ..........UK culture & living tips
15 ..........Adjusting to a new culture
16 ..........EF school calendar & holidays
17 ..........Checklist
Contents - Manchester
Dear Student
Thank you for choosing to study English in Manchester. You have made a very exciting decision.
Manchester is an inspirational, modern, university city - with all the benefits and attractions of a vibrant, modern European metropolis. The night life is second to none, the sport and music world-famous and the city is surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the country
The school opened in June 2005. We are situated in a beautiful newly refurbished Edwardian town house set in leafy grounds. At the same time, we are just a short bus ride away from the bustling city centre
We offer classes for all abilities and have a multi-media computer lab and private study facilities. If you require help in enrolling for exams, would like to gain work experience or are interested in furthering your studies at a British university, we have experienced staff to help you
Remember however, that only you can decide how much English you will learn and how much you will benefit from living and studying in this fabulous city. As well as your passport, you will need to bring determination to study hard, an open mind and a willingness to learn from the countless experiences you will have
We look forward to meeting you soon and to helping you have the experience of a lifetime!
Best wishes,Maria McKenna, School DirectorEF International Language Center, Manchester
3 Manchester, UK
2. Welcome to the UK!Congratulations on choosing one of the most in-
teresting and varied countries to study in! Britain’s
character has been shaped by its position as an
island. It has not been successfully invaded since
1066 and its people have developed their own
distinctive traditions.
The Roman invasion of AD43 lasted for 350 years
and helped bring culture and civilization to the
islands. This was soon replaced by the culture
and language of the Northern European settlers
that followed.
For a small island, Great Britain encompasses
much variety in its regions. Scotland, Wales and
Northern Ireland are ruled through London but
they remain separate countries from England.
Many have their own regional language as well
as English. Even the landscape, architecture and
food can vary from region to region, from the
mountains of Wales and Scotland to the rolling
hills of the south and west and from the haggis
of Scotland through to the fish and chips of
England.
Over three quarters of the land is set aside for
agriculture but during the 19th and 20th centuries
there was a huge growth in the urban population.
Britain became the first industrialised nation and
thousands of people moved from the countryside
to the towns and cities near mines, mills and fac-
tories. The effect of this can still been seen today
with many of Britain’s streets containing small
residential terraced housing that was originally
built to house the influx of people.
The British love their countryside and animals.
There is a great enthusiasm for country and city
parks with many wildlife nature reserves across
the country. This even extends to the home where
many gardens are lovingly tended and it is com-
mon to find a cat or dog as a pet.
British cities are melting pots for people from all
over the world. Since the 1950s hundreds of
thousands of immigrants came from the former
British colonies in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.
This ensured a steady supply of labour into the
country. Today nearly 10 per cent of Britain’s 58
million people are from non-white ethnic groups
and over half of these were born in Britain. In
larger cities such as London, this
figure reaches nearly 40 per cent. As a result
Britain boasts a wide range of music, art, food
and religion - giving you the student exciting new
experiences.
When you are studying you will notice how Britain
has changed over the years. While still holding on
to traditions such as the Royal family and the legal
and Parliamentary systems, Great Britain will offer
you the chance to experience varied historical,
cultural and vibrant ways of life. We believe that
living abroad and learning a language will give you
valuable insights into the culture, customs and
history of your host country and give you many
essential skills to take home.
3. Weather WatchThe weather and climate in Manchester is mild,
with warm summers and cold winters, which can
be rainy.
Temperatures range from:
Spring: 4° to 15°C (39° to 59°F)
Summer: 10° to 24°C (50° to 75°F)
Autumn: 3° to 17°C (37° to 63°F)
Winter: 1° to 9°C (34° to 48°F)
4. Travel & Transfer serviceTransfer service
Arriving at a busy airport in a foreign city can be
confusing. EF offers a one-way transfer service
from the airport to your accommodation for an
additional fee. We highly recommend that you
take advantage of this service.
At least one month before your arrival, you must
inform the EF Office in your home country of the
exact details of your flight (airline, flight number,
date and time).
Manchester has a large international airport with
over 90 major airlines flying there. If you cannot
get a flight directly to Manchester, we strongly
1. Introduction to EFEF Education First welcomes students of all ages from every corner of the world to learn a language where it is natively spoken. Our innovative curriculum, the EF Efekta™ System, integrates face-to-face learning in a classroom with studying outside the classroom using the interactive learn-ing tools in our online iLab. An intensively structured academic program along with an array of educational and social activi-ties results in a fast and fun way to learn a language.
EF students come from diverse back-grounds and like you, they have chosen a program to enhance their language skills as part of their academic or career plan. Many have planned for years to take advantage of this opportunity.
