predeparture quito aya 2012
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Predeparture Quito 2012TRANSCRIPT
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 Internation-al Language Cent-
ers in the USA are accredited by:
The EF International Language Centers 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 Bourne-mouth are members of:
All EF Courses are recog-nized by Hult International
Business School.
Federation of International Youth
Travel Organizations.
Academic Year AbroadFor adults and Students aged 16 & above
EF International Language Centers
www.ef.comImportant Note: Factual information contained in this document is subject to change.
Watch a video
Or visit us atFacebook.com/EFQuito
QuitoOne of South America’s most stunning cities, Quito
offers students of Spanish an exotic experience.
Enjoy Quito’s mix of traditional and modern styles
while taking classes at EF’s contemporary, highly
individualised school.
Contact details:EF Escuela Internacional de EspañolQuito Catalina Aldaz 363 y PortugalQuito, EcuadorTel: +(593) 22 271 140
EF Quito
Section ..Topic
1 ........ Introduction to EF
2 ........ Welcome to Ecuador
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 ...... Ecuadorian culture & living tips
15 ...... Adjusting to a new culture
16 ...... EF school calendar & holidays
17 ...... Checklist
Contents - Quito
Dear Student
Welcome to the EF International School of Spanish! Your
time abroad will certainly be memorable. You will learn
and grow in many ways, as your academic experience
at EF will be coupled with a linguistic, cultural and
social experience.
Your time with us will be full of new challenges, adven-
tures and opportunities. From the time you arrive at the
airport, a new language and culture will surround you.
You will adopt a new primary language of communica-
tion as you make friends and share your own culture
with classmates, and with your new Ecuadorian friends.
Everyone here at EF is looking forward to welcoming
you to Ecuador, and we will be there to share in your
adventure and help ensure that your stay is an unforget-
table experience!
Kind regards
Isabel Reyes, School Director
EF International Language Center, Quito
3 Quito, Ecuador
2. Welcome to Quito, EcuadorQuito, the capital of Ecuador, lies beneath a
range of volcanoes that rise up into the blue
Andean sky. As the equator is just kilometres
to the north, the sun’s rays fall perpendicularly
in this region, and therefore visitors are advised
to wear sunglasses and sunscreen at the
brightest times of day. The city is on the same
site as the ancient capital of the Shyris, who
fought against the invading Incas for seventeen
years. Located on the slopes of the volcano
Pichincha, Quito was built in an architectural
setting of outstanding baroque beauty. To this
day, churches, convents, cloisters, houses and
squares are still places full of art and history.
UNESCO declared this city part of the Cultural
Heritage of Mankind in 1978.
Discovering Quito is an adventure that doesn’t
end in its historical centre. The artistic and
cultural expressions have spread northwards,
becoming one with the skyscrapers, charm-
ing scenery, theatres, cafes, handicraft shops,
parks, museums, bars and discos in the
northern modern part of the city. Ecuador is a
country that is still developing. In Quito, you will
find modern office buildings, shopping malls,
fancy restaurants, new cars, a well-developed
communication infrastructure with, but at the
same time, you will at times experience power
failures, water shortages, and problems with
telephone and fax lines. When you come to
Quito, please be flexible and be prepared to
adjust your expectations, as you will not always
have access to the same conveniences as
at home.
Country facts at a glance
❚ Area: 275.830 Km
❚ Population: approx. 12 million inhabitants,
60% located in rural areas
❚ Capital City: Quito, approx. 1.8 million inhabit-
ants. The commercial centre is Guayaquil,
with approx. 2.5 million inhabitants.
❚ Language: Official language is Spanish
Other languages: Quichua and other local
dialects.
❚ Government Organization: Republic, divided
in 21 provinces. The President, elected for a
4-year period, is the head of the government.
❚ Religion: 95% Catholic
❚ Borders: to the north, Colombia; to the
south and east, Peru; to the west, the Pacific
Ocean.
❚ Highest Mountains: Chimborazo 6310 m
Highest Volcano: Cotopaxi 5897m.
❚ Main Rivers: Napo 855 km, Pastaza 645km,
Aguarico 600 km.
