EF International Language Centers
Academic Year Abroad For adults and Students aged 16 & above
Brisbane Voted the world’s most livable city, this is an excellent destination to study English. Make your year the best ever with EF in the hip student quarter – a vibrant hub of activity, where a good time is never far away. Contact details: EF International School of English 164 Melbourne St, South Brisbane Qld 4101, Australia Tel: +61 7 3846 4544
EF Brisbane
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Accreditations and Memberships The EF International Language Centers in London, Cambridge, Brighton, Oxford, Manchester, Bristol and Bournemouth are:
The EF International Language Centers in London, Cambridge, Brighton, Oxford, Manchester and Bournemouth are members of:
EF Dublin is accredited by:
The EF International Language Centers in the USA are accredited by:
The EF International Language Centers in the USA are members of:
EF Vancouver and Toronto are accredited by Languages Canada.
The EF International Language Centers in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth are accredited by:
Important Note: Factual information contained in this document is subject to change.
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:
EF Nice is recognized with the Label Qualité Français Langue Etrangère.
Federation of International Youth Travel Organizations.
All EF Courses are certified by Southern New Hampshire University.
EF Education is an active participant in the Comité Européen de Normalisation.
All EF Courses are recognized by Hult International Business School.
www.ef.com
Contents - Brisbane Section......... Topic
1 .............. Introduction to EF
Dear Student A very warm welcome to Brisbane, capital of ‘the Sunshine
2 .............. Welcome to Australia
state’. You have chosen a fantastic place to study. Brisbane
3 .............. Weather watch
unique ‘Aussie’ lifestyle that I am sure you are going to enjoy. It
4 .............. Travel & transfer service
rock climbing and surfing that you will love, and which will also
5 .............. School information 6 .............. Academics 7 .............. Accommodation & meals 8 .............. Money matters
is bustling, relaxed and has a sub-tropical climate. We have a includes many outdoor activities, such as picnics, scuba diving, help you to improve your English. The school is just a few minutes walk from a swimming pool, the city beach, the Brisbane cultural precinct, Southbank and cafés galore, just to name a few attractions. It is a great place to learn English, whether you’re preparing for the Cambridge, TOEIC, IELTS exams, or working intensively on your academic subjects.
9 .............. Phones, faxes & Internet
The staff at EF Brisbane are ready for you. Not only will you enjoy
10 ............ Health care & insurance
Coordinator has also organised a full schedule of exciting things
11 ............ School activities & excursions
the classroom activities they have prepared, but our Activities to do in Brisbane and the surrounding region. We are able to spend quality time with our students, whether
12 ............ Transportation
that is helping them to reach their language learning goals or
13 ............ Expectations
Queensland and beyond. Come to the Sunshine State and see
14 ............ Australian culture & living tips 15 ............ Adjusting to a new culture
finding the perfect tour of the incredible sights and regions of it all for yourself! My staff and I look forward to meeting you.
16 ............ EF school calendar & holidays 17 ............ Checklist
Best wishes, Kate Bailey, School Director EF International Language Centers, Brisbane
1. Introduction to EF EF 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 learning 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 backgrounds 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 recognized 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 improving language and study skills. Students wishing to study at university can access information and make informed academic choices through our EF University Placement Service. A great aspect of an EF program is the variety of nationalities at our schools. We welcome you to join this international community 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.
2. Welcome to Brisbane, Australia Founded as a convict colony in 1824 by Sir Thomas Brisbane, it is now a thriving multi-cultural city of 1.9 million inhabitants. After hosting the Commonwealth Games in 1982 and World Expo 88, Brisbane emerged as a cosmopolitan city now boasting world-class shopping, dining and nightlife!
