EF International Language Centers
Academic Year Abroad For adults and Students aged 16 & above
Vancouver The 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 Street Vancouver, BC V6Z 1L3, Canada Tel: +(1) 604 633 0505
Watch a video
Or visit us at Facebook.com/ EFVancouver
EF Vancouver
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 - Vancouver Section....... Topic
Dear Student
1 .............Introduction to EF
Welcome to Canada and EF International Language Cen-
2 .............Welcome to Canada
ter, Vancouver, which is located on lively Granville Street
3 .............Weather watch
ing you stay here we would like to take the opportunity to
4 .............Travel & transfer service 5 .............School information
right in the downtown area of this cosmopolitan city. Durshow 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
6 .............Academics
cities and it has a nice mild climate, never too hot or too
7 .............Accommodation & meals
capped mountains on the Pacific Coast. Depending on
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
cold and is spectacularly situated at the foot of snowthe 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
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.
3
Vancouver, Canada
2. Welcome to Vancouver, Canada Vancouver, the third largest city in Canada (population 2 million), offers an exhilarating contrast 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 walking distance or easily accessible by bus. There is definitely something for everyone. Local attractions include: zC anada Place: houses the World Trade Centre, Vancouver Trade & Convention Centre, and the Canadian National (CN) Imax Theatre. zS tanley 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. zH istoric Gastown Area: home to a variety of unique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and the famous steam clock. zR obson Street: lively corridor of ultra-fashionable boutiques and cafés (great place for people watching!) zG rouse 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. zW histler Resort: a skier’s paradise – a scenic two-hour drive from Vancouver (also accessible 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. zB C Place Stadium: home to the Canucks, Vancouver’s famous hockey team. zS cience 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 presence 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 Watch Vancouver 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 service Transfer 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 accommodation for an additional fee. We recommend 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, e.g. airline, flight number, date and time – this is especially important 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 luggage (including your carry-on baggage) indicating 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 International 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 representative paged (called out over the loudspeakers) and wait by the information desk. In case your flight is changed, you miss a connection, 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 service, 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
4
Vancouver, Canada
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 Information Located in the trendy Tom Lee Music Building in the heart of Vancouver’s downtown entertainment district, the EF school is just a 5-minute 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. 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. 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 development 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 student may not be able to repeat the same SPIN class. Each lesson is 40 minutes in length. Class size The average class size is 15 students with a maximum of 17 students. 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. 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 Authorities. Consequently, students with low attendance 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 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. 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 examinations 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 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.
5
Vancouver, Canada
7. Accommodation & Meals Homestay living and student residence accommodations 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 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 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 learning 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 commitments. 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 selected 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
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.
6
Vancouver, Canada
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 breakfast 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 Matters Currency 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 denominations (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 traveler’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, shopping 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 & 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 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.
10. Health Care & Insurance The EF staff can recommend nearby hospitals 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 identification (i.e. passport) and your insurance card with you. Walk-in medical clinics are for medical 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 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 tailormade 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
7
Vancouver, Canada
to do is deal with such issues. Let us help you!
11. Activities & Excursions Extracurricular activities contribute greatly to your social and academic success. Your school’s activities and trips give you the opportunity 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 traveler’s cheques. Credit cards are not accepted. Some of these excursions will only run if a certain 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: zV ictoria, B.C. (day trip by ferry) CAN$109.00 zW histler Resort (hiking, shopping) CAN$85.00 zS eattle (day trip) CAN$100.00 zG rouse Mountain Skyride, Capilano and Suspension Bridge (summer only) CAN$30 zV ancouver Aquarium and Stanley Park Zoo (summer only) CAN$30 zW hite water rafting (summer only) CAN$ 120-$450 zW histler / Blackcomb Mountains ski weekend CAN$400 zW hale watching (1 night hotel, 4 hours watching, summer only) CAN$250 zC anadian 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 downtown Vancouver area, as well as in homestay neighborhoods. Membership fees and transportation are your responsibility. There are often 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
attractions. Most of them are all accessible by transit bus from downtown Vancouver.
12. Transportation Public 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: zo ne-way ticket, depending on zone CAN$2-$4 zd ay pass (unlimited use for 24 hours) CAN$7 zb ook of 20 tickets CAN$15-$30 zm onthly 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 American 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 arrangements 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 extensive and reliable and offers easy access to and from the downtown area, so we strongly recommend that you use it.
8
Vancouver, Canada
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. Expectations 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 center 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. Canadian culture & living tips Safety Canada is a very clean and safe country. However, 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.
Mail 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 identification, such as your passport. These rules also apply to purchasing alcohol at a liquor store. z I n British Columbia (Vancouver), you must be 19 years of age or older. z I n Quebec, you must be 18 years of age or older. z I n 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 applies 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.
9
Vancouver, Canada
Recommended reading zL et’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-cultural 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 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 North America. 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 without 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.
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 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:
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
Sat 8 Jun - Sun 16 Jun Mon 17 Jun - Fri 16 Aug 17 Aug 2013
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 passport with you while you are in the Canada 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. ■■ Immunization documents with a copy of them in English ■■ Basic medical supplies, any medication you take regularly and a spare pair of contact lenses or glasses if you wear them.
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: Term 3: (Year) Departure:
School holidays EF International Language Centers in Vancouver 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.
Important telephone numbers Homestay host’s or student residence name:
________________________________________ Homestay host’s or student residence address:
■■ 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!).
________________________________________ Homestay host’s or student residence telephone number(s):
■■ Electric adaptor for any electrical appliances you plan to bring with you.
________________________________________
■■ Pencil and/or pen and notebook.
EF Sales Office telephone number:
________________________________________ EF School telephone number:
■■ Items from your hometown or country so you can share your culture with friends, homestay hosts and teachers. ■■ Personal sports equipment.
+(1) 604 633 0505
Please note: there will be no classes on public holidays.
________________________________________
■■ Favorite books, photos and a camera.
EF School emergency telephone number:
■■ Homestay or student residence details and emergency numbers.
+1 604 889 0608 ________________________________________