Welcome to Orientation

All Day: Arrivals to Boston
Welcome to Boston! When you arrive at the Boston airport, you will be greeted by an EF staff member in Baggage Claim (look out for pink EF shirts / signs) and transported with other members of your group to the hotel, the Royal Sonesta Boston Cambridge.

If you are not flying into Boston, but are being dropped off directly at the hotel, the Royal Sonesta Boston Cambridge (40 Edwin Land Boulevard, Cambridge, MA 02142), please plan to arrive between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. An EF staff member will meet you in the lobby. Please do not check-in with the front desk, as our team will already have your rooming information and check you in in our EF conference room. 

Morning:
Our own EF conference room lounge will be open throughout the day with snacks, music, and games for those looking to relax indoors.

Afternoon:

12:00 pm: Lunch
Those arriving prior to 2:00 p.m. will receive a cash handout during check-in to be used for lunch. EF staff will help you find local options to grab something to eat. 

2:00 pm: Walking Tour
Join us for an optional walking tour of Downtown Boston. This is your opportunity to get out of the hotel and start seeing the city while meeting our staff and some new friends along the way! Exact timing may vary based on airport arrivals.

Evening: 

7:30 pm: Depart for dinner by bus.

8:00 – 9:00 pm: Welcome Dinner
Join your group for a welcome dinner at Fire & Ice in Boston! Continue meeting new friends and breaking the ice over a delicious meal, the first of many you’ll share together. 

9:00 – 11:00 pm: Free time
Enjoy free time to rest, explore the city, or bond with your new friends. Make sure to get a good night’s sleep as the next two days have full schedules! 

7:30 – 8:30 am: Breakfast at the Royal Sonesta
Make sure to wear comfy clothes and closed-toe shoes (required) before leaving the hotel!

9:00 – 9:30 am: Walk to EF
EF Staff will lead you on a short walk over to EF’s Boston office. Take note of the iconic landmarks around you, such as the Museum of Science and the TD Garden across the Charles River. 

9:30 – 10:30 am: Welcome (Mezzanine) & Icebreakers
Get to know your Tour Director and student cohort for your guided exploration of Europe. Refer to the sticker on the back of your name tag as a reminder of which cohort you’re in and your cohort’s Icebreaker location. 

Cohort 1 – Circle sticker – Despoina – Mezzanine (Carpet)
Cohort 2 – Heart sticker – Greg – Mezzanine (Turf)
Cohort 3 – Smiley face sticker – Stefanos – Lingo
Cohort 4 – Star sticker – Vasileios – Auditorium

10:30 – 11:30 am: Morning Workshops
You’ll divide by cohort for your guided exploration of Europe.

Setting Group Norms (Mezzanine)
Cohort 1 – Circle sticker – Despoina
Cohort 2 – Heart sticker – Greg
Create shared group norms and an understanding of their impact on your group’s success and wellbeing. 

Gap Goals (Auditorium)
Cohort 3 – Smiley face sticker – Stefanos
Cohort 4 – Star sticker – Vasileios 
Establish meaningful personal goals while learning how they can be accomplished through collaboration. 

11:30 – 11:45 am: Break

11:45 am – 12:45 pm: Morning Workshops
You’ll divide by cohort for your guided exploration of Europe.

Setting Group Norms (Mezzanine)
Cohort 3 – Smiley face sticker – Stefanos
Cohort 4 – Star sticker – Vasileios 
Create shared group norms and an understanding of their impact on your group’s success and wellbeing. 

Gap Goals (Auditorium)
Cohort 1 – Circle sticker – Despoina
Cohort 2 – Heart sticker – Greg
Establish meaningful personal goals while learning how they can be accomplished through collaboration. 

12:45 – 1:45 pm: Lunch at EF
Head down to Lingo on the lobby level. Looking for an extra fun lunch? Grab a table with a Jenga set and play our own version of Jenga with special ice breaker questions for those sitting at your table.

1:45 – 2:30 pm: Get to Know Your Staff
Compete to see who can get to know your staff the best! Prepare for fun facts, food-favorites, and more! 

2:30 – 9:00 pm: Boda Borg // North End Exploration // Dinner

You will be split into three groups for the remainder of the day. Please refer to the backside of your nametag to find your group number (1, 2, or 3). Each group will do the same activities, but in a slightly different order. 

