Your language course

Gather all the information you need to know about studying abroad with EF –from what your first day of school will look like to what to do when you’re absent.

Your language level

Before you leave for your course destination, you’ll need to take our language test on EF Campus Connect. We’ll use your results to make sure you’re in the right class.

Your first day of school

You’ll start learning on the first day of your course, and most of our students arrive at their destination the day before it begins. Your first day will be spent getting ready for your studies ahead and meeting classmates and teachers. You’ll also receive your timetable, as well as information about your school and destination city.

Learning progress

The Passport to Learn is where younger students and teachers track learning achievements in English as well as local cultural knowledge and life skills developed. It is recommended for students to write their learning goals and mark their progress on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference). This is a book that students should be proud to take back home and show everyone.

Your timetable

Your timetable is structured based on which program you’re studying. You’ll have either 32, 26 or 20 lessons per week, each lasting for 40 minutes – mostly organized in double lessons lasting 80 minutes.

Attendance

It’s really important to attend all of your classes – but, if you’re ill or can’t make it, be sure to let the Academic Office know. If you’re ill for three days or more, you’ll need to bring a doctor’s note with you when you return to class. If you’re not sure how to get a doctor’s note, talk to the staff at your school. Please remember that we’ll have to send you a warning letter if your attendance gets close to the minimum of 80%. If you're under 18, we’ll also have to contact your parents or sponsors if your attendance continues to decline.

Changing or extending your course

The Academic Team can advise you on all the different study programs that EF offers. If you’d like to change your course or extend your stay, just come see us. We can also prepare you for official language exams in your study language (English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Mandarin, Japanese and Korean) if you reserve them in advance – and they're available at your EF Campus. Talk to your school's Academic Team to find out more about exam dates, costs and availability.