A large percentage of EF students apply their new language skills by taking a recog-nized exam, such as Cambridge, TOEFL, TOEIC and IELTS. Successful completion of such exams provides the necessary language qualifications for university and for professional endeavors. Many students view their time with EF as a chance to explore educational alternatives while im-proving language and study skills. Students wishing to study at university can access information and make informed academic choices through our EF University Place-ment Service.
A great aspect of an EF program is the variety of nationalities at our schools. We welcome you to join this international com-munity where you’ll experience life and language with EF. We take great pride in our continuing dedication to our mission - breaking down barriers of language and culture.
4 Manchester, UK
advise you to book a domestic internal flight con-
necting from London to Manchester.
When you arrive, pass through customs and
wait at the information desk in the terminal for
an EF Representative to meet you. Do not go
to another part of the airport unless an EF staff
member tells you to. If, after approximately 30
minutes you still have not met with your greeter,
please call the Manchester emergency mobile
number which will be given to you by your local
EF office prior to departure.
We would ask you to be extra vigilant on arrival
at the airports as there have been a few incidents
where students have been picked up by Taxi
Touts, who frequently target foreign students.
They convince them they are EF Taxi drivers, drive
the students to their destination and then charge
them for the transfer telling them that they can
then claim this money back from the school. This
is not true, so please make sure that you do not
go with any driver who is not holding an EF sign.
Independent travel
If you wish to make your own way to your ac-
commodation, there are a number of buses that
go from the airport into the city centre (No. 43 &
105). The journey takes around 30 to 45 minutes
and once in the city centre you can take any
transport service to complete the remainder of
your journey. For those of you wanting to travel
directly to the school from the airport, you should
take the No. 43 bus which all stop in Fallowfield.
5. School InformationThe School Director is assisted by an accom-
plished staff of teachers and administrators.
There is also an Activities Coordinator who
organises EF activities and excursions.
The school offers the following facilities:
❚ Self-study room with computers
❚ Wi-Fi Internet ❚ Student lounge with TV
❚ Ping pong table, pool table & basketball court
❚ Cafeteria ❚ Garden
❚ Payphones ❚ Fax
❚ Notice boards to tell you what is happening
6. AcademicsEF language courses give students the opportu-
nity to study the English language and the local
culture for as long, and with as much intensity, as
suits the student and his or her needs.
EF Level Placement Test
Within 24-hours after booking your course, you’ll
receive your personalized EF username and
password for the online EF campus called My
EF. Before traveling, you will take the EF Level
Placement test online. This test will measure your
language level and ability, grammar and listening
comprehension abilities. Using your test results,
our academic team will place you in one of six
different language levels.
As your English language skills become stronger,
you will be promoted into the next language level.
You may speak with your teacher if you feel you
have been placed into the wrong level.
Orientation
During your orientation you will receive your class
schedule and other important information about
the school and the city. Fun activities are planned
to help you meet students and staff.
General English Classes
General English classes focus on the develop-
ment of the four skills of speaking, listening,
reading and writing. They also include work on
grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. Each
lesson is 40 minutes in length.
Special Interest Classes
Depending on your course type you may also
select a number of special interest (SPIN)
classes. SPINs allow you to improve your English
through the study of a wide range of subject
options. Admission to some of these will depend
on academic and linguistic level and availability
of places. The selection of SPIN classes varies
throughout the year and a student may not be
able to repeat the same SPIN class. Each lesson
is 40 minutes in length.
Class size
The average class size is 15 students with a
maximum of 17 students.
Class Schedule
Classes will be scheduled between 8.30 am and
7.30 pm 5 consecutive days per week and may
be in the morning or the afternoon.
Peak Summer Season Timetabling
During the summer between the first week of
July and the third week of August, the school
is open for classes Monday through Saturday.
Your schedule will be either Monday to Friday or
Tuesday to Saturday between the hours of 8.30
am and 7.30 pm. Your timetable will confirm your
schedule.
Attendance
You are expected to attend all classes. Consis-
tent failure to attend class, for whatever reason,
may result in expulsion from the program with
no refund of course fees. In order to be eligible
for an EF certificate, students are expected to
participate in class and must attend at least 80%
of all classes.
Please note: EF complies with UK Border Agen-
cy regulations regarding periods of absence.
Homework
You are expected to complete all assignments
set by your teachers in General English and
Special Interest classes. If you are taking an
examination preparation class you should expect
at least one hour of homework per night.
Assessment
You will be assessed at regular intervals through-
out the course. Assessment is based on atten-
dance, participation, attitude and performance.
Course books
As part of your academic program, you’ll be
expected to buy the books and classroom mate-
rials that you will use in class. The exact number
of books that you’ll need is determined by your
academic level, progress and choice of special
interest classes. If you wish to buy additional
books you may need more money. The books
you buy are yours to keep, write in and take
home with you for future reference.
iLab Learning
All English language school courses include six
iLab sessions per week. iLab sessions comple-
ment and reinforce classroom learning in an inter-
active online learning environment. Please note:
iLab is not included in the EF Basic Course.
