Predeparture Nice LS 2012

EF International Language Centers

Language Courses Abroad For adults and students aged 16 & above

Nice Nice is the bustling centre of the Côte d’Azur, famed for its ideal climate, glamourous lifestyle and spectacular coastline. A relaxed environment for studying French awaits you at this beautiful location near the beach.

Contact details: EF Ecole Internationale de Francais, 21 Rue Meyerbeer, 06000 Nice,France Musée Chagall Tel: +(33) 4 93 88 84 85 Nice Tennis Club

Palais des Congrès

Gare de Nice-Ville

Notre-Dame de Nice

Boulevard Victor Hugo

Galeries Lafayette

Place Massena Colline du Chateau

Musée des Beaux-Arts Hotel Negresco

Promenade des Anglais Mediterranean Sea

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EF Nice Or visit us at Facebook.com/ EFNice

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 - Nice Section Topic

1 ...........Introduction to EF 2 ...........Welcome to France 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 .........French culture & living tips 15 .........Adjusting to a new culture

Dear Student Thank you for choosing our school for your studies.

We will do our best to help you to enjoy your stay in Nice, well known as the “Queen of the Riviera�.

The city offers a great deal of activities all year round in diverse domains: cultural, social and sports events.

You will be able to visit, study French and enjoy all its leisure activities.

The school staff and I look forward to welcoming you at EF Nice.

16 .........EF school calendar & holidays 17 .........Checklist

Best wishes, Anders Ahlquist, School Director EF International Language Center, Nice

1. Introduction to EF EF Education First, welcomes students of all ages from every corner of the world to learn a language at our schools all over the world. Our innovative curriculum uses an intensively structured academic program along with an array of educational and social activities, resulting 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 many years to take advantage of this opportunity.

A large percentage of our students apply their new language skills by taking a recognized exam. Successful completion provides the necessary language qualifications for university and for professional endeavours. Many students view their time with EF as a chance to explore educational alternatives whilst honing language and study skills.

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 Nice Located in Southern Europe at the southeastern extremity of France, Nice is a privileged crossroads between the Alps, Provence, Corsica and Italy. The city occupies an exceptional natural site in the heart of the French Riviera.

Nice is the fifth largest city in France, there are 347,900 inhabitants, five miles of beaches. It is the second largest centre for tourism in France.

Nice is also the second congress and convention centre in Europe.

3. Weather Watch

Airport/city centre connections ❚❚Bus n°23: Airport/SNCF Rail station Price: 1.30 € one way, departures from T1 every 30 minutes between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. ❚❚Taxi: Day: 30-40 € / Night: 40-60 €

4. Travel & Transfer

5. School Information

EF offers a one-way transfer service from Nice International Airport to the homestay or to the EF Student Residence. We highly recommend you to take advantage of this service.

When you arrive at Nice Airport, you should look for the EF Greeter as you come out of customs. He or she will be wearing an EF T-shirt and carrying an EF sign. If you cannot find the Greeter after 30 minutes, go to the Information Desk and ask to call the emergency number, which will be given to you by your local sales office prior to your departure. Please remember that the EF Greeter doesn’t know what you look like; you are responsible for finding the person with the EF Greeter shirt.

If for some reason you change your flight, miss a connection or cannot find the greeter, don’t

Nice, France

Independent Travellers By air ❚❚Nice CA Airport is the second largest in France. 45 airlines make 82 direct connections to 27 countries worldwide.

Nice Côte d’ Azur Airport: 06281 Nice Cedex 3 Flight information: 33 (0)820 423 333

Although the city opens into the sea, Nice is protected from the wind by the surrounding hills and the Esterel Mountains to the west and the northwestern barrier of the Mercantour Alps.

Average temperatures range from 10-15°C in winter to 20-35°C in summer.

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). It is especially important that you notify EF of your arrival date and time if you are staying in a homestay so your hosts are home when you arrive.

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hesitate to call the emergency number. It is very important that we know of changes so that we can meet you at the airport.

The EF Nice school has an excellent location, as it is only a five-minute walk to the seaport or the colourful shops and open air cafés and restaurants. A very competent staff of teachers and academic director assist the School Director. Also available to assist you are a Housing Coordinator and Activities Coordinator.

