EF International Language Centers
Academic Year Abroad For adults and Students aged 16 & above
Cape Town Often rated one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town is a diverse mix of culture, nature and modern big city life. Let EF help you learn English between beaches, mountains and the lively centre of Cape Town. Contact details: EF International School of English, Cape Town 89 Kloof Street, Cape Town, 8001, R.S.A. Tel: +27 214247460
EF Cape Town
Watch a video
Or visit us at Facebook.com/ EFCapeTown
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 - Cape Town Section Topic
1 ..........Introduction to EF 2 ..........Welcome to South Africa 3 ..........Weather watch 4 ..........Travel & transfer service 5 ..........School information 6 ..........Academics 7 ..........Accommodation & meals 8 ..........Money matters 9 ..........Phones, faxes & Internet 10 ........Health care & insurance 11 ........School activities & excursions 12 ........Transportation 13 ........Expectations 14 ........Culture & living tips
Dear Student Thank you for choosing to study English in Cape Town. You have made an exciting decision to study in a location where the possibilities are endless – outdoor adventure, cultural diversity and international flair will shape your English language studies here with us. Warmed by the African sun 300 days of the year, Cape Town is renowned for its welcoming hospitality. Whether you enjoy the rocky scene, valley settings or the splendor of the ocean, this is the place to be! With activities ranging from scenic hiking trails in the mountains, safaris, horse rides, sunbathing on white beaches to shopping – we look forward to providing you with the most fabulous experience ever! With an experienced team of administrative and academic staff, EF Cape Town is ready to welcome you to our first school on the African continent! The school is situated in the trendiest area of Cape Town, Gardens, in a fabulous renovated building that boasts views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. Close to many of the city’s major attractions, and boasting a wide variety of accommodation options such as homestays, residences and self-catering apartments, you’ll feel right at home in our lovely city! We can’t wait to welcome you to EF Cape Town!
15 ........Adjusting to a new culture 16 ........EF school calendar & holidays 17 ........Checklist
Best wishes, Anka Stenten, School Director EF International Language Center, Cape Town
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 South Africa Welcome to the Rainbow Nation! Congratulations on choosing one of the most beautiful and culturally diverse countries to study in! The Cape of South Africa is believed to have been the first place inhabited by humans over 42,000 years ago. South Africa has emerged from a long troubled history of oppression and apartheid to become a proud cosmopolitan nation; uniting European and African influences and traditions. South Africa was discovered by the Portugese, colonised by the British and later became an industrial centre for the Dutch. South Africa gained independence in 1910, when only the rights of white people were recognised. Apartheid laws were imposed in 1948, and were only lifted in 1994, following the release of Nelson Mandela four years earlier. South Africa encompasses a variety of ethnic groups, producing a rich culture and cuisine. It is said that one may eat out twice a day for upwards of five years and never have the same menu twice. There are 13 recognised languages; English is the common language, but many South Africans also speak one of the 11 African dialects or Afrikaans; a language derived from Dutch. The landscape is as diverse as its people; South Africa boasts mountains, a spectacular coast, wine lands and natural reserves, home to ‘the big five’: the elephant, the lion, the leopard, the rhinoceros and the wilderbees. If you need to remember them, just check your bank notes! South Africa has great rural areas as well as sprawling cities, such as the capital, Johannesburg. South Africans are sports fanatics and are fiercely proud of their national teams; whether it is cricket, rugby, or football. South Africans have already begun preparations for the 2010 World Cup and are extremely excited about proving their reputation as a warm-hearted, hospitable country in welcoming the rest of the world. While studying in South Africa, you will
3
Cape Town, South Africa
have the opportunity to experience the varied historical, cultural and vibrant ways of life. Whatever your expectations, South Africa is sure to surpass them.