Exams
You may enrol for several different public
examinations during your course. For example,
Cambridge, TOEIC and TOEFL exams are all
popular with students. These must be taken
5 Manchester, UK
at an external examination centre and booked
several months in advance. You will need to pay
fees to register for public exams in the UK. This
is typically £50 to £120 for each exam. Advice as
to the most appropriate examination to sit will be
given to you by your Director of Studies.
Cancellation of course or school transfer
If you decide to downgrade, cancel or transfer
your course to another EF school within the UK,
please talk to our Customer Support team. They
will advise you of any transfer charges and visa
restrictions.
EF University Placement Service
EF International Language Centers offer a
university placement service that provides expert
advice on applying for university in the UK and
Ireland. If you are interested in continuing your
studies, you are encouraged to talk with the
University Pathways Manager at your school.
University Transfer Credit
Through our partnership with Southern New
Hampshire University (SNHU), EF students may
be eligible to receive university credit for their
coursework.
7. Accommodation & MealsHomestay and student residence accommoda-
tion are available at the EF Manchester school. All
homestay and student residence issues during
your stay should be directed to the Accommoda-
tion Manager.
Homestay accommodation
Students staying in a homestay will have the
opportunity to experience British life and also
have the chance to practice their new language
skills with fluent English speakers. Students who
choose homestay accommodation should do so
because they want to live in a home environ-
ment and interact with the members of the
household. Our homestay hosts choose to host
international students because they want to learn
about other cultures and people. Students who
live in a homestay must respect the family and
their home. Likewise, the hosts will respect the
student. As you get an in-depth look at British
life, you will realize that British culture is not the
same as your culture, and therefore, home life
may be quite different. The relationship between
husband and wife, the roles of family members,
the relationship with or discipline of children
and the relationship with pets are just some
examples. If you are open-minded about these
differences, life in the family will be a great learn-
ing experience.
There is no stereotypical family. Hosts may con-
sist of 1) mother and father without children, 2)
single mother with children, 3) mother, father and
children, 4) retired couple, 5) widowed woman,
or 6) single father with children.
EF has two different types of homestay accom-
modation; Homestay, which has a maximum of
four students per house and two students per
room; and Homeshare which has up to eight
students in one house and two students per
room. Homeshare offers a more independent at-
mosphere and students have less direct contact
with the homestay hosts.
You are responsible for all transportation costs to
and from the host’s home. You may be placed
up to one hour away from the school.
Before you leave your home country, please let
your homestay hosts know the date and esti-
mated time of your arrival to ensure they are at
home to welcome you when you arrive.
Laundry and Facilities
Your homestay hosts will change your towel
and sheets every week. You are responsible for
your own clothes. If you want to use your host ’s
washing facilities, there will usually be a charge of
approximately £5.
You are responsible for your personal items such
as shampoo, conditioner, soap and other items.
In England not all bathrooms have showers – it is
very common to just have a bath. You will prob-
ably share the bathroom with others. This means
that you may need to be flexible about shower
and bath times. Very few students have their own
bathroom. If you want to take a long time in the
bath or shower check to see that nobody else is
waiting to use the bathroom.
Always remember to keep your room clean and
tidy. Make your bed, and put your belongings
away. You are also responsible for cleaning up
after snacks and for washing your own dishes
after breakfast. It is also polite to help clear the
table after dinner.
Telephone use
To call your friends and family you will need to
6 Manchester, UK
use a prepaid telephone card, which is available
at the school. Your family can telephone you, but
please ask them not to call too late. Remember
that you are sharing the telephone with the rest
of the people in the home. Do not spend more
than 15 minutes on the phone at any time.
Requests for change
Homestay accommodation is booked for your
entire course. You may only change homestays
for very serious reasons. Requests for change will
be considered on an individual basis. No refunds
will be granted for students who choose to leave
their homestay for personal reasons.
Meals in a homestay
Your homestay hosts provide breakfast and
dinner Monday to Friday, and all meals on the
weekends. You are responsible for your own
lunch during the week. Meals will only be pro-
vided when you are home to participate. Please
be sure to call your hosts if you are going to be
late or if you are not going to be home for a meal.
There will be no refund for meals not taken at
home with your family.
There is an EF Cafeteria at the school, where you
can purchase food and drinks.
Residence deposit
If you are living in the student residence you will
be required to pay a £100 deposit on arrival
at the school. This deposit covers such things
as lost keys, damage or fines. Any deductions
from this deposit will be notified to you at the
time. If there are no deductions made, the whole
amount will be refunded at the end of your
programme.
Student residence accommodation
Wilmslow Park Residence is a privately owned
student hall offering premier student accommo-
dation. Located half way between the Manches-
ter school in Fallowfield and the city centre you
have easy access to both. It is a 25-minute walk
to school or a 10-minute direct bus ride.
