predeparture malta aya 2012
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Predeparture Malta 2012TRANSCRIPT
Academic Year AbroadFor adults and Students aged 16 & above
EF International Language Centers
www.ef.com
EF Malaga
Important Note: Factual information contained in this document is subject to change.
Accreditations and Memberships
The EF International Lan-guage Centers in London,
Cambridge, Brighton, Oxford, Manchester, Bristol
and Bournemouth are:
EF Dublin is accredited by:
The EF International Language Centers
in the USA are members of:
The EF Interna-tional Language
Centers in the USA are accredited by:
The EF International Language Cent-
ers in Sydney, Brisbane
and Perth are accredited by:
EF Nice is recognized with the Label Qual-ité Français Langue
Etrangère.
EF Vancouver and Toronto are accredited by Languages Canada.
All EF Courses are certified by Southern
New Hampshire University.
EF Education is an active participant in
the Comité Européen de Normalisation.
The EF International Language Centers
in Brisbane and Perth are mem-
bers of:
The EF International Language Centers in
Cambridge, München, Cape Town and Nice are
accredited by:
The EF International Language Centers in London, Cambridge,
Brighton, Oxford, Manchester and Bournemouth are
members of:
All EF Courses are recognized by Hult
International Business School.
Federation of International Youth
Travel Organizations.
MalagaCapital of Spain’s sun-drenched Costa del Sol,
the port city of Malaga boasts fantastic sandy
beaches, palm-fringed boulevards, an excellent
art scene, world class golf courses and the best
nightlife on the Mediterranean.
Contact details:EF Escuela Internacional de Espanol Avda. Juan Sebastian Elcano, 117-29017 Malaga ESPAÑATel: +(34) 952 29 84 81
Watch a video
Or visit us atFacebook.com/EFMalaga
Section Topic
1 ...........Introduction to EF
2 ...........Welcome to Spain
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 .........Spanish culture & living tips
15 .........Adjusting to a new culture
16 .........EF school calendar & holidays
17 .........Checklist
Contents - Malaga
Dear Student
Welcome to Malaga! You’ve made an excellent
choice in coming to study Spanish at the EF Escuela
Internacional de Español. Our team of teachers and
coordinators can’t wait to help you live and learn in
this beautiful city!
Our school is located in a beautiful Malaga villa just
two blocks from the Mediterranean Sea. On the lively
beachfront you can sample the local catch, or go for
a jog on the sand. The city centre, just 20 minutes
away by bus, offers world-class shopping, bustling
cafés, and the famous Picasso Museum, along with
other big-city attractions.
Best of all, Malaga is the capital of Spain’s Costa del Sol,
with great weather year-round. The locals are friendly
and hospitable, so you’ll be feeling en casa before long.
The staff and I look forward to seeing and meeting you
in the halls, classrooms and gardens of our school.
Hasta pronto,
Liliana López, School Director
EF International Language Center, Malaga
3 Malaga, Spain
2 Welcome to Malaga, Spain Malaga is a city of approximately 600,000
inhabitants located on Spain’s Mediterranean
Coast. The city’s sunny weather, scenic country
side and abundant beaches have long made it
a popular destination for tourists from around
the world. The city also enjoys a vibrant culture
and academic atmosphere, attracting a signifi-
cant population of international students who
wish to learn Spanish.
Malaga’s history goes back nearly 3,000 years
to its founding by the Phoenicians. The city
later experienced Roman and Arabic rule before
being reconquered by Spain’s Catholic Kings in
the 15th century. Evidence of Malaga’s diverse
past is easy to see. The Roman amphitheatre
”El Teatro Romano” and the Arabic fortress “La
Alcazaba” are two of the city’s most striking
attractions. Pablo Picasso’s house is located in
“Plaza del la Merced”, which is a popular excur-
sion destination.
3. Weather WatchThe sun shines more than 320 days a year and
the average annual temperature is about 19°
Celsius.
4. Travel & Transfer serviceTransfer service
Arriving at a busy airport in a foreign city can be
confusing. EF offers a one-way transfer service
from the airport to your accommodation for an
additional fee. We highly recommend that you
take advantage of this service.
At least one month before your arrival, you
must inform the EF Office in your home country
of the exact details of your flight (airline, flight
number, date and time).
