Welcome to ourOrientation meeting

EF’s Product Variety• ... language learning and cultural exchange programs

for every age: from 7 years old (LT „kiddies“) to university, MBA...

• Truly the world’s biggest language learning organization!

• Over 400 offices and schools in over 50 countries

• 4000 employees and 20.000 teachers and field staff

International Language Schools

Language Travel

High School Year

The Host Family

Screening and Preparation

1. Application

2. Screening procedure

3. Host family preparation

4. Culture sharing

Living with your Host FamilyMutual Expectations• Be Realistic!• Share and communicate• Daily chores and house rules• Siblings• Eating habits• Religion• Be thankful to your host family

Phone and Internet Use• Don’t spend your

year on the phone or the computer!

• Respect the rules• EF Phone card

Host Families in Germany• Very family-orientated• Teenagers treated more like adults –

expected to have opinions• Meal times very important• Many host families travel a lot• Punctuality and politeness expected

EF Tip: Be thankful to your host family! Occasionally cook something, give a small gift or thank you card or invite them to the local restaurant.

Support

EF Support in Host countries

• Head office in Host country• Regional Coordinator (RC)• International Exchange Coordinator

(IEC)• Host Family

EF RCs and IECs - responsibilities

• Host family placement• School placement• Safety and support• Counseling• Orientation meetings• Regular contacts

Culture Shock

Culture Shock“The term used to describe the feeling of anxiety that results when a person moves to a completely new environment…losing all familiar signs and symbols of social interaction.”

Culture Shock - Symptoms• Sadness, loneliness, melancholy• Insomnia – desire to sleep to much or

too little• Anger, irritability, resentment,

unwillingness to interact• Lack of confidence• Longing for family and all things familiar

Culture Shock - Stages• The Honeymoon Phase- Fascinated by the new and exciting - Eurphoric feeling

• Transition- Communication difficulties- Frustration and dissatisfaction

• Final Adjustment- Integration- True understanding of new culture- Acceptance that new culture has good

and bad things to offer

Culture Shock – How to Beat It!• Keep busy – sports, hobbies etc

- Physical exercise• Talk to people – ask for help• Be patient – the process of adaptation takes

time• Learn to be constructive – be easy on yourself• Establish simple goals and evaluate your

progress• Keep in mind your initial aim – why you came

on exchange

Cultural Awareness

A New Society and YouDating• Family Introduction• Going Out• About Sex• Unwritten Rules• Reputation!

A New Society and YouSmoking and Drinking• Smoking• Alcohol• Drugs

NOTE: It is prohibited to drink alcohol while on the EF High School Year program. In addition, you will be violating state and national laws in most host countries

A New Society and YouTraveling• Traveling during you High School Year• Discovery Tours• Restrictions

The School

School in Germany• Students will be placed in grade 10, 11 or 12 based

on age, grades and German level• No school uniform• German school system very theoretical – students will

do physics, chemistry, biology, maths etc• Teachers are treated as authorities – not friends• Teachers do not spend as much time with students –

they are expected to manage their own workload• You will NOT be allowed to miss school for personal

travel.

Free Time

Free Time ActivitiesGet involved!• After school Activities• Sports• Volunteering• Church Activities• Movies, Malls, McDonald’s• Rural Areas

EF Tip: Be polite and friendly – SMILE! No swearing and remember to always speak the language of your host country!

Important to keep in mind…

Challenges and Expectations

• Ups and downs• Communication• Support and Advice

Support Network

• Office Staff, Regional Rep, Local Rep• 24-hour emergency telephone• Let us help you!

Lines of Communication

Parents

Student

Host Family

EF Office Host Country

EF Office Home Country

Local/Regional Coordinator

Before your year

Before you go…

• Student Handbook• Preparation Handbook• Monthly Mailings• Personal website online – My High School

Year• Write, e-mail or call!• Region research• Gift to host family

Departure and Airport Assistance• Departures• Airport assistance• Airlines• Limited airport assistance in Host

Country• Final Destination

Additional EF Services

Student ID-card

• Important emergency numbers• Use for identification• Always keep it in your wallet

EF Phone Card

• Low cost international calls• Convenient and secure• Free voice mail for family and friends• Will be sent to all students prior to

departure

Spending Money – Germany• Opening a savings account - if under 18

years need a copy of natural parents passport and written confirmation

• Recommend 250 Euros per month spending money

• Public transport costs between 40 and 65 Euros per month

• Most school books are free

After your year

EF Returnee Club

• Returning home• The EF Returnee Club

– Activities– Network– Job possibilities– Web site– Etc…

Have a wonderful EF High School Year