The accommodation is all single room with en
suite facilities and self-catering. Bed linen is
provided but you must bring your own towel. The
rooms are in apartments of 4 or 5 with a shared
kitchen/lounge per apartment. There is 24-hour
security, onsite laundry and an Internet café.
There is also a swimming pool and gym, which
students can have full access to for a member-
ship fee of just £1 per day.
This residence is only suitable for students 16
years and over. We expect students stay-
ing in student residences to maintain a good
attendance. Failure to do so will result in being
transferred to a homestay where more support
will be provided to attend classes.
Meals in a student residence
Students living in the residence must provide
their own meals. Again, for snacks and small
meals during the day students can buy provi-
sions in the EF Cafeteria at the school.
8. Money MattersCurrency
British currency is in pounds sterling (abbreviated
to GBP, Great British Pound, or nicknamed quid
by the British). The symbol for this currency is £.
The pound is divided into 100 pence (abbrevi-
ated as p). If you purchase something that is 95
pence, for example, you will probably be told that
the amount is “95 pee” rather than 95 pence.
You will see amounts written this way: “95p” or
“£0.95.”
Banknotes come in denominations of £5, £10,
£20, and £50. They will each be a different size
and a different color to allow you to tell them
apart more easily. Coins come in denominations
of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 pence, as well as 1 and
2 pounds.
Banks
For short stays it is not possible to open a bank
account, however It is a good idea to open a
bank account if you will be staying more than
6 months. If required you can hire a safety
deposit box at a bank, please ask the EF office
for advice.
Spending money
We recommend that you bring about £100 for
your first days in England to cover costs such as
travel to school, lunch, and telephone calls. You
will also need to take money for learning materi-
als used in class.
We recommend that you bring £100 - £150 for
each week you plan to stay in England. This
should cover lunches, laundry, travel to and from
school, and EF Activities mid-week. For weekend
excursions, shopping and depending on what
you choose to do during your leisure time, you
may need to bring more. Please also remember
you will need to pay for any language proficiency
exams you plan to take.
Only carry as much money as you need for one
day – remember thieves exist everywhere in the
world! The safest way to carry money is traveller’s
cheques. Many places also accept major credit
cards.
Changing money
When changing money in the UK always go to
a recognised bank or travel agent. Commission
rates will vary so check first for the best rate. We
regret that we are unable to change money in the
school.
Credit Cards
EF strongly recommends that students travel
with either a Visa or MasterCard. Credit cards
enable you to rent cars, reserve hotel rooms, and
do various activities, which may be more difficult
with cash or traveller’s cheques.
9. Telephones, fax & InternetTelephone
All long distance calls must be collect calls,
charged to the person you are calling, or charged
to a prepaid telephone card, which can be pur-
chased at the EF school. We recommend that
students expecting to stay for a long period of
time come with or purchase a mobile phone.
Fax
All EF schools use fax machines to conduct
business. You can send and receive faxes from
this machine for a small fee, although you are
encouraged to limit the use. When you receive
mail or faxes at the school, these will be kept at
the front desk for you until you pick them up.
There are also some places close to the school
that send faxes and charge for the time used.
Ask the front desk for directions to the nearest
fax machine you can use.
Internet
The school is equipped with Wi-Fi wireless
Internet. Students are highly encouraged to bring
their personal laptop computers for email and
Internet use on the wireless network.
7 Manchester, UK
10. Health care and InsuranceThe EF staff can recommend nearby hospitals
and doctors offices if you need medical attention.
Please ask the EF staff or your homestay hosts
for assistance if you need medical attention. If
you have any personal problems there is always
someone who you can talk to confidentially.
Insurance
All students traveling to the UK are required
to have medical and accident insurance upon
starting their program of study. You will still have
to pay for some treatment if you see a doctor but
you can claim the money back from the insur-
ance company. Please note: You will need to
keep all receipts in order to receive money back
from the insurance company.
All students are required to bring proof of insur-
ance in English to show that they have proper
health insurance when a medical emergency
occurs. Students who do not bring proof of
insurance will be required to purchase insurance
through EF at the school.
Erika Travel Insurance
Because security is EF’s number one priority, we
have negotiated a comprehensive tailor-made
travel insurance package for EF students with
Erika Travel Insurance, an international insurance
expert. The policy protects you against expenses
incurred through accident or illness, and provides
coverage for loss or theft of baggage and per-
sonal effects. It also provides coverage against
interruption of your EF program due to illness as
well as liability and legal expenses.
The EF staff is trained to assist with your Erika
Travel Insurance questions and claims. When you
are sick or injured the last thing you want to do is
deal with such issues. Let us help you!
11. Activities & ExcursionsExtracurricular activities contribute greatly to your
social and academic success. They not only help
you to relax after a day studying, they also pro-
vide you with an opportunity to meet and make
friends from other classes, other countries and
other cultures. Your school’s activities and trips
give you the opportunity to apply your life skills,
practice English in real situations and familiarize
yourself with British culture.