3. Weather Watch In Australia, the seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer is from December to February and it is hot and humid and only light clothing is needed. Autumn is from March to May and it is generally warm during the day and cool at night. Winter is from June to August: the days are warm but the nights are cool. Spring is from September to November when the days are generally warm and sunny. It is wise to bring a sweater to Brisbane, as the nights can sometimes be chilly, and to carry an umbrella as the weather is quite changeable, particularly in the summer months. Just for the record, Brisbane has more sunny days than Florida and warmer winter days than the Bahamas! Temperatures range from: Spring: 13° to 28°C (55° to 82°F) Summer: 20° to 29°C (68° to 84°F) Autumn: 13° to 28°C (55° to 82°F) Winter: 10° to 22°C (50° to 72°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). For students who have booked the EF transfer service; when you arrived and cleared customs
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and immigration (international flights), please be on the lookout for the EF Greeter; who will be holding up an EF sign and should be easy to identify. For domestic flights, look for the EF Greeter with an EF sign at the baggage carousel. If after waiting for approximately 30 minutes you still haven’t found the greeter, please call the EF transfer service phone number (+61 439 763 969). If you need further help, call the emergency number. You will receive these numbers and other important contact information from your local EF office prior to departure. It is a good idea to purchase a phone card whilst you are at the airport so that you can phone home to let your family know you’ve arrived safely. The international code from Australia is ‘0011’; for all international calls, always remember to omit the zero between the country code and city code. Students arriving independently There are two main methods of transportation from the airport into the city. If you are staying in a homestay and plan to arrive independently, remember to contact EF or your homestay hosts with your arrival details. Please go straight from the airport to your homestay. Your hosts will be expecting you shortly after your plane arrives. Train For students who plan to arrive independently at their accommodation; there are trains that leave from Brisbane airport about every ten to fifteen minutes which stop at several suburbs in Brisbane. Tickets are $14.5 AUD from the airport to the main city stations. The main stations are Central, Roma Street and Brunswick Street. You can connect to public transportation from one of these points, depending on the location of your homestay. If you are considering a taxi from one of the downtown stations to your homestay, please consider that it may actually be the same distance in many cases to take a taxi directly from the airport to your homestay due to the location of the airport and the above stations in relation to our host communities.
Public transportation information www.citytrain.com.au www.translink.com.au
student exam registration. ❚❚ Accommodation & Administration Coordinators: can help with general enquiries about life in Brisbane and with homestay matters, as well as send faxes for you. ❚❚ Activities Coordinator: can advise you about entertainment, sports, travel and other nonacademic events. ❚❚ Airport Transfer Coordinator: for students who book the EF transfer option, the airport team will be at the airport to greet you. ❚❚ Teachers: can help with any language difficulties or study problems. ❚❚ Residence advisors: can help with any difficulties you encounter with your residence accommodation or with any emergencies outside of school opening hours. ❚❚ Your Homestay Hosts: can help with domes-
Orientation There will be an orientation programme to acquaint you with the school, the accommodation and life in Brisbane. You will receive a map of Brisbane and additional information to help you get to know the city. The activities coordinator will speak to you to find out what you like doing in your free time and will take all new students on a short tour of the city to help familiarise you with local banks, post offices, shops, restaurants, and snack bars. Students will also be required to pay for their books on their first day (please see section 17 for prices and further information).
School facilities EF Brisbane is housed in a historic Art Deco building with three floors, with a rooftop terrace with views across the river to the city. This outdoor/ indoor area is the students lounge. The rooms of EF Brisbane are in the ‘Queenslander’ style with 3 metre ceilings and air conditioning to ensure comfort in the sub-tropical climate. Wireless Internet access for EF students is available throughout the school building. An Olympic-sized swimming pool complex is located in Musgrave Park (soccer, tennis, basketball) only a five-minute walk from the school. Alternatively, students can make use of the free city beach located at Southbank, only a ten-minute walk from the school. Cafes, restaurants, shopping are just around the corner from the school in the trendy area of West End.
tic and general problems about life at home. ❚❚ School Director: can help with any matter that you can’t resolve by seeing the other staff.
grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.
Staff During your time with us we will do our best to ensure that you settle in as easily as possible, and make sure your time here is a happy and beneficial one. On your first day at school, you will meet our friendly and experienced staff who will be on hand to help and advise you throughout your stay. The following people are always ready and willing to help – you only have to ask!
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.
Taxi For students who plan to arrive independently at their accommodation; taxi rides from Brisbane’s International Airport (20 minutes from the central business district) to our host communities, range anywhere from $40 to $90 AUD. There are normally plenty of cabs available, so there is not usually a wait. It is a good idea to keep a record of the driver’s number, which should be on an ID card on the dashboard of the taxi, and to ask for a receipt, in case you have any questions about the fare.