Our school is air-conditioned and the school also features a quiet study lounge, a cafeteria, a language laboratory and a computer lab. There are two terraces where students can smoke. In order to help you during your stay in France, EF staff and teachers will be available to assist you when you have problems, questions or concerns.

The two computer labs can be used outside of class during limited hours to check email, do classwork or practice French lessons.

School Accrediations EF Nice has two accreditations: EAQUALS following the guidelines of the Council of Europe and the Label de Qualité Français from the french government. These two labels assure a consistently high standard of quality for all students’ language learning needs.

6. Academics The EF academic programme gives students the opportunity to study the French language and the local culture for as long and with as much intensity as suits the student and his or her needs. All students will attend grammar, listening, speaking, reading and writing classes.

Orientation On your first day of orientation, you will be tested for your knowledge of the French language.

This testing will measure your grammar and listening comprehension abilities. From the results of this testing, you will be placed into one of eight different language levels. At this time you will also receive your class schedule.

As your 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.

Attendance 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.

Special Interest Courses (SPINs) Depending on your course type you may also select a number of special interest (SPIN) classes.

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 are combined into one eighty-minute teaching period.

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.

7. Accommodation & Meals We feel that accommodation in a homestay is the best way for you to integrate into French

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Nice, France

society and make the most of your stay in Nice.

If you prefer to find your own accommodation, then your EF office can inform you of the amount that will be deducted from you total course fee. It is important that you consider your options before leaving your home country. Once you have chosen the homestay accommodation, you have committed yourself to staying with a family for the duration of your course.

Homestay Our homestays are specially selected for their friendliness and hospitality. During your program you will have a unique opportunity to share in and experience the day-to-day life of a French family. Life in France is different from life at home so you must be prepared to adapt to a different lifestyle.

Homestay accommodation is booked in advance for the entire course, requests for changes will be considered on a individual basis.

Meals Your homestay hosts will provide you with breakfast and an evening meal each day and all meals on the weekends. You are responsible for buying your own lunch during the week.

You can buy a snack for lunch or eat at one of the small restaurants close to the school.

❚❚let your hosts know if you expect to come home late ❚❚ask before you bring friends home ❚❚tell your hosts if you are going away for the weekend ❚❚spend time each day talking to your hosts ❚❚adapt to their way of life ❚❚ask before using the phone and pay for any telephone calls you make ❚❚pay for any damage you may cause to your host’s property or belongings during your stay ❚❚pay for your own transport to and from the school Student Residence Villa St Exupery The residence is open all year. We are accepting students from 17 years of age and older. It is a big house situated in a private garden in the north part of the city. There are single, twin and multiple rooms. All have en suite bathrooms and there is a common kitchen. Students are offered free Wi-Fi and cable LAN Internet Access in all rooms and lounges, free parking, night bar and a large self-service kitchen.

Please note: there is also a full board meal option available at an additional cost.

Services : ❚❚bathroom in suite ❚❚free Internet ❚❚open kitchen ❚❚equipped laundry ❚❚breakfast included ❚❚near banks and supermarkets

Since food is likely to be different from what you are used to eating at home, you should come to France prepared to sample a range of perhaps unfamiliar dishes.

Location Villa St. Exupery is located thirty minutes by bus from school, ten minutes from the train station and fifteen minutes from airport.

Tips for Homestay Living Customs and traditions in France may be very different from what you are used to at home, so remembering a few simple rules will help to make your life, as well as your host’s, a lot easier.

Please remember that you are expected to: ❚❚speak French at all times ❚❚keep your house key safe and never lend it to anyone ❚❚keep you room neat and tidy ❚❚make you bed in the morning ❚❚wash you own clothes ❚❚offer to help with a reasonable amount of the household chores ❚❚tell your hosts if you expect to miss a meal

Residence deposit On arrival at the residence you will be required to pay a €50 deposit. 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. Please note: during especially busy seasons at EF Nice you may also be placed in one of a number of other student residences of equal standard.

8. Money Matters Currency The currency in France is the Euro. The symbol

for this currency is €. The euro is divided into 100 cents (sometimes referred to as eurocents, especially when distinguishing them from other currencies).

Banknotes come in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100. They will each be a different color to allow you to tell them apart more easily. Coins come in denominations of 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2.

Spending Money We estimate that you will need about 150 Euro per week to cover the cost of activities, weekday lunches, sports, entertainment, activities and transportation between your homestay and school. The amount you need will be relative to what your choices of activities are.