❚ Islands: Galapagos
3. Weather WatchThe climate forms part of the highly original
landscape of Quito: spring-like mornings
when the sun lights up the snow on the top of
Cotopaxi, Cayambe or Antisana, and then cool,
rainy afternoons. The temperature can vary be-
tween 8°C and 20°C in a matter of hours, and
there are varying amounts of rainfall depending
on the time of year. From October to February,
you will have low temperatures, so please be
sure you bring warm clothes.
The equator runs right through Ecuador, so
most of the country is located in the tropics.
However, due to altitude differences, each
region has its own climate and vegetation. In
the Andes (where Quito is located), tempera-
tures vary from pleasant and mild to cold and
raw in its very high altitude 2,800 meters (9,000
feet). The rainy season is from October to May,
with almost daily rain showers, especially in the
afternoons. The rest of the year has less rainfall.
On the Pacific coast and throughout the jungle
to the east, the weather is warm and humid -
very different from the climate in Quito.
Average temperatures in Ecuador
❚ Guayaquil 5m/coastal
Average temperature in January: 27°C
Average temperature in July: 25°C
❚ Esmeraldas 5m/coastal
Average temperature in January: 26°C
Average temperature in June: 22°C
❚ Cuenca 2530m/mountain
Average temperature in January: 15°C
Average temperature in July: 13°C
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 Quito, Ecuador
❚ Quito 2850m
Average temperature in January: 18°C
Average temperature in July: 15°C
Temperature conversion
Celsius to Fahrenheit (15 °C x 1.8) + 32 = 59 °F
Fahrenheit to Celsius (54 °F - 32) / 1.8 = 12,2 °C
4. Travel & TransferTransfer Service
Arriving at a busy airport in a foreign city can
be confusing. For this reason, EF offers one-
way transfer service, for an additional fee, from
Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito to
your homestay or residence depending on the
time of your arrival. We 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 of arrival).
When you arrive at Quito’s Mariscal Sucre
International Airport, you will have to first go
through customs. You will then pick your lug-
gage up and go through the area where you
should look for the EF Greeter. He or she will
be wearing an EF T-shirt and/or carrying an EF
sign. If for some reason you cannot find the
EF Greeter, after 20 minutes please go to a
telephone and call the EF school office. After
office hours, call the school emergency mobile
phone. *Please note you will receive these im-
portant contact numbers before your departure
from your local EF office.
If none of the solutions above work. Take a taxi
from the airport and give them your homestay
address. The airport is in the city very close
to the school, and is in a safe area. You might
also try to call your homestay hosts.
Arriving independently
If you would like to take a taxi to the school,
follow the signs from the baggage claim area
outside to the taxi stand. Be sure to get into an
authorised yellow taxi. A taxi ride to the school
will take approx imately 10 minutes and will cost
about USD$8. The school offices are open from
9 am to 6 pm.
5. School InformationThe EF International School of Spanish can be
found in the beautiful residential part of town
in the heart of the northern and modern part
of Quito. It is 15 minutes from the old Colonial
centre and is surrounded by Quito’s largest
park where you can walk, play basketball,
tennis, soccer, or simply relax and enjoy the
mountainous scenery.
The school facilities are located in the lovely EF
building, boasting bright, modern classrooms
and a multimedia room which you can be used
outside of your class time, during specific posted
hours, simply ask the administrative staff.
Once classes are finished for the day, students
may enjoy student common areas to meet and
practice the day’s Spanish lesson with friends,
watch TV, play video games on our flat screen,
play volleyball, soccer in our soccer field or just
relax. There is also a student cafe where students
and staff can purchase refreshments and an
English school for the local Ecuadorians. You
will have the opportunity to interact with these
Ecuadorians on a daily basis in the school by
taking part in our Language Partner Programme,
Life Club activities or even by studying English
(additional cost).
EF staff
A staff consisting of an Administrative Coordi-
nator, an Academic Coordinator and qualified
teachers of Spanish as a Second Language,
assist the School Director. There is also an
Activities Coordinator who helps students with
personal travel plans and organises EF activi-
ties and excursions.
6. AcademicsThe EF academic programme gives students
the opportunity to study the Spanish language
and the Ecuadorian culture for as long and with
as much intensity as suits the student and
his or her needs. Intensive, Exam Prepara-
tion, General and Basic courses of study are
available at EF Ecuador. All students will attend
grammar, listening, speaking, reading and writ-
ing classes.
