Pre-Departure 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 throughout the Spring.

Traveling to Pasadena, California

For those who are boarding with us, please review the below travel information! For those who will be day students, feel free to skip to the Welcome Week Checklist.

Welcome to EF Academy! Here you'll find useful information about preparing for EF Academy Pasadena - all in one place

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!

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

Help is near

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

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.

Room assignments

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 time to move into your dorm room​ (if boarding)

  • safety training drills

  • course placement assessments​

  • athletics tryouts

  • teacher introductions

  • house parent ​cohort meetings (if boarding)

  • university & academic counselor​ meetings

  • advisor​y group meetings

  • fun social activities​

  • community meeting

  • shopping opportunities for essentials

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.

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