Pre-Arrival Student Guide

Find useful information about preparing for EF Academy Pasadenaall in one place

Welcome to Pasadena

Prepare for EF Academy Pasadena by reviewing the information on this page as it becomes available - we suggest you bookmark or save this page. Some details are specific to boarding students, so focus on what applies to you!

Review the welcome plan, which will be your guide on essential tasks to complete prior to your arrival.

Below you can tune in to some videos that will give you a glimpse on what to expect on our campus:

The Student Handbook, Academic Calendar and Curriculum Guide for the 2025-2026 academic year will be made available in the Spring.

Traveling to Pasadena, California

Find out what to pack, get detailed instructions about flying to the US, and know what to expect during your first days on campus. This information specifically pertains to boarding students and is not applicable for day students.

Documents and items

Make sure to bring the following documents and items with you in your hand luggage:

  • Valid passport and VISA

  • Printed I-20 Form with both student and parent signatures

  • Printed E-ticket or boarding pass

  • Charged phone and other electronics

  • Emergency contact numbers in case of delay or a missed flight

  • Pocket money (in cash)

  • Any prescription medicines that you take

  • Your US SIM card (see below)

Important!

Your US phone number

EF Academy Pasadena requires that all students have a smartphone with an American phone number (US SIM card) with country code +1

Students should order one in advance to insert in their phones before travel. Some carriers like MINT Mobile now have eSIM cards as well

Please share your American mobile number with your local enrollment team as soon as you have received it

Packing list

This list will help you remember the most important things you’ll need as you study abroad. Don’t forget that you’ll always be able to purchase things you need if you forget something important!

When packing for Pasadena, lightweight layers are encouraged to prepare for warm days, cooler mornings and evenings, and even cold air-conditioned buildings. Comfort is key in California! Pack specific items based on activities you'll be involved in: closed-toe shoes for science labs, a bathing suit for the pool, and formal outfits for events like dances and plays. Ensure all clothing adheres to our dress code, respects our diverse international community while representing YOU!

You can find toiletries just about anywhere you go, but when it comes to your favorite face wash or conditioner, it’s always best to come prepared just in case you can’t find the same products in the US. Eventually, you’ll find something local that works for you, but for the first few months, you’ll be happy you have something from home to work into your daily routine.

Of course when you’re going to school, you’re going to end up with plenty of books throughout the year, even though our curriculum will be mostly on laptops. Sometimes you’ll want a break from studying and other required reading. When that time comes, you’ll be glad to have a few easy reads!

We’re not going to sugar coat it: homesickness while studying abroad can get real. Oftentimes it will be the little things related to your culture, like your favorite foods, that will make you miss home the most. Tuck away some of your favorite snack food for one of those homesick days. Plus, a great way to start a connection with your new roommate is to offer them something delicious to eat!

It’s obvious that while living abroad, you’ll need to have your passport with you, but some other key documents to have around include your VISA, signed I-20 Form, photo ID and flight tickets. You should also keep digital copies of important details like an identification, flight information, and health or school documents. Keep all your important documents in your carry-on bag when traveling! Just remember to store your information in a safe place once you arrive on campus.

While WhatsApp, Skype, and Instagram are all great ways to stay in touch with people you care about, there’s something to be said about a handwritten letter. You never know if you’ll want to write to your family back home or start sending postcards. On a day when you’re feeling homesick, there’s always something comforting about reading a letter in a loved one’s handwriting.

We recommend having some cash when you travel and to get you through your first week of school. Once you’re settled in, your best option will be to keep your money in a bank account back home that can be accessible in the United States. There are Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) on E. Washington Blvd, 10 minutes' walk from campus, where you can withdraw cash from major debit/credit cards.

If it is important for you to open a US bank account, this is possible if you are over the age of 17. We have a local branch of Chase Bank, who are happy to support students in setting up a bank account - you will need a copy of your I-20 Form, VISA and passport.

If you are under 17, it is only possible for your parent/guardian to open an account for you and they usually need to have an account themselves with said US bank. If you wish to enquire further or arrange an appointment to set-up an account with Chase Bank while your parents are with you, we advise you to call ahead and make an appointment.

Once you receive your student ID, money can be uploaded to your student account, which will be used to pay for certain off-campus excursions or items at our Campus Store.

Even if you like to take notes by hand, you won’t be able to do all of your studying without a computer handy. But what good is having a laptop if you forget your charger at home? Take it from your fellow students of the world: running out to buy a new device charger is pricey and annoying in every country, so remember to bring yours with you along with a US plug adaptor.

Flights and arrival

It is strongly encouraged that EF Academy students travel to campus with a parent/guardian in their first year. In the event a parent/guardian cannot accompany you, please review arrival expectations.

Welcome to the United States! You made it! Getting off a plane in a new country can feel a little disorienting, so let’s make sure your arrival is a smooth one.