Activity Programme
The EF Activities Coordinator arranges a regular
schedule of local activities, day-trips, and week-
end excursions to area attractions. The cost of
these trips is not included in the tuition.
Weekly activities
We have a weekly programme of activities on
campus (film club, pool and ping pong tourna-
ments along with quiz nights) at either no cost or
minimal cost. The Activities Coordinator will
also organise sports games and tournaments,
depending on student interest and participation.
Weekend excursions
EF arranges weekend excursions and day trips
to local attractions. Not all trips are available each
month. The number of trips and the cost depend
on the time of year and the number of students
wishing to participate. Excursions can be paid in
cash or with traveller’s checks.
Our excursions are organised at a minimum cost,
are great fun and extremely good value. You are
always accompanied by an EF staff member.
Typical activities and excursions
Excursions could range from day tips to Liverpool
and the Beatles museum, to York and Stratford
upon Avon or to the Alton Towers theme park
(Cost between £25 - £35) to weekend trips to
London, Amsterdam or Edinburgh (cost between
£120 to £180). Prices are subject to change at
any time.
Example of the Manchester activities schedule
These activities may differ from those on offer
during your stay here with us.
Monday
❚ On Monday morning we welcome all the new
students! In the afternoon, we will take all new
students on a walking tour of the surrounding
area of the school and up into the City Centre.
Cost free.
Tuesday
❚ Afternoon Activity: The Imperial War Museum
North: Come and see the “show stopping”
Imperial War Museum, built by the acclaimed
designer Daniel Lebesbin and made totally out
of Aluminium. Cost free.
❚ Evening Activity: Filmworks Manchester:
Why not spend the evening in front of one the
biggest cinema screen in the world (8 stories
high and 3 double-decker buses wide)? When
at this cinema – “you don’t just watch a film,
you’re immersed in it”. Cost £6 or £4 with an
ISIC card.
Wednesday
❚ Afternoon Activity: Manchester United Football
Club Museum Tour: Come and spend the
afternoon at the “theatre of dreams” with a visit
of the stadium where Beckham once played
and the museum full of the team’s history. Cost
£8.50.
8 Manchester, UK
❚ Evening Activity: Bowling trip: bowl with other
EF students, £3.50 per game.
Thursday
❚ Afternoon Activity: Manchester Museum:
Come and visit the Manchester Museum based
in the Manchester University. Here you can
be submerged in dedicated galleries covering
such topics as: Archaeology, Archery, Botany,
Egyptology, Ethnology, Geology, Numismatics,
Oriental studies and Zoology. Cost free.
❚ Evening Activity: Party Night: lets go to the
biggest International Party in Manchester with
1500 students. Dance til 3am to the latest
tracks. Entrance fee £4.
Friday
❚ Afternoon Activity: Sports afternoon: spend
the afternoon playing your favourite sport! You
can choose from football, basketball and table
tennis (regular tournaments). Cost £2
❚ Evening Activity: Our Activities staff are on
hand to give you information on what to do. Do
you want to go to a club, theatre or concert?
Let us know what you want to do!
Saturday
❚ Day Trips: Alton Towers Theme Park: come
and spend the day at one the of UK’s best
Theme Parks. Coach and entrance included,
cost £36.
❚ Warwick & Stratford upon Avon: come and
visit the famous town of Warwick and Stratford
upon Avon and get the see the beautiful
Warwick Castle. Coach and entrance to castle,
cost £35.
Sunday
❚ Day Trip: Liverpool: Visit this vibrant city with
EF staff. We will visit the Beatles Story, Maritime
Museum, the Tate Gallery and finish off in the
Cavern Club. £20.
❚ Lake District: Come with us to this beautiful
National Park. We will have a boat trip across
Lake Windermere and visit the Aquarium of the
Lakes. You will have free time to explore the
villages and countryside nearby. £30.
❚ York: Lets go to this Historic city in the north of
England. We will visit York Minster, the Jorvik
Viking centre and you will have free time to walk
the ancient streets yourself. £29.
Let us help you have fun!
Parties and pub nights are held on a regular
basis as well as going to clubs, theatres and mu-
sicals. The city has a wide range of activities, so
whatever your interests are, the EF Activities staff
is more than happy to help. There are weekly
dance parties and concerts with the UK’s leading
DJs. The Activities Office will keep you informed
about the most happening ‘Hotspots’.
Manchester has a total of 8 professional football
clubs, 303,636 sports seats in professional
stadia, 43,593 theatre and cultural seats, 56
galleries and museums, 132 cinema screens,
164 nightclubs and 450 licensed pubs, bars and
restaurants in the city centre – something for ev-
eryone. Whether it’s booking the theatre through
one of EF’s ticket agents or finding the best deal
to hire a car, we have the means to help you.