3. Weather Watch Situated in southwestern South Africa, the climate is generally Mediterranean. Cape Town is said to offer 300 days of sunshine a year. The summer months tend to be fairly warm and dry. Winters are usually relatively cool and wet. Temperatures range from: Spring: 9° to 24°C (48° to 75°F) Summer: 16° to 28°C (61° to 82°F) Autumn: 8° to 23°C (46° to 73°F) Winter: 6° to 19°C (43° to 66°F)
4. Travel & Transfer Transfer service Arriving at a busy airport in a foreign city can be confusing. EF offers a one-way transfer service from the airport to your accommodation for an additional fee. We highly recommend that you take advantage of this service. At least one month before your arrival, you must inform the EF Office in your home country or your homestay hosts of the exact details of your flight (airline, flight number, date and time). This will help avoid your homestay hosts waiting all day for you to arrive or them not being home when you arrive. When you arrive, pass through customs and wait at the arrival area for an EF Representative to meet you. Do not go to another part of the airport unless an EF staff member tells you to. If after approximately 30 minutes you have still not met with your greeter, go to the information desk to ask for help or call the EF school emergency number for assistance. You will receive this number along with other important contact informtation from your EF Sales Office prior to departure. We would ask you to be extra vigilant on arrival at the airport, as some taxi services might pose as EF transfers and drive students to their des-
tination and then charge them for the transfer telling them that they can then claim this money back from the school. This is not true, so please make sure that you do not go with any driver who is not holding an EF sign.
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.
If you are travelling to Cape Town via Johannesburg, you will need to collect your baggage at Johannesburg and go through customs and immigration before proceeding to check in at Domestic Departures for your onward flight.
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 grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. Each lesson is 40 minutes in length.
5. School Information The School Director is assisted by an accomplished staff of teachers and administrators. There is also an Activities Coordinator who organises EF activities and excursions.
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
The school offers the following facilities: ❚❚iLabs for classes and self study ❚❚Wireless Internet throughout the building and courtyard for personal laptop computer use ❚❚Student Lounge with TV ❚❚Cafeteria ❚❚Payphone ❚❚Fax ❚❚Noticeboards to tell you what is happening
subject options. Admission to some of these will depend on academic and linguistic level and availability of places. The selection of SPIN classes varies throughout the year and a student may not be able to repeat the same SPIN class. Each lesson is 40 minutes in length and two lessons may be combined into one 80-minute teaching period.
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. EF Level Placement Test Within 24-hours after booking your course, you’ll receive your personalized EF username and password for the online EF campus called My EF. Before traveling, you will take the EF Level Placement test online. This test will measure your language level and ability, grammar and listening comprehension abilities. Using your test results, our academic team will place you in one of six different language levels. As your English language skills become stronger, you will be promoted into the next language level. You may speak with your teacher if you feel you have been placed into the wrong level. Orientation When you arrive at the school you will take the EF Level Placement test, if you have not
4
Cape Town, South Africa
Class size The average class size is 15 students with a maximum of 17 students. Class Schedule EF Cape Town’s school is open five days per week, Monday to Friday. Classes will be scheduled between 8.30 am and 6:30 pm and you will have a combination of morning and afternoon classes. Attendance You are expected to attend all classes. Consistent failure to attend class, for whatever reason, may result in expulsion from the program with no refund of course fees. In order to be eligible for an EF certificate, students are expected to participate in class and must attend at least 80% of all classes. Please note: South African immigration regulations require you to attend 80% of all your classes! Homework You are expected to complete all assignments set by your teachers in General English and Special Interest classes. If you are taking an
examination preparation class you should 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 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 enroll for any one of a number of public examinations while you are on your course. Cambridge and TOEFL exams are all popular with students and are available at EF Cape Town*. These can be taken at EF Cape Town and booked several months in advance. You will need to pay fees to register for public exams in South Africa. This is typically R1500 for each exam. Advice as to the most appropriate examination to sit will be given to you by your Director of Studies. * EF Cape Town is the official test centre for iBT TOEFL and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. Cancellation of course or school transfer If you decide to downgrade, cancel or transfer your course to another EF school, please talk to our Customer Support team. They will advise you of any transfer charges and visa restrictions. EF University Placement Service EF offers a University Placement Service (UPS) that provides guaranteed admission into a university or college for qualified students. If you are interested in continuing your studies,
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 & Meals Homestay and student residence accommodations are available at the EF Cape Town school. All homestay and student residence issues during your stay should be directed to the Accommodation Coordinator. Homestay accommodation Students staying in a homestay will have the opportunity to experience South African life and also have the chance to practice their new language skills with fluent English speakers. Students who choose homestay accommodation should do so because they want to live in a family environment 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 homestay must respect the family and their home. Likewise, the family will respect the student. As you get an indepth look at the South African way of life, you will realize that the South African culture is not the same as your culture, and therefore, family life may be quite different. The relationship between husband and wife, the roles of family members, the relationship with or discipline of children and the relationship with pets are just some examples. If you are open-minded about these differences, life in the family will be a great learning experience. There is no stereotypical family. Hosts may consist of 1) mother and father without children, 2) single mother with children, 3) mother, father and children, 4) retired couple, 5) widowed woman, or 6) single father with children. You are responsible for all transportation costs to and from the host’s home. You may be placed up to one hour away from the school. Before you leave your home country, please let your homestay hosts know the date and
5
Cape Town, South Africa
estimated time of your arrival at their home. If you do not do this, they may not be home when you arrive.
time from your homestay to the school will vary. This will be confirmed prior to your departure, but will not be more than one hour.