Special Interest Courses
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 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.
Attendance
It is important to note that in order to be eligi-
ble for an EF certificate, students are expected
to participate in class and must attend at least
80% of all classes.
7. Accommodation & MealsAll housing matters during your stay should
be directed to the Administrative Coordina-
tor. When you arrive at the school, you will be
asked to pay a security deposit of USD$50.
This will be refunded to you at the end of your
programme, less any charges for damages
you caused to your room or to the school, lost
keys or linens, or outstanding bills.
Homestay
Homestay accommodation is available at the
EF school, and is a wonderful way to boost
your classroom learning, by practicing your
Spanish in the evening with your Ecuador-
ian host. Unless you have paid the single
supplement and a single placement has been
confirmed to you by EF, you will be accommo-
dated in a double room with another student.
The host will wash your clothes once a week;
if you need to do laundry more frequently, you
may ask the family. You are responsible for all
transportation costs to and from the host’s
home. Your hosts will provide bed linens and
towels. Please note that you may be respon-
sible for light housework as a member of the
household and you should keep your room
clean. Generally there will be a maid to do the
major housework.
5 Quito, Ecuador
EF carefully chooses appropriate homestays
for its students and requires a long-term
commitment from hosts. Therefore, changing
hosts is considered a serious matter, and will
only be considered after speaking with the
School Director.
Student Residence
Students who have selected to live in one of
our two EF residences will experience more
independence and flexibility.
All meals will be home cooked. You will be
matched with another EF student to share a
room, or if you have paid the single supple-
ment and availability has been confirmed to
you by EF, you will be provided a single room.
There are single, double and triple bedrooms
in the residence, and each room has its own
bathroom. Rooms are furnished with a bed,
desk and chair. There is also a pool and a stu-
dent lounge in one of the residences. Smoking
is not permitted in the residence.
Meals
Students staying in homestays and in the resi-
dence will have breakfast and dinner Monday
through Friday, and three meals per day on the
weekends. Students are responsible for buying
their own lunch during the school week.
Homestay hosts will only provide your meals
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. The
cost of a typical lunch is USD$4.00. In a nice
restaurant, lunch costs between USD$8 and
USD$15.
Drinking Water
You should always drink bottled water while
in Ecuador. Tap water should be boiled for 20
minutes before drinking. Even if some bever-
ages look tempting in markets – don’t try
them. During the first days you should be care-
ful with everything you eat. Due to hygiene,
don’t drink in markets, and don’t buy food
from street vendors.
Dietary Restrictions
Rice, meat and potatoes are the most com-
mon meals in Ecuador. If you are vegetarian or
if you have special dietary requirements, you
should have already notified your sales offices
so that our Administrative Coordinator in Quito
can make the necessary arrangements with
your homestay or residence accommodation.
Culinary Specialities
Some of the Ecuadorian culinary specialties
that you may encounter during your time here
are listed below:
❚ Locro de papas – potato soup with avocado
and cheese
❚ Caldo de patas – cattle hoof soup
❚ Yahuarlocro – potato soup with blood
sausage
❚ Timbushca – meat soup with cabbage and
potato
❚ Sopa de bolas de verde – soup of plantain
balls with peas
❚ Ceviche – cold soup of different sea foods
❚ Viche – fish soup with plantain
❚ Fritada – well cooked spiced pork
❚ Empanadas de morocho – fried corn turn-
overs filled with meat
❚ Quimbolitos – sweet cake made out of maize
flour
❚ Tamal – combination of corn flour and meat
wrapped and baked in large leaves
❚ Colada morada– blackberry beverage served
during holy days
Special foods served during Easter
❚ Fanesca – thick soup of various grains & fish
❚ Seco de chivo – lamb meat stewed with
potato and rice
8. Money MattersCurrency
Ecuador has been using US dollars since June
2000. It is advisable to bring traveller’s cheques
with you and some US dollars in cash.
Spending money
We recommend that you have approximately
USD$200 in cash for expenses upon arrival,
and the rest of your spending money in travel-
ler’s cheques. These can be cashed for a fee in
Money Exchange Offices.
Depending on your lifestyle, we recommend
that you take between USD$75 and USD$100
per week in spending money or traveller’s
cheques for miscellaneous expenses not in-
cluding excursion expenses. Your spending will
depend on how much travelling, shopping and
eating in restaurants you plan to do during your
visit and on what you choose to do in your
leisure time, most students travel extensively
during their stay in Ecuador.
