Predeparture Vancouver LS 2012
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Transcript of Predeparture Vancouver LS 2012
Vancouver Harbour
English Bay
Stanley Park
Sunset Beach
Nelson Park
Vancouver Aquatic Center
University of Art & Design
Vancouver Art Gallery
Second Beach
Vancouver Water Airport
Vancouver Aquarium
BC Place Stadium
City Hall
Science World
Vancouver Pacific Central
Museum of Vancouver
CharlestonPark
Kits Beach
www.ef.comImportant Note: Factual information contained in this document is subject to change.
LanguageCourses AbroadFor adults and students aged 16 & above
EF International Language Centers
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 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
members 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.
VancouverThe etched mountain backdrop, sparkling waterfront
and innovative culture make Vancouver the new hot
place to live in North America. Study English with EF
at the very heart of Vancouver in the funky Tom Lee
Music Building.
Contact details:Suite 400 (4th Floor), 929 Granville StreetVancouver, BC V6Z 1L3, CanadaTel: +(1) 604 633 0505
Watch a video
Or visit us atFacebook.com/EFVancouver
EF Vancouver
Section ...... Topic
1 ............Introduction to EF
2 ............Welcome to Canada
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 ..........Canadian culture & living tips
15 ..........Adjusting to a new culture
16 ..........EF school calendar & holidays
17 ..........Checklist
Contents - Vancouver
Dear Student
Welcome to Canada and EF International Language Cen-
ter, Vancouver, which is located on lively Granville Street
right in the downtown area of this cosmopolitan city. Dur-
ing you stay here we would like to take the opportunity to
show you around and acquaint you with all that this city
and our school has to offer.
Vancouver is considered one of the world’s most beautiful
cities and it has a nice mild climate, never too hot or too
cold and is spectacularly situated at the foot of snow-
capped mountains on the Pacific Coast. Depending on
the season, you can snowboard, ski, play volleyball on
the beach or go hiking in the wonderful wilderness….the
possibilities are endless and we can organize these and
many other activities and trips for you from the school.
The school staff is extremely friendly and helpful and our
school is famous for having one of the biggest mixes of
nationalities in the city - we host students from over 50
different countries!
We hope your learning and social experiences will be
something that you treasure forever. We are all looking
forward very much to meeting you!
Best wishes,
Jon Barrett, School Director
EF International Language Center,
Vancouver
3 Vancouver, Canada
2. Welcome to Vancouver, CanadaVancouver, the third largest city in Canada
(population 2 million), offers an exhilarating con-
trast between its cosmopolitan city scene and
the breath-taking backdrop of mountains and
ocean that surround it. Located in the western
most Canadian province of British Columbia,
Vancouver is a major Pacific port city just a
three hour drive north of the U.S. city of Seattle.
Vancouver’s charm stems from its European
atmosphere, the friendliness of its inhabitants,
and its spectacular scenery and history.
While the Canadian “wilderness” and ocean
beaches are each within half of a kilometer
(quarter of a mile) of the downtown core, many
exclusive boutiques, fine restaurants, and
popular tourist attractions are also within walk-
ing distance or easily accessible by bus. There
is definitely something for everyone.
Local attractions include:
z Canada Place: houses the World Trade Cen-
tre, Vancouver Trade & Convention Centre,
and the Canadian National (CN) Imax Theatre.
z Stanley Park: a 1,000 acre wilderness park
located on a peninsula extending from the
downtown area – attractions include the
Stanley Park Zoo, the Vancouver Aquarium
(which is home to 8,000 species), Totem Pole
Park, numerous biking and walking trails and
the popular Sea-Wall.
z Historic Gastown Area: home to a variety of
unique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and
the famous steam clock.
z Robson Street: lively corridor of ultra-fash-
ionable boutiques and cafés (great place for
people watching!)
z Grouse Mountain: a spectacular view from
3,700 feet at the top of the mountain, which is
reached by an exciting sky tram ride. Just 15
minutes from downtown, the area is complete
with a multi-media theatre, restaurants, hiking
and even skiing in the winter.
z Whistler Resort: a skier’s paradise – a scenic
two-hour drive from Vancouver (also accessi-
ble by bus and train), Whistler and Blackcomb
Mountains represent two of the most popular
ski mountains in North America. Nearby lakes
present opportunities for swimming, fishing,
canoeing and windsurfing in the summer. This
will also be the site of 2010 Winter Olympics.
z BC Place Stadium: home to the Canucks,
Vancouver’s famous hockey team.
z Science World: A futuristic hands-on science
museum with interactive displays.
