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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.comImportant Note: Factual information contained in this document is subject to change.
LondonEurope’s largest city is a colourful mix of cultures and
languages, designer boutiques and funky street mar-
kets, old tradition and high fashion. The EF school
is just a short walk to the River Thames, Covent
Garden and Trafalgar Square.
Contact details:74 Roupell StLondon SE1 8SS, UKTel: +(44) 2074 018399
EF London
Watch a video
Or visit us atFacebook.com/EFLondon
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 - London
Dear Student
Thank you for choosing to study in London. You have made
an exciting decision, as there is surely nowhere in the English-
speaking world that can combine centuries of tradition with a
cosmopolitan and modern outlook on life as well as London.
EF London has a friendly atmosphere where staff will take time to
help you with any aspect of your stay. The school is both large and
well-equipped, offering classes for all abilities, as well as iLab com-
puter rooms for online learning and wireless access for personal
computer use. If you require help enrolling for exams, would like to
gain work experience, or are interested in studying at an English
university, we have experts available to help you. Our friendly staff
can help you with every aspect of your stay, whether it involves your
lessons, accommodation or your social life.
We are situated on a peaceful street, where during breaks from
your lessons you can relax under the shade of the trees in our
private courtyard. At the same time, we are just a few minutes
walk from the heart of the city, the River Thames, and the nightlife
and theatres of Covent Garden.
And remember that only you can decide how much English you
will learn and how much you will benefit from living in this city. As
well as your passport, you will need to bring determination, an
open mind and a willingness to learn. So welcome to the capital
city of England: EF London looks forward to meeting you.
Best wishes,
Helen Deex, Executive Director
EF International Language Center, London
3 London, 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 WatchSituated in the southeast of England, the climate
is rarely extreme but the weather can be variable.
Make sure to pack an umbrella for the rainy days.
Temperatures range from:
Spring: 3° to 19°C (37° to 66°F)
Summer: 9° to 25°C (48° to 77°F)
Autumn: 3° to 18°C (37° to 64°F)
Winter: 0° to 9°C (32° to 48°F)
4. Travel & transfer service Transfer service
Arriving at a busy airport in a foreign city can be
confusing. EF offers a one-way transfer service
from the airport to your accommodation for an
additional fee. We highly recommend that you
take advantage of this service.
At least one month before your arrival, you must
inform the EF Office in your home country of the
exact details of your flight (airline, flight number,
date and time).
When you arrive in London, pass through
customs and wait at the information desk in the
arrival area for an EF Representative to meet you.
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 London, UK
Do not go to another part of the airport unless an
EF staff member tells you to. If, after approxi-
mately 30 minutes you still have not met with
your greeter, go to the information desk and ask
for help, or call the EF school emergency number
for assistance. You will receive the emergency
number and other important contact information
from 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.
If your luggage doesn’t arrive on time and the
airline sends it to you, please make sure you give
the school address as the delivery address.
Independent Travel
If you wish to make your own way to your ac-
commodation, the best route to take depends on
which airport you arrive at.
z From London Heathrow Airport: you can catch
the Heathrow express, which takes you into
Paddington Station. You can also take the
underground, Piccadilly line, which will take you
into central London.
z From London Gatwick: you can catch the
Gatwick express which takes you into London
Victoria Station.
z From Stansted or Luton airport: you can catch
a coach service which will take you into London
Victoria or London Liverpool Street Station.
From any of these mainline stations, you can
connect to other transport services to complete
the remainder of your journey. If you travel to
London by train, you will most likely arrive at
Kings Cross St. Pancras, from where you can
connect to other transport services to complete
the remainder of your journey.
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:
z iLab computer rooms for classes & self-study
z Computer lab
z Wireless internet throughout the building and
courtyard for personal computer use
z Student lounge with TV
z Cafeteria
z Notice boards to tell you what is happening.
z Private Courtyard with pool table and table
tennis
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. Staff are on
hand to help you with any questions or concerns
during your first few days.
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
The EF London school is open six days each
week. Students studying less than 6 months
will be on a Tuesday to Saturday timetable (with
Sunday and Monday free). All other students will
be on a Monday to Friday timetable (with Satur-
day and Sunday free). 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 and in order to take the EFCELT
departure exam, 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.
5 London, UK
Course books
You will have paid for your course books when
you booked your programme. 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 and IELTS exams are popular with
students. These must be taken 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 £90
to £110 for each exam. Advice as to the most
appropriate examination to sit will be given to you
by your Director of Studies.
Summer school
Please note that during the summer months we
operate two EF London schools. Depending on
your course of study you will attend classes at
either our EF London school in Roupell Street, or
EF London Summer School in Portland Place,
near Oxford Street. At both locations you will be
met with prime learning facilities and an active
student life.
