Your Trip
We have put together some information for you about your upcoming trip to North America through EF Language Travel. Whether you will be staying with a host family or on a residential campus during your stay, there will be EF staff members there to make sure your program runs smoothly and to answer any questions you might have. In addition to the course leader from your own country, there are local EF staff members in every course town who’s job it is to make sure you enjoy your stay in North America. Please let them know of any problems or questions you may have during the course of the program.
Family Life
Life in your host family may be very different from life in your own family. Remember that there is no typical family in North America. Many parents are divorced, meaning that in some families there will be only one parent, while in others there may be a step-parent or step-children. Americans tend to work very hard at their jobs; often one member of the family will work late and will not be home for dinner. Teenaged children are sometimes very active at school with sports or other activities, and may also be busy in the evenings. Because of this, there may not be time for the entire family to sit down together every night for dinner. However, even though North American families may seem different from your own, family life is still very important to many Americans and they try to make time when they can to spend time with their families.
Generally, everyone in the family helps out with the household duties. Don’t be surprised if your host family asks you to help around the house preparing a meal or cleaning up after dinner. Teenagers are often asked to perform these chores, and you may be asked to do so as part of the family.
Your host family chose to host you because they enjoy meeting students from other countries and teaching them about their own country. Host families in the United States are usually not paid to take students. You should be respectful of your host family at all times and act as if you were a part of their family.
Residential Programs
If you are staying on a residential campus for your program, keep in mind that there are also rules that need to be followed. You are a guest of the college or university where the course is being held, so you need to be respectful of the property and of other guests that may be there at the same time.
Transportation
Many communities in the United States do not have any form of public transportation. Therefore, most people rely on automobiles for most or all of their transportation. In most cases your host family will drive you to and from the course center each day. If you wish to go somewhere in the evening or on weekends, be sure to notify your host family well in advance if you will need them to drive you somewhere. Most of the transportation to EF activities will be by bus. In communities with public transportation, you will need to purchase a bus or train pass. Otherwise, transportation will be contracted for you. You will be asked to spend between $15 - $20 per week on a transportation pass.
Insurance
Regardless of what kind of insurance you have, you must carry your insurance information with you at all times. If you need to go to the hospital, you must give them your insurance information. Please check your policy to see if you need to pay a co-pay at the hospital or doctor’s office. Make sure you pay this before you leave the hospital. If you have any questions about your student insurance, please contact your Tour Escort.
Culture
The United States is considered a “melting pot”; there are people of many different cultures, races, religions and nationalities all living within both the United States and Canada. Although there are stereotypes of people from both nations, there is no "typical" American or Canadian. Your host family may not fit into the stereotype you expect, but this is all a part of North American Culture.
During your stay in North America, you will notice many cultural differences between your own country and the country in which you are staying. It is important not to judge these differences as good or bad, but to accept them. Remember that although you may find some things strange during your stay, there are many things that people might find strange if they were to visit your own country.
Religion
There is no official religion in America or Canada, and although the majority of people are Christians, there are many people who are Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, or other religions. All religions are readily accepted in North America. In the United States, many people are very religious, and go to church on a regular basis. Your host family may invite you to attend church with them, and you are not obligated to go, but attending church can be an interesting cultural experience, and is an important weekly activity for many families.
Language
There is no official language in the United States, although English is the language spoken most often. There are many areas of the country in which many people speak Spanish. In Canada, both English and French are spoken in different parts of the country.
Economic Status
Although Americans on television or in the movies are often very wealthy, live in a large house with a swimming pool and own several cars, this is not an accurate picture of people in North America. Both America and Canada are economically diverse nations; there are some very rich people and some very poor people, but most families are considered "middle class".
Laws
You may find that the rules and laws are must stricter in North America than they are in your own country. There are very strict laws about drinking alcohol for people under 21 and buying cigarettes for people under 18. Americans tend to dress and act conservatively, as many of them are very religious, and may find certain topics or actions offensive. Your host family may also have rules that are stricter than what you are used to at home, such as curfews or rules about having guests over. Be sure to ask your host family what their household rules are at the start of the course, and remember that as their guest those rules apply to you as well.
We hope this information will give you a better idea about life in North America and about what to expect from your EF program. Enjoy your stay!!
-the staff of EF Language Travel North America