Modern day British Columbia reflects the rich
historical past of the Northwest region of North
America. The first Native American groups
settled along the coast and on the islands of
British Columbia 10,000 years before the arrival
of Europeans in the 1700’s. The Spanish were
the first Europeans to navigate the Canadian
waters, followed by explorers from Britain and
France. The British Parliament claimed British
Columbia as a colony in 1858 in order to profit
from the gold rush that was luring people of
other nationalities to the region. This strong
British and Native American historical pres-
ence is still evident in Vancouver today, where
you can find shops specializing in fine British
teas and Shetland wools, and totem poles in
wooded areas carved by local Indian tribes.
3. Weather WatchVancouver and the surrounding area enjoy a
relatively mild climate all year round, with sunny,
warm summers and rainy winters. The lushness
of Vancouver’s nature is helped by the 145 cm
(57 inches) of rainfall per year.
Temperatures range from:
Spring: 5° to 17°C (41° to 63°F)
Summer: 11° to 22°C (52° to 72°F)
Autumn: 3° to 19°C (37° to 66°F)
Winter: 0° to 10°C (32° to 50°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 Vancouver International Airport to your ac-
commodation for an additional fee. We recom-
mend you take advantage of this service.
At least one month before your arrival you must
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 Vancouver, Canada
inform the EF Office in your home country of
the exact details of your flight, e.g. airline, flight
number, date and time – this is especially impor-
tant if you will be using the transfer service.
Students whose flights are changed in transit
should inform the school office immediately.
Before you leave your home country, you
should put baggage tags on each piece of lug-
gage (including your carry-on baggage) indicat-
ing your home address and the address of the
school in Vancouver. Doing this will help in the
location and recovery of your luggage in case it
is lost or misdirected during your journey.
If you have paid for an EF transfer, please follow
the instructions below. Please do not take a taxi,
as it will not be possible to reimburse you later.
When you arrive at Vancouver International
Airport, you should look for the EF sign in the
International Arrival Area outside of the Inter-
national Baggage Claim on level one. Please
pass through the baggage claim and customs
area. An EF Greeter will be carrying an EF sign
or a sign with your name on it. When you see
the Greeter, please introduce yourself to him or
her; they will be happy to meet you and help
you get to your accommodation. Please be
aware that other students will be arriving on
the same day and you may have to wait up to
an hour for other students to arrive before you
leave the airport.
If you cannot find the Greeter, go to the Visitor
Information Booth on the second level and give
them your name. Ask to have the EF represen-
tative paged (called out over the loudspeakers)
and wait by the information desk.
In case your flight is changed, you miss a con-
nection, or you cannot locate the EF greeter,
please call the school emergency number. You
will receive this number and other important
contact information from your local EF office
prior to departure.
Students arriving independently
If you choose not to use the EF transfer ser-
vice, you must notify the EF office in your home
country of the anticipated arrival time so that
we can notify your homestay hosts of what
time they can expect you.
There is an airport bus service to the city
centre which costs CAN$12. A taxi to the
school costs CAN$30 and a taxi to the area
where the majority of host families are will cost
about CAN$50. You can also take the SkyTrain
(Metro) directly from the airport to the school.
Get off at Granville Street Station and the
school is a 5-minute walk away. Cost $5.
5. School InformationLocated in the trendy Tom Lee Music Building
in the heart of Vancouver’s downtown enter-
tainment district, the EF school is just a 5-min-
ute walk from Gastown and Robson Street (the
Rodeo Drive or Oxford Street of Vancouver).