When you arrive, after you come out of customs
look for an EF representative holding an EF sign
or a sign with your name on it. Do not exit the
airport until you have found the EF representative.
If you can’t find him/her, please call the airport
transfer emergency number which will be pro-
vided to you by your EF office prior to departure.
Delayed flights: If your flight is delayed, don’t wor-
ry, the EF representative will know beforehand.
Flight cancellations and missed flights: Please
inform the school or the EF representative
about a missed flight or cancellation and about
the new flight itinerary. Please call the airport
emergency transfer number, which will be
sent to you from your local office before your
departure.
Lost or damaged luggage: In case of lost or
damaged luggage, you will need to call the
airport transfer emergency phone (+34 610 035
004), to let the transfer service know that they
should wait for you while you make a claim at
the lost baggage claims office before you reach
customs.
Independent Arrival
It is very easy to get to the city from the airport.
There are several methods:
❚ You can take a taxi to your homestay or to
the EF Student Residence. Taxi fares from the
airport cost from to 25 to 30€.
❚ If you are travelling light, you can take the
cercanías train from the airport to the Málaga
María Zambrano train station. Trains run
every 30 minutes, with the latest one depart-
ing at 00:19; the cost is 1.30 €. From there,
a taxi to your homestay will cost between 7€
and 10 €, depending on the part of the city
your homestay is located in.
❚ There is also an airport bus (Bus #19), which
will take you downtown to the main bus sta-
tion. It leaves the airport approximately every
30 minutes from 7:05 to 24:00, and costs 1€.
5. School InformationThe EF Malaga school is located in the resi-
dential neighbourhood of Pedregalejo, running
along the Mediterranean coast. The school
building is a converted villa complete with an
enclosed garden. Among the classrooms,
lounge areas and computer labs are also the
offices of the School Director, the Director of
Studies, Housing Coordinator and Activities
Coordinator, who are all ready to assist you
1. Introduction to EFEF 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 so-cial 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 ap-ply their new language skills by taking a recognized exam. Successful completion provides the necessary language qualifi-cations 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 com-munity 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.
4 Malaga, Spain
throughout your stay.
There is a language computer lab at the
school, which you can use outside of class for
school projects during limited hours. The com-
puter lab is also available for checking email
during certain times.
Two main bus lines stop just outside the
school gates that will take you into the centre
of Malaga. Cafés, supermarkets and traditional
Spanish markets, shops of all kinds, and of
course – the Mediterranean Sea – are all within
a five-minute walk from the school.
6. AcademicsThe EF academic programme gives students the
opportunity to study the Spanish language and
the local culture for as long and with as much
intensity as suits the student and his or her needs
and wants. All students will attend grammar,
listening, speaking, reading and writing classes.
The first day of school
On your first day of school, you will be wel-
comed at 09:00 by a member of the academic
staff, and you will be given a test lasting ap-
proximately 1.5 to 2 hours. This test will allow
us to put you in the right language level. You
will also receive details about Malaga, the
study centre, and recreational activities that will
be available to you during your stay. On your
first day of class, you will receive your person-
alised study timetable.
Spanish teaching programmes
There will be General and Intensive courses
on certain set intake dates throughout the
whole year. Classes will be divided accord-
ing to levels. Our teaching staff will make sure
that you are placed at the right level. Business
and Exam courses are available to students
of an intermediate to advanced level only. All
classes are taught in Spanish. Promotions to
higher levels are based on class performance,
attendance and teachers’ comments.
Exams and tests
You will take a placement test on arrival. Your
progress is monitored through, among other
things, a bi-weekly test covering reading, writ-
ing, and comprehension.
Official Diploma de Español como Lengua
Extranjera (DELE) exams
Depending on students’ interests and levels,
we offer D.E.L.E. preparation options. There
are three levels – from Lower Intermediate to
Advanced. Exam dates are usually in May, No-
vember, and August (only in Spain.) Students
interested should contact either their local
Spanish Consulate for details or their EF office
or check the official website from the Instituto
Cervantes.
