San Francisco 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?

If you have booked accommodation with EC you must arrive at the airport 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?

Please use your cell phone, WhatsApp, or free white courtesy phone in the airport to call +1 415-350-9944 to meet the driver at the curb outside.

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

If after 10 minutes you cannot see the driver, call him directly on : +1 415-350-9944. Please do not call the EC emergency phone unless you have called this number first. (Useful phrase to use: Hi, My name is (Maria Angeli). I am from (Italy). I am near exit A/B/C)

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

You should notify EC by calling+1 415-350-9944 (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 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?

The easiest way to travel from the airport is by taxi. Shared door-to-door shuttles are also available at a cheaper price. BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) trains also run from SFO airport and is the cheapest way to get to downtown San Francisco, see www.bart.gov

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?

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, or feel free to ask your host family or residence.

What if I haven’t booked EC accommodation?

You can take any BART or MUNI underground line to Montgomery Station. Most MUNI bus lines also stop near Montgomery Station (ask the driver to tell you when to get off). From there, walk three blocks north on Montgomery to California Street then turn right and enter the lobby at 433 California Street (on the right side). EC is on the second floor.

What time should I arrive?

On first Monday in-person orientation starts at 9:00 am. On the same: day classes start in person at 11.00 am. Other days follow the time table schedule.

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

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 after lunch time on orientation day.

What do I do if public transportation is temporarily unavailable?

In case of bad weather, public transport strikes etc, please check the EC San Francisco Facebook page for any important updates or call the emergency number.

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, 31 Mar, 26 May, 19 Jun, 04 Jul, 01 Sept, 13 Oct, 11 Nov, 27 Nov, 28 Nov, 25 Dec

Centre Information

EC San Francisco

433 California Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco
CA 94104

See Inside

Phone number: +1 415 362 3300

Emergency Number:

(For use outside of office hours only)
+1 424 428 8866

Opening Hours

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Office hours

09:00 – 17:00

Closed

09:00 – 17:00

Map

Timetable

What will my timetable be?

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

General English (20 lessons/week) : Core Classes (Mon-Fri)

Semi-Intensive English (24 lessons/week) : Core Classes (Mon-Fri) & Special Focus Classes (Tue & Thu)

Semi-Intensive English (26 lessons/week) : Core Classes (Mon-Fri) & Special Focus Classes (Mon, Wed & Fri)

Intensive English (30 lessons/week) : Core Classes (Mon-Fri) & Special Focus Classes (Mon-Fri)

Sample Timetable

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
09:00 – 10:30	Special Focus Classes	Special Focus Classes	Special Focus Classes	Special Focus Classes	Special Focus Classes
10:30 – 11:00	Break
11:00 – 12:30	Core Lessons	Core Lessons	Core Lessons	Core Lessons	Core Lessons
12:30 – 12:40	Lunch
12:40 – 14:10	Core Lessons	Core Lessons	Core Lessons	Core Lessons	Core Lessons
After school	Language activities & school events/free time/study time