The public library as well as several shopping
malls and food courts are just blocks away.
The school consists of 22 classrooms, a lecture
hall and a state-of-the-art iLab (computerized
language lab). There is also a student lounge with
vending machines. School offices are just down
the hall so the staff is readily available. Wireless
Internet is available throughout the school for
Internet access via personal laptop computers.
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 lan-
guage level. You may speak with your teacher
if you feel you have been placed into the wrong
level. Please note: you may have both morning
and afternoon classes depending on the time
of year and course type.
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.
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.
Class size
The average class size is 15 students with a
maximum of 17 students.
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. It is
important to note that 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.
Canadian immigration regulations require
you to attend 80% of all your classes. EF is
required to report students who fail to maintain
this 80% average to Canadian Immigration Au-
thorities. Consequently, students with low at-
tendance may be asked to leave the program
and return to their home country.
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.
5 Vancouver, Canada
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
interactive online learning environment. There
is an iLab computer room at the school, which
is for your iLab lessons and self-study tutorials.
Please note: iLab is not included in the EF
Basic Course.
Exams
You may enroll for several different public exami-
nations during your course. Some can be taken
at the school itself, others must be taken at an
external examination center and booked several
months in advance. Please note: you will be
responsible for the cost of all exam registration
fees, which cannot be paid at the sales office.
Library
The public library is just blocks away from
EF Vancouver.
EF University Placement Service
EF International Language Centers offer a Uni-
versity Placement Service (UPS) that provides
guaranteed admission into a university or col-
lege for qualified students. 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 living and student residence ac-
commodations are available at EF Vancouver.
All housing matters should be directed to the
Housing Coordinator.
Homestay
Students staying in a homestay will have the
opportunity to experience Canadian 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 family environ-
ment and interact with the family members.
Families choose to host international students
because they want to learn about other cultures
and people. Students who live in a home-
stay must respect the family and their home.
Likewise, the family will respect the student.
As you get an in-depth look at Canadian life,
you will realize that Canadian 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 learn-
ing experience.
In Canada, the traditional family of two parents
with children is slowly disappearing. More and
more, families may be a single parent with
children or a single adult living alone. To avoid
confusion, EF will speak of “homestay” rather
than of a “family” accommodation. Even in
Canadian families that have a more traditional
set-up, family members with children may lead
separate lives. Many students request a home
in a family with children of their same age.
However, few Canadians over 18 live with their
parents, and those who do, rarely participate in
group activities within the family.
You can expect that your hosts will be busy.
Most men and women work outside the home,
including people with children. Your host may
also have social and professional commit-
ments. They may not be able to spend all their
leisure time with you. However, remember that
you can take part in the activities offered by EF.
Canada is a land of immigrants with a great
range of ethnic and racial diversity. Our se-
lected homes reflect this cultural diversity.
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. 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.
Linens will be provided, but you will be
responsible for cleaning your own room and
doing your laundry. If the hosts prefer, you may
be required to take your laundry to a nearby
Laundromat for washing.
You are responsible for your personal items
such as shampoo, conditioner, soap and other
6 Vancouver, Canada
items. You will probably 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.
Canadians usually do all major chores once a
week, on Saturday or Sunday. Since you are a
new member of the family it would be helpful
if you acted like one as well. It would be polite
to offer to help. 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.
You may make local calls and collect calls from
your homestay. Unless you are using a calling
card, you should not make long distance
calls from your homestay. 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. Tell
your friends and family to call you before 9 pm
Vancouver time.
You will be asked to sign a copy of the EF
Homestay Rules and Regulations prior to
leaving your home country. These rules and
regulations outline the guidelines for behavior
in your homestay. 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 host family will provide you with breakfast
and dinner during the week and all your meals
on the weekends. You are responsible for your
own lunch during the week. Lunch is available
at any of the coffee shops and restaurants in
the immediate downtown area.
Meals will only be provided when you are
home to participate. Please be sure to call your
hosts if you do not plan to be home for dinner.
There will be no refund for meals not taken at
home with your family.