Group 1:
Group 1 is comprised of students studying language in Malaga or Rome.
2:30 pm: Travel to Boda Borg by bus
3:00 – 5:00 pm: Boda Borg
Boda Borg is a one-of-a kind adventure! You’ll be challenged in small teams to complete different “quests” as you’re immersed in the world of movies, books, and video games.  All participants must wear closed-toe shoes and fill out a specific waiver for Group 1, which can be found here.
5:00 pm: Travel to dinner by bus
6:00 – 7:00 pm: Dinner at Bertucci’s Medford
7:00 – 8:30 pm: North End Exploration
Discover the North End, Boston’s oldest neighborhood, dating back to the 17th century. The North End is a hub of Italian American culture and cuisine.
8:30 – 11:00 pm: Free time
Enjoy free time to rest, explore the city, or bond with your new friends. 

Group 2:
Group 2 is comprised of students studying language in Barcelona, Berlin, and Nice.
2:30 – 4:00 pm: North End Exploration
Discover the North End, Boston’s oldest neighborhood, dating back to the 17th century. The North End is a hub of Italian American culture and cuisine.
4:00 pm: Travel to Boda Borg by bus
5:00 – 7:00 pm: Boda Borg
Boda Borg is a one-of-a kind adventure! You’ll be challenged in small teams to complete different “quests” as you’re immersed in the world of movies, books, and video games.  All participants must wear closed-toe shoes and fill out a specific waiver for Group 2, which can be found here.
7:00 pm: Travel to dinner by bus
8:00 – 9:00 pm: Dinner at Bertucci’s Medford
9:00 – 11:00 pm: Free time
Enjoy free time to rest, explore the city, or bond with your new friends. 

Group 3:
Group 3 is comprised of students studying language in Tokyo, Seoul, or Paris.
2:30 – 4:00 pm: North End Exploration
Discover the North End, Boston’s oldest neighborhood, dating back to the 17th century. The North End is a hub of Italian American culture and cuisine.
4:00 pm: Travel to dinner by bus
5:00 – 6:00 pm: Dinner at Bertucci’s Medford
6:00 pm: Travel to Boda Borg by bus
7:00 – 9:00 pm: Boda Borg
Boda Borg is a one-of-a kind adventure! You’ll be challenged in small teams to complete different “quests” as you’re immersed in the world of movies, books, and video games.  All participants must wear closed-toe shoes and fill out a specific waiver for Group 3, which can be found here.
9:00 – 11:00 pm: Free time
Enjoy free time to rest, explore the city, or bond with your new friends.

7:30 – 8:30 am: Breakfast and Check-Out at the Royal Sonesta
Make sure you’re packed and ready to go this morning. Check-out of your room and load your luggage onto the correct bus. Your luggage will stay safe and secure while you enjoy your second day of orientation. 

9:00 – 9:30 am: Walk to EF

9:30 – 9:45 am: Welcome Back

9:45 – 10:45 am: Wellness Checkpoint
Jackie Lightner returns to ensure you’re prepared to care for your mental and physical health while on program. 

10:45 – 11:00 am: Coffee Break

11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Free Time Workshop
Discover helpful resources to craft your own experiences during free days on program and learn how to pivot when certain challenges are thrown your way. 

12:00 – 1:00 pm: Lunch at EF

1:00 – 1:30 pm: Capturing Your Gap
Discover how to share your story during your program and post-gap, the do’s and don’ts of responsible content creation on the road, along with a few insider tips about leveling up your ‘gram from our social media manager!

1:30 – 2:00 pm: Wrap-up and Letters to Self
Prepare to hit the road and do a little self-reflection.

2:15 pm: Airport Group 1 Departure
If you’re departing on the first flight, you will travel from EF to Boston Logan Airport by bus to catch your flights to Europe! 

2:30 pm: Human Board Game
Those departing on the second flight will stay at EF until it’s time to leave for the airport. Get ready to compete in a life-size board game simulation of your EF Gap Year. See who can be the first to “make it” from Boston Orientation to Leadership Academy!

3:30 pm: Airport Group 2 Departure
If you’re departing on the second flight, you will travel from EF to Boston Logan Airport by bus to catch your flights to Europe!