Course Certificates
At the end of your course, you will receive a
certificate. If you have stayed at the school for
four or more weeks, you will also receive an
academic record attesting to the progress you
have made. However, please note that these
certificates are only given to students who have
attended courses regularly. 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 Classes
General and Intensive courses include a number
of Special Interest options. After the initial place-
ment test, you will have the chance to specify
your preferences for special interest classes.
Some special interest classes require intermedi-
ate or advanced Spanish proficiency. Also, a
minimum number of participants are required
for each special interest class. The Director
of Studies will discuss your particular needs
and wishes with you. All General and Intensive
courses include special classes on phonetics
and additional Intensive language practice.
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 ad-
ditional books you may need more money. The
books you buy are yours to keep, write in and
take home with you for future reference.
Lessons
All lessons last 40 minutes and are always taken
in Spanish, including the beginners’ level.
Language Computer Lab
The school has a fully equipped language
computer lab, however, due to the number of
lab stations available per session, General and
Intensive students will sometimes have one ad-
ditional General Language lesson substituted
for one Language Lab lesson.
Timetable
The school’s timetable changes during the
year, depending on enrollments, students
will either have a combination of morning
and afternoon classes during their stay, or
a morning or afternoon schedule only. The
applicable schedule will be confirmed during
the orientation on the first day. The general
language study classes are taken in blocks of
two lessons.
7. Accommodation & MealsFor your comfort and safety, please observe
the following rules in either accommodation
option:
❚ The taking of drugs is strictly forbidden.
Students not respecting this rule will be sent
home immediately at their own expense.
❚ No animals are allowed in the rooms.
❚ No open flames (candles, cookers etc.) are
allowed in the rooms.
❚ No alcohol is allowed in the rooms.
Homestay Accommodation
If you are staying with one of our carefully
chosen host families, you should arrive at their
home on the Sunday before your course starts
and stay until the Saturday immediately after
your course ends. You should arrive between
17:00 and 19:00. If you cannot arrive at this
time, please inform the family or your EF office
of your arrival time, so that someone will be
there when you arrive. Any special requests
for arranging additional nights should be con-
firmed with your home office prior to departure.
Room: Generally you will share your room with
an EF student of a different nationality, allowing
you to practice Spanish outside of class. There
will be a bed, bed linens, closet space, towels
for home use. You will also have access to a
desk or table, which may be in another room
of the house.
Most homes in Spain are not air-conditioned
or centrally heated; our homestays are no
exception.
Bathroom: Please be considerate of the
5 Malaga, Spain
family’s habits when using the bathroom. In
many houses and apartments, the supply of
hot water is limited - therefore, please do not
use an excessive amount of hot water.
Laundry: Your homestay hosts will wash your
sheets and towels. However, they are not
responsible for doing your personal laundry
( some families may offer to do this for you
anyway either for free or for a small charge.)
The school will provide you with information
about launderettes that you can use near the
school upon request. Please do not wash any
clothes in the bathroom and dry them in your
bedroom. All host families have a laundry room
- please ask them where it is.
Inviting friends: Please ask your homestay
hosts before you invite friends to the their
home. Please do not expect your hosts to
serve meals to your friends.
Damages: Should you cause any damages
to your host’s property, please inform them
immediately and settle the matter directly with
them. EF acts only as a mediator between a
student and the homestay if necessary and
cannot assume responsibility for any damages
caused by you.
Telephone: Do not use your host’s telephone
without asking them first. If you want to make
a phone call to your own country, try to reverse
the charges (in Spain this is called a “llamada a
cobro revertido”) or ask your family to call. You
can also buy a pre-paid phone card or a Span-
ish SIM card if you already have a cell phone
from your home country.
Keys: You will most likely be given a key to
your host’s home. Please keep it safe. If you
lose it, you may have to pay for a new lock
which can be very expensive!
Meals: Included in your course fees are break-
fast and dinner provided by your homestay
hosts. You will have your meals, breakfast and
dinner, together with the family at their set meal
times. You are not allowed to use the kitchen
to cook. However, you can put food, water or
sodas in the refrigerator.
Lunch and dinner times are very late in Spain
compared with the rest of Europe. Lunch is
generally after 14:00 and dinner after 21:00.
Usually during school days you will have a
second breakfast at the 11:30 break in order to
keep you going until lunchtime. For lunch you
can buy a snack/sandwich. Please respect the
family’s privacy at lunchtime by eating before
returning to their home after school.
