Predeparture Cape Town AYA 2012
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Transcript of Predeparture Cape Town AYA 2012
Academic Year AbroadFor adults and Students aged 16 & above
EF International Language Centers
www.ef.com
EF Cape Town
Important Note: Factual information contained in this document is subject to change.
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 Interna-tional Language
Centers in the USA are accredited by:
The EF International Language Cent-
ers 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 Bournemouth are
members of:
All EF Courses are recognized by Hult
International Business School.
Federation of International Youth
Travel Organizations.
Cape TownOften rated one of the most beautiful cities in
the world, Cape Town is a diverse mix of culture,
nature and modern big city life. Let EF help you
learn English between beaches, mountains and the
lively centre of Cape Town.
Contact details:EF International School of English, Cape Town89 Kloof Street, Cape Town, 8001, R.S.A. Tel: +27 214247460
Watch a video
Or visit us atFacebook.com/EFCapeTown
Section Topic
1 .........Introduction to EF
2 .........Welcome to South Africa
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 .......Culture & living tips
15 .......Adjusting to a new culture
16 .......EF school calendar & holidays
17 .......Checklist
Contents - Cape Town
Dear Student
Thank you for choosing to study English in Cape Town. You have made an exciting decision to study in a location where the possibilities are endless – outdoor adventure, cultural diversity and international flair will shape your English language studies here with us.
Warmed by the African sun 300 days of the year, Cape Town is renowned for its welcoming hospitality. Whether you enjoy the rocky scene, valley settings or the splendor of the ocean, this is the place to be! With activities ranging from scenic hiking trails in the mountains, safaris, horse rides, sunbathing on white beaches to shopping – we look forward to providing you with the most fabulous experience ever!
With an experienced team of administrative and aca-demic staff, EF Cape Town is ready to welcome you to our first school on the African continent! The school is situated in the trendiest area of Cape Town, Gardens, in a fabulous renovated building that boasts views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. Close to many of the city’s major attractions, and boasting a wide variety of accommodation options such as homestays, resi-dences and self-catering apartments, you’ll feel right at home in our lovely city!
We can’t wait to welcome you to EF Cape Town!
Best wishes,Anka Stenten, School DirectorEF International Language Center, Cape Town
3 Cape Town, South Africa
2. Welcome to South AfricaWelcome to the Rainbow Nation! Congratula-
tions on choosing one of the most beautiful and
culturally diverse countries to study in!
The Cape of South Africa is believed to have
been the first place inhabited by humans over
42,000 years ago. South Africa has emerged
from a long troubled history of oppression and
apartheid to become a proud cosmopolitan
nation; uniting European and African influences
and traditions.
South Africa was discovered by the Portugese,
colonised by the British and later became an
industrial centre for the Dutch. South Africa
gained independence in 1910, when only the
rights of white people were recognised. Apart-
heid laws were imposed in 1948, and were only
lifted in 1994, following the release of Nelson
Mandela four years earlier.
South Africa encompasses a variety of ethnic
groups, producing a rich culture and cuisine.
It is said that one may eat out twice a day for
upwards of five years and never have the same
menu twice. There are 13 recognised languages;
English is the common language, but many South
Africans also speak one of the 11 African dialects
or Afrikaans; a language derived from Dutch.
The landscape is as diverse as its people; South
Africa boasts mountains, a spectacular coast,
wine lands and natural reserves, home to ‘the
big five’: the elephant, the lion, the leopard, the
rhinoceros and the wilderbees. If you need to re-
member them, just check your bank notes! South
Africa has great rural areas as well as sprawling
cities, such as the capital, Johannesburg.
South Africans are sports fanatics and are
fiercely proud of their national teams; whether
it is cricket, rugby, or football. South Africans
have already begun preparations for the 2010
World Cup and are extremely excited about
proving their reputation as a warm-hearted,
hospitable country in welcoming the rest of the
world. While studying in South Africa, you will
have the opportunity to experience the varied
historical, cultural and vibrant ways of life.
Whatever your expectations, South Africa is
sure to surpass them.
3. Weather WatchSituated in southwestern South Africa, the climate
is generally Mediterranean. Cape Town is said to
offer 300 days of sunshine a year. The summer
months tend to be fairly warm and dry. Winters are
usually relatively cool and wet.