5. School Information
❚❚ Director of Studies: can help you with all academic matters concerning your classes, teachers, and exams, and with school or personal matters of a serious nature. ❚❚ Senior Teacher: is responsible for organising your exam classes (PET, FCE, CAE, CPE, IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC), and administering
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If you feel your problem has not been resolved by any school staff members you are within your rights to seek the services of an independent conciliator and have someone else represent you at any problem-solving meeting with any school staff or independent help. The addresses of independent help services will be given to you during your orientation programme.
6. Academics EF language courses give students the opportunity 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.
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.
General English Classes General English classes focus on the development of the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. They also include work on
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. Some of the Special Interest classes that have been held in the past have included Business English, Film Studies, Presentation Skills, Controversial Issues, and English through Music. Class size The average class size is 15 students with a maximum of 17 students. Class Schedule Classes will be scheduled between 8:15 am and 5:05 pm Monday through Friday and may be in the morning or the afternoon. Classes are 80 minutes long (all lessons are held in blocks of two 40-minute lessons). Attendance You are expected to attend all classes. Consistent failure to attend class, for whatever reason, may result in expulsion from the program with no refund of course fees. In order to be eligible for an EF certificate, students are expected to participate in class and must attend at least 80% of all classes.
It is very important that you understand the requirements of your student visa. The Australian Government requires that you attend 80% of the course for visa purposes. If your attendance falls on or below 80% the school is legally required to submit your name to a ‘student monitoring’ website. If this happens you will most likely be deported from Australia. Please note: if this occurs you will find it very difficult to get a tourist, student or resident visa for Australia ever again. 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 throughout the course. Assessment is based on attendance, 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 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 up to six iLab sessions per week. iLab sessions complement and reinforce classroom learning in an interactive 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, IELTS, TOEIC and TOEFL exams are all popular with students. Some can be taken at the school itself, others must be taken at an external examination centre and booked several months in advance. Advice as to the most appropriate examination to sit will be given to you by the Director of Studies. If you wish to take one of the Cambridge or IELTS exams, you should tell the Director of Studies
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as soon as you arrive. You will be responsible for the cost of all exam registration fees which cannot be paid at the sales office.
Hampshire University (SNHU), EF students may be eligible to receive university credit for their coursework.
Your visa period usually ends 28 days after your course officially finishes. It is against the law to study in Australia if you no longer have a valid student visa. It will also cost $250 AUD to apply for the Tourist visa for the further stay if you want to try. For these reasons, we recommend that all Academic Year Abroad students who will start the course in September purchase the two-week exam extension at the same time as booking the course as the exam extension period is then included in your visa. If you do not take this extension then EF will refund the cost of this period to you. This is the most effective way of ensuring you will be able to take an exam at the end of your course.
7. Accommodation & Meals
Cancellation of course or school transfer If you decide to downgrade, cancel or transfer your course to another EF school, please talk to the school director. 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 Australia. If you are interested in continuing your studies, you are encouraged to talk with the Director of Studies at your school. University Transfer Credit Through our partnership with Southern New
Homestay and student residence accommodation are available at the EF Brisbane school. All homestay and 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 Australian 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 student. As you get an in-depth look at Australian life, you will realize that Australian 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.
Brisbane is a multicultural city made up of many different ethnic groups. Your homestay hosts may have been born in or outside of Australia, they may look different to how you think ‘Australians’ should look, and they may even speak another language in addition to English. Australian families can be made up of two parents and children, living at home or living away from home; a couple without children; or a single man or woman. Many Australians also own a household pet and although most pets live outside, a cat or dog is normally seen as part of the family. Please discuss the family’s household rules during the first week of your stay.
Inviting friends Always ask your hosts before inviting friends home. Please do not expect your hosts to serve meals to your friends. Also, if you are going to stay out very late at night, please inform them so that they don’t worry about you.
Student residence EF UniResort Our 5-star student residence is located near the Griffith University Campus only 20 minutes away by bus. UniResort has a swimming pool, tennis court, sauna, Jacuzzi, BBQ area, gym, cable TV, air conditioning, all rooms have en suite, internet access with a connection fee, telephones in all rooms, lock up garage (subject to availability) and security. All students staying in UniResort must pay AUD840 deposit upon arrival.