You will find that meals in Canada may taste
different from meals at home. Canadians eat
a lot of pasta, stew, chicken, fish, salad, and
vegetables. They rarely eat steak. If you have
any allergies, let your host know right away.
Expect your hosts to serve you Canadian food
or food from their ethnic origin. Don’t expect
them to know how to cook food from your
country. Be adventurous and open-minded.
If you would like to use the kitchen, ask your
host if you can do this. Appliances, such
as toasters, often differ from one country to
another. The first time you use an appliance,
ask your host to show you how. If you happen
to break an appliance, offer to replace it or
repair it.
Residence accommodation
For students interested in a more independent
living arrangement, we offer a diverse variety
of residence accommodation. Students should
be prepared to pay a room deposit if living
in one of our student residence. The deposit
will be returned at the end of the year upon
satisfactory check-out.
Sandman Residence
Luxurious adult residential accommodation
only a 15-minute walk from the school. Offers
twin room accommodation and is self-catering.
Gym and indoor swimming pool are available
for a fee. Mailing address: 1160 Davie Street
Vancouver, BC, V6E 1N1 Canada
Shaughnessy Residence
Offers single room accommodation with break-
fast daily. Additional meals can be purchased
in the onsite restaurant. It is conveniently
located 20 minutes from the school by bus.
Mailing address: 1125 West 12th Avenue,
Vancouver V6H 3Z3 Canada
8. Money MattersCurrency
The Canadian dollar is the basic monetary unit
in Canada and 1 dollar = 100 cents. Paper
currency comes in denominations (values) of $5,
$10, $20, $50 and $100. Coins come in denom-
inations (values) of 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, $1, $2.
Banks
The safest place to keep your money is in a
bank. You can exchange most foreign curren-
cies at any bank. Different banks offer different
exchange rates. You can call around to find
the best rate for your money. It is a good idea
to open a bank account if you will be staying
more than 3 months.
Spending money
We recommend that you have approximately
CAN$350 in cash for expenses upon arrival,
and the rest of your spending money in trav-
eler’s checks. Depending on your lifestyle, we
recommend that you bring between CAN$150
and CAN$350 per week excluding excursions,
and depending on how much travelng, shop-
ping and eating in restaurants you plan to do
during your visit to Vancouver. Please remember
that you will be responsible for some meals.
You will also need to take money for learning
materials used in class and for any language
proficiency exams you plan to take.
Credit cards
EF strongly recommends that students travel
with either a Visa or MasterCard. Credit cards
enable students to rent cars, reserve hotel
rooms and do various activities, which may be
more difficult with cash or traveler’s checks.
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 purchased at the EF office. 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. The school will charge a small fee
to send long-distance faxes (usually CAN$5).
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. When you receive
mail or faxes at the school, these will be kept at
the front desk for you until you pick them up.
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 Vancouver, Canada
10. Health Care & InsuranceThe EF staff can recommend nearby hospi-
tals and doctors offices if you need medical
attention. If you have a medical emergency, go
to the emergency department of the hospital
closest to you. Make sure to bring some identi-
fication (i.e. passport) and your insurance card
with you. Walk-in medical clinics are for medi-
cal problems that are not emergencies. There
is no need to make an appointment. You can
simply go see a doctor. Please ask the EF staff
for assistance if you need medical attention.
Immunizations
EF requires that all students attending an EF
school in North America carry proof that he
or she has been immunized against measles I
and II, polio, TBC, mumps, rubella, diphtheria
and tetanus. Please note that it is not sufficient
to have had the diseases as a child. If you do
not bring this documentation with you, you will
be required upon arrival at the school to obtain
the immunizations at an area hospital. The
cost to students is approximately CAN$50 (this
amount is not covered by insurance).
Insurance
All students traveling to Canada are required
to have medical and accident insurance upon
starting their program of study.
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 in-
surance 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 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. Your
school’s activities and trips give you the oppor-
tunity to apply your life skills, practice English
in real situations and familiarize yourself with
Canadian culture.
