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EC Boston Pre-Arrival to First Day

School Number

+1 617 247-3033 (Mon-Fri, 8:15 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

Emergency Number

(For use outside of office hours only)

+1 202 909 5873

Address

EC Boston, 1 Faneuil Hall Square, Boston, MA 02109, USA

Pre-Arrival

EC Online
What is EC Online?
EC Online is a personalized study tool and powerful learning companion throughout your EC journey. Please see: Pre-arrival instructions.

When can I access EC Online? 
You will have access to EC Online as soon as you receive your booking confirmation. Start by logging in here: https://signin.ecenglish.com/student

What can I do with EC Online? 
  • Complete your placement test  
  • Fill in the pre-arrival survey
  • Access a bank of study materials to start learning before you even leave home

 

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:

1. The Information Desk right next to Baggage Claim Area if you are arriving in Boston via a Domestic flight, or 

 2. 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 1-800-609-1402 (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 1-800-609-1402 (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 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 home stay 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.

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 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?
8:00am

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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. Public holidays are listed below:

2020 Public Holidays on a weekday: 
12 Oct, 11 Nov, 26 Nov, 27 Nov, 25 Dec
2021 Public Holidays on a weekday:
01 Jan, 18 Jan, 15 Feb, 19 Apr, 31 May, 05 Jul, 06 Sep, 11 Oct, 11 Nov, 25 Nov, 26 Nov, 24 Dec, 31 Dec

 

 

What do I do if public transportation is temporarily unavailable?  
In case of bad weather, public transport strikes etc, please check the EC Boston Facebook page for any important updates (https://www.facebook.com/ec.boston/) or call the emergency number.