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EC Cape Town Pre-Arrival to First Day

School Number

+27 (0) 21 422 4111 (Mon-Fri,  08:00 – 18:00pm) *If line is busy, please call again

Emergency Number

(For use outside of office hours only)

+27 (0) 84 886 6342 (international) 084 886 6342 (SA) * Available for WhatsApp calls or messages ** If the line is busy or there is no answer, please keep calling

Address

EC Cape Town,
1st Floor, Aria North Wharf,
42 Hans Strijdom Avenue, Foreshore,
Cape Town 8001, South Africa

Pre-Arrival

What is EC Online? 

EC Online is a personalized study tool and powerful learning companion throughout your EC journey. It also offers information on the latest covid guidelines, information about your EC centre, accommodation and information about living in your chosen destination.

Please Complete Your Online Placement Test before Arrival

  • To help us place you in the right level when you start studying with us, you must complete your Online Placement test before you arrive at school. 
  • If you do not complete this test before your first day, you may miss some of the first day activities and/or class time as this test must be completed before you start class. 
  • The Online Placement Test focuses on Reading, Writing and Use of English (Grammar and Vocabulary) and consists of 66 questions. 
  • Your speaking level will be assessed on your first day in school.
  • For the instructions on how to complete your Online Placement Test, please click here.

When can I access EC Online? 
You will have access to EC Online as soon as you receive your booking confirmation. Start by logging in here: https://signin.ecenglish.com/student

What else must I do on EC Online before my arrival? 
  • Complete your Important Personal Details Form
  • Download Microsoft Teams
  • Complete your Needs Analysis Form
  • Complete your placement test  
  • Fill in the pre-arrival survey
  • Access a bank of study materials to start learning before you even leave home

Arrival

Arrival at Airport
I want an EC airport transfer. Can I arrive at any time?
If you have booked accommodation with EC, you are entitled to a free arrival airport transfer. You can arrive at any time to be eligible for the transfer.

What information should I give to book an airport transfer?
Please provide your flight number, arrival date and time, terminal and airport of origin a minimum of 2 weeks in advance.

Who will I meet at the airport?
You will meet an EC representative at the Arrivals Terminal. He/she will be holding a sign with the EC logo on it.

What should I do if I cannot find the EC representative?
If you cannot see the EC representative after waiting for 10 minutes, call +27 84 886 6342. The airport has complimentary wi-fi which you can use to call via WhatsApp or you can call from the Airport Information Desk on the ground floor of the main airport terminal. (Useful phrase to use: Hi, My name is (Maria Angeli). I am from (Italy). My student number is (123456). I cannot find my EC representative. I am at the information desk).

What should I do if I have missed my flight or my flight is delayed?
You should notify EC by calling +27 (0) 84 886 6342 (from the information desk or a mobile phone) to re-arrange your transfer time and avoid additional cost.(Useful phrase to use: My name is (Maria Angeli). I am from (Italy). My student number is (123456) and my flight has been changed. My new flight number is (1234) arriving at (time).

Arrival at EC Accommodation

What should I expect at my EC accommodation?
You will receive a warm, personal welcome, whether you have booked home stay or residence. All our hosts are fully briefed on how to make you feel comfortable and prepared for your first day of lessons. In our residences, an EC representative will be available at the weekend to help and answer any questions.


First Sunday Activities
What should I do on the Sunday before school starts?
There are currently no scheduled activities on offer for the first Sunday of arrival. A visit to the V&A Waterfront is recommended for the first Sunday. Students can enjoy the views and atmosphere of the Waterfront, while doing any last-minute shopping in preparation for the first school day on Monday. Alternatively, if staying in EC accommodation, join your fellow residence or homestay students for the day. During summer, a visit to one of the beautiful local beaches; Camps Bay or Clifton, is a relaxing way to start your Cape Town journey.

Your First Day at School

How can I find my way to school?
You can find this information on your EC Accommodation Profile or feel free to ask your host family or residence. Using Google Maps will help you map out your route to the school, depending on your mode of transport to get there.

What if I haven’t booked EC accommodation?
You can take a taxi or use an e-hailing service from the airport straight to your arranged accommodation.

What time should I arrive at school on the first day?
08:00

What should I bring with me?
It’s important to bring these documents with you on your first day:

  • Passport
  • Mobile phone
  • Proof of health insurance

What can I expect on my first day?
You’ll experience the best possible welcome into the EC family on your first day. Enjoy undivided staff attention in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Here’s what your first day will include:

  • Detailed schedule of the day
  • Orientation talk
  • The remainder of your placement test (speaking and writing)
  • ‘How We Learn’ – Session on how you’ll succeed with EC, including our teaching styles and methods
  • ‘Living in our City’ – Session on local sights and useful information about the area
  • Welcome tour of the school
  • Welcome activity (your first day will end at around 13:00)

What will my timetable be?
You will receive your timetable at school after the Welcome Activity. Lessons alternate between the mornings and afternoons.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens on public holidays? 
Schools do not open on public holidays, so, if Monday is a public holiday, your first day at the school will be on Tuesday. Public holidays are listed below:

2022 Public Holidays on a weekday:
21 Mar, 15 Apr, 18 Apr, 27 Apr, 02 May, 16 Jun, 09 Aug, 16 Dec, 26 Dec

What do I do if public transportation is temporarily unavailable?  
In case of bad weather, public transport strikes please check the EC Cape Town Facebook page for any important updates or call the emergency number.



All lessons are face-to-face
This is a sample timetable, times may change and are not guaranteed.

General English (20 lessons/week) : Core Classes A or B (Mon-Fri)
Intensive English (30 lessons/week) : Core Classes A or B (Mon-Fri) & Special Focus Classes (Mon-Fri)
 
Note: Students will be notified class A or B on the first day