Boston 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

(All students under 18 years old must book return airport transfers if arriving and departing between 8:00pm and 8:00am)

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

You can only book an airport transfer through EC if your flight arrives between 08:00 and 20:00. Late/early arrivals may be asked to book alternative accommodation

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

Who will I meet at the airport?

If you have requested an airport transfer service from the airport to your homestay or residence, the driver will be waiting for you, holding an EC Boston sign, at the Information Desk right next to Baggage Claim Area if you are arriving in Boston via a Domestic flight outside the Immigration and Customs Area if you are arriving in Boston via an International flight.

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

If after 10 minutes you cannot see the EC representative, just call +1 202 909 5873 (from the information desk or a mobile phone). (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 +1 202 909 5873 (from the information desk or a mobile phone) to rearrange 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).

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

MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, known as the “T”) runs daily service on buses, trains, and trolleys/trams between the airport, city centre and surrounding towns between 6:00am and midnight. For fares and further information, see: http://www.mbta.com/

Arrival at EC Accommodation

What should I expect at my EC accommodation?

You will receive a warm, personal welcome, whether you have booked homestay 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?

All new students are invited to join us for a Welcome Event on the Sunday before your course starts. This is a great opportunity to meet other new students and EC staff. You will receive an email with more details. You must RSVP by responding to that email before 5 PM Friday. If no one RSVPs, the activity will be cancelled. If you have questions, please email boston@ecenglish.com. All new students are encouraged to attend!!

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, or feel free to ask your hosts or residence.

What if I haven’t booked EC accommodation?

You can take the “T” to:
State Street Station (Orange line)
From Haymarket Station (Green and Orange lines)
From Aquarium T Stop (Blue line)

What time should I arrive?

8:30am

What should I bring with me?

It’s important to bring these documents with you on your first day:

I-20 form(s) (F-1 students only)
Visa and passport
Proof of health insurance covering length of programme. This is required for you to start lessons
Your credit card to pay a deposit if you have booked an EC residence

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 3pm

What will my timetable be?

You will receive your timetable at school upon arrival.

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, 20 Jan, 17 Feb, 21 April, 26 May, 19 Jun, 04 Jul, 1 Sept, 13 Oct, 11 Nov, 27 Nov, 28 Nov, 25 Dec.