Problem solving: Should you feel unhappy with
your homestay, please try to discuss any prob-
lems with them. You may suffer from “Culture
Shock” because the Spanish may do things
differently from what you are used to at home.
However, if you have any serious problems and
are still unhappy after the first week you should
contact our EF staff who will guide you and may
find another homestay for you if necessary.
Changing homestays: Should you wish to
change your accommodation in any way
during the course you must give the EF staff
seven days notice. If you do not respect this
notice period, you may be subject to a penalty
fee.
EF Residence Accommodation
As an alternative to staying in a homestay, EF
offers the option of residence accommodation,
located in the same building as the school (class-
rooms are on the ground floor, and residences are
above on the first floor). Residence accommoda-
tion is generally in triple or quad rooms. A limited
number of singles are also available upon request
and for a supplemental fee.
EF School Malaga and the on site residence
are very beautiful, old colonial buildings from the
19th century. On the ground floor there are class-
rooms, a student lounge, cafeteria, computer
room, offices and laundry room. On the first floor
there are 11 student rooms. The school and other
areas have Wi-Fi. All bedrooms are furnished with
a bathroom, air conditioning, heater, TV, fridge
and desk. There is a another small building with
the remaining bedrooms. Gardens surround the
big house and all buildings are within five minutes
walk from the beach.
Residence deposit
On arrival at the residence you will be required
to pay a 60€ room deposit. This deposit cov-
ers such things as lost keys, damage or fines.
Any deductions from this deposit will be noti-
fied to you at the time. If there are no deduc-
tions made the whole amount will be refunded
at the end of your programme.
General advice for residence living
❚ As a typical Student Residence, it can-
not be compared to a hotel, so please do
not expect daily maid service and other
conveniences that only a hotel provide. The
big advantage is that you will find yourself
in a generally young, international, student
atmosphere.
❚ By staying at the Residence, you will share
in the daily life of the other students staying
there. Please be considerate and avoid
making unnecessary noise after 23:00. NO
GUESTS ARE ALLOWED IN ROOMS AFTER
23:00.
❚ Your accommodation includes breakfast only
6 Malaga, Spain
(no other meals).
❚ There will be an EF Resident Advisor living at
the Residence to whom you may speak to if
you have any problems during your stay.
❚ Generally, you will share a room with EF stu-
dents of other nationalities. Single rooms are
available, but their number is limited.
❚ Your room is reserved for you from Sunday
noon before your course starts through the
Saturday morning immediately following the
end of your course. Each room is furnished
simply, but comfortably, and you will have a
bed, chair, table and a closet. All rooms have
private bathroom facilities.
❚ Sheets, blankets, and towels are provided.
Towels cannot be taken to the beach or
swimming pool.
❚ Rooms will be cleaned once a week. You
are expected to make your own bed, and to
keep your room tidy.
❚ You will be responsible for any damages
caused by you to the residence or for lost
keys. You will be asked to provide a deposit
upon arrival that will be returned to you be-
fore your departure and after a room check.
❚ There is a laundry room at the residence that
may be used once per week. You will be
charged a fee of 2€ per load.
❚ Incoming calls and letters: Once you get your
room number, have your family and friends
always specify your room number.
❚ If you leave valuables in your room, please
lock them in your suitcase. You are respon-
sible for your own belongings.
Meals in the student residence
Breakfast hours in the residence are as follows:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 until 10:00.
Check with the school staff for lunch and din-
ner suggestions.
8. Money MattersCurrency
The currency in Spain is the Euro. The symbol
for this currency is €. The euro is divided into
100 cents (sometimes referred to as euro-
cents, 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 eas-
ily. Coins come in denominations of 1c, 2c, 5c,
10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2.
Spending money
We recommend that you bring about 60€ for
your first days in Spain to cover costs such as
travel to school, lunch and telephone calls.
We recommend that you bring 100-150€ for
each week you plan to stay in Spain. This
will cover lunches, laundry, travel to and from
school, and leisure activities. The amount will
vary depending on what you choose to do
in your spare time, for weekend excursions,
shopping and presents you will need more!
You will also need to take money for learning
materials used in class and for any language
proficiency exams you plan to take.