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
In large cities it is possible to pay with major
credit cards. Debit cash cards from major in-
ternational networks are also strongly advised.
We strongly recommend that students travel
with a Visa Card, MasterCard or Diners card.
These credit cards will enable you to rent cars,
reserve hotel rooms, and do various activi-
ties, which may be more difficult with cash
or traveller’s cheques. Please note: that at
times students have had temporary problems
6 Quito, Ecuador
withdrawing money. We therefore recommend
that you don’t leave withdrawals to the last
minute, especially when you need to pay for an
expensive trip that day.
Internationally-recognised credit card compa-
nies can arrange a transfer or advance funds
much more quickly than a normal bank wire
transfer. Such transfers and advances are
provided for a fee.
Money transfers (wire transfers)
Most students work with Banco del Pichincha
for wire transfers. It is very important that the wire
transfer is designated with a bank account num-
ber, and that your name and passport number
are listed as the beneficiary. A transfer usually
takes two to three working days to clear, but can
take a week or more. You need to check with
the bank two days after making the transfer from
your home country. Students must claim their
money within 3 days of the bank receiving the
wire. Another alternative which is more expen-
sive, but much quicker, is to use Western Union
DHL. This takes about 15 minutes to arrive.
Local bank information
Banco del Pichincha
Avenida 6 de Diciembre y Portugal Esquina
Quito, Ecuador
Telephone (++593)-2- 2452-167
Information needed to wire money
Swift Code of Banco del Pichincha PICHECEQ
Credit to: ABA Code of Banco del Pichincha
066012867
Beneficiary
Student name and Passport number
Reference: Student at EF International School
of Spanish in Quito
Catalina Aldaz N 34-267 y Portugal
Telephone: (++593 -2) 2457-289 /
2259-584/ 2465-335
Fax: 2466-833
International Banks that work with the
Pichincha Bank, Quito, Ecuador
USA: Citibank, N.Y.
Japan: The Bank of Tokyo, Ltd.
Belgium: Banque Bruxelles Lambert
France: Credit Commercial de France
Switzerland: Swiss Bank Corp
Germany: Deutsche Bank
England: National Westminster Bank
Western Union
Av. De la Republica 396 y Almagro
Tel: (++5932) 2565059/2554177
Student’s name
Student’s address and phone number in Quito
9. Telephones, fax & InternetTelephone
All international calls must be made from a
public phone using a phone card. Students
may make local calls from their homestay,
provided they are brief. Students must ask
for permission in advance to use the host or
residence telephone if they are making inter-
national calls and should reimburse the host/
residence for all calls made immediately after
the call. (These calls need to be made via the
operator to confirm the cost of the call).
Telephone bills in Ecuador are itemised by call;
each toll call will appear on your host’s bill by
date, location, telephone number called and
duration of the call. Please remember that
outgoing international calls on normal phones
from Ecuador are extremely expensive, usu-
ally more than twice the cost as an interna-
tional call from your home country to Ecuador.
However, if you go to an Internet café you can
make a phone call through Skype. Quito has a
well developed communications infrastructure;
internet service is abundant and economic.
Fax and photocopy service
Students can send faxes from the school. The
Administrative Coordinator can assist students
with sending faxes. The costs are predeter-
mined according to the destination and the time
it takes to send the fax over the phone lines:
❚ Fax to USA: USD$2
❚ Fax to Europe: USD$3
❚ Fax to Asia: USD$3.20
❚ Fax to Australia: USD$4
The Administrative Coordinator will also make
photo copies for students upon request for a fee.
❚ Copy price: 4 cents per page
Email and Internet Service
The EF School has a computer lab with Inter-
net access. Students can bring their personal
laptop to use the school’s Wi-Fi service.
10. Health Care & InsuranceThe EF staff can recommend nearby hospitals
and doctors offices if you need medical atten-
tion. For non-emergencies you will need to pay
imme diately in cash or by credit card for any
medical service; you will be reimbursed later
by your insurance company.