Before you leave your home country, please let your homestay hosts know the date and esti-
Telephone use To call your friends and family you will need to use a prepaid telephone card. 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
The linen package, which includes sheets, blanket, pillow and pillow case, is not included in the residence fee. You can purchase it at the residence reception and costs AUD105. Since you may arrive at UniResort when the reception is closed, we will arrange and prepare the
mated time of your arrival to ensure they are at home to welcome you when you arrive.
home. Do not spend more than 15 minutes on the phone at any time.
Each homestay has been carefully chosen and is matched as best as possible to a student according to their age, interests and habits. The Homestay Coordinator likes to know how you are getting on with your family and will help you with any problems should they arise.
Smoking Usually you will be matched with a family with the same smoking habits as your own. Please ask before you smoke in the family’s house they may prefer you to smoke outside. Many Australians do not smoke and it is banned in all public places, such as shops, offices, buses, trains and airport terminal buildings.
linen package for you. Please pay AUD105 on Monday at the UniResort reception. If you don’t need this arrangement, please make sure you tell EF office at least one week before the arrival.
Transportation You are responsible for all transportation costs to and from the host’s home. Many homestays are located to the south of the city centre. Most homestays are 45-60 minutes traveling time from the school by public transport. Laundry and Facilities Many Australian families have their own washing machine and most hang their washing on a line in the garden to dry rather than using a clothes dryer. Ask your hosts whether they would prefer to do your washing for you or whether you should do your own. If you are allowed to use their washing machine, please ask for instructions on how to use it. You may be charged a fee for laundry by your hosts. Please keep your bedroom clean and tidy, especially if you are sharing your room with another student. Water restrictions Currently most of Australia has water shortage. Brisbane city is Medium Level water restrictions. Students will be required to minimize their
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shower time and abide by the water restrictions implemented by the Queensland Government. Please see further information via the website www.qwc.qld.gov.au. Thanks for your support.
Requests for change Homestay accommodation is booked for your entire course. You may only change homestays for very serious reasons and you must give four weeks notice to the Accommodation Coordinator. Requests for change will be considered on an individual basis. No refunds may 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 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. If you cannot eat certain foods, please inform your family at the earliest possible time.
If you arrive on Sunday or public holiday with the EF transfer service, you will receive your flat and room code from the Black Sea Limousine company (Transfer company). Please see the reception in Uni Resort on a weekday, during opening hours for the deposit and document. If you arrive on Sunday or public holiday and do not have an EF transfer, you will have to access the front pedestrian gate, please enter #24# in the security intercom. Someone will tell you your flat and room code. Please request the after hour emergency number from your local EF office before leaving your home country. Office hours at Uni Resort are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. We strongly recommend that you use the EF transfer service. Housing alternatives The school can also help students find a suitable apartment or hotel to stay in during their stay in Brisbane, if they would prefer not to live with a family.
8. Money Matters Currency The currency in Australia is the Australian Dollar. The symbol for this currency is $. The dollar is divided into 100 cents. Banknotes are different colors and come in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.
Coins come in denominations of 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c , $1 and $2. Banks There are a number of banks near the school where you can change money and cash travellers’ cheques; they are normally open from 9.30 to 4.00 Monday to Friday only, so it’s a good idea to cash some travellers cheques at the airport when you first arrive. Spending money Just like in any other big city, you should not carry a large amount of cash around with you in Brisbane. If it is lost or stolen, it is very unlikely that it will be covered by your insurance policy. It is much safer to have your money in the form of travellers’ cheques. We estimate that you will need between $120 to $250 AUD per week to cover the cost of activities, transportation, weekday lunches, sports and entertainment. Don’t forget too that once you are here you will probably wish to go on some weekend tours or longer travelling trips, these usually cost from $200 to $600 AUD for up to a week. You will also need to take money for learning materials used in class and 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. The school accepts Visa and MasterCard, but cannot accept travellers’ cheques. 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. If you want to use your credit card to withdraw Australian money from an automatic teller machine, you should only use machines in Australia that are attached to a bank. If the machine is attached to a bank and the machine takes your card, you can easily get your card back again by going inside the bank and asking for it. You cannot get your card back easily if the machine that has taken it is not attached to a bank.