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 school. All homestay
matters or student residence issues during your
stay should be directed to the Accommodation
Staff.
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 environment
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 stu-
dent. 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 learning 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 £4 - £5 per week.
You are responsible for your personal items such
as shampoo, conditioner, soap and other items.
6 London, UK
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.
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
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 throughout the day.
Residential accommodation
Please note: towels are not provided in any of the
EF London residences.
Ability Towers
The Ability Towers residence is located between
the trendy areas of Old Street and Upper Street.
Central London and the West End are about a
10-minute ride away. The closest underground
station is Old Street Station, which is about a
5-minute walk. The trip to the EF school takes
approximately 35 minutes.
z Video entry phone
z Fully equipped kitchen with washer/dryer,
dishwasher and microwave oven
z Lounge with colour TV
z 24-hour security
z Once a week cleaning with linen change
z Elevator to all floors/levels
Manna Ash Summer Residence
(July & August only)
WIth a fantastic location in Zone 1 near Waterloo,
Manna Ash is just a 10-minute walk from the
school. This area is also very close to the city
centre (20-minute walk) and around it are many
good restaurants and other amenities. There is a
student lounge with a TV, coin operated washing
machine and bicycle parking, monitored 24
hours a day.
z Single room
z En-suite bathroom
z Self-catering shared between 6-8 students
z Summer only residence (July & August only)
Please note: towels are not provided in any of the
EF London residences. You will need to pay for
replacements of lost keys, damage, or fines if you
break our health and safety guidelines.
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.
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 in
Activities for you until you pick them up.
7 London, UK
There are also many places close to the school
that send faxes and charge for the time used.
Ask the front desk for directions to the nearest
fax machine you can use.
Internet
The school is equipped with Wi-Fi wireless
Internet. Students are highly encouraged to bring
their personal laptop computers for email and
Internet use on the wireless network.
10. Health Care & 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. We
strongly recommend that you register with a
doctor in your first week if you are staying for 6
months or more. Your host family or residence
staff can advise you.
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.
Typical activities and excursions
The school arranges weekend excursions and
day trips to local attractions. The number of trips
and the cost depend on the time of year and the
number of students wishing to participate. Our
excursions are organised at a minimum cost, are
great fun and extremely good value.
Excursions could range from day trips to Brigh-
ton, or the Roman City of Bath and Stonehenge
(cost between £25 and £55) to weekend trips to
Edinburgh, Dublin, Amsterdam or Paris (cost be-
tween £145 and £249). These prices are subject
to change at any time.
Example of the London activities schedule
These activities may differ from those on offer
during your stay here with us.
Monday
z Boat Trip on the Thames: For all new students,
see London’s fabulous sights and attractions
aboard a boat. Including: Big Ben, Parliament,
the Globe, London Eye and more. Cost £5.
Tuesday
z London Eye: Come and take a flight on the
London Eye with EF. 2 p.m. Cost £12.
z Trip to St Paul’s Cathedral: Climb to the top of
the dome from where you can see a panoramic
view of London and experience the Whispering
Gallery 2 p.m. Cost £9.
Wednesday
z Trip To Madame Tussauds: See all the famous
stars face to face! Don’t forget to bring your
camera. Cost £15.
z Theatre Trip: Phantom of the Opera London’s
most famous musical. Cost £30.
Thursday
z Changing of the Guard: Visit nearby Buck-
ingham Palace where you can witness this
spectacular royal tradition. Cost free.
z Tower of London: Explore this 1,000 year old
fortress, its history and see the famous Crown
Jewels! Cost £15
Friday
z Football: Come and play with us at the Co-
lombo Centre (indoors if it rains) Cost free.
z Party Night!! Come and party at London’s most
exclusive and fun clubs, including Ministry of
Sound, Pacha and Café de Paris. Over 18’s
only. Cost between free and £7.
Saturday
z Brighton and the Royal Pavilion: Come with EF
to the beach town of Brighton. Includes coach
and tour of the Pavilion and free time to explore.
Cost £25.
z Oxford and University: Come with EF to the
beautiful city of Oxford. Includes return coach
travel, guided tour of the city and entrance into
Christchurch College. Cost £35.
Sunday
z Bath and Stonehenge. Visit the historic site
of Stonehenge and explore the unique city of
Bath. Includes return coach travel, entrance to
Stonehenge and a guided tour of Bath. Cost
£45.
Let us help you have fun!
London has more galleries and museums than
any city in the world. These include The Natural
History Museum, the Museum of the Moving
Image, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the
National Gallery and the British Museum. Some
charge a small entrance fee whereas most others
are completely free of charge.