Laundry and Facilities Your bed sheets and towels will be changed once a week, but you will be responsible for your own laundry and keeping your room tidy. If you want your hosts to wash your clothes for you, there will usually be a charge of approximately R50 – R60.
Telephone and Internet use To call your friends and family you will need to use a prepaid telephone card, which is available at the EF school. Your family can telephone you, but please ask them not to call too late. 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.
You are responsible for your personal items such as shampoo, conditioner, soap and other items. You will probably share the bathroom with others. This means that you may need to be flexible about shower and bath times. If you want to take a long time in the bath or shower check to see that nobody else is waiting to use the bathroom.
Smoking If you are a smoker, please ask your hosts where you can smoke. Remember that smoking in public places is prohibited.
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.
Requests for change Homestay accommodation is booked for your entire course. You may only change homestays for very serious reasons and with the approval of the Homestay Accommodation Manager. The homestay hosts and EF staff should receive at least a one-week notice about your move. Requests for change will be considered on an individual basis and Terms & Conditions apply when a move is approved. The Homestay Accommodation Manager will advise you about these on a case by case basis. No refunds will be granted for students who choose to leave their homestay for personal reasons.
Transporation to the school You are responsible for all transportation costs to and from the host’s home. Your average travel
Meals in a homestay Your homestay hosts provide breakfast and dinner Monday through Friday and breakfast,
Accommodation in a homestay includes a bed and a shared bathroom. Unless you have paid the single supplement and a single placement has been confirmed to you by EF, you will be placed in a double room with another student.
packed lunch, and dinner on the weekends. You will eat dinner with your hosts at their set meal time. Meals will only be provided when you are home to participate. Please be sure to call your hosts if you are going to be late or if you are not going to be home for a meal. There will be no refund for meals not taken at home with your family. There are many fashionable cafes near our school, where you can eat lunch at affordable prices. Residence Deposit If you opt to live in our student residence you should be aware that you will need to pay a deposit upon arrival of R1000. This deposit covers such things as lost keys, damage or fines. Any deductions from this deposit will be notified to you at the time. If there are no deductions made the whole amount will be refunded at the end of your programme.
8. Money Matters Spending money We recommend that you bring about R1000 for your first days in South Africa to cover costs such as travel to school, lunch, and telephone calls. We recommend that you bring R750-R1000 for every week you plan to stay in South Africa. This should cover lunches, laundry, travel to and from school, and EF Activities mid-week. For weekend excursions, shopping and presents you will need more! 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. You will also need to take money for learning materials used in class and for any language proficiency exams you plan to take. Money cannot be changed at the school, but please ask staff where you are able to change money or traveller’s cheques. Credit cards We strongly recommend that students travel with either a Visa or MasterCard. Credit cards enable you to rent cars, reserve hotel rooms, and do various activities, which may be more difficult with cash or traveller’s cheques.
6
Cape Town, South Africa
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, which you can purchase from the EF school. Fax All EF schools use fax machines to conduct business. You can send and receive faxes from this machine for a small fee, although you are encouraged to limit the use. Internet The school is equipped with Wi-Fi wireless Internet. Students are highly encouraged to bring their personal laptop computers for email and Internet use on the wireless network.
