EC Partners

EC Cape Town Pre-Arrival to First Day

Address

EC Cape Town
Redefine North Wharf 1st floor
42 Hans Strijdom Avenue
Foreshore
Cape Town

Phone

+27 (0) 2142 24111

Emergency Number

+27 (0) 8488 66342

Opening Hours
Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

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 information 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 https://www.ecenglish.com/globalassets/shared-blocks/arrival/preparing-for-your-arrival.pdf

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? 
  • Complete your Important Personal Details Form
  • Download Microsoft Teams
  • Complete your Needs Analysis Form
  • Complete your placement test  
  • Fill in the pre-arrival survey
  • Access a bank of study materials to start learning before you even leave home

 

Important Notice for students arriving at airports in South Africa

Travellers arriving in South Africa are advised to declare their electronic equipment, including cameras and laptops, even if they intend to take these items with them upon their departure from South Africa.

Although customs officials may not always enforce this rule for travellers with standard personal electronics, it is best practice to comply, avoiding potential hassles, delays and requests for payment.

There is currently no specific value threshold for declaring electronic equipment.

Declaration process

  • Online Traveller Declaration System: https://www.sars.gov.za/travellerdeclaration/
  • Manual Declaration: Complete the physical Traveller Card (TC01 form) upon arrival at customs
  • Returning home: When departing South Africa, travellers are not required to declare the same equipment again if this was declared upon arrival and proof (online confirmation or stamped TC01 form) has been retained

 

Refundable cash deposits or import duties on goods

Ensure your travellers are aware they may need to pay refundable cash deposits or import duties on certain goods brought into South Africa temporarily. Refunds are provided once the goods are shown to have left the country.

You can access the SARS Traveller Leaflet here which provides essential information on prohibited items, restrictions, duty-free allowances, and other pertinent customs details. It is critical that you share this with your clients to review before their travel to South Africa. 

Arrival

Arrival at Airport

I want an EC airport transfer. Can I arrive at any time?
If you have booked accommodation with EC, you are entitled to a free arrival airport transfer. You can arrive at any time to be eligible for the transfer.

What information should I give to book an airport transfer?
Please provide your flight number, arrival date and time, terminal and airport of origin a minimum of 2 weeks in advance.

Who will I meet at the airport?
You will meet an EC representative at the Arrivals Terminal. He/she will be holding a sign with the EC logo on it.

What should I do if I cannot find the EC representative?
If you cannot see the EC representative after waiting for 10 minutes, call +27 84 886 6342. The airport has complimentary wi-fi which you can use to call via WhatsApp or you can call from the Airport Information Desk on the ground floor of the main airport terminal. (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 +27 (0) 84 886 6342 (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).

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?

There is an organised Student Welcome Event on the first Sunday of arrival at 16:00 at the Office Bar and Restaurant, 315 Main Road, Sea Point. You will be able to meet your fellow new students along with an EC staff member, who will help prepare you for your first day of school on Monday, as well as give any tips for the rest of the day. Food and drinks are for your own cost. This will be followed by a walk along the Sea Point Promenade, to get a first impression of Cape Town’s natural beauty.

A visit to the V&A Waterfront is also recommended for the first Sunday, where students can enjoy the views and atmosphere of the Waterfront, while doing any last-minute shopping in preparation for the first school day on Monday. Alternatively, if staying in EC accommodation, join your fellow residence or homestay students for the day. During summer, a visit to one of the beautiful local beaches; Camps Bay or Clifton, is a relaxing way to start your Cape Town journey.

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. Using Google Maps will help you map out your route to the school, depending on your mode of transport to get there.

What if I haven’t booked EC accommodation?
You can take a taxi or use an e-hailing service from the airport straight to your arranged accommodation.

What time should I arrive at school on the first day?
8:00am

What should I bring with me?
It’s important to bring these documents with you on your first day:

  • Passport
  • Mobile phone
  • Proof of health insurance

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 13:00)

What will my timetable be?
You will receive your timetable at school after the Welcome Activity.

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.

2024 Public holidays on a weekday:
1 Jan, 21 Mar, 29 Mar, 1 Apr, 1 May, 17 Jun, 9 Aug, 24 Sept, 16 Dec, 25 Dec, 26 Dec

What do I do if public transportation is temporarily unavailable?  
In case of bad weather, public transport strikes, etc, please check the EC Cape Town Facebook page for any important updates or call the emergency number.

Timetable

What will my timetable be?

Double banking timetable:
All lessons are face – to – face.  AM lessons are available for a supplement, for more information please refer to the pricelist.


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

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
08:30 - 10:00 Core Lesson
Group A
Skills Lesson
Group B
Core Lesson
Group A
Skills Lesson
Group B
Core Lesson
Group A
10:00 - 10:15 Break
10:15 - 11:45 Core Lesson
Group A
Skills Lesson
Group B
Core Lesson
Group A
Skills Lesson
Group B
Core Lesson
Group A
11:45 - 12:30 Lunch Break
12:30 - 14:00 Special Focus Lesson   
14:00 - 14:15 Break
14:15 - 15:45 Core Lesson
Group B
Skills Lesson
Group A
Core Lesson
Group B
Skills Lesson
Group A
Core Lesson
Group B
15:45 - 16:00 Break
16:00 - 17:30 Core Lesson
Group B
Skills Lesson
Group A
Core Lesson
Group B
Skills Lesson
Group A
Core Lesson
Group B
After school Language activities & social events / free time / study time