Temperatures range from:
Spring: 9° to 24°C (48° to 75°F)
Summer: 16° to 28°C (61° to 82°F)
Autumn: 8° to 23°C (46° to 73°F)
Winter: 6° to 19°C (43° to 66°F)
4. Travel & Transfer 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
or your homestay hosts of the exact details of
your flight (airline, flight number, date and time).
This will help avoid your homestay hosts wait-
ing all day for you to arrive or them not being
home when you arrive.
When you arrive, pass through customs and wait
at the arrival area 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 ap-
proximately 30 minutes you have still not met with
your greeter, go to the information desk to ask for
help or call the EF school emergency number for
assistance. You will receive this number along with
other important contact informtation from your EF
Sales Office prior to departure.
We would ask you to be extra vigilant on arrival
at the airport, as some taxi services might pose
as EF transfers and drive students to their des-
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 activities 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 Cape Town, South Africa
tination 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 you are travelling to Cape Town via Johan-
nesburg, you will need to collect your baggage
at Johannesburg and go through customs and
immigration before proceeding to check in at
Domestic Departures for your onward flight.
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:
❚ iLabs for classes and self study
❚ Wireless Internet throughout the building and
courtyard for personal laptop computer use
❚ Student Lounge with TV
❚ Cafeteria
❚ Payphone
❚ Fax
❚ Noticeboards 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 mea-
sure 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 stron-
ger, 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
When you arrive at the school you will take
the EF Level Placement test, if you have not
done so already. 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 stu-
dent may not be able to repeat the same SPIN
class. Each lesson is 40 minutes in length
and two lessons may be combined into one
80-minute teaching period.
Class size
The average class size is 15 students with a
maximum of 17 students.
Class Schedule
EF Cape Town’s school is open five days per
week, Monday to Friday. Classes will be sched-
uled between 8.30 am and 6:30 pm and you will
have a combination of morning and afternoon
classes.
Attendance
You are expected to attend all classes.
Consistent failure to attend class, for what-
ever 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: South African immigration regula-
tions require you to attend 80% of all your classes!
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 ex-
pect 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
materials 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 ad-
ditional 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 enroll for any one of a number of pub-
lic examinations while you are on your course.
Cambridge and TOEFL exams are all popular
with students and are available at EF Cape
Town*. These can be taken at EF Cape Town
and booked several months in advance. You
will need to pay fees to register for public ex-
ams in South Africa. This is typically R1500 for
each exam. Advice as to the most appropriate
examination to sit will be given to you by your
Director of Studies.
* EF Cape Town is the official test centre for iBT
TOEFL and the University of Cambridge ESOL
Examinations.
Cancellation of course or school transfer
If you decide to downgrade, cancel or transfer
your course to another EF school, please talk
to our Customer Support team. They will advise
you of any transfer charges and visa restrictions.
EF University Placement Service
EF offers a University Placement Service (UPS)
that provides guaranteed admission into a
university or college for qualified students. If
you are interested in continuing your studies,
5 Cape Town, South Africa
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 accom-
modations are available at the EF Cape Town
school. All homestay and student residence
issues during your stay should be directed to
the Accommodation Coordinator.
Homestay accommodation
Students staying in a homestay will have the
opportunity to experience South African life
and also have the chance to practice their new
language skills with fluent English speakers.
Students who choose homestay accommoda-
tion should do so because they want to live
in a family environment and interact with the
family members. Families choose to host inter-
national 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 family
will respect the student. As you get an in-
depth look at the South African way of life, you
will realize that the South African culture is not
the same as your culture, and therefore, family
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
consist of 1) mother and father without chil-
dren, 2) single mother with children, 3) mother,
father and children, 4) retired couple, 5) wid-
owed woman, or 6) single father with children.
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
estimated time of your arrival at their home.
If you do not do this, they may not be home
when you arrive.
Laundry and Facilities
Your bed sheets and towels will be changed
once a week, but you will be responsible for
your own laundry and keeping your room tidy.
If you want your hosts to wash your clothes for
you, there will usually be a charge of approxi-
mately R50 – R60.
You are responsible for your personal items such
as shampoo, conditioner, soap and other items.
You will probably share the bathroom with oth-
ers. This means that you may need to be flexible
about shower and bath times. 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.
Accommodation in a homestay includes a bed
and a shared bathroom. Unless you have paid
the single supplement and a single placement
has been confirmed to you by EF, you will be
placed in a double room with another student.
Always remember to keep your room clean
and tidy. Make your bed, and put your belong-
ings away. You are also responsible for clean-
ing up after snacks and for washing your own
dishes after breakfast. It is also polite to help
clear the table after dinner.
