Advice from alumni: Maggie Teng

Maggie Teng, from Taiwan, graduated from EF Academy New York in 2015 and is currently studying Business at Babson College. Learn more about our featured alum:

How did you hear of EF Academy and why did you choose to go to EF Academy?

I had friend in high school whose sister graduated from EF Academy that year. I decided to look up the school online and read more about it on the website.

What university did you go to after you graduated? What did you study and why?

I am currently studying business at Babson College, which is located close to Boston. I had no idea about the school until my counselor told me about it. I wanted to stay on the East Coast and I liked the small class sizes that they offered – that combination led me to choose Babson. I’m very happy with my choice and the school has definitely exceeded my expectations.

I am in my freshman year so I don’t have to decide on my major now, but I think I will go for finance, probably because of family influences since my dad started his own business when I was five years old. One course that I find particularly interesting right now is “Foundation of Entrepreneurship and Management.” We received $3,000 from Babson to fund a company idea that we’ve come up with. Our idea is to sell advertising space on paper coffee cups. I must say I have learned a lot, everything from making feasibility presentations and setting up corporate structures.

What do you want to do next?

I think I want to either go into finance and do trading or become an entrepreneur. Babson really emphasizes social entrepreneurship, through which we can bring a change to the world. I think these kinds of aspects are really important. In the short-term, I would like to go to the London School of Economics for an exchange program.

What tips do you have for current students who want to study what you study?

Appreciate the IB program because your IB experience will help you a lot in university, so don’t give up even when it is hard. Personally, IB taught me a lot when it comes to time management as I was used to procrastinating.

Do you keep in touch with your EF Academy classmates?

Yes, for example Anthony Yan and my roommate Julianne, Aurelia, Ritu and Iga. I visited Julianne in Norway last summer!

What is your favorite EF Academy memory?

I would definitely have to say the pie throwing  at the fundraising event during the Leukemia Awareness Week. It was fun to see all the teachers with pie