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9. Telephones, fax & Internet Telephone All long distance calls must be collect calls, charged to the person you are calling, or charged to a prepaid telephone card. EF Activity Coordinator will introduce the places you can buy international telephone cards which are a very cheap and convenient way of phoning overseas from public and private phones in Australia. How to dial Telephone numbers in Australia generally consist of 10 numbers. The first two numbers represent the area code (07) and the numbers that follow are the individual subscriber’s number. Interstate and overseas telephone rates vary according to time of day and the number telephoned. ❚❚For local calls you don’t need to dial the area code - just the subscriber’s number. ❚❚For long distance calls, dial the full number including the area code. ❚❚For international calls, you need to dial 0011 followed by the national code, area code (without the 0) and subscriber number. ‘Reverse charge’ or ‘collect’ calls If you want the person you are calling to pay for the call you need to make a ‘reverse charge’ or ‘collect’ call. First dial 12 550 to get an operator and say that you would like to make a collect call. The operator will ask you for your name and then ask the person you are calling whether he/she will accept the charges. Public phones Calls from public payphones may be made with coins, a credit card or a telephone card. Instructions are given in each telephone box. Please ask about phone cards for international
calls at Reception in EF. These cards allow you to make inexpensive international calls from private and public phones in Australia. Directory Inquiries If you don’t know the number you need to call, you should dial 1223 for Brisbane and Australia and 1225 for overseas. The service is free. If you need the operator’s assistance to help you make your call you should ring 1234. Fax All EF schools use fax machines to conduct business. You can send faxes from the school at a cost of $2 AUD for local and $5 AUD for international per page. The school can receive faxes for you and does not charge for this service. 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 & Insurance The EF staff can recommend nearby hospitals and doctors offices if you need medical attention. Please ask the EF staff or your homestay hosts for assistance if you need medical attention. If you have any personal problems there is always someone who you can talk to confidentially. Insurance All students traveling to Australia 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 insurance 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 insurance 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 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!
Typical excursions and approximate prices zG old Coast Day Trip Cost approximately $50 AUD zD reamworld Day Trip Cost approximately $100 AUD zW eekend Surf Trip Cost approximately $230 AUD zG reat Barrier Reef 3 days Trip Cost approximately $400 AUD
12. Transportation Public transportation Cities in Australia are linked either by trains, planes or by coaches. Coaches are cheaper than trains but they are slower and it may be necessary to book a place before you travel. All forms of transport are only a minute’s walk from the EF school. The integrated public transport system in Brisbane offers an efficient bus, train and ferry network. Ask your homestay hosts about the best ticket to buy when travelling from your homestay to school, call 13 12 30 or visit: www.translink.com.au.
11. Activities & Excursions Extracurricular 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 familiarize yourself with Australian culture.
Car rental If you are travelling with a group of friends it may be worth hiring a car but remember you must be over 21 and have a valid license to drive in this country and you must abide by the speed limits and other traffic laws that are in force. We suggest you buy and read “Your Keys to Driving in Queensland” before you drive in Australia. Traffic drives on the left side of the road.
Activity Program The EF 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.
13. Expectations
Weekly Activities We have a weekly program of activities on campus at either no cost or minimal cost. The Activities Coordinator will also organize sports games and tournaments, depending on student interest and participation. Weekend excursions The EF activities coordinator arranges various kinds of excursions at special EF rates. The number and destination of excursions depend upon the time of year and the interests of the students. Payment must be made with cash.
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zE F Academic Year Abroad Diploma for Academic Year Abroad students with 80% attendance per term and good academic standing and academic records zE F Course Certificate for International Language Students with 80% attendance and good academic standing. zP reparation classes and/or materials for appropriate standardized language exams and availability of University Placement Service (UPS).
Expectations 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: zS upportive staff, available for guidance and encouragement. zA n academic program which combines language, special interest, and culture-oriented classes. zF ull program of local activities and excursions at special EF rates. zA ccommodation in either homestay or student residence. zA ll designated meals.
What EF expects of you: zT o develop a greater understanding of the world around you. zT o attend at least 80% of all classes and to do your best in class at all times. zT o be respectful of your homestay hosts, your classmates, your teachers and your community. zT o keep your room and shared areas clean. zT o speak English at all times. zT o 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 transportation costs are your responsibility.