Activity Program
The Activities Coordinator arranges a regular
schedule of local activities, day-trips, and
weekend excursions to area attractions. The
cost of these trips is not included in the tuition.
Weekend excursions and day trips
The school arranges weekend excursions and
day trips to local attractions. The number of trips
and the cost depend upon the time of year and
the number of students wishing to participate.
Excursions can be paid for in cash or with trav-
eler’s cheques. Credit cards are not accepted.
Some of these excursions will only run if a cer-
tain amount of people pay and seasonal only;
for example: skiing (winter only), white water
rafting/kayaking (summer only) or Canadian
Rockies Tour (May-October).
The following are typical excursions and the
prices are estimates and do not include meals:
z Victoria, B.C. (day trip by ferry) CAN$109.00
z Whistler Resort (hiking, shopping) CAN$85.00
z Seattle (day trip) CAN$100.00
z Grouse Mountain Skyride, Capilano and
Suspension Bridge (summer only) CAN$30
z Vancouver Aquarium and Stanley Park Zoo
(summer only) CAN$30
z White water rafting (summer only) CAN$
120-$450
z Whistler / Blackcomb Mountains ski weekend
CAN$400
z Whale watching (1 night hotel, 4 hours
watching, summer only) CAN$250
z Canadian Rockies (long weekend trip)
CAN$370.00
Visiting the United States
If you plan to visit the USA during your stay in
Canada, you may need a multiple-entry visa. It
is very difficult to get the tourist visa once the
student has arrived in Canada, so we strongly
recommend that you apply for a US visa before
coming to Canada.
Most European Union students, Swiss and
Japanese students do not need a visitor’s visa
to visit the US. They can enter the country
under the Visa Waiver program. However
students from other countries must obtain the
visitor’s visa prior to arrival in Canada.
If you decide to obtain a visa once in Canada
you will need to visit the US Embassy or
Consulate office. For more information on how
to obtain a visa while in Canada, ask a staff
person in the school office.
Sports and activities
The school also organizes ice-skating, theatre
and restaurant nights, group sports events
(soccer, volleyball, bowling), international dinners
and outings to see professional sports, such as
Vancouver Canucks hockey and CFL football
games in season. The Activities Coordinator will
also organize sports games and tournaments,
depending on student interest and participation.
There are several fitness clubs in the down-
town Vancouver area, as well as in homestay
neighborhoods. Membership fees and trans-
portation are your responsibility. There are of-
ten special student rates available for monthly
membership, with discounts for groups.
Vancouver offers an abundance of parks and
beaches, including Stanley Park (tennis courts
$10 per hour), Queen Elizabeth Park, and the
Kitsilano Beach and Park which offer a variety
of recreational facilities, including tennis courts,
hiking trails, nature walks, and swimming
pools. These parks are open to the public, but
charge a small fee in some cases for special
8 Vancouver, Canada
attractions. Most of them are all accessible by
transit bus from downtown Vancouver.
12. TransportationPublic transportation
Boasting the second largest fleet of buses
in North America, the public transportation
system in Vancouver is excellent. It is both
affordable and reliable, so take advantage of
every opportunity to use it.
The Skytrain and Seabus offer service to and
from some surrounding suburbs, while the
Transit buses cover local transportation
more extensively.
Prices are the same for all types of public
transportation:
z one-way ticket, depending on zone CAN$2-$4
z day pass (unlimited use for 24 hours) CAN$7
z book of 20 tickets CAN$15-$30
z monthly pass (unlimited use) CAN$65-$150
Car rentals
Some students choose to rent a car during their
stay in Vancouver. To rent a car in Canada, you
must have an International Driver’s license and a
major credit card (Visa, Mastercard or Ameri-
can Express.) for a security deposit. Rental car
agencies will only rent to people who are 21
years or older. If you decide to rent a car at the
airport, you will have to find transportation to
and from the airport for pick-up and drop-off,
which is a cost that you should consider when
making your decision. For more information on
how to rent a car, please ask at the front desk
or at in the activities office.
Another alternative is to make your arrange-
ments before you leave home. Sometimes it
is less expensive to contact an international
rental car company in your home country and
get a special “Visit Canada” package deal.
