Boston is a city that blends history, innovation, and charm, making it an ideal place to study English while enjoying a rich cultural experience. From historical landmarks to trendy neighbourhoods, Boston has it all.
Must-See Sights and Travel Essentials
Boston thrives on its blend of old and new, with modern skyscrapers standing alongside colonial-era buildings. Its compact layout makes it easy to navigate on foot, allowing visitors to experience its rich tapestry of neighborhoods, each offering a unique cultural experience, from the Italian-influenced North End to the academic hub of Cambridge.
Climate
Boston has a humid continental/subtropical climate. Winters can be cold, with snowstorms common from December to March. The best times to visit are during Spring (April–June) and Autumn (September–November) when the weather is moderate and ideal for sightseeing. Summers are warm, sometimes hot, with July being the warmest month, offering plenty of outdoor activities and festivals.
Money
The currency used in Boston, like the rest of the United States, is the US Dollar (USD). Most businesses accept major credit cards, and ATMs are widely available. Do carry some cash for smaller purchases or in case you are in areas where card payments may not be accepted.
If you are staying in the United States for a long period of time you might want to open a bank account. You should request a letter from the administration office on the fourth floor. The letter will be available 24 hours after you have requested it. Please submit your full name and local address to the office.
You will need at least two of the following items to open a bank account:
Telephone Country Code
The telephone country code for Boston, and the rest of the United States, is +1, followed by the area code 617 or 781.
Electricity
110 V; 60Hz – 2 flat-pin plug or third round pin are used. If you are traveling from a country with different plug types or voltage standards, you may need an adapter and possibly a voltage converter.
Tap water
Boston’s tap water comes from protected reservoirs. It is safe to drink and meets all health and safety standards.
Transport
Getting around Boston is relatively easy due to its compact size. The city is pedestrian-friendly, and cycling is also a popular way to navigate the streets. For longer distances, Boston offers a comprehensive public transport system.
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) operates the oldest subway system in the United States, known locally as the ‘T’. You can travel by bus, subway, commuter rail or ferry.
Log on to www.mbta.com for an itinerary that includes the closest bus stop and the schedule, and chose ‘Plan a Trip’ to get a personaliaed schedule. If you wish to travel to other major cities in the United States you can do so by air, bus or train.
You can also travel to other major US cities by train. Although this is more convenient, it is not much faster and travel by train is more expensive than travelling by bus. Trains depart from both South Station and Back Bay Station. www.amtrak.com Purchase the ticket online. We recommend that you book in advance as it is often cheaper and if you are caught on the trains without a valid ticket you will be fined.
The nearest taxi stand is in front of EC Boston (on the opposite side of the street). Taxis can be booked in advance. Always make sure you take a taxi with a license plate number, which is located on the back of the taxi and if you are not sure, do not use them. Taxis to/from Logan airport will include extra ‘toll’ fees and airport charges.
Public Transport Info
Public transport primarily consists of a combination of buses, subways (the ‘T’), commuter rail services, trolleys, and ferries that connect various parts of the city and surrounding areas.
Public holidays falling on a weekday
2025: 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.
A visa may be required depending on your nationality and length of stay. For Visa information, please visit our Visa Requirements page
If you are not at school and have an emergency you can either call 911 for the ambulance, fire department or police department from any telephone, or call the school’s emergency number 1-617-990-4880 or free within the United States 1-800-964-7009.
Call the doctor to make an appointment. It is rare, in the United States, to be able to see a doctor without an appointment. If you feel that you must see a doctor immediately, you can go to an emergency room. However, depending on the seriousness of the illness or injury, you may have to wait in line for many hours at the emergency room.
If you want to consult a doctor when you are in the U.S., first of all please call the toll-free phone number on your insurance card in order to obtain a recommendation for a doctor nearby. Please show the doctor your insurance confirmation card.
If the doctor has any questions about your insurance protection, ask them to call the insurance company directly. Some doctors and hospitals insist on the patient paying the invoice at the time of service. If this is the case for you, please send the original invoice together with the completed claim form to the addresses on the claim form.
If you need immediate emergency services, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency facility.
Legal Driving Age
The minimum driving age is 16 years, but most rental companies require that you be at least 26 years old, have an international driving license, a second form of identity and a major credit card.
Alcohol Age
The legal drinking age is 21. You will be required to present a valid ID when purchasing alcohol or entering bars that serve alcohol.
Smoking Laws
Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public spaces, including restaurants, bars, and workplaces. Some outdoor spaces, such as parks, playgrounds and certain public areas, as well as near schools, may also have restrictions.
Insurance
All EC Boston students must be covered by health insurance for the entire length of their stay in the U.S. If you do not have health insurance, you must purchase insurance from EC Boston.
Cost of Living
Bottle of water / soda (0.33 litre)
$2.00-$3.00
Coffee/Cappuccino (Starbucks)
$3.50-$5.50
Fast-Food combo meal
$8.00-$11.00
Meal, inexpensive restaurant
$15.00-$25.00
Fitness club (monthly, 1 adult)
$29.00-$90.00
Public transport (local transport)
$2.40 (one-way)
Public transport (monthly pass)
$90.00
Weekly unlimited pass
$22.50
One of the largest museums in the United States, the Museum of Fine Arts is home to an extensive collection of art from around the world, from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces.
Home to the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park is one of the most iconic baseball stadiums in the world. A tour of this historic venue is a great way to experience the city’s deep-rooted love for the sport.
Boston’s North End is often referred to as the city’s Little Italy. This charming neighborhood is known for its narrow streets, historic sites such as Paul Revere’s House, and its delicious Italian food.
The esplanade provides scenic views of the river and city skyline, while the park is perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling along its pathways. You can also enjoy outdoor concerts at the Hatch Shell during the warmer months.
A short ferry ride from downtown Boston will take you to the Boston Harbor Islands, made up of 34 islands and peninsulas, where you can hike, picnic, or explore various heritage sites.
The aquarium offers a fascinating look at marine life through interactive exhibits and an IMAX theatre. You can meet penguins, and watch sea turtles swim, while learning about ocean conservation efforts.
Find out how our international students turned their first steps in language learning into important achievements that changed their lives.
In addition to our General English programme. EC Boston offers a variety of special courses to help you improve your English to succeed at school, travel, and the global workplace. These include English for Work, an intensive English course that helps you develop the skills you need to advance in your career, and EC x FutureLearn, which combines immersive English language lessons from EC with specialised online courses from leading institutions worldwide.
At EC Boston, we offer host family or residence/student apartment accommodations. If you choose a homestay option, you will live with a Boston family. This is a good option if you want an opportunity to practice your English with a local family over home-cooked meals. If you’re looking for more independence, you may want to consider a fully equipped shared apartment with other students and share some or all of the living spaces.
One of the world’s most youthful and student-friendly cities, Boston provides endless activities. EC Boston has a dedicated activities programme to immerse you in all Boston has to offer — an excellent opportunity to build friendships as you use your English in real-life situations. Popular activities in Boston include rowing or sailing in the Charles River, walking the historic Freedom Trail, exploring the artisan markets at Faneuil Hall, touring Harvard and MIT, and catching a Red Sox baseball game.
Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to study in Boston. Contact us to learn more.
Learning English in Boston offers all the advantages of city life without the overwhelming pace found in New York or Los Angeles. Plus, with over 50 colleges and universities in and around Boston (including Harvard and MIT), this city is one of the most student-friendly places on the planet, brimming with fun opportunities to use English.