12. TransportationPublic transportation
Manchester has an efficient network of buses
and trains with good connections throughout
the UK.
Buses
The Manchester bus system covers the city well
and offers an inexpensive way to travel around.
There are numerous bus stops throughout
Manchester, with bus timetables and route
information.
Taxis
Taxis are a convenient way to travel around the
Manchester area and are usually reasonably
priced. They can be found at the many taxi ranks
in Manchester city centre, outside of Manches-
ter’s train station and at Manchester Airport. Taxis
can also be ordered by telephone. Additional taxi
costs could be charged for luggage, travel late
at night, extra passengers and travel on public
holidays.
Bicycles
The bicycle is an extremely popular means
of travel in Manchester. On your first day of
school, you will be able to hire a bike at a special
reduced rate for your entire stay. Depending on
which time of year you come to study, prices
may change slightly. The longer you hire a bicycle
the cheaper the rates are.
Trains
Manchester has four main train stations in central
Manchester, providing travel throughout the
United Kingdom. Manchester’s largest and most
popular train station is Piccadilly Train Station,
in Manchester city centre. Other train stations
include Victoria, Manchester Oxford Road and
Deansgate.
Transportation from accommodation to school
You are responsible for all transportation costs
to and from your accommodation. All our
homestays are located near a bus route, which
will bring you to the school. The longest time the
journey should take is one hour. Your hosts will
tell you which bus to take. If you are living in the
EF residence, a member of staff will show you
how to get to the school.
13. ExpectationsExpectations are a normal part of anticipating a
new experience. Remember that many of your
expectations may have been formed by the
unreal world of TV and movies. Arrive at your
course centre with an open mind!
What you can expect from EF:
❚ Supportive staff, available for guidance and
encouragement.
❚ An academic program which combines
language, special interest, and culture-oriented
classes.
❚ Full program of local activities and excursions at
special EF rates.
❚ Accommodation in either homestay or student
residence.
❚ All designated meals.
❚ EF Academic Year Abroad Diploma for Aca-
demic Year Abroad students with 80% atten-
dance per term and good academic standing
and academic records
❚ EF Course Certificate for International Language
Students with 80% attendance and good
academic standing.
❚ Preparation classes and/or materials for appro-
priate standardized language exams and avail-
ability of University Placement Service (UPS).
What EF expects of you:
❚ To develop a greater understanding of the world
around you.
❚ To attend at least 80% of all classes and to do
your best in class at all times.
❚ To be respectful of your homestay hosts, your
classmates, your teachers and your community.
❚ To keep your room and shared areas clean.
9 Manchester, UK
❚ To speak English at all times.
❚ To abide by all laws, rules and regulations of
your host country, state, campus and school.
What you can expect from your homestay hosts:
❚ A comfortable, clean place to live.
❚ Prepared meals or accessibility to food to pre-
pare yourself according to the meal plan.
❚ Access to the school in approximately one
hour by public transportation. All transportation
costs are your responsibility.
14. UK culture & living tipsVisas
You may need to obtain a visa before setting
out on your journey if you are not a European
Community national. Check with your EF office
and local British Consulate well before you start
your journey.
Working in the UK
All EU passport holders are entitled to work in
the UK without restrictions. If you have a Tier 4
General Student visa you are able to work up to
20 hours per week. This does not apply if you
come to the UK as a Student Visitor. The same
rules apply for students wishing to participate in
an internship during their course. If you want the
possibility of working or doing an internship make
sure you apply for the right visa.
Customs
Read the customs notices carefully. Do not try to
bring any prohibited substances into the country.
We cannot help you if you are stopped
by customs for illegal importation of anything that
is against the law in Great Britain.
Immigration
If you are not a European Community national,
you will need to produce the following docu-
ments when you arrive in Great Britain.
❚ your passport (valid for at least six months after
the end of your EF course).
❚ appropriate visa for your stay
❚ proof of your ability to meet the cost of the
course, to maintain yourself and any depen-
dents without needing to work during your stay.
❚ your EF confirmation letter showing that you
have enrolled for a full time course of study.
Food
British food today has influences from abroad
introducing a wider range of ingredients and
more adventurous cooking. While still maintain-
ing its love of more traditional dishes, Britain now
has one of the widest selections of restaurants in
the world.
Dos and Don’ts
You will be required to abide by national laws as
well as the rules of the EF school. Violations will
lead to a verbal warning and possible disciplinary
action by the School Director.
The following are illegal in Great Britain:
❚ Drugs (non-medicinal)
❚ Alcohol if you are under 18 years old
❚ Buying tobacco if you are under 18 (or buying
for someone who is under 18)
❚ Smoking law - no smoking in public buildings.
Please note that smoking is against the law in
all public, enclosed and semi-enclosed spaces
in the UK.
