8
 Welcome CONTENTS  Welcome to Embassy San Francisco! This guide is designed to help you make the most of your chosen English course. Please keep it safe so that you can refer back for information. Our centre is located in a unique, flat-iron bui lding dating from 1903 . We are in the heart of downtown San Francisco a one-minute walk from Union Square which is famous for restaurants, shops, cinemas and local entertainment. During your stay, you should take advantage of the proximity t o places like Yosemite National Park, Grand Canyon, Los Angeles and Las Vegas there are many very attractive Social  Activities and Tours. The school offers facilities such as; a student lounge with a foosball table, a computer centre with Lap Top and free Wireless internet access. There is also a quiet area for self-study. The reception and administrative areas are at the school entrance. We hope you have more f un than you could imagine and share wonderful experiences with new friends that you will never forget. With every good wish for your success 2 Arriving in America 3 Map 4 A note for parents and guardians 5 What to pack 6 Your first day 7 Living in America 8 Social Activities 1460 Pine Street San Francisco CA 94109 United States T+1 (415) 447-9014 F+1 (415) 447-90124 Emergency 1-888-881-5415 US: San Francisco

San Francisco Embassy Pre Arrival

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: San Francisco Embassy Pre Arrival

8/13/2019 San Francisco Embassy Pre Arrival

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/san-francisco-embassy-pre-arrival 1/8

Page 2: San Francisco Embassy Pre Arrival

8/13/2019 San Francisco Embassy Pre Arrival

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/san-francisco-embassy-pre-arrival 2/8

 

2 embassyces.com

If you HAVE booked a transferIf you HAVE booked a taxi/airport transfer, a

representative driver from Embassy will be waiting for

you in the airport arrivals hall, carrying a sign with your

family name on it. They will take you to the school

residence or host family.

If you have not booked a transfer but would

like to, please get in contact with your Student

Enrolment Advisor. 

What to do if you cannot find your transfer

It is really unlikely that you cannot find the

representative, but if it happens go to the airport

information desk and ask the staff there to make an

announcement. Give your name and the name of the

Embassy School. Stay at the information desk so the

representative can find you.

If after some time, you still cannot find the

representative, please do not panic. Just ring the 24

hour emergency number which can be found on the

front page of this document and someone there will beable to help you.

If you have booked a transfer, the Embassy

representative will know the address you are going to

and will have been paid in advance. DO NOT get into a

taxi with someone who doesn‟t know where you are

going, or asks you for money. If you are uncertain the

helpdesk in the airport will be able to advise you.

If you HAVE NOT booked a transferSan Francisco International Airport is approximately

30 minutes from the Embassy Centre and the heart of

the city. There are many ways to get into the city from

the airport.

Taxi

Taxis are at the upper level of all San Francisco

International airport terminals. At Oakland International

airport taxis are at each terminal exit.

BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)

BART offers fast, comfortable trains from both San

Francisco and Oakland airports. Trains from San

Francisco airport depart from the International terminal

to downtown San Francisco. From Oakland Airport, take

the shuttle bus outside each terminal‟s main exit. The

shuttle bus will take you to the Oakland BART station &

then BART into downtown San Francisco.

Shared shuttle vans

 A door to door service from airport to any destination in

the San Francisco area. Companies such as “SuperShuttle” or “Yellow Airporter” are at the upper level of all

San Francisco airport terminals. At Oakland airport they

are outside each terminal exit.

Bus

Reliable bus services are provided at both airports.

Please ask at the airport Information desk for the bus

company suitable for your destination.

“MUNI” (Municipal Railway) 

 – Bus, trolley, tram, street car, cable car

San Francisco‟s public transportation is a bargain! It

operates 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. For

information on routes, schedules and to obtain maps

and brochures phone (415) 673-6864.

 Arriving

in America

Page 3: San Francisco Embassy Pre Arrival

8/13/2019 San Francisco Embassy Pre Arrival

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/san-francisco-embassy-pre-arrival 3/8

 

3 embassyces.com

Travel in San Francisco

Find timetables and further information for

the San Francisco bus service.