14. Australian culture & living tips Passport and Visa requirements Everyone entering Australia needs to hold a current passport and where necessary, an appropriate visa. Students coming to study on an English course of 12 weeks or fewer can usually enter Australia on a Visitor’s Visa; students coming for longer courses will need to enter on a Student Visa and will have to be a full-time student (Intensive Course; Exam Preparation Course; EF Foundation Year, Academic Year Course). For some nationalities, it is possible to come and study on a Working Holiday visa. It is best to contact your nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate for exact details. EF advises all students wanting to come to Australia to also buy EF travel insurance. Your visa usually ends 28 days after your course officially finishes. It is against the law to study in Australia if you no longer have a valid student visa. If for some reason your student
visa expires before the end of your course, you will need to apply for a new visa. This will cost $540 AUD regardless of the study period. If you would like to travel around Australia after your course, or decide to cut your studies short to travel instead, you will need to apply for a tourist visa. This costs $250 AUD. It is important to remember that any student who attends less than 80% of their total study hours per week fails to meet Australian government regulations and risks termination of their course and cancellation of their visa. Insurance requirements Any students travelling to Australia on a Student visa (13 weeks of study or more) are required by the Australian government to have Medibank insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover - OSHC) for their visa process except for Norwegian and Swedish nationals. Fees for Medibank insurance have to be pre-paid, along with your course fees, to your EF office. If you are a Norwegian student covered by the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme or a Swedish student covered by either CSN (the Swedish National Board of Student Aid) or by Kammarkollegiet, you will not need Medibank insurance. We also strongly recommend that students purchase Erika Travel Insurance through EF in addition to this since it is a much more comprehensive policy than Medibank. You will receive a CoE form (Confirmation of Enrolment for Overseas Students) from the school after you have paid your programme fees and the Medibank Private Health Insurance charge (OSHC, as above) to the EF office. OSHC rates are: ❚❚Per month: $32.40AUD ❚❚Stays of up to 3 months: $97.20 AUD ❚❚Stays of up to 6 months: $194.40 AUD ❚❚Stays of up to 9 months: $291.60 AUD ❚❚Stays of up to 12 months: $388.80 AUD Take or send this CoE form to the nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate who will charge you for processing your visa. You should go to the Embassy or Consulate as soon as you receive the CoE form as it can take quite a while to process your visa. Sometimes proof of
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a recent medical examination and chest X-rays are also required. If you have any difficulties, please ask the staff at the EF office for information and assistance. You can also visit the DIMIA website www.immi. gov.au for further visa information or to apply online. If you receive an electronic visa, you will not need a visa stamp in your passport. Your sales office will inform the school that you have paid your OSHC fees and the school will then inform the Medibank office. Your card will then be sent to the school and you can pick it up from the student mailbox located in the school’s reception. The card is used for refunds of some medical expenses in the same way that Australians use their card. Students must pay the doctor and collect the refund from a Medibank office. Medibank provides coverage according to a standard schedule of fees, and therefore does NOT always cover 100% of medical fees incurred. For example, a doctor’s consultation costs approximately $65AUD. When you take your card and receipt to the Medibank office they will refund you a % of the cost based on their assessment of the claim. In the event that any medical treatment exceeds the standard fees, the patient is always responsible for paying the difference. Medibank Private does not cover dentist, physiotherapist, optician or other medical specialist fees. For this reason, EF strongly advises all students wanting to come to Australia to also buy travel insurance. This is available through your EF office. Work permit You may be legally allowed to have paid work for up to 20 hours per week. Any person who is granted a student visa is automatically granted permission to work. Students’ Personal Information Details The school may make students’ personal information details available to the Commonwealth and State agencies and the ESOS Assurance Fund Manager (Section 51 of the National Code). Electricity Electrical sockets in Australia operate on 220/240 volts so, if you come from a country, which operates on a different voltage, you will need a transformer before you use your equip-
ment. You might also need an adaptor for any fitted plugs. These can be bought in Australia. Measurements Metric systems of weights and measures are used in Australia. Australia post The mail service in Australia is relatively inexpensive and quite reliable. For best results, be sure to write the complete address and full postcode. Postal rates vary with destination and weight. The local post office will be able to supply you with stamps and any necessary information. The nearest Post Office to the EF school is West End Post Shop, 75-77 Russell St, West End. It is open M-F 9 am - 5 pm and is closed on Saturday and Sunday. Post offices are always closed on public holidays. Local mail stamps can often also be bought at newsagents. You can use red post boxes in the street to post your letters, but the yellow post boxes are only for express post within Australia itself. Tipping Tipping is customary for taxi drivers and in some restaurants. About 10% of the bill is adequate for good service. If the service is not good, no tip is needed. Shopping The hours during which shops are open in Australia are quite variable. Most stores remain open Monday - Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. In the suburbs of Brisbane, Thursday evening is late night shopping when shops close at 8:30 pm or 9 pm and on Friday it is in the city centre. Some supermarkets and most department stores in the city centre only are open on Sundays from midday to 5 pm. Smoking In Australia smoking is considered a health hazard. Therefore, it has become much less tolerated in Australia compared to other countries. If you smoke, you will be asked to do so in certain areas or most of the time, outside. It is illegal to smoke inside restaurants or cafes in Australia. Most homestay hosts will not permit smoking in their home. We kindly ask that you behave courteously and follow the rules of your school and your hosts.
