International Language Campuses
EF Chicago
122 South Michigan Avenue, Suite 1650 Chicago, IL 60603
Northwestern University
Phone: +(1) 312 662 1510 Emergency Phone: +(1) 312 363 8496
Amusement Park
Atrium Mall
The Bean
Chicago Theatre
EF Chicago
Union Station Lou Mitchell’s
Auditorium Theatre
New Maxwell Street Market
Adam’s Park
Art Institute of Chicago
Willis Tower
Buddy Guy’s Legends
Roosevelt University Buckingham Fountain
Central Station
Lake Michigan
Shedd Aquarium Adler Planetarium
Welcome to Chicago Dear student,
Essential information
Thank you for choosing to study at the EF International Language Campus in Chicago.
-- The minimum age for drinking alcohol and entering nightclubs is 21 years old.
The entire Chicago staff looks forward to meeting and helping you settle into your new home. The academic and friendly atmosphere of the campus-style residence, along with the liveliness and cosmopolitan feel of the city, will serve to make your stay here unique!
-- You can’t buy tobacco if you’re under 21 (or buy it for someone who is under 21).
While in Chicago, enjoy shopping along the Magnificent Mile, lakeside fun during warm months, a great selection of museums and we hope you will take advantage of the theater, architecture and music opportunities throughout the city. In addition to activities at the school and in and around Chicago, each week, our Activities Coordinator will plan a program of activities for you. These are designed to let you see even more and may include a weekend trip to St. Louis, Minneapolis or Canada.
-- You can drive only if you have a valid driving license and insurance.
We can’t wait to introduce you to the many wonders of our city and look forward to welcoming you to the United States.
Michigan Avenue Immediate Care 180 N. Michigan Avenue, #1605 Chicago, IL 60601 312-201-1234
Get ready for the experience of a lifetime! Best wishes, Jennifer Smith, School Director EF International Language Campus, Chicago
Visa information
-- Smoking isn’t allowed in any public, enclosed and semi-enclosed spaces. -- Using, buying or selling any non-medicinal drugs is illegal.
-- You’ll need an adaptor suitable for mains voltage of 120V - 60Hz if you want to use electrical items from your home country. -- You should leave a tip of 10% for taxi drivers and 18-20% in restaurants where no service charge is added to the bill.
Healthcare
CVS Minute Clinic 137 S. State St Chicago, IL 60603 312-609-1215 Find out more at: www.cityofchicago.org/health
Contact your local EF Office for visa details.
Insurance Medical and accident insurance is mandatory. Erika Insurance Ltd. offers travel coverage tailor-made for EF. It includes medical costs, medicine, theft, travel delay, liability and refunded course fee if you interrupt the program due to illness or accident. Your school staff knows how Erika works and can help you.
In an emergency Dial 911 for Police 118 for ambulance and 115 for Fire service
Money matters
What’s the cost?
The dollar is the basic monetary unit in the U.S. 1 dollar = 100 cents 1 cent = $0.01 “penny” (100 pennies = $1) 5 cents = $0.05 “nickel” (20 nickels = $1) 10 cents = $0.10 “dime” (10 dimes = $1) 25 cents = $0.25 “quarter” (4 quarters = $1)
$5
Paper currency comes in denominations (values) of $1, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. All the paper currency is the same size and color, so be careful when you pay!
$5
Getting around Chicago and the surrounding area are served by an excellent public transportation system (the “CTA”). The nearest CTA stations to the course center are Adams & Wabash (brown, green, purple, orange lines) and Monroe (red, blue lines). The Metra Commuter Train is another convenient option.
$3
$2.25
Important dates 2018 January 1st:
New Year’s Day
February 19th:
Presidents’ Day
May 28th:
Memorial Day
September 3rd:
Labor Day
November 22nd & 23rd:
Thanksgiving Days
December 25th:
Christmas Day
Please note that EFChicago is closed for the above public holidays. Students will not have lessons on these days.
$1.50
Weather watch Temperatures in Chicago range from: Spring
9° to 22°C (48° to 72°F)
Summer
24° to 32°C (75° to 90°F)
Autumn
5° to 19°C (41° to 66°F)
Winter
-15° to 8°C (5° to 46°F)
Things to remember This contact information will come in handy during your stay. Be sure to fill it all in before you leave for your adventure abroad. My local EF office Address:
Phone: E-mail: Skype:
How to get here With an EF transfer EF offers a one-way transfer service from O’Hare or Midway Airports to your residence or homestay for an additional fee. Students who have booked an airport transfer will be met at the airport by an EF Greeter. Those arriving at the international terminal number 5, will be greeted at the McDonalds, while students who arrive at a domestic terminal, will be greeted at the baggage claim area.
You can find the following information on My EF.
On your own
My transfer service
I f you are arriving on your own, please arrive at either your homestay or residence after 8 a.m. on Sunday. You will need to book an extra night if you plan on arriving prior to 8 a.m. We discourage late evening arrivals so that you can be greeted and receive a complete orientation to your new home. Please keep in mind that class starts at 8:30 on Monday and we want you to be fully rested for your first day at EF Chicago. If you would like to take a taxi, follow the signs from the baggage claim area outside to the taxi stand.
Address:
Phone number: Emergency phone number: My accommodation Address:
Phone: My EF Username: Password:
Notes
EF Chicago