10. Health Care & Insurance All students must have insurance coverage for accidents and illness while they are in South Africa. The EF office can arrange health insurance for you before you leave. You will still have to pay for some treatment but please remember to keep all receipts and you can claim the money back from the Insurance Company. Read your insurance policy document carefully before you leave home and bring all relevant documents with you when you come to South Africa. We strongly advise you to take out the EF recommended insurance, before you leave, as this will cover you for accidents, illness, travel and baggage. Again, the EF office staff in your country can help you with this before you leave. If you have any personal problems there is always someone who you can talk to confidentially. Erika Travel Insurance Because security is EF’s number one priority, we have negotiated a comprehensive tailor-made travel insurance package for EF students with Erika Travel Insurance, an international 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 & 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 the South African culture. Activity programme The EF Activities Coordinator arranges a regular schedule of local activities, day trips, and weekend excursions to area attractions. Weekly activities We have a weekly programme of activities ranging from cultural visits to museums, sightseeing to famous Cape Town attractions, theatre trips and other local events & festivals. Many of these are either free activities or at reduced discount rates. Weekend excursions EF arranges weekend excursions and day trips to local attractions. Not all trips are available each month. The number of trips and the cost depend on the time of year and the number of students wishing to participate. Excursions can be paid in cash or with traveller’s cheques. Typical Activities and Excursions Excursions could range from day trips to Robben Island, Table Mountain or the Winelands to weekend trips to Safari Game Lodges, Sun City or Johannesburg. Our excursions are organised at a minimum cost, are great fun and extremely good value. You are always accompanied by an EF member of staff. Sample Cape Town activities schedule Please note that these activities may differ from those on offer during your stay here with us. Monday Walking tour of Cape Town for all new students. Then meet other international students at the EF Welcome Party. Tuesday Join us for a game of volleyball on the beach,
or enjoy a game of mini-golf; one of South Africa’s favourite pastimes. Wednesday Visit Robben Island, and see where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for part of the 28 years he spent in prison. Visit one of the many cinemas as well as one of Cape Town’s film production companies. Thursday An unforgettable sunset drive along the coast of Cape Town. Come clubbing with us in one of Cape Town’s coolest nightclubs on Long Street. Friday Come and play football with us at a local park. Saturday A day of wildlife! Come and see the penguins at Boulder Beach, do some whale watching or go on a full day Safari! Sunday A visit to the magnificent winelands of the Cape Town area, taking in the town of Stellenbosch. Let us help you have fun! Parties, club nights and pub visits are held on a regular basis as well as going to theatres, musicals & TV shows. The city has a wide range of activities, so whatever your interests are, the EF Activities Officer is more than happy to help. We will organise anything of interest – just let us know what you would like to do. Our staff will keep you informed about what’s going on and show you the most happening places of the time.
12. Transportation Buses Cape Town has an extensive network of local public bus transport, which serves most areas of the city. These are a relatively inexpensive way to travel around. Trains Cape Town’s Metro Rail service is a popular way of getting to and from the city’s suburban districts and beaches. As well as being convenient, the line running to Simon’s Town offers more beautiful scenery than most urban networks, with the track closely following the coastline.
7
Cape Town, South Africa
13. Expectations Expectations are a normal part of anticipating a new experience. We understand that everyone has their own individual beliefs and anticipations, however we ask you to come 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. 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). 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. South African culture & living tips Dos and Don’ts You will be required to abide by national laws as well as the rules of the EF school. Violations will lead to a verbal warning and possible disciplinary action by the School Director. The following are illegal in South Africa: zD rugs (non-medicinal) zA lcohol if you are under 18 years old zB uying tobacco if you are under 16 (or buying for someone who is under 16) zS hop-lifting zD riving without insurance or a valid driving license zO ffensive weapons (including pocket knives) Please don’t break the law. If you do, you will almost certainly be sent straight home on the next available flight and you may even risk being sent to prison. Travel outside of South Africa It is strongly recommended that you apply for all types of visas required to visit surrounding African countries prior to your departure. Your Activities Staff will be able to assist you with further information once you are at the school. Appliances and electricity Remember that the mains voltage in South Africa
is 220 – 230V. You may need to bring an adaptor if you wish to use any of your own electrical appliances. South Africa uses a 15 amp round pin 3 prong plug. Tipping Tipping is customary for taxi drivers and in restaurants where no service charge is added to the bill. 15% is normally acceptable. In restaurants, bars, pubs and cafes where service is included there is no need to leave a tip. Recommended reading Rough Guide, Lonely Planet and Time Out Guide to Cape Town are all great guides for where to go, what to do, how to get around, where to stay and what to eat. Website reading ❚❚http://www.cape-town.org ❚❚http://www.capetourism.org
15. Adjusting to a New Culture The EF community is more than a group of students who have come together to learn English. It is also a multi-cultural group of young adults who are eager to share their own culture and learn the culture of their host country and fellow classmates. One’s culture is made up of values, beliefs, arts, traditions and practices of a specific community or population. Our culture affects how we view ourselves, how we relate to others and what we value as important in life. We are often unaware of how much our culture affects our lives. You may have already had some exposure to the new culture you are about to experience. You may have seen television shows, read books, or studied in school about South Africa. While some parts of this culture may already seem familiar to you, experiencing a new culture first-hand will prove exciting. You will be meeting students from all over the world who, like you, are looking forward to spending a year learning and living a language, both inside and outside the classroom. As a visitor to a new culture, you may experience periods of fatigue and discomfort when you are uncomfortable. Culture shock is what sometimes happens when we try to meet challenges of our new culture by using the values, beliefs,
8
Cape Town, South Africa
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 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: 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 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. Keeping a journal One way to keep track of emotions and changes that take place over the year is to keep a journal. By recording your experiences and feelings on a regular basis, you will be able to reduce the impact of culture shock. You will have a record of your academic and personal progress to look back on in days and years to come. Be sure to note changes in: zL anguage skills zS chool performance and involvement zC ampus/host adjustment z I ndividual learning and growth Keeping a journal will help to remind you that culture shock is truly a temporary phase of adjustment. Bring pictures and Items from home If you have room in your suitcases for some music, a costume, pictures, or some 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.