• Transit.511.org

• maps.google.com/

• Nextmuni.com

• Yelp.com

Map

Got a

Smartphone?Just scan this QR code see

this Google map on your

Page 4: San Francisco Embassy Pre Arrival

8/13/2019 San Francisco Embassy Pre Arrival

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/san-francisco-embassy-pre-arrival 4/8

 

4

Cut me out and keep me safeThis card sized info sheet is for students to keep in their purse or wallet in case of emergency.

embassyces.com

Dear parents and guardians, for your peace of mind you will find below all the useful contact

details you will need should you want to get in touch or in the unlikely event of an emergency.

This page is for you to keep as all these details will be handed out to the students again when

they arrive at the school.

School contact

Address 1460 Pine Street, San Francisco, CA 94109

Reception +1 (415) 447-9014

Fax +1 (415) 447-9024

24 hour Emergency number  

Within US: 1-888-881-5415

From outside the US: 1-610-906-3462

www.embassyces.com 

Airport numbersSan Francisco International Airport +1 (650) 821-8211

The official airport site has a useful feature that will

provide a map of the airport showing your terminal.

http://www.flysfo.com/

Useful telephone numbers

Suggested travel doctor:415-981-1102

Dr. Savage

490 Post Street, Suite 225

San Francisco, CA 94108

PostIf you wish to send post, you can use the schools

address with the student‟s name. The school Reception

desk will ensure they receive post safely.

Embassy Fort Lauderdale

Address

1460 Pine Street, San Francisco, CA 94109

Reception

+1 (415) 447-9014Emergency number

Within US: 1-888-881-5415

From outside the US: 1-610-906-3462

Emergency number

(Police, Fire, Ambulance) 911

 A note for parents

& guardians

Page 5: San Francisco Embassy Pre Arrival

8/13/2019 San Francisco Embassy Pre Arrival

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/san-francisco-embassy-pre-arrival 5/8

 

5embassyces.com

The following things are an indication

of what else you should bringClothing

 At school most students dress casually for class and bring clothes for

evenings out, meals and social events. In some destinations students

can enjoy local sporting activities that require special clothing. Be sure

to check the forecast and acquire a rough estimate for the duration of

your stay to ensure you pack everything you need.

Toiletries

Pack your toothbrush, tooth paste, shampoo and conditioner just as

you would for a holiday.

Stationary

You will be supplied with all books and course materials for your

studies but in most classes you will need a pen and some paper to

take notes.

Electrical appliances

The standard voltage in the US is 110 volts/ 60 hurtz; if you bring

appliances such as hair dryers you will need US adaptors. Also if you

choose to bring your laptop there is Wi-Fi in all our schools and

residence.

Prescription medication

We advise that if you have any prescriptions you make sure you pack a

sufficient amount for your stay; and pack it carefully in the original

packaging in case you are asked questions in customs on your arrival

or departure.

Emergency information

 Always keep important numbers and contact details written down in

your purse or wallet as well as on your mobile phone. A credit card

sized cut out of important numbers can be found in this pack.

Hand luggageWe recommend you pack the

following in your carry-on luggage

as you will need these things on

your journey:

• Passport

• Student Visa

• Medical Insurance documents

• Travel Insurance documents• Money

What to pack

Page 6: San Francisco Embassy Pre Arrival

8/13/2019 San Francisco Embassy Pre Arrival

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/san-francisco-embassy-pre-arrival 6/8

 

6embassyces.com

What to expect from

your first day at schoolOn your first day of school you will begin at 8.45 am,

starting with your initial exam. This test will measure

your English abilities and insure you are in a class with

people on a similar level of English as you. After the test

you will have a short break then an assembly

introducing you to life at the school. Topics usually

covered are:

• Medical, dental and other support services

•  Advice on opening bank accounts

• School rules

• Library facilities

• Computer facilities

• Study care insurance information

• Introduction to the staff at Embassy

• Getting to know your fellow students

•  Activities Program

Feel free to stay and have your lunch at the school so

that you can meet other students. Many students bringtheir lunch and eat in the student lounge, whereas some

students choose to leave the school for the lunch break.

Be sure to check the Social Calendar for upcoming

activities, which will show you the best places to eat and

drink and other places of interest.