Transporation to the school
You are responsible for all transportation costs
to and from the host’s home. Your average travel
time from your homestay to the school will vary.
This will be confirmed prior to your departure, but
will not be more than one hour.
Telephone and Internet use
To call your friends and family you will need to
use a prepaid telephone card, which is available
at the EF school. Your family can telephone you,
but please ask them not to call too late. Remem-
ber 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.
Smoking
If you are a smoker, please ask your hosts
where you can smoke. Remember that smok-
ing in public places is prohibited.
Requests for change
Homestay accommodation is booked for your
entire course. You may only change homestays
for very serious reasons and with the approval
of the Homestay Accommodation Manager.
The homestay hosts and EF staff should
receive at least a one-week notice about your
move. Requests for change will be considered
on an individual basis and Terms & Conditions
apply when a move is approved. The Homestay
Accommodation Manager will advise you about
these on a case by case 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 through Friday and breakfast,
6 Cape Town, South Africa
packed lunch, and dinner on the weekends.
You will eat dinner with your hosts at their set
meal time. Meals will only be provided 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 are many fashionable
cafes near our school, where you can eat lunch at
affordable prices.
Residence Deposit
If you opt to live in our student residence you
should be aware that you will need to pay a
deposit upon arrival of R1000. 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.
8. Money MattersSpending money
We recommend that you bring about R1000 for
your first days in South Africa to cover costs such
as travel to school, lunch, and telephone calls.
We recommend that you bring R750-R1000
for every week you plan to stay in South Africa.
This should cover lunches, laundry, travel to
and from school, and EF Activities mid-week.
For weekend excursions, shopping and pres-
ents you will need more! Only carry as much
money as you need for one day – remember
thieves exist everywhere in the world! The saf-
est way to carry money is traveller’s cheques.
Many places also accept major credit cards.
You will also need to take money for learning
materials used in class and for any language
proficiency exams you plan to take.
Money cannot be changed at the school, but
please ask staff where you are able to change
money or traveller’s cheques.
Credit cards
We strongly recommend 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 you
can purchase from the EF school.
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.
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 & InsuranceAll students must have insurance coverage for ac-
cidents and illness while they are in South Africa.
The EF office can arrange health insurance for
you before you leave. You will still have to pay for
some treatment but please remember to keep all
receipts and you can claim the money back from
the Insurance Company. Read your insurance
policy document carefully before you leave home
and bring all relevant documents with you when
you come to South Africa.
We strongly advise you to take out the EF recom-
mended insurance, before you leave, as this will
cover you for accidents, illness, travel and bag-
gage. Again, the EF office staff in your country can
help you with this before you leave. If you have any
personal problems there is always someone who
you can talk to confidentially.
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 insur-
ance expert. The policy protects you against ex-
penses incurred through accident or illness, and
provides coverage for loss or theft of baggage
and personal 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
provide 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 famil-
iarize yourself with the South African culture.
Activity programme
The EF Activities Coordinator arranges a regular
schedule of local activities, day trips, and weekend
excursions to area attractions.
Weekly activities
We have a weekly programme of activities ranging
from cultural visits to museums, sightseeing to
famous Cape Town attractions, theatre trips and
other local events & festivals. Many of these are
either free activities or at reduced discount rates.
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 cheques.
Typical Activities and Excursions
Excursions could range from day trips to Rob-
ben Island, Table Mountain or the Winelands to
weekend trips to Safari Game Lodges, Sun City
or Johannesburg. Our excursions are organised
at a minimum cost, are great fun and extremely
good value. You are always accompanied by an
EF member of staff.
Sample Cape Town activities schedule
Please note that these activities may differ from
those on offer during your stay here with us.
Monday
Walking tour of Cape Town for all new stu-
dents. Then meet other international students
at the EF Welcome Party.
Tuesday
Join us for a game of volleyball on the beach,
7 Cape Town, South Africa
or enjoy a game of mini-golf; one of South
Africa’s favourite pastimes.
Wednesday
Visit Robben Island, and see where Nelson
Mandela was imprisoned for part of the 28
years he spent in prison. Visit one of the many
cinemas as well as one of Cape Town’s film
production companies.
Thursday
An unforgettable sunset drive along the coast
of Cape Town. Come clubbing with us in one of
Cape Town’s coolest nightclubs on Long Street.
Friday
Come and play football with us at a local park.
