EC Partners

EC San Diego Pre-Arrival to First Day

Address

EC San Diego
Street entry: 1225 Prospect St,
La Jolla, CA 92037

Mailing Address: 7979 Ivanhoe Avenue #225
La Jolla,
CA 92037

Phone

Mainline: +1 (858) 449-3758 
(Mon-Fri, 08:00 – 16:30)

Airport Transfer Number: +1 (858) 442- 3347

Emergency Number

+1 858 442 3347 (Inside US)
For use outside of office hours only

*If the line is busy, please try again

Opening Hours
Monday 08:30 - 16:30
Tuesday 08:30 - 16:30
Wednesday 08:30 - 16:30
Thursday 08:30 - 16:30
Friday 08:30 - 16:30
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Pre-Arrival

MyEC

What is MyEC? 
MyEC is a personalized 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 when 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
  •  

Arrival

Arrival at Airport

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? 
You will meet the 24/7 Global Transportation driver holding an EC San Diego sign at the terminal information desk.

What should I do if I cannot find the EC representative? 
If after 10 minutes you cannot see the 24/7 Global Transportation driver, go to the airport information desk. The driver may be waiting for you there. From the information desk you can call the EC Emergency phone:+1 858-442-3347. 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 +1-858-442-3347 (from the information desk or a mobile phone or What’s app call) 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?
Take a taxi from the airport, which can be found at the taxi stand outside of the baggage claim area.

Arrival at 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.

Now is a good time to make sure you have taken the MyEC English test if you have not already. It is important to complete this test before Monday’s Welcome talk.
Please also prepare the documents which are necessary for Monday’s Welcome Talk: Your passport, I20 (if you are an F1 student), and proof of health insurance.

Finally, take a moment to explore your local neighbourhood and review the local bus timetable and bus pass –

 PRONTO Fare System | San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (sdmts.com)

https://www.sdmts.com/fares/pronto

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 a taxi or an Uber to school: 1225 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037.

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 timetable schedule. 

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

  • I-20 form(s) (F-1 students only)
  • Visa and passport
  • Proof of health insurance covering the length of programme. This is required for you to start lessons
  • Your own notebook, pens, and laptop/ mobile tablet


What can I expect on my first day?

While some changes have been made to the first-day orientation to accommodate social distancing requirements, we can assure you that all students will still be met with a warm welcome from the school.

What will my timetable be?
We will be providing the timetable during and after the Virtual Induction the Friday before the classes start.

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 school will be on Tuesday. Public holidays are listed below:

2024 Public holidays on a weekday

1 Jan, 15 Jan, 19 Feb, 1 Apr, 27 May, 19 Jun, 4 Jul, 2 Sept, 14 Oct, 11 Nov, 27 Nov, 28 Nov, 25 Dec

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

While you are in California
Please inform the school if you are unwell so we can support you and help you seek medical attention if necessary. 

If you have any problems, please do not hesitate to call our emergency phone number: +1-858-442-3347

Timetable

What will my timetable be?

This is a sample timetable, times may change and are not guaranteed. All class times also include a minimum of a 10 min break, taken at staggered times in the lessons. Please speak with your booking agent for more details about school specific times.

Monday Wednesday Friday Tuesday Tursday
09:00 - 10:30 Special focus
classes
Special focus
classes
Special focus
classes
09:00 - 10:30 Core Classes Core Classes
10:30 - 11:00 BREAK 10:30 - 10:45 BREAK
11:00 - 12:30 Core Classes Core Classes Core Classes 10:45 - 12:15 Core Classes Core Classes
12:30 - 12:45 BREAK 12:15 - 12:45 BREAK
12:45 - 14:15 Core Classes Core Classes Core Classes 12:45 - 14:15 Special focus
classes
Special focus
classes
After school Language activities & social events/ free time/ study time

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