Medicine and immunisations
The following Immunisations are advisable:
Yellow Fever, Typhoid Fever, Malaria, Poliomy-
elitis, Tetanus, and Hepatitis. Don’t forget your
own prescription medicine. For the coastal
region and jungle, a malaria prophylaxis is advis-
able, although it is not necessary in Quito. Be-
fore your trip we recommend that you consult
your personal physician for a general check-up
and medical advice for your stay in Ecuador.
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 insur-
ance expert. The policy protects you against ex-
penses 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
provide 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 Ecuadorian culture.
Activity Programme
The EF Activities Coordinator arranges a regular
schedule of local activities, day-trips and week-
end excursions to nearby attractions. These
trips explore the different regions of Ecuador
ranging from the jungle, Highland Sierra and the
7 Quito, Ecuador
coast. The trips give the students an oppor-
tunity to develop relationships with the other
students and local Ecuadorians. Promoting
adventure and cultural exploration, these trips
are organised for all EF students, both long
and short-term. *Note: most activities depend
on a minimum number of participants.
Weekly activities
We have a regular schedule of weekly activities
that include sporting events, museum visits,
fiestas, and other activities in and around the
city. These activities are constantly changing
to suit a variety of interests. The Activities
Coordinator works together with the students
to create an exciting and dynamic schedule.
Weekend excursions
EF arranges weekend excursions and day trips
to local attractions. We encourage students to
take part in the weekend activities as they are a
great way to get to know Ecuador and practice
Spanish. The trips vary each month and will
depend on the number of students that enroll
which also affects the cost of the excursions.
Sample excursions & approximate prices
❚ One-day excursions
❚ City tour, first day (free)
❚ Visit to the equator $9
❚ Papallacta hot springs $15
❚ Full-day Otavalo 8-10 hrs $35
❚ Bike ride down Cotopaxi Volcano $35
❚ White water rafting (2-day trip) $50-75
❚ Two-day tours
❚ Mindo cloud forest $68
❚ Chilcapamba Indigenous community $70
❚ Nariz del Diablo Mountain train $35
❚ Mountain horse back riding $75
❚ Three-day or longer trips
❚ The Amazonian jungle adventure $150
❚ Cuyabeno National Park $200
❚ Montañita surfing trip $130
❚ Baños adventure trip $75
These prices are based on a minimum of five
participants. The trips typically include trans-
portation, accommodation, meals, activity
and guides.
Sport facilities The EF school is a five-minute walk to Quito’s
largest and most beautiful park, where students
can enjoy the following public sporting facilities:
❚ Tennis courts
❚ Jogging paths
❚ Soccer fields
❚ Basketball and Volleyball courts
12. TransportationPublic transportation
Public transportation to downtown Quito is
very inexpensive and convenient from the EF
school. It is a simple five-minute walk to the
bus stop on Avenida 6 de Diciembre.
Buses and Trolleys
The typical way to travel between the different
regions and within every city is by bus. They
are very inexpensive and run frequently, but
they are not always the model of comfort and
modern technology. Always pay attention to
your belongings and your surroundings. Pick
pocketing is common.
Different types of buses and trolleys that serve
Quito and the surrounding area.
❚ Bus Especial: The cost for a one way trip is
25 cents (USD).
❚ Trolley Bus: The cost for a one-way trip is 25
cents (USD)
Taxis
Taxis are also an easy and relatively inexpen-
sive way to get around. You can hail one down
in the street or phone for one. A three-mile ride
will cost you approximately USD$2.50. Prices
are higher after 8:00 p.m. when taxi metres
are not used. Remember to agree on the price
before you get into the cab at night; prices
are negotiable and if it’s too high you can hail
another cab very easily.
Trains
There are two railroad trips in Ecuador (Quito-
Ibarra-San Lorenzo and Quito-Riobamba-
Guayaquil) that make for interesting adven-
tures. Be prepared for some delays due to
the condition of the tracks - railroads can
sometimes be out of order for several days. An
adventurous recommended trip is the stretch
from Guayaquil to Alausi.
Airplane
More expensive, but the quickest way to travel
is by plane. There are daily flights between
Quito and Guayaquil.
Car rentals
Your passport and/or your credit card is
needed as a security deposit and guarantee.
Check the gas tank first, as it may be possible
that your first drive will be to the gas station!