Saturday
A day of wildlife! Come and see the penguins
at Boulder Beach, do some whale watching or
go on a full day Safari!
Sunday
A visit to the magnificent winelands of the Cape
Town area, taking in the town of Stellenbosch.
Let us help you have fun!
Parties, club nights and pub visits are held on
a regular basis as well as going to theatres,
musicals & TV shows. The city has a wide range
of activities, so whatever your interests are, the EF
Activities Officer is more than happy to help. We
will organise anything of interest – just let us know
what you would like to do. Our staff will keep you
informed about what’s going on and show you the
most happening places of the time.
12. TransportationBuses
Cape Town has an extensive network of local
public bus transport, which serves most areas
of the city. These are a relatively inexpensive
way to travel around.
Trains
Cape Town’s Metro Rail service is a popular way
of getting to and from the city’s suburban dis-
tricts and beaches. As well as being convenient,
the line running to Simon’s Town offers more
beautiful scenery than most urban networks,
with the track closely following the coastline.
13. ExpectationsExpectations are a normal part of anticipating a
new experience. We understand that everyone
has their own individual beliefs and anticipa-
tions, however we ask you to come with an
open mind.
What you can expect from EF:
❚ Supportive staff, available for guidance and
encouragement.
❚ An academic program which combines lan-
guage, special interest, and culture-oriented
classes.
❚ Full program of local activities and excursions
at special EF rates.
❚ Accommodation in either homestay or stu-
dent residence.
❚ All designated meals.
❚ EF Academic Year Abroad Diploma for
Academic Year Abroad students with 80%
attendance per term and good academic
standing and academic records
❚ EF Course Certificate for International Lan-
guage 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.
❚ 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
prepare yourself according to the meal plan.
❚ Access to the school in approximately one
hour by public transportation. All transporta-
tion costs are your responsibility.
14. South African culture & living tipsDos 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 South Africa:
❚ Drugs (non-medicinal)
❚ Alcohol if you are under 18 years old
❚ Buying tobacco if you are under 16 (or buying
for someone who is under 16)
❚ 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 South Africa
It is strongly recommended that you apply for all
types of visas required to visit surrounding African
countries prior to your departure. Your Activities
Staff will be able to assist you with further informa-
tion once you are at the school.
Appliances and electricity
Remember that the mains voltage in South Africa
8 Cape Town, South Africa
is 220 – 230V. You may need to bring an adap-
tor if you wish to use any of your own electrical
appliances. South Africa uses a 15 amp round
pin 3 prong plug.
Tipping
Tipping is customary for taxi drivers and in res-
taurants where no service charge is added to the
bill. 15% is normally acceptable. In restaurants,
bars, pubs and cafes where service is included
there is no need to leave a tip.
Recommended reading
Rough Guide, Lonely Planet and Time Out
Guide to Cape Town are all great guides for
where to go, what to do, how to get around,
where to stay and what to eat.
Website reading
❚ http://www.cape-town.org
❚ http://www.capetourism.org
15. Adjusting to a New Culture The EF community is more than a group of
students 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 South Africa. 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 some-
times 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 differ-
ences are merely different - not right or wrong.
Tips on coping with change
Remember that change does not come with-
out 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
yourself 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 ad-
venture. 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
music, a costume, pictures, or some typi-
cal 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: 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 Center in Cape
Town recognizes 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
2 January - for New Year’s Day
21 March - Human Rights Day
6 April - Good Friday
9 April - Family Day
27 April - Freedom Day
1 May - Workers Day
16 June - Youth Day
9-10 August - National Women’s Day
24 September - Heritage Day
16-17 December - Day of Reconciliation
25 December - Christmas Day
26 December - Day of Goodwill
2013
1 January - New Year’s Day
21-22 March - Human Rights Day
29 March - Good Friday
1 April - Family Day
27 April - Freedom Day
1 May - Workers Day
16-17 June - Youth Day
9 August - National Women’s Day
24 September - Heritage Day
16 December - Day of Reconciliation
25 December - Christmas Day
26 December - Day of Goodwill
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 South
Africa but you must keep it and your other
documents in a safe place while you are in
the country.
■ Valid ID card - It’s a good idea to make
copies of these and pack them in your
suitcase just in case.
■ 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
■ 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 renting 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 cash and credit
cards – Visa and MasterCards are highly
accepted around the island. Do not bring
large amount of cash in any currency. (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:
+27 214247460________________________________________
EF School emergency telephone number:
+27 769050923________________________________________