You will also need to take money for learning materials used in class and for any language proficiency exams you plan to take.

Banking and Wiring Money Before you leave your home country, enquire at your own bank to find a corresponding bank in Nice so that the transfer of money can be as easy as possible. When you arrive in Nice you can then open an account at this bank and in case of emergency, your parents or sponsors can wire money to you this way. Having a local bank account is a safer way to keep your money – it is not a good idea to carry a lot of cash.

Please note: Students under 18 years old must bring an authorisation from their parents’ bank, allowing them to withdraw money in Nice.

Most banks now issue automatic teller machine cards (ATM or PIN cards), which work on internationally compatible banking networks.

Using your card at compatible cash distributors (match the network symbols from your card to those of local distributors) you can withdraw money from your account at home using a Personal Identification Number (PIN).

Withdrawals (with some exceptions) should be based on the current bank exchange rate for Euros versus your local currency, less a per transaction fee. Please enquire with your bank at home to apply for a card with a compatible network in France. Be sure to keep your PIN separate from your card, in case of loss or theft.

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Nice, France

Credit Cards We strongly recommend that students travel with either a Visa or MasterCard. Credit cards enable you to rent cars, reserve hotel rooms, and do various activities, which may be more difficult with cash or traveller’s cheques.

9. Telephone, fax & Internet Telephone service Telephone numbers in France are composed of ten numbers. When making calls to France from abroad, you must first dial the international access code, then the country code (which is ‘33’ for France) and omit the ‘0’ from the city code.

To make local calls you can use a public payphone and it will cost you the minimum of 0,30€. To call abroad you need to dial 00 plus the code for your country followed by the telephone number you wish to call. You can pay with coins or you can purchase a phone card at the school or at a “tabac” shop. They come in 7,62€ and 15,24€ denominations. You can also make phone calls from the local post office where you pay the cost of the call after you

have finished. If you make any calls from you homestay host’s telephone, you should always ask first and you should call collect (“en PCV”).

Useful telephone numbers Emergency numbers ❚❚Police: 17 ❚❚Ambulance: 18 ❚❚SAMU Ambulance: 04.93.92.55.55 ❚❚Hospital St Roch: 04.92.03.33.33 ❚❚Anti Poison Centre: 04.91.75.25.25 (Marseille) ❚❚S.O.S. Doctors: 04.93.85.01.01 Other numbers: ❚❚SNCF Lost Luggage: 04.92.00.40.50 ❚❚City Lost and Found: 04.93.96.60.59 ❚❚Nice Airport: 0 820 423 333 Fax The EF school has a fax machine used to conduct business. You are permitted to send and receive faxes from this machine. The following fees will apply to use the EF fax machine. ❚❚To send: Five Euro per page

❚❚To receive: The first two pages are free, one Euro per page for each additional page.

Public fax machines can also be found in local copy shops, post offices, etc.

Internet Access The school has a computer lab complete with Internet access. You will have access to the student computers for language learning and on some occasions you might use the computers with your teacher during class time.

Students will also have access to the computers outside of the class timetable; a schedule of open hours will be available at the school.

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 French in real situations and familiarize yourself with the French culture.

Activity Programme You will have the chance to take part in a programme of sports, activities and excursions.

They are organised by the activity leader at minimum cost to the student.

Even students from the above countries should consider purchasing a supplementary insurance, since this mutual agreement covers them only for basic treatment by the first available doctor. A supplementary private insurance like Erika Travel Insurance (see section on EF recommended insurance) entitles the student

Sample sports activities ❚❚Winter sports: The French Riviera is not only famous for its coastline, the nearby mountain villages and ski resorts have gained popularity over the years. Peaks reaching over 3000 meters in altitude are only 100 km from Nice.

an appropriate medical facility. EF requires that all students be insured upon starting their programme of study, if not, students will be required to purchase the EF recommended Erika Travel Insurance. Students should take into consideration that they have to pay for their visits to the doctor, it can range from 30€ to 50€ (even if one has insurance), this can then be refunded later on by making an insurance claim.

to a wider choice of treatments and doctors, health services available to them more quickly, and preferential conditions for hospital stays.

❚❚Outdoor activities abound: Enjoy the beautiful scenery through hiking, trekking, canyonning or para gliding.