Your flight information

It is very important that you forward your flight details to your local enrollment team or the Pasadena campus staff at [email protected] by August 1, so we know when you are arriving. We are also happy to help book the flight for you, so feel free to reach out to your local office for help. When possible, book your arrival flights between 6am-8pm PST, so your roommates and staff can be awake to give you a warm welcome!

Your arrival in the USA

1. Go through immigration

When you land in the US, follow the signs that say ‘Immigration’ or ‘Arrival.’ There are usually long lines here, so please be patient. When you get to the desk, the official will ask to see your passport, VISA, I-20 Form and probably also go through a routine fingerprint and photo check. You will be asked questions about your travels. Be calm and honest. Tell them that you are coming to the US to study as a high school student and you do intend to return to your home country during your school breaks - that last one is important!

2. Pick up your luggage at Baggage Claim

After you have cleared Immigration, you will follow signs to Baggage Claim, where you’ll pick up your checked luggage. To find out which conveyor belt will have your bag, check the flight numbers on the TV monitors. When you get your bag, be sure to check the name tag before leaving – a lot of bags look the same!

3. Go through Customs

Once you have your bags, it is time to go through Customs. Here you will give the Customs Declaration Form (which you filled out on the plane) to the officer. They might want to look inside your bags to check for any illegal goods. Again, don’t worry, this is a common procedure.

4. Proceed to the Exit or Arrivals Hall

From this point on, look out for our airport greeters. They will be carrying EF Academy signs and be easy to find near The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Make sure you verify that they have your name on their pick-up list, since many students are arriving on the same date. You should also make sure you have the school address with you just in case. If you cannot find your driver, continue to wait at the arrivals area. DO NOT LEAVE. If you can’t find them after you've waited a little while longer, you can call the Director on Duty at +1 (626) 507-9224.

Getting to campus

All students whose family members are not personally dropping them off at campus will be greeted at the airport on arrival days by a professional driver and escorted to campus. Students flying into LAX are set for three roundtrip airport transfers in 2025-26:

  1. Arriving to Pasadena in Fall 2025, leaving for winter break in December 2025

  2. Arriving to Pasadena in January 2026, leaving for spring break in March 2026

  3. Arriving to Pasadena after spring break, leaving for summer break in May 2026

Taxis, Uber, Lyft and other rideshare services are not permitted unless you are traveling with family members.

You can find our 2024-25 School Calendar here. The 2025-26 school calendar will be made available as we get closer.

  • Wear your EF Academy hoodie. This will make it easier for the professional driver to spot you.

  • Ensure your phone has enough battery when you land.

  • Rest on the plane – your first days on campus will be busy!

  • Your first days - called Welcome Days - will be packed full of activities to help you adjust to the new time zone. Bring your a-game!

Help is near

If you have any problems when you arrive at the airport, please call the Director on Duty: +1 (626) 507-9224

If you miss a flight or have any problems along the way, please call the Emergency Phone: +1 (626) 507-9224

If something happens to your checked bag, you should report this before leaving the airport. Go straight to your airline’s service desk or the desk saying ‘Lost Baggage’. Show them the baggage receipt you got with your boarding pass when you first checked in. You will be asked some questions about your luggage, and they will give you a confirmation which you will need if you are claiming money from your insurance company. Remember, insurance companies usually do not cover any damaged or lost luggage if you don’t report it right away at the airport.

Residential life

Living on campus is a fantastic opportunity to learn how to take care of yourself while making friends for life. Just like being a solid student, successful and satisfying dorm living requires a high degree of personal responsibility and respect for others.

  • Twin bed with extra-long mattress

  • One set of sheets and towels (sheets, pillow case, duvet cover) and towels

  • Blinds

  • Desk, chair and lamp, shelving

  • A closet space

  • Set of drawers with one lockable drawer (you will need to bring your own lock)

  • An amazing roommate or two!

  • Refrigerators

  • Electric blankets

  • Irons

  • Hot plate

  • Heating coils

  • Coffee machines

  • Halogen lamps

  • Sunlamps

  • Candles

  • Propane torches

  • Firecrackers

  • Weapons

  • Rice cookers

  • Lighters

  • Incense

  • Anything capable of reaching high heat levels or containing an open flame is forbidden

*All medications including over-the-counter like ibuprofen, must be kept with our health team and not in your room.

Room assignments

How rooms are assigned

Room assignments are made by the school before you arrive, taking into account your responses on the roommate survey sent in July. Living arrangements are decided based on age and gender. We always try to have students of different nationalities sharing a room; after all, what better way to learn about a new culture than from your roommate!

*Roommate surveys are not conducted for students arriving mid-year on account of limited dorm room availability. The below policy on room changes remains the same.