Only carry as much money as you need for
one day – remember that thieves exist every-
where in the world! The safest way to carry
money is traveller’s cheques. Many places also
accept major credit cards.
Changing money
Foreign money cannot be changed at the
school, but please ask staff where you are able
to change money or traveller’s cheques.
Credit Cards
We strongly recommend that students bring 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. Telephones, fax & InternetTelephone
On your first day of school, you will receive
instructions on how to use a payphone and how
to telephone your home country. Phone cards
are the best way to make calls from a payphone.
You can currently purchase phone cards at local
news stands and tobacconist shops (“estancos”)
in two credit values: 6€ and 12€. We remind you
that you should not use your homestay host’s
telephone to call your family, as there is no way of
checking the total cost of the call.
Fax
All EF schools use fax machines to conduct
business. You can send and receive faxes from
this machine.
Internet
Students are able to use the Internet and
check their E-mail at the school free of charge.
Usage is limited to open lab times.
10. Health Care & InsuranceWe strongly recommend that you take out a
comprehensive health insurance policy before
leaving for Malaga. An insurance policy spe-
cifically geared to cover you in case of illness
while away from your home country is available
through your local EF office. If you have any
health problems during your stay, please alert
your homestay hosts, your accommodation
manager or any staff member at the school,
they can put you in touch with a doctor.
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
Students from Austria, Iceland, Norway, Bel-
gium, Israel, Poland, Denmark, Italy, Portugal,
Finland, Liechtenstein, Sweden, France,
Luxemburg, Switzerland, Germany, Morocco,
Tunisia, Greece, Netherlands, United Kingdom,
Former Yugoslavia have a mutual health insur-
ance agreement with Spain. We recommend
that students ask their health insurance in their
home country for an E -111, -106 or -109 form.
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 avail-
able doctor. A supplementary private insurance
like Erika Travel Insurance entitles the student
to a wider choice of treatments and doctors,
health services available to them more quickly,
and preferential conditions for hospital stays.
Third party liability insurance
Please make sure that you have third party
liability insurance. Particularly for long-term
students, this is a condition for obtaining your
visa from the local authorities. 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.
7 Malaga, Spain
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 & ExcursionsExtracurricular activities contribute greatly to your
social and academic success. They not only help
you to relax after a day studying, they also pro-
vide you with an opportunity to meet and make
friends from other classes, other countries and
other cultures. Your school’s activities and trips
give you the opportunity to apply your life skills,
practice Spanish in real situations and familiarize
yourself with the Spanish culture.
Activity Programme
Malaga offers a great number of cultural and
recreational activities. Every Thursday afternoon
throughout the year there are tours that feature
the city’s heritage, organised by the Tourist
Board. Please note that most excursions and
activities require a contribution from the stu-
dents and a minimum number of participants.
Some examples:
❚ Tour of Moorish Malaga: visiting the “Al-
cazaba,” a fortified Moorish palace built
in the 11th Century, and the 14th Century
“Gibralfaro” fortification.
❚ Tour of Holy Malaga: visiting the city’s Gothic
cathedral with its magnificent interior, and the
Sanctuary of Victoria’s ancient baroque crypt.
❚ Tour of Green Malaga: visiting the historical
botanical gardens “Jardin Historico-Botanico
de la Concepcion”, an impressive collection
of tropical and Mediterranean flora.
❚ Tour of Malaga’s People: visiting the “Casa
Natal de Picasso”- Picasso’s birthplace and
the “Museo de Artes Populares”.
❚ Historic Malaga: there are Flamenco dance
classes where you can learn the typical dances
such as the “Verdiales” and the lively “Malague-
ñas”, before moving on to “Sevillanas”.
Full-day Trips
Day excursions visit such exceptional cities
as Ronda, Marbella, Puerto Banus, Córdoba,
Granada, and Seville. The average participation
fee for such excursions ranges between 30-
40€. All of this is made possible by Malaga’s
excellent location.
Two-day Excursions
For students looking to experience Spain
beyond Malaga we also offer weekend excur-
sions to places further a field such as Madrid,
Barcelona, and even Morocco! Such trips have
an average participation fee of 150-160€.
Parties
Welcome parties, farewell parties, barbecues on
the beach, paellas in the school’s garden patio
and more! Our Activities Director is dedicated
to making your time with us fun and relaxing by
planning various social events each week.