Third Party Liability Insurance Please make sure that you have third party liability insurance. Particularly for longer-term students, this is a condition for obtaining your Visa from the local authorities.

We strongly recommend that you take out a comprehensive health insurance policy before leaving for Nce. An insurance policy specifically geared to cover you in case of illness while away from your home country is available through your EF office. Regardless of which insurance provider you subscribe to, we recommend that you bring a translation in either French or English of your proof of coverage or your policy details in order to avoid any confusion about your coverage during your stay. If you have any health problems during your stay, please alert your homestay hosts, your EF Resident Advisor, or the EF staff at the school, any of whom can put you in touch with a doctor.

Please inquire with your EF office prior to departure, as this type of coverage may already be included in your policy, if you have purchased student travel insurance through EF.

Fun in and around Nice Nice is located in the heart of one of the most popular tourist regions in the world. This central location is ideal for discovering the region.

Discover Antibes with the Picasso Museum, Beaulieu with the Greek Villa Kerylos, Biot with its glassworks, Cagnes/Mer with the Renoir Museum.

10. Health Care & Insurance The EF staff is happy to assist you in finding

If you do have to see a doctor during your stay, you should: ❚❚Keep copies of all bills ❚❚Keep all prescriptions ❚❚Fill out an EF Insurance Claim Form if you have purchased Erika Travel Insurance (forms available upon request at the school).

Mutual Health Insurance Agreement The below countries have a mutual health

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insurance agreements with France. We recommend that students ask their health insurance in their home country for an E-111, E-106 or E-109 form. ❚❚Austria, Israel, Poland, Belgium, Italy, Portugal, Denmark, Liechtenstein, Spain, Finland, Luxemburg, Sweden, Germany, Morocco, Switzerland, Greece, The Netherlands, Tunisia, Iceland, Norway, United Kingdom and former Yugoslavia

Nice, France

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

Sample activities: ❚❚Monaco: 25€ ❚❚St. Paul: 16€ ❚❚Cannes: 15€ ❚❚Antibes: 17€ ❚❚Weekend to Paris or Italy: 350€ to 450€ ❚❚Water sports: 17€ to 30€

12. Transportation Public Transportation The public transportation system is very dense and provides connections to all parts of the city.

For further information on the buses and their schedules, please ask our activity coordinator, who will give you map and guide to help you.

Sample of rates ❚❚Pass one day: 4 € ❚❚Pass 10 tickets: 10 € ❚❚Pass seven days: 15 € Noctambus service Departures every 30’ from Plasse Masséna from

9:10 pm on week days and 8:10 pm Sundays and bank holidays. Service until 01:10 am.

Taxis It is sometimes necessary to take taxis in the night. We encourage students to share taxis to help keep the cost down. Taxi rides to most homestays from downtown cost between 20€ and 30€.

Car rentals The approximate cost for renting a car per day is 35€.

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 French at all times. zT o abide by all laws, rules and regulations of your host country, state, campus and school.

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Nice, France

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. Tips for Life in France Passport/Visa Duration of stay between three months and a year: Citizens of EU countries do not require visas. Students from outside the EU staying three months or more, should obtain a “longue durée” visa prior to arrival. Please check with your French Embassy regarding the exact formalities necessary. You will also have to provide the following documents upon arrival: Students from outside the EU: In addition to the “longue durée” visa obtained prior to your arrival, you will need: a copy of your passport, three black and white photographs, a copy of school diplomas (officially translated into French), birth certificate, bank statement/proof of funds, health insurance (all officially translated into French) and the school’s admission letter.

Once you have applied for the Carte de Séjour and provided all the necessary documents, you will receive from the local authorities a temporary permit which will allow you to travel (called a “demande de Carte de Séjour”). Additionally, after about 1-2 months, non-EU students will need to go for a routine medical visit, and then afterwards will receive the Carte de Séjour which

will be attached in their passport. The mandatory medical visit costs 55€. The entire process normally takes a few months to complete.

The Schengen Visa Very important for non-EU students on the Multi-Language Year Programme or any non-EU students intending to travel after their programme in the Schengen states. The following European Countries participate in the Schengen programme: Austria, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxemburg, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and The Netherlands.

If applicable, a Schengen Visa issued by a Consulate of the Countries mentioned allows the holder to travel freely in these Countries.