 Your courseDepending on what course you are on you will

usually start the week on Monday afternoon or

Tuesday morning. You will have week by week

learning plans devised by our professionally trained

specialist English teachers. You will receive course

books for your specific level, and in addition your

teacher will use a wide variety of other learning

materials both paper-based and digital.You will take progress tests in class and receive a

report every few weeks which records your progress.

In addition you will have tutorials with your teacher

or academic director to discuss your course and

achievements.

Looking after you All our centres have dedicated Student Services support

staff, which can provide assistance during your time

with Embassy. They can help you with:

• Travel details and planning

• Opening a bank account

• Local services

• Visas and immigration regulations

•  Accommodation matters

• Counselling for personal problems

•  Academic counselling

• Post, fax and email facilities

• Emergencies

Your First Day

Page 7: San Francisco Embassy Pre Arrival

8/13/2019 San Francisco Embassy Pre Arrival

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/san-francisco-embassy-pre-arrival 7/8

 

7embassyces.com

Getting used to AmericaLife in America will most certainly be different from what

you are used to. The „American‟ way of life varies

considerably in different parts of the country. Not

everything will be as you expected- some things will be

better, some less so. You may find it hard at first to

adjust to life here and you are sure to miss your friends

and family. Language difficulty is usually the biggest

factor but lots of things may combine to make you feeloverwhelmed. Try to be flexible, adaptable and keep

sense of humour at all times. Also know that the

Student Services are always happy to talk to you and

help you with any problems you may have.

Doctors and DentistsStudent Services will be able to help you with register

with local doctors, and hold names and addresses of

registered state dentists and also private dentists.

Details of how to access this information will be in the

induction assembly.

DrinkingIf you are 21 years or older, you may drink alcoholic

beverages in the United States. You must bring photo

identification (for example, your passport) as proof and

you will not be allowed into a bar or a pub without it.

You may not buy alcohol for anyone younger than 21

years old. You should never drink alcohol and drive a

car. Drinking alcohol in public places is not allowed.

SmokingCigarettes are available to anyone aged over 18. While

people in America do smoke they are discouraged to do

so because of laws prohibiting smoking in public places.

 Also, cigarettes are heavily taxed and are prohibitively

expensive. Smoking has been banned in all bars, clubs

and restaurants. Smoking is illegal in many public

places including buses and the subway. If you smoke in

these places you will have to pay a fine. Some non-

smokers find smoke unpleasant and uncomfortable. If

you are eating or drinking with friends, especially at

someone else‟s house, it is polite to ask before you light

up your cigarette. If you are staying with a host family

make sure you ask where you can and can‟t smoke. 

Living in United States

Page 8: San Francisco Embassy Pre Arrival

8/13/2019 San Francisco Embassy Pre Arrival

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/san-francisco-embassy-pre-arrival 8/8

 

8embassyces.com

Social activitiesEmbassy activities are a terrific way to make lifelong

friends and discover the city around you! During term

time, there‟s a choice of things to do in the evenings

and weekends. England is home to many sights and

plenty of activities that will keep you busy and happy

during your stay.

In all our schools we have weekly events for students

to be involved in. There is always something to do!The best way to find out is to contact your social

activities manager.

These activities can include:

• Dance and fitness classes

• Cinema visits

• Trips to places of local interest

• Sports activities such as soccer, volleyball, tennis,

• Watching sporting events

• Local attractions

• Movie nights

• Day or weekend trips

Please note that some activities are free, while others

require a small payment.

Attractions and excursions As Embassy occasionally offers weekend trips and

excursions to places in the United States, such as

Seattle, students must make sure they have the

necessary visa. 

Useful websites

If you would like to learn more about life at Embassy,the local area, transport and other information, be sure

to browse the following websites.

Embassy website www.embassyces.com

www.discoveramerica.com

www.america.gov

http://www.mapquest.com/

Facebook Embassy is on Facebook! You can look at

our photos, ask us questions and leave messages. You

could even find the students you will be studying with

and make friends before you even arrive.

Find us here www.facebook.com/embassyUSA

and click „Like‟. 

Social Activities

We hope you have an amazing time at Embassy, if you have any questions do not hesitate to contact your Student

Enrolment Advisor. We look forward to meeting you and sharing in the pride of your achievement.

With every good wish for your success,