12. TransportationPublic transportation
The public transport system consists of a
network of bus lines that run frequently. There
are two bus lines (11 and 34) that stop just
outside the school’s gates every 15 minutes,
and take you to the city centre (20-25 minutes
travel time). The EF staff will inform you about
bus prices. Taxis are also an inexpensive way
of transport and are readily available.
Cars
We recommend that you do not bring your
own car to Malaga, as the city is a large tourist
destination with dense traffic and limited park-
ing. Also, foreign cars are frequently broken
into as they seem to attract the thieves.
13. ExpectationsExpectations are a normal part of a new expe-
rience. Remember that many of your expecta-
tions may have been formed by the unreal
world of TV and movies. Arrive at your course
centre with an open mind!
What you can expect from EF:
❚ Supportive staff available for guidance and
encouragement.
❚ A language programme that combines lan-
guage, special interest, and culture-oriented
classes.
❚ A full programme of local activities and excur-
sions at special EF rates.
❚ Accommodation in a homestay.
❚ All designated meals.
❚ EF Academic Year Abroad Diploma for
Academic Year Abroad students with 80%
attendance per term and good academic
standing and academic records
❚ EF Course Certificate for International Lan-
guage Students with 80% attendance and
8 Malaga, Spain
good academic standing.
❚ Preparation classes and/or materials for ap-
propriate standardised language exams
What EF expects of you:
❚ To develop a greater understanding of the
world around you.
❚ To attend at least 80% of all classes and to
do your best in class at all times.
❚ To be respectful of your homestay hosts,
your classmates, your teachers, and
your community.
❚ To keep your room and shared areas clean.
❚ To speak Spanish at all times.
❚ To abide by all laws, rules, and regulations of
your host country and school.
❚ As a representative of your country, com-
munity and school, the highest standards of
responsibility and behaviour are expected
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 transporta-
tion costs are your responsibility.
14. Spanish culture & living tips Passport and Visa Issues
You will need a valid passport. In addition,
you may need a student visa, depending on
the length of your stay. Please check with the
Spanish Embassy in your country.
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 above al-
lows 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, and cannot
be applied for through the consulate in one of
your host countries. In other words, 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.
❚ 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 coun-
try you will enter first.
To apply for a Schengen visa, you will need:
❚ To appear in person at the visa office of the
Consulate General closest to you. You must
submit the application form (available through
the consulate) stating the reason for request-
ing a visa and the expected length of stay
in the first Schengen state you will visit, and
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 par-
ticular case, which may vary depending on the
countries you intend to visit during your stay.
❚ To present to the visa office your passport
(which must be valid at least 90 days over
your expected stay), proof of residency in
your consular jurisdiction, a valid round trip
ticket for transportation, and proof of financial
means to support yourself during your stay.
You should also bring the acceptance letters
from each of the schools you will be attend-
ing 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 inquire at the time of application.
15. Adjusting to a New Culture The EF community is more than a group of
students who have come together to learn
Spanish. 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 Spain. 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 lan-
guage, 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 some-
times 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 differ-
ences 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 with-
out 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:
❚ While you might be tempted to surround
yourself with things that are familiar to you, try
9 Malaga, Spain
not to isolate yourself by being only with others
from your home country. Keep reaching out to
your host, roommates and other students.
❚ Put off making major decisions such as an
accommodation change, until you feel more
“at home” with the culture in general.
❚ 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 we can help you.
❚ 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 a goal that you will
speak Spanish at all times.
❚ Remind 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 ad-
venture. 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:
❚ Language skills
❚ School performance and involvement
❚ Campus/host adjustment
❚ Individual learning and growth
Keeping a journal will help remind you that cul-
ture shock is 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 typi-
cal 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, music from
Austria and traditional dress from France.
Please bring pictures of your friends, family
and surrounding area.
Important telephone numbers
16. EF School CalendarAcademic Year Schedule
The Academic Year is divided into three terms.
(See the applicable start date below for your
program’s specific term and break schedule).