For any non-EU students who are not normally required to hold a visa for individual stays of up to 90 days in one Schengen Country, but who will be staying for a consecutive period of more than 90 days in the Schengen Countries collectively, either a Schengen visa or a valid visa from each of the countries to be visited is required.

In either case, the visa application(s) must be completed before you leave your home country, you will not be eligible to apply for a visa from outside your home country and would need to return home in order to obtain the appropriate visa in person. ❚❚If you intend to visit only one Schengen Country, you must apply at the Consulate of that specific Country. ❚❚If you intend to visit several Schengen Coun-

tries, you must apply at the Consulate of the Country, which is your main destination or the Country where you will be staying longer. ❚❚If you intend to visit several Schengen Countries, but do not have a main destination or you will be staying the same amount of time in each of them, you must apply at the Consulate of the Country you will enter first. ❚❚If you do not need a visa for the Schengen Country which is your main destination, please note that a visa may be required for other Schengen Countries. You should then apply for a visa at the Consulate of the Country you will enter first.

To apply for a Schengen visa, you will need: ❚❚To appear in person at the Visa Office of the Consulate closest to you. You must submit the application form filled out completely stating the reason for requesting a visa and the expected length of stay in the first Schengen state you will visit as well as a recent passport-size photograph. Please inquire with your local consulate to see if more than one copy of the application form, or multiple photos will be necessary in your particular case, which may vary depending on the countries you intend to visit during your stay. ❚❚ To present your passport (which must be valid at least 90 days over your expected stay), proof of residency in your jurisdiction, a valid round trip ticket for transportation, and proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay to the Visa Office. You should also bring the acceptance letters from each of the schools you will be attending in the Schengen Countries, specifying dates of attendance. If you will be travelling to another destination following your stay in the Schengen Countries for which you are required to hold a separate visa, you will also need to present this visa when applying for your Schengen visa. Further documentation may be requested from you by the Consulate, particular to your application. Fees will vary; please enquire at time of application.

Appliances Electric outlets in France have a 220 voltage and use round two-pin plugs.

Mail Post offices are usually open weekdays from 8.00 to 18.00 and Saturday from 8.00 to 12.00. Post offices are always closed on national holidays.

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Nice, France

Tipping Five to ten percent in restaurants if the waiters have been nice and patient. Tipping is not compulsory, even if some waiters might try to tell you otherwise. A 15% service fee is automatically added to the bill in all restaurants. You can’t avoid it, but you are advised to check that it has been accurately calculated.

15. Adjusting to a New Culture The EF community is more than a group of students who have come together to learn French. 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 France. 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, 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.

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.

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 French 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 from Mexico. Please bring pictures of your friends, family and surrounding area.

16. EF school calendar & holidays

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 France but you must keep it and your other documents in a safe place while you are in the country.

School holidays The EF International Language Center in Nice 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 1 January - New Year’s Day 9 April - Easter Monday 1 May - Labour Day 8 May - Victoire de 1945 17 May - Ascension Day 28 May - Whit Monday 14 July - National Day 15 August - Assumption 1 November - All Saint’s Day 25 December - First Day of Christmas 26 December - Second Day of Christmas

■■ 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

2013 1 January - New Year’s Day 1 April - Easter Monday 1 May - Labour Day 8 May - Victoire de 1945 9 May - Ascension Day 20 May - Whit Monda 14 July - National Day 15 August - Assumption 1 November - All Saint’s Day 25 December - First Day of Christmas 26 December - Second Day of Christmas

Checklist

■■ 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 an ATM card (Automatic Transaction Card), credit cards and/or traveler’s checks (Do NOT bring large amounts of cash in any currency!).

Important telephone numbers Homestay host’s or student residence name:

Additional notes or numbers:

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

Homestay host’s or student residence address:

Homestay host’s or student residence address

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

Homestay host’s or student residence telephone number(s):

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.

■■ Items from your hometown or country so you can share your culture with friends, homestay hosts and teachers.

■■ Personal sports equipment.

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EF Sales Office telephone number:

EF Sales Office telephone number

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

EF School telephone number:

EF School telephone number

+(33) 4 93 88 84 85 _________________________________________

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EF School emergency telephone number:

EF School emergency telephone number

+33 6 87 22 64 45 _________________________________________

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■■ Favorite books, photos and a camera.

■■ Homestay or student residence details and emergency numbers.