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: 9 Feb 2013 September 2012 Academic Year and Semester Program Orientation: Fri 21 Sep - Sun 23 Sep Term 1: Mon 24 Sep - Fri 14 Dec Holiday: Sat 15 Dec - Sun 6 Jan Term 2: Mon 7 Jan - Fri 8 Mar Semester Departure: 9 Mar 2013 Holiday: Sat 9 Mar - Sun 24 Mar Term 3: (Year) Mon 25 Mar - Fri 31 May Departure: 1 June 2013 January 2013 Academic Year and Semester Program Orientation: Fri 4 Jan - Sun 6 Jan Term 1: Mon 7 Jan - Fri 8 Mar Holiday: Sat 9 Mar - Sun 24 Mar Term 2: Mon 25 Mar - Fri 7 Jun Semester Departure: 8 Jun 2013 Holiday: Sat 8 Jun - Sun 16 Jun Term 3: (Year) Mon 17 Jun - Fri 16 Aug Departure: 17 Aug 2013
School holidays The EF International Language Center in Cape Town recognizes the following public holidays when there will be no classes. If your arrival falls on one of these dates, please check with the school staff upon your arrival for an exact orientation schedule. 2012 2 January - for New Year’s Day 21 March - Human Rights Day 6 April - Good Friday 9 April - Family Day 27 April - Freedom Day 1 May - Workers Day 16 June - Youth Day 9-10 August - National Women’s Day 24 September - Heritage Day 16-17 December - Day of Reconciliation 25 December - Christmas Day 26 December - Day of Goodwill
■■ 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 South Africa but you must keep it and your other documents in a safe place while you are in the country. ■■ Valid ID card - It’s a good idea to make copies of these and pack them in your suitcase just in case. ■■ Passport Photos (4) for EF student identification cards, travel cards and other possible documents ■■ Flight ticket ■■ Luggage correctly labeled
2013 1 January - New Year’s Day 21-22 March - Human Rights Day 29 March - Good Friday 1 April - Family Day 27 April - Freedom Day 1 May - Workers Day 16-17 June - Youth Day 9 August - National Women’s Day 24 September - Heritage Day 16 December - Day of Reconciliation 25 December - Christmas Day 26 December - Day of Goodwill
Important telephone numbers Homestay host’s or student residence name:
________________________________________ Homestay host’s or student residence address:
________________________________________ Homestay host’s or student residence telephone number(s):
■■ E F Confirmation letter & other EF documents ■■ M ake sure all EF forms are complete, especially the Health Certificate ■■ Medical and travel insurance documents ■■ Basic medical supplies, any medication you take regularly and a spare pair of contact lenses or glasses if you wear them. ■■ An International Driving License if you are planning on renting a car. ■■ Local currency for first week and for any learning materials that are not included in the cost of the course. ■■ Money in the form of cash and credit cards – Visa and MasterCards are highly accepted around the island. Do not bring large amount of cash in any currency. (Do NOT bring large amounts of cash in any currency!). ■■ Electric adaptor for any electrical appliances you plan to bring with you. ■■ Pencil and/or pen and notebook.
________________________________________ EF Sales Office telephone number:
■■ Items from your hometown or country so you can share your culture with friends, homestay hosts and teachers.
________________________________________ EF School telephone number:
+27 214247460 ________________________________________ EF School emergency telephone number:
Please note: there will be no classes on public holidays.
17. Checklist
+27 769050923 ________________________________________
■■ Personal sports equipment. ■■ Favorite books, photos and a camera. ■■ Homestay or student residence details and emergency numbers.