Please note: you should not expect to park at
the school. As it is in the downtown area, there
is limited parking available and parking lots
can be very costly. Public transportation is ex-
tensive and reliable and offers easy access to
and from the downtown area, so we strongly
recommend that you use it.
Buying a car
Some students may decide to buy a car for
the duration of the program. If you plan to buy
a car, you should budget CAN$3,000-$6,000,
depending on the make and year of the car
you are buying. You should also plan to pay
all additional sales tax costs, registration fees,
license plate fees and auto insurance. You
must have a valid driver’s license to buy a car.
An International License is valid for 3 months in
Canada, after this you must take the Canadian
test and obtain a Canadian license. All drivers
in Canada must also have insurance.
Please note: you should not expect to park
at the school. As it is in the downtown area,
there is limited parking available and parking
lots can be very costly. Public transportation is
extensive and reliable and offers easy access
to and from the downtown area, we strongly
recommend that you use it.
Flights
The Vancouver area is well served by the
Vancouver International Airport, located on Sea
Island just 11 km south of the downtown area.
The school staff can help you with any flight
arrangements while you are at 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 center with an open mind!
What you can expect from EF:
z Supportive staff, available for guidance and
encouragement.
z An academic program which combines lan-
guage, special interest, and culture-oriented
classes.
z Full program of local activities and excursions
at special EF rates.
z Accommodation in either homestay or stu-
dent residence.
z All designated meals.
z EF Academic Year Abroad Diploma for
Academic Year Abroad students with 80%
attendance per term and good academic
standing and academic records
z EF Course Certificate for International Lan-
guage 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).
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
prepare yourself according to the meal plan.
z Access to the school in approximately one
hour by public transportation. All transporta-
tion costs are your responsibility.
14. Canadian culture & living tipsSafety
Canada is a very clean and safe country. How-
ever, use the same caution that you would take
in your own country. Be aware of the people
around you and of your surroundings. Try to
appear as though you know where you are
going, even if you do not.
The following tips may be helpful:
z Do not carry large sums of cash. Try to plan
your cash needs so that you use the bank
machine during daylight hours. If you must
use the bank machine after dark, go with
someone you know.
z When you are in restaurants or outside the
school, keep your purse or backpack beside
you.
z Use caution when you travel on public transit
at night. You may choose to take a taxi
instead which is more expensive but a safer
option.
z When you go out at night, go with another
person. Stay on streets that are well lit.
z If you are going out alone, tell someone
where you will be and what time you will be
home. Call if you are going to be late.
z Do not give your address or phone number
to strangers, such as people you meet in
bars or on the street.
9 Vancouver, Canada
All local postal stations are open 8 am 5:30 pm
weekdays. Substation hours vary depending
on the location. Many locations are listed under
Canada Post Corporation in the white pages of
the telephone directory. Important: Canadian
postage must be used on mail posted from
any point in Canada. The letter and postcard
rate within Canada is 52 cents. Letters and
postcards mailed to destinations other than
Canada and the U.S. are CAN$1.60. Please
note that rates may vary depending on weight.
Vancouver drinking and smoking laws
The drinking age in British Columbia is 19;
students under 19 will not be able to purchase
alcohol or enter bars and discos. Most places
that serve alcohol will ask for proof of age before
they let you in. You need to show picture identi-
fication, such as your passport. These rules also
apply to purchasing alcohol at a liquor store.
z In British Columbia (Vancouver), you must be
19 years of age or older.
z In Quebec, you must be 18 years of age or older.
z In the U.S., you must be 21 years of age or older.
Smoking is prohibited in all public buildings,
elevators, lobbies, stairwells, shopping malls,
cinemas, and sports facilities unless signs say
that you may smoke. Smoking is allowed in
restaurants only where there are smoking areas.
If you smoke in a “smoke free” place, you could
be fined up to $5,000. You must be 19 years of
age or older to purchase cigarettes. Most host
families only allow smoking outside the house
and EF prohibits smoking inside the school.