January 2012
Academic Year and Semester Program
Orientation: Fri 6 Jan - Sun 8 Jan
Term 1: Mon 9 Jan - Fri 9 Mar
Holiday: Sat 10 Mar - Sun 25 Mar
Term 2: Mon 26 Mar - Fri 1 Jun
Semester Departure: 2 Jun 2012
Holiday: Sat 2 Jun - Sun 10 Jun
Term 3: (Year) Mon 11 Jun - Fri 17 Aug
Departure: 18 Aug 2012
April 2012
Academic Year and Semester Program
Orientation: Fri 13 Apr - Sun 15 Apr
Term 1: Mon 16 Apr - Fri 1 Jun
Holiday: Sat 2 Jun - Sun 10 Jun
Term 2: Mon 11 Jun - Fri 7 Sep
Semester Departure: 8 Sep 2012
Holiday: Sat 8 Sep - Sun 23 Sep
Term 3: (Year) Mon 24 Sep - Fri 30 Nov
Departure: 1 Dec 2012
June 2012
Academic Year and Semester Program
Orientation: Fri 8 Jun - Sun 10 Jun
Term 1: Mon 11 Jun - Fri 7 Sep
Holiday: Sat 8 Sep - Sun 23 Sep
Term 2: Mon 24 Sep - Fri 14 Dec
Semester Departure: 17 Nov 2012
Holiday: Sat 15 Dec - Sun 6 Jan
Term 3: (Year) Mon 7 Jan - Fri 8 Feb
Departure: 9 Feb 2013
September 2012
Academic Year and Semester Program
Orientation: Fri 21 Sep - Sun 23 Sep
Term 1: Mon 24 Sep - Fri 14 Dec
Holiday: Sat 15 Dec - Sun 6 Jan
Term 2: Mon 7 Jan - Fri 8 Mar
Semester Departure: 9 Mar 2013
Holiday: Sat 9 Mar - Sun 24 Mar
Term 3: (Year) Mon 25 Mar - Fri 31 May
Departure: 1 June 2013
January 2013
Academic Year and Semester Program
Orientation: Fri 4 Jan - Sun 6 Jan
Term 1: Mon 7 Jan - Fri 8 Mar
Holiday: Sat 9 Mar - Sun 24 Mar
Term 2: Mon 25 Mar - Fri 7 Jun
Semester Departure: 8 Jun 2013
Holiday: Sat 8 Jun - Sun 16 Jun
Term 3: (Year) Mon 17 Jun - Fri 16 Aug
Departure: 17 Aug 2013
Please note: there will be no classes on
public holidays.
School holidays
The EF International Language Center in Malaga
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 orien-
tation schedule.
2012
28 February – Day of Andalucia
5 April – Holy Thursday (Holy Week)
6 April – Holy Friday (Holy Week)
1 May – International Workers Day
15 August – Assumption of Mary
19 August – Patron saint of Malaga
8 September – Our Lady Victoria
12 October – Hispanic Day
1 November – All Saints
6 December – Spanish Constitution
8 December – Immaculate Conception
25 December – Christmas Day
2013
1 January – New Year’s Day
6 January – Celebration of the Biblical Magi
28 February – Day of Andalucia
28 March – Holy Thursday (Holy Week)
29 March – Holy Friday (Holy Week)
1 May – International Workers Day
15 August – Assumption of Mary
8 September – Our Lady Victoria
12 October – Hispanic Day
1 November – All Saints
6 December – Spanish Constitution
8 December – Immaculate Conception
25 December – Christmas Day
17. Checklist ■ Valid passport (with visa where neces-
sary) 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 Spain
but you must keep it and your other docu-
ments 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
■ EF Confirmation letter & other
EF documents
■ Make sure all EF forms are complete,
especially the Health Certificate
■ Medical and travel insurance documents
■ Basic medical supplies, any medication
you take regularly and a spare pair of con-
tact 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!).
■ Electric adaptor for any electrical appli-
ances 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.
■ Favorite books, photos and a camera.
■ Homestay or student residence details and emergency numbers.
Homestay host’s or student residence name:
________________________________________
Homestay host’s or student residence address:
________________________________________
Homestay host’s or student residence telephone number(s):
________________________________________
EF Sales Office telephone number:
________________________________________
EF School telephone number:
+(34) 952 29 84 81 ________________________________________
EF School emergency telephone number:
+34 680 13 5235________________________________________