Local and national laws You will be required to abide by all local and national laws as well as any rules of the EF school. National laws z y ou are not to buy, sell, possess or use any controlled or illegal drug unless prescribed for you and approved by a doctor z y ou are not to buy or drink alcohol unless you are over 18 years old z y ou are not allowed to buy cigarettes unless you are over 18 years old z y ou are not to threaten, commit or take part in any act of violence z y ou are not to carry or own any illegal weapons z y ou are not to shoplift or steal Violation of these rules will lead to a verbal warning and possible disciplinary action by the School. Any student who ignores a verbal warning will be given a formal written warning, a copy of which will be sent, where appropriate, to the parents or sponsor. Any further breaches of the rules may be followed by your expulsion from the programme. In the case of law breaking or serious misbehaviour, you will have to return to your home country at your own expense without a warning period. You will be required to sign a copy of these rules prior to your departure, which will be reviewed at orientation. Remember that you are legally governed by the laws of the Australia. If you break these laws, your consulate can not offer you free legal assistance or bail you out of jail. You are considered responsible for your own actions. The school will have to report you to the government and it is likely your visa will be cancelled and you will have to return home.
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
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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 New Zealand. 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.
negative feelings associated with culture shock. For example, set a goal that you will speak English at all times. zR emind 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.
As a visitor to a new culture, you may 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
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.
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: zL anguage skills zS chool performance and involvement zC ampus/host adjustment z I ndividual learning and growth
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.
Keeping a journal will help to remind you that culture shock is truly a temporary phase of adjustment.
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:
Bring pictures and items from home If you have room in your suitcases for some music, 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.
zW hile 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.
zP ut off making major decisions such as an accommodation change, until you feel more “at home” with the culture in general. zT alk 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. zS et goals, no matter how big or small, and accomplish them! You will feel good about yourself in doing so, and you will reduce the
16. EF School Calendar Academic 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:
2012 2 January - for New Year’s Day 26 January - Australia Day 6 April - Good Friday 9 April - Easter Monday 25 April - Anzac Day 7 May - Labour Day 11 June - Queen’s Birthday 15 August - Royal National Agricultural (RNA) Show Day 25 December - Christmas Day 26 December - Boxing Day 2013 1 January - New Year’s Day 28 January - Australia Day 29 March - Good Friday 1 April - Easter Monday 25 April - Anzac Day 6 May - Labour Day 14 August - Royal National Agricultural (RNA) Show Day 25 December - Christmas Day 26 December - Boxing Day
Sat 9 Mar - Sun 24 Mar Mon 25 Mar - Fri 31 May 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
Important telephone numbers Homestay host’s or student residence name:
________________________________________ Homestay host’s or student residence address:
■■ 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 passport with you while you are in Australia but you must keep it and your other documents 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 ■■ E F Confirmation letter & other EF documents ■■ M ake 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 contact lenses or glasses if you wear them.
■■ 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 appliances you plan to bring with you.
________________________________________ Homestay host’s or student residence telephone number(s):
________________________________________ EF Sales Office telephone number:
■■ 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.
________________________________________ EF School telephone number:
+61 7 3846 4544 ________________________________________ EF School emergency telephone number:
Please note: there will be no classes on public holidays.
17. Checklist
■■ An International Driving License if you are planning on hiring or buying a car.
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: Term 3: (Year) Departure:
School holidays The EF International Language Center in Brisbane 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.
+61 4 1008 6671 ________________________________________
■■ Favorite books, photos and a camera. ■■ Homestay or student residence details and emergency numbers.