Parties, club nights and pub visits are held on
a regular basis as well as going to theatres,
musicals & TV shows. We will organise anything
of interest - just let us know what you would like
to do. Our staff will keep you informed about
8 London, UK
what’s going on and show you the most happen-
ing places of the time.
Whether booking theatre tickets, searching for a
cheap flight or planning a trip, the activities office
has the contacts and means to help you.
12. TransportationPublic transportation
There are many forms of reliable public trans-
portation in and around the London city centre.
It is also affordable, so take advantage of every
opportunity to use it.
Bus
Traditional London buses travel to all parts of the
city and are easy to identify, being painted bright
red.
Train
London has a complex network of underground
train stations and this is more commonly known
as ‘The Tube’. It consists of 11 different lines
crossing much of London and provides a fast
and cheap way to travel all over, categorising
London into zones. Each line has its own colour
and name - all you need to know is which direc-
tion you are travelling in. Day / weekend passes
may be purchased, providing unlimited travel.
Taxi
If you are in a small group, London’s metered
black cabs can be an economical way of getting
around the centre. A yellow light over the wind-
screen tells you if the cab is available - just stick
your arm out to hail it. London’s cabbies are the
best trained in Europe, every one of them knows
the shortest route between any two points.To
stay safe, always use black cabs as these are
properly licensed – there is no guarantee that
other taxis are real taxis.
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:
z Supportive staff, available for guidance and
encouragement.
z An academic program which combines
language, special interest, and culture-oriented
classes.
z Full program of local activities and excursions at
special EF rates.
z Accommodation in either homestay or student
residence.
z All designated meals.
z EF Academic Year Abroad Diploma for Aca-
demic Year Abroad students with 80% atten-
dance per term and good academic standing
and academic records
z EF Course Certificate for International Language
Students with 80% attendance and good
academic standing.
z Preparation classes and/or materials for appro-
priate standardized language exams and avail-
ability of University Placement Service (UPS).
z EFCELT departure exam for International Lan-
guage Students with 80% attendance and good
academic standing.
What EF expects of you:
z To develop a greater understanding of the world
around you.
z To attend at least 80% of all classes and to do
your best in class at all times.
z To be respectful of your homestay hosts, your
classmates, your teachers and your community.
z To keep your room and shared areas clean.
z To speak English at all times.
z To abide by all laws, rules and regulations of
your host country, state, campus and school.
What you can expect from your homestay hosts:
z A comfortable, clean place to live.
z Prepared meals or accessibility to food to pre-
pare yourself according to the meal plan.
z 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 your visa will state if you
are eligible to work in the UK. 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 cus-
toms for illegal importation of anything which is
against the law in Great Britain.
Immigration
If you are not a European Community national,
you will need to produce the following docu-
ments when you arrive in Great Britain.
z your passport (valid for at least six months after
the end of your EF course).
z appropriate visa for your stay
z 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.
z 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:
z Drugs (non-medicinal)
z Alcohol if you are under 18 years old
z Buying tobacco if you are under 18 (or buying
for someone who is under 18)
z 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.
z Shop-lifting
z Driving without insurance or a valid driving
license
z Offensive weapons (including pocket knives)
9 London, UK
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 London.
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 and in bars, pubs and
cafes, there is no need to leave a tip.
Appliances and electricity
Remember that the mains voltage in Great Britain
is 220-240. You may need to bring an adap-
tor if you wish to use any of your own electrical
appliances.
Recommended reading
z Rough Guide, Lonely Planet & Directions City
Guide to London are all great guides for where
to go, what to do, how to get around, where to
stay and what to eat.
Recommended websites
z www.thisislondon.com
z www.londontown.com
z www.viewlondon.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.
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:
z 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.
z Put off making major decisions such as an
accommodation change, until you feel more “at
home” with the culture in general.
z 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.
z 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.
z 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:
z Language skills
z School performance and involvement
z Campus/host adjustment
z 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).
September 2011
Academic Year and Semester Program
Orientation: Fri 23 Sep - Sun 25 Sep
Term 1: Mon 26 Sep - Fri 16 Dec
Holiday: Sat 17 Dec - Sun 8 Jan
Term 2: Mon 9 Jan - Fri 9 Mar
Semester Departure: 10 Mar 2012
Holiday: Sat 10 Mar - Sun 25 Mar
Term 3: (Year) Mon 26 Mar - Fri 1 Jun
Departure: 2 Jun 2012
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: 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
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.
■ 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 2074 018399 ________________________________________
EF School emergency telephone number:
+44 7970 266 229________________________________________