❚ Shop-lifting
❚ Driving without insurance or a valid
driving license
❚ Offensive weapons (including pocket knives)
Please don’t break the law. If you do, you will
almost certainly be sent straight home on the
next available flight and you may even risk being
sent to prison.
Travel outside of England
If you are planning to travel outside England
during your course you may need a visa. Please
ensure that you check any visa requirements
before you leave your country to avoid disap-
pointment.
If your passport has a single entry visa and you
are studying for six months or less then you
will not be able to travel outside the UK. This
visa cannot be changed in the UK. It is strongly
recommended that you apply for a Schengen
Visa before leaving your home country if possible.
This will give you free travel throughout many
European countries without the need to apply for
individual tourist visas in the UK.
Tipping
Tipping is customary for taxi drivers and in res-
taurants where no service charge is added to the
bill. 10% is normally acceptable. In restaurants
where service is included, bars, pubs and cafes,
there is no need to leave a tip.
Appliances and electricity
Remember that the mains voltage in Great Britain
is 220-240. You may need to bring an adap-
tor if you wish to use any of your own electrical
appliances.
Recommended reading
❚ Lonely Planet Britain, Lonely Planet Publica-
tions, Ltd. Great user-friendly travel guide for
where to go, how to get around, where to stay
and what to eat.
Recommended websites
❚ www.manchester.com
❚ www.manchesteronline.co.uk
15. Adjusting to a New Culture The EF community is more than a group of stu-
dents who have come together to learn English.
It is also a multi-cultural group of young adults
who are eager to share their own culture and
learn the culture of their host country and fellow
classmates.
One’s culture is made up of values, beliefs, arts,
traditions and practices of a specific community
or population. Our culture affects how we view
ourselves, how we relate to others and what we
value as important in life. We are often unaware
of how much our culture affects our lives.
You may have already had some exposure to the
new culture you are about to experience. You
may have seen television shows, read books,
or studied in school about the UK. While some
parts of this culture may already seem familiar
to you, experiencing a new culture first-hand
will prove exciting. You will be meeting students
from all over the world who, like you, are looking
forward to spending a year learning and living a
language, both inside and outside the classroom.
As a visitor to a new culture, you may experience
periods of fatigue and discomfort when you are
uncomfortable. Culture shock is what sometimes
happens when we try to meet challenges of our
new culture by using the values, beliefs, and
attitudes of our own culture. As visitors to a new
culture, we must learn that cultural differences
are merely different - not right or wrong.
10 Manchester, UK
It is a good idea to bring traditional objects from
your culture to share with other students and
your host to teach them about your country.
Tips on coping with change
Remember that change does not come without
some effort! We humans need a certain amount
of stress to motivate us to learn new ways of
being. Learning always involves some form of
change. You should try the following:
❚ While you might be tempted to surround your-
self with things that are familiar to you, try not to
isolate yourself by being only with others from
your home country. Keep reaching out to your
host, roommates and other students.
❚ Put off making major decisions such as an
accommodation change, until you feel more “at
home” with the culture in general.
❚ Talk to us about your worries or problems. EF
Staff are here to help and would prefer to know
about any problem you may have so that we
can help you.
❚ Set goals, no matter how big or small, and
accomplish them! You will feel good about
yourself in doing so, and you will reduce the
negative feelings associated with culture shock.
For example, set a goal that you will speak
English at all times.
❚ Remind yourself that you came to this country
to experience a new culture, to meet others
and to explore your new surroundings. Relax,
take a deep breath and reflect back on the days
before leaving your home country when you
were excited about your new adventure. Try to
refocus this former excitement towards your
experience.
Keeping a journal
One way to keep track of emotions and changes
that take place over the year is to keep a journal.
By recording your experiences and feelings on
a regular basis, you will be able to reduce the
impact of culture shock. You will have a record
of your academic and personal progress to look
back on in days and years to come. Be sure to
note changes in:
❚ Language skills
❚ School performance and involvement
❚ Campus/host adjustment
❚ Individual learning and growth
Keeping a journal will help to remind you that
culture shock is truly a temporary phase
of adjustment.
Bring pictures and items from home
If you have room in your suitcases for some mu-
sic, a costume, pictures, or some typical crafts,
it would be good to show other students, as
well as to decorate your room to make it seem
like home. We have seen costumes and drums
from Korea, dancing and music from Austria and
a piñata and tortillas from Mexico. Please bring
pictures of your friends, family and surrounding
area.
Important telephone numbers
16. EF School CalendarAcademic Year Schedule
The Academic Year is divided into three terms.
(See the applicable start date below for your
program’s specific term and break schedule).
