EC Dubai Pre-Arrival to First Day

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Get Ready for Your EC Experience

Essential Information to Prepare for Your Journey

Pre-Arrival

MyEC

What is MyEC?

MyEC is a personalised study tool and powerful learning companion throughout your EC journey. It also offers information about your EC centre, accommodation and about living in your chosen destination.

Your Online Placement Test

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 go to Preparing for your Arrival

When can I access MyEC?

You will have access to MyEC as soon as you receive your booking confirmation. Start by logging in here: https://signin.ecenglish.com/student

What else must I do on MyEC before my arrival?

Access a bank of study materials to start learning before you even leave home
Complete your Important Personal Details Form
Complete yout Needs Analysis Form
Complete your placement test
Fill in the pre-arrival survey

Arrival

Arrival at Airport

I want an EC airport transfer, can I arrive at any time?

You may arrive at any time. However, if you are staying at a residence and sharing with other students, you may be asked to book alternative accommodation for the arrival night if you arrive between midnight and 08:00 am.

What information do I need to give to book an airport transfer?

Please provide your flight number, arrival time, terminal and airport of origin – minimum 2 weeks in advance.

What should I do if I cannot find the EC representative?

If after 10 minutes you cannot see your driver, please contact our emergency number. (Useful phrase to use: Hi, My name is (Maria Angeli). I am from (Italy). I cannot find my EC representative. I am waiting in the arrivals area).

What should I do if I have missed my flight or my flight is delayed?

You should notify EC Dubai by calling or messaging to rearrange your transfer time and avoid additional cost. Useful phrase to use: My name is (Maria Angeli). I am from (Italy). My flight has been changed. My new flight number is (1234) arriving at (time).

What should I do if I haven’t booked an EC transfer?

There are three (3) terminals at the Dubai International Airport. Taxi stands are available at all three arrival terminals and there is clear signage of where to go to find the taxi stand. The cost of a taxi into City Centre will be approximately AED 100 – 120 (approximately $40 – $50)

Uber is also available in Dubai, so a car can be booked from your App – an Uber car will meet you at the taxi stand.

The metro is available from Terminal 1 and 3, that will take you to the City Centre. A single ticket would cost approximately AED 10 (approximately $5). If you arrive in Terminal 2 there is a free shuttle between terminals to take you to Terminal 1 or 3. The metro is only available :

Monday to Thursday: 05:00 – midnight
Friday: 05:00 – 01:00
Saturday: 05:00 – midnight
Sunday: 08:00 – midnight

Buses operate from dedicated stands at Arrivals in Terminals 1, 2, and 3. A Nol card is required to travel by bus, as cash payments are not accepted. A Nol card can be purchased at the ticket machine in Terminals 1 and 3. If you arrive in Terminal 2, there is a free shuttle between terminals that will take you to Terminals 1 or 3. Buses generally run daily from 04:00 to 01:00. For the most current routes and schedules, visit the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) website: https://dubai-dxb-airport.com/transportation/bus/

Arrival at EC Accommodation

What should I expect at my EC accommodation?

Your homestay will give you a warm and personal welcome. All our hosts are fully briefed on how to make you feel comfortable and prepared for your first day of lessons.

Minors must book homestay single room on half-board basis and require a parental consent form.

First Sunday Activities

What should I do on the Sunday before school starts?

You will have the option of participating in activities arranged by EC. This is an opportunity to meet other new EC students, relax and be introduced to your new city together. With an EC staff member on hand, you can also ask any questions you may have. We will notify you of the Sunday activity schedule around 2 weeks before you start school.

Learn more about our Orange Carpet Experience

Your First Day at School

How can I find my way to school?

You can find this information on your EC Accommodation Profile. If you have booked the Yugo or Myriad residence, a free shuttle bus service is available for drop off at Knowledge Park and back to your Residence after class. A copy of bus times is available at the Residence front desk.

What if I haven’t booked EC accommodation?

We recommend you plan your journey in advance using google maps and local metro/bus routes.

What time should I arrive?

8:30am

What should I bring with me?

It’s important to bring your passport/visa (not a copy) with you on your first day.

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 timetable of the day
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
Welcome Talk
Welcome activity

Those students that have completed their placement test prior to arrival will join class on Monday. Your first day will end by 17:00.

Public holidays

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.
2025 Public holidays on a weekday: 01 Jan, 31 Mar*, 01 Apr*, 09 Jun, 10 Jun, 26 Jun, 04 Sept, 01 Dec, 02 Dec, 03 Dec and 25 Dec

*These holidays are subject to change based on official government announcements. We strongly recommend confirming the exact dates closer to the time to ensure accurate planning for your course. There will be no refunds, make-up classes, or discounts for classes missed on these dates.

Centre Information

EC Dubai

Building 3, Knowledge Park, Dubai

See Inside

Emergency number:

(For use outside of office hours only)
+971586896901

Opening Hours

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Office hours

08:30 – 18:00

Closed

08:30 – 18:00

Map

Timetable

What will my timetable be?

This is a sample timetable, times may change and are not guaranteed.

Students will be placed in a morning or afternoon bank.

Morning Timetable Sample

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
9:00 – 10:30	Core Lessons	Core Lessons	Core Lessons	Core Lessons	Core Lessons
10:30 – 10:45	Break
10:45 – 12:15	Core Lessons	Core Lessons	Core Lessons	Core Lessons	Core Lessons
12:15 – 13:00	Lunch Break
13:00 – 14:30	Special Focus Classes (General English 30 only)

Afternoon Timetable Sample

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
13:00 – 14:30	Special Focus Classes (General English 30 only)
14:30 – 14:45	Break
14:45 – 16:15	Core Lessons	Core Lessons	Core Lessons	Core Lessons	Core Lessons
16:15 – 16:30	Break
16:30 – 18:00	Core Lessons	Core Lessons	Core Lessons	Core Lessons	Core Lessons