When is the application deadline?
We have a rolling admissions policy - enrollment on our trips is on a first-come first-served basis. They fill up quickly; therefore, we encourage you to sign up as soon as possible.

Do teens really improve their language skills?
Absolutely! Spending time in the US, living with a local family contribute to a remarkable increase in language skills. ECI’s programs are designed to provide as much opportunity as possible to speak and interact in the target language. But in order to truly benefit from the experience, you also need to make a significant commitment to the process.

How do we choose our host families?
All our host families are volunteer families and if they decide to host a student, it is because they really want to. ECI is an American organisation, based in Berkeley - San Francisco. We have host family coordinators who work the whole year to find our host families, interview them in their homes and make sure they are serious and caring families. We also request two references for each host family. All of our host families are extremely warm and welcoming.

Will the family speak the students’ native language?
Host Family children will sometimes have studied a European language at school and have some working knowledge. However, they know that the purpose of the students’ stay is to be primarily speaking only English.

What happens if students are not happy with their host family?
ECI chaperones are always available to help students get settled and adjusted to their family. In the event that a student needs to change families, the chaperone team is on-call twenty-four hours per day to facilitate the process.

How are ECI’s programs chaperoned?
Each group will have three full time ECI chaperones. Two are from the US and one is from the country from which the student travels. At least one chaperone will travel roundtrip with the group from their home country. The chaperone will have a cell phone with him/her at all times. You and your and your parents will be sent this number prior to departure. You will also be given an Emergency Card with the European chaperone’s cell phone number on it, as well as details on how to reach the other chaperones on their cell phones.

How are the chaperones chosen?
Our chaperones are selected on the basis of English language ability, maturity, patience, judgment, enthusiasm and their ability to earn the respect and trust of our teenage participants. Most of them are teachers who have traveled abroad extensively, and all are committed to promoting intercultural understanding between young people throughout the world. Our chaperones supervise students as closely as possible, but in no way are they able to be with students 24 hours per day. In fact, one of the goals of our programs is to help students develop independence, problem-solving skills, maturity and self-reliance.

Are the trips safe?
Safety is our Number One Priority! We cannot do this alone, and need your cooperation. We assume a certain level of maturity from all of our students, and trust you to make responsible decisions. All of our programs are based in what we consider to be safe locations. However, like any town in Europe, there is always the potential for danger, and it is your responsibility to avoid putting yourself in unsafe situations.

Part of ECI’s philosophy is to provide young people with an environment in which to mature and gain a level of personal independence. It is up to you to be an active participant in this process and to not abuse the trust given to you by our chaperones, who cannot be with you 24 hours per day. Should you find yourself in a difficult situation, however, the chaperones are always available to come to your aid, take a taxi with you, take you to see a doctor, help you communicate with your host family, etc.
You & your parents can call them on their cell phones 24/7.

Do students usually go with friends?
Around 75% of our students go without knowing anyone else on their program. This is a great way to meet & develop friendships with other teenagers from around Europe. Our group programs often have students from Austria, Germany, France & Spain.

Do students share a family?
You can request to be in a family with another student, but we can never guarantee it. The ideal situation is to be one student per family – this I the best way to improve your English. Sometimes we do have families who request, or who can take two students. If you would like to share you can request this and we will do our best to accommodate you, but we cannot guarantee it.

Will students use public transportation during the trip?
A lot of time our families are happy to transport their student to and from the meeting point by car, however, sometimes this is impractical or not possible. Unlike a lot of the US, San Francisco has an excellent public transport system, and many of our host family communities are located very close to a BART (Bay Area Rapid Transport) train stop. BART is a safe, fast and efficient mode of transport used by a huge number of people in San Francisco. Students who use this will be travelling with other students and will be picked up and dropped off at the Bart stop by their host family.

Do students have free time?
We always strive for an optimum balance between organized activities and free time for our students. We encourage students to spend time pursuing personal interests & exploring the local community & culture with friends. During free time, students are required to be in groups of at least two, preferably three.

Can I smoke during the program?
California is practically a society of non-smokers. Some people are very intolerant of smoking and get offended when people around them smoke. This is a very big cultural difference. Remember: All ECI trips are non-smoking. Even if you smoke at home in Europe, you will not be able to do this at any point during the trip, neither with the group nor with your host family.

Is payment due all at once and are credit cards accepted?
Once you sign up and pay a deposit of €525, you will be sent an invoice. The balance of the trip is due by May 9th 2010. All payments must be made by check or bank transfer. If you would like to request a customized payment plan, please contact us via phone or email.

What is included in the cost?
Our programs are all-inclusive. The program fee includes roundtrip airfare from your home country (other than airline taxes) all transportation abroad, all accommodation, all group activities, excursions, admissions, and most meals.

Spending Money
We can only give guidelines about how much money to bring, but from our experience it is a good idea to bring at least $150 for each week. This amount will cover personal spending needs such as snacks, stamps, postcards, local telephone calls, and small presents/souvenirs, as well as any expenses when you go out with your host family. Remember: While your family may offer to pay for you, you need to be prepared to pay for all activities you do with them. 

Are there parents and students I can contact as references?
ECI has many alumni and parents of alumni who are more than happy to speak with others interested in our programs. Please contact us directly by phone or email for their contact details.
Phone: 0034 923 260 647 or 0044 153 163 7292
Email: info@educulture.eu

Why do I need a teacher recommendation?
ECI requires your English language teacher to complete a teacher recommendation form (provided by us) because we cannot accept students into our programs who have a history of being disruptive in class or who have behavioral issues.

Is airfare included in the price? Can I make my own travel plans?
Roundtrip airfare from your home country is included in the program fee. Airline taxes are not included and will be invoiced upon ticketing. Participants may choose to depart from a different gateway city than the main group’s gateway city, different flights, dates, etc., and they are responsible for making their own flight arrangements. Participants who choose this option receive a €800 airfare credit.

Does the student need a visa?
No, the students from the European Union don't need a visa for stays that are under 90 days. However, it is compulsory to fill in the E.S.T.A. form on the Internet. We will give you further information on the E.S.T.A. form when you sign up. Please note that it is necessary to have the correct passport to enter the United States.

Are there many cultural differences I should be aware of?
Please download our useful handbook relevant for your program for more information:

Group Program Handbook (PDF, 79k)

Immersion Program Handbook (PDF, 76k)