January 2012
Academic Year and Semester Program
Orientation: Fri 6 Jan - Sun 8 Jan
Term 1: Mon 9 Jan - Fri 9 Mar
Holiday: Sat 10 Mar - Sun 25 Mar
Term 2: Mon 26 Mar - Fri 1 Jun
Semester Departure: 2 Jun 2012
Holiday: Sat 2 Jun - Sun 10 Jun
Term 3: (Year) Mon 11 Jun - Fri 17 Aug
Departure: 18 Aug 2012
April 2012
Academic Year and Semester Program
Orientation: Fri 13 Apr - Sun 15 Apr
Term 1: Mon 16 Apr - Fri 1 Jun
Holiday: Sat 2 Jun - Sun 10 Jun
Term 2: Mon 11 Jun - Fri 7 Sep
Semester Departure: 8 Sep 2012
Holiday: Sat 8 Sep - Sun 23 Sep
Term 3: (Year) Mon 24 Sep - Fri 30 Nov
Departure: 1 Dec 2012
June 2012
Academic Year and Semester Program
Orientation: Fri 8 Jun - Sun 10 Jun
Term 1: Mon 11 Jun - Fri 7 Sep
Holiday: Sat 8 Sep - Sun 23 Sep
Term 2: Mon 24 Sep - Fri 14 Dec
Semester Departure: 17 Nov 2012
Holiday: Sat 15 Dec - Sun 6 Jan
Term 3: (Year) Mon 7 Jan - Fri 8 Feb
Departure: 9 Feb 2013
September 2012
Academic Year and Semester Program
Orientation: Fri 21 Sep - Sun 23 Sep
Term 1: Mon 24 Sep - Fri 14 Dec
Holiday: Sat 15 Dec - Sun 6 Jan
Term 2 (Year): Mon 7 Jan - Fri 8 Mar
Semester Departure: 9 Mar 2013
Holiday: Sat 9 Mar - Sun 24 Mar
Term 3: (Year) Mon 25 Mar - Fri 31 May
Departure: 1 June 2013
January 2013
Academic Year and Semester Program
Orientation: Fri 4 Jan - Sun 6 Jan
Term 1: Mon 7 Jan - Fri 8 Mar
Holiday: Sat 9 Mar - Sun 24 Mar
Term 2: Mon 25 Mar - Fri 7 Jun
Semester Departure: 8 Jun 2013
Holiday: Sat 8 Jun - Sun 16 Jun
Term 3: (Year) Mon 17 Jun - Fri 16 Aug
Departure: 17 Aug 2013
Please note: there will be no classes on
public holidays.
School holidays
The EF International Language Centers in the
UK recognize the following public holidays
when there will be no classes. If your arrival
falls on one of these dates, please check with
the school staff upon your arrival for an exact
orientation schedule.
2012
1 January - New Year’s Day
6 April - Good Friday
9 April - Easter Monday
7 May - Early May Bank Holiday
4 June - Spring Bank Holiday
5 June - Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
27 August - Summer Bank Holiday
25 December - Christmas Day
26 December - Boxing Day
2013
1 January - New Year’s Day
29 March - Good Friday
1 April - Easter Monday
6 May - Early May Bank Holiday
27 May - Spring Bank Holiday
26 August - Summer Bank Holiday
25 December - Christmas Day
26 December - Boxing Day
17. Checklist ■ Valid passport (with visa where neces-
sary) It’s a good idea to make copies of
these and pack them in your suitcase
just in case. You don’t need to carry your
passport with you while you are in the UK
but you must keep it and your other docu-
ments in a safe place while you are in
the country.
■ All original documents submitted for your
visa application, if you are travelling on an
Adult student visa (Tier 4).
■ Passport Photos (4) for EF student
identification cards, travel cards and other
possible documents
■ Flight ticket
■ Luggage correctly labeled
■ EF Confirmation letter & other
EF documents
■ Make sure all EF forms are complete,
especially the Health Certificate
■ Medical and travel insurance documents
with proof of insurance in English. If you
have secured Erika Travel Insurance from
EF, you do not need to have anything
translated.
■ Basic medical supplies, any medication
you take regularly and a spare pair of con-
tact lenses or glasses if you wear them.
■ An International Driving License if you are
planning on hiring or buying a car.
■ Local currency for first week and for any
learning materials that are not included in
the cost of the course.
■ Money in the form of an ATM card
(Automatic Transaction Card), credit cards
and/or traveler’s checks (Do NOT bring
large amounts of cash in any currency!).
■ Electric adaptor for any electrical appli-
ances you plan to bring with you.
■ Pencil and/or pen and notebook.
■ Items from your hometown or country so you can share your culture with friends, homestay hosts and teachers.
■ Personal sports equipment.
■ Favorite books, photos and a camera.
■ Homestay or student residence details and emergency numbers.
Homestay host’s or student residence name:
________________________________________
Homestay host’s or student residence address:
________________________________________
Homestay host’s or student residence telephone number(s):
________________________________________
EF Sales Office telephone number:
________________________________________
EF School telephone number:
+44 1612 258919________________________________________
EF School emergency telephone number:
+44 7917 447 178________________________________________