Policy on room changes

Room changes are not allowed during the first eight weeks of school. We find that when you give it some time, students wind up getting along. It is not healthy for relationship development nor your school career to change rooms right away if you have a clash with your roommate. The first step in any roommate dispute is always mediation. If you ever have difficulty talking to your roommate or need support in addressing a conflict, ask your House Parent- they’re here to help you!

Living on campus

At boarding school, you are the primary person responsible for looking after yourself. Learn to live independently by organizing your responsibilities.

Pocket money

Although your daily meals and weekly shuttles to and back from popular areas in Pasadena are covered by school fees, you’ll probably want to spend some money on extra activities and weekends.

Parents: Make sure your child has access to additional funds in however you see fit, as certain weekend excursions or events like Disneyland and Prom can vary in price range. You and your students will receive a monthly calendar of events for the month ahead to plan your trips and spending accordingly.

Laundry

This might be the first time you’ll need to do laundry by yourself, but there are plenty of people on campus to help you out. Washers and dryers are located on campus and operated through an app that you can download on your phone. Simply enter your credit card information, scan the code on the washer or dryer, and voila! Washers and dryers are available from 7am until 10pm, however no washing can be done during Study Hall. There are dry cleaners also located on E. Washington Blvd near the school.

Cleaning

You and your roommates are responsible for keeping your room tidy. Make sure to make your bed, hang up your clothes, regularly empty the trash and vacuum your room. There is a vacuum in each hall that you can borrow; just ask your House Parent. House Parents inspect rooms for cleanliness on a weekly basis but also visit rooms at random intervals without previous notice. The school housekeeping team cleans all communal areas, including the communal bathrooms, daily.

Welcome Week Checklist

The welcome days, otherwise known as orientation, are mandatory for all students and strongly encouraged for parents/guardians. As part of your first week, you may have:

  • A Full Campus Tour and Move Into Your Dorm Room​ (if boarding)

  • Safety Training Drills

  • Special Course Placement Assessments​

  • Athletics Tryouts

  • Teacher Introductions

  • House Parent ​Cohort Meetings

  • University & Academic Counselor​ Meetings

  • Advisor​y Group Meetings

  • Fun Social Activities​

  • Community (All Student) Meeting

  • Shopping Opportunities for Any Missing Personal Items

Traveling off campus

Travel to Los Angeles requires a higher level of vigilance and self awareness. When students want to check out a museum or a new restaurant in LA, there are convenient transportation options close to campus. For day trips, students must ensure they’re back on campus whenever their designated off campus pass ends. You can always call the emergency number if you experience any difficulties traveling to or from the city.

Students may leave campus for short or extended periods of time, but there are several layers of permissions, stipulations, and limits placed upon off campus travel. All travel requests will be declined unless an approved form of transportation is provided by the student or parent.​ Taxis and rideshare apps--including Uber and Lyft--are not permitted for students in any grade level. Violations of this expectation will result in disciplinary actions

Note: Day students are absolutely welcome and encouraged to join all types of off-campus excursions! The same rules apply for signing in and out when day students are signed up for an excursion. We also encourage day families to include international students on their off-campus plans if all parents/guardians approve of these arrangements.

Settling in

Don’t worry if it takes you some time to adjust. Adapting to a new environment, schedule, people and even homework takes time and patience. It also takes a support network of adults here on campus, in addition to your parents back home, to work together to see you through until you are fully on your feet.

House Parents and Advisors will interact with you most, especially at first. Go to these adults with questions and needs, but always feel free to ask any adult for support. Once classes begin, students also have teachers and a dedicated University & Academic Counselor for support.

Staying healthy

Proper hydration, sufficient sleep, good nutrition and exercise form the basis of good health. Keeping your room clean is helpful prevention as well. While the Health Center and residential life staff will support you in staying healthy, you must also take responsibility for your own wellbeing.

Our team has nurses on duty for most of the day, as well as a Mental Health Counselor, Wellness Coordinator and even a therapy dog in training for those days you need some puppy love!

ERIKA insurance: All students (except US and Canadian residents) are covered by ERIKA insurance. The ERIKA insurance policy covers most accidents and illnesses.

If you get sick or feel unwell, you can visit the school nurse on campus. EF Academy has nearby walk-in clinics and there are hospitals in the area. Our school can arrange for you to see a wide array of specialists as needed.

Make sure to let us know if you take any medications. No medication is allowed to be held in rooms unless approved by the Health Center. All medication brought from home should be listed on the Certificate of Health form. Please note that there are many medications that are legal in other countries that are not legal in the United States or that require a prescription.

You must submit a completed Health Certificate, signed and stamped by a medical doctor, to our health team at [email protected]. Please note that you may not come to campus without first submitting the completed Health Certificate, every year, per California law. If you have indicated a current medical condition (which may or may not require medication), you must also provide detailed information about it from your doctor whether it be physical, mental or emotional. The more information we have, the better we can support you while you are under our care!

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