Rental car prices will vary according to the
model of the car and the company. The follow-
ing companies rent cars:
❚ Quito: Avis, Budget, Carritos Diligentes, Dol-
lar, Expo, Hertz
❚ Guayaquil: Avis, Budget, Dollar, Ecuacars,
Hertz
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!
8 Quito, Ecuador
What you can expect from EF:
❚ Supportive staff available for guidance and
encouragement.
❚ A programme that combines language, spe-
cial 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
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. Tips for Life in EcuadorImmigration regulations
Long-term EF students need to obtain a Stu-
dent visa 12V in their home country. You should
get the visa for one year. EF and your local sales
office will help you with your application and
provide you with the documents you need.
Note: To enter the country you must have a
valid passport. You will also need to register
your visa shortly after your arrival in Quito. To
register your visa you will need to pay $14 USD
and give the immigration office two recent pho-
tos of yourself you will then be given an Ecua-
dorian ID card. Foreigners should always carry
their Ecuadorian ID card, since regular inspec-
tions are carried out along roads. Long delays
and even temporary imprisonment could occur
if you do not carry proper identification.
EF Multi-Language Year visa issues
For EF Multi-Language Year (MLY) students
please check that, if Ecuador is your second or
third destination, the visa is valid for the whole
period of your stay. Normally the start date of
your visa for Ecuador will be from the date that
you leave your home country not from the date
that you arrive in Ecuador. Even if you are here
for only six months your visa may need to be for
more time. For this reason we recommend again
that your student visa be for one year. Once you
arrive at Quito airport, remember to get your
“Entry Stamp” from the customs official.
Dress appropriately
In Quito, you can expect summer weather from
June to August. Casual and warm clothes, in-
cluding a raincoat, are needed in Quito for rest
of the year. Expect cool evenings and warm
days. You should always wear sunglasses and
sun block to protect yourself from the harsh
sunrays near the Equator, especially in the high
altitude of Quito.
Travel smart
Unfortunately, as in all countries, there are
thieves. Please be very careful with your
personal belongings.
Electrical current
110 V. 60 Hz plugs (same as in the United
States). If you are coming from Europe or Asia,
you will need to get the appropriate adaptor be-
fore travelling to Ecuador, as they are not easily
available in Quito.
Handicrafts
Ecuadorians have a very strong handicraft
tradition. In Quito, along Amazonas Avenue, the
craft stores are open daily. In other cities there is
a variety of handicraft centres. In addition, there
are several Indian Markets, such as Otavalo,
famous for their handicrafts. Don’t forget to bar-
gain, this is part of the Ecuadorian experience.
Store hours
Stores and shops are open Monday - Saturday
from 9 am to 8 pm. Some small stores close ear-
lier. Newer shopping malls and some small stores
are also open on Sundays from 10 am to 6 pm.
Time difference
Ecuador is 6 hours behind GMT (seven hours
behind Continental Europe) during April to
October and five hours behind GMT (six hours
behind Continental Europe) during the winter.
For North American students, Ecuador is on
Eastern Standard Time (EST) most of the year,
but one hour behind EST from April to October.
Airport tax
The departure tax for all international travel-
ers leaving Ecuador is USD$40.80. Be sure to
save this amount for your last day in Ecuador
to pay the tax.
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 Ecuador.
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 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
9 Quito, Ecuador
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
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 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 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
EF International Language Center in Quito rec-
ognizes 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
4-8 March - Carnival
22 April - Good Friday
1 May - Labor Day
24 May - Pichincha Battle Anniversary
10 August - Independence Day
2 November - Day of the dead
5 December - Fiestas of Quito*
6 December - Quito’s Foundation Anniversary
24 December - Christmas Eve
25 December - Christmas Day
*School will be closed at noon.
2012
1 January - New Year’s Day
11 & 12 February - Carnival
29 April - Good Friday
1 May - Labor Day
24 May - Pichincha Battle Anniversary
10 August - Independence Day
2 November - Day of the dead
5 December - Fiestas of Quito*
6 December - Quito’s Foundation Anniversary
24 December - Christmas Eve
25 December - Christmas Day
*School will be closed at noon.
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 pass-
port with you while you are in Ecuador but
you must keep it and your other docu-
ments in a safe place while you are in
the country.
■ Passport Photos (2) 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:
+(593) 22 271 140________________________________________
EF School emergency telephone number:
+593 97 097 827________________________________________