Taxes
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a 5% tax
that is charged on most goods and services
sold or provided in Canada. There is also a
Provincial Services Tax (PST) of 8%, which ap-
plies to goods and services sold within Ontario.
Tipping
It is the custom in Canada to leave your waiter/
waitress a “tip” for good service. You leave the
tip on the table when you leave the restaurant.
The general rule is to leave 15% of your total
bill before the tax. The easiest way to calculate
this amount is to add the P.S.T. and the G.S.T.
(taxes) together.
Recommended reading
z Let’s Go Canada, Harvard Student Agencies,
Inc. Great student travel guide for where to
go, how to get around, where to stay and
what to eat.
14. Adjusting to a New Culture The Academic Year Abroad community is
more than a group of students who have come
together to learn English, it is a also a multi-cul-
tural group of young adults, eager to share their
own culture and learn the culture of their host
country and fellow classmates. One’s culture is
a made up of values, beliefs, arts, tradition and
practices of a specific community or popula-
tion. 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 North Ameri-
ca. While some parts of this culture may already
seem familiar to you, experiencing a new culture
first hand will prove exciting. What’s more, 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
some times when you are uncomfortable with the
new culture. 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.
Tips on coping with change
Remember, change does not come with-
out some effort! We humans need a certain
amount of stress to motivate us to learn ways
of being. Learning always involves some form
of change. You should try the following:
z 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 family and other students.
z Put off making major decisions- such as
changing to a new host family- 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 they 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 the goal to only use
English with your classmates!)
z Remind yourself that you came to this
country to experience a new culture. 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 again.
Keep 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 (daily or weekly),
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
Each spring students present an International
Fair to the staff, students and community. We
have seen costumes and drums from Korea,
dancing and music from Austria, a piñata and
tortillas from Mexico. If you have room in your
suitcases for some music, a costume, pictures,
some typical crafts it will be good to show
other students and will decorate your room to
make it seem like home.
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
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
EF International Language Centers in Van-
couver 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
21 May - Victoria Day
1 July - Canada Day
6 August - British Columbia Day
3 September - Labour Day
8 October - Thanksgiving
11 November - Remembrance Day
25 December - Christmas Day
26 December - Boxing Day
2013
1 January - New Year’s Day
29 March - Good Friday
1 April - Easter Monday
20 May - Victoria Day
1 July - Canada Day
5 August - British Columbia Day
2 September - Labour Day
14 October - Thanksgiving
11 November - Remembrance Day
25 December - Christmas Day
26 December - Boxing Day
17. Checklist ■ Valid passport (with visa where necessary)
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 pass-
port with you while you are in the Canada
but you must keep it and your other docu-
ments in a safe place while you are in
the country.
■ 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.
■ Immunization documents with a copy of
them in English
■ 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:
+(1) 604 633 0505________________________________________
EF School emergency telephone number:
+1 604 889 0608________________________________________
C
hec
klis
t
Important telephone numbers
16. EF school calendar & holidaysSchool holidays
EF International Language Centers in Van-
couver 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
21 May - Victoria Day
1 July - Canada Day
6 August - British Columbia Day
3 September - Labour Day
8 October - Thanksgiving
11 November - Remembrance Day
25 December - Christmas Day
26 December - Boxing Day
2013
1 January - New Year’s Day
29 March - Good Friday
1 April - Easter Monday
20 May - Victoria Day
1 July - Canada Day
5 August - British Columbia Day
2 September - Labour Day
14 October - Thanksgiving
11 November - Remembrance Day
25 December - Christmas Day
26 December - Boxing Day
17. Checklist ■ Valid passport (with visa where necessary)
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 pass-
port with you while you are in the Canada
but you must keep it and your other docu-
ments in a safe place while you are in
the country.
■ 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.
■ Immunization documents with a copy of
them in English
■ 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:
+(1) 604 633 0505_________________________________________
EF School emergency telephone number:
+1 604 889 0608_________________________________________
Additional notes or numbers:
_________________________________________
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
_________________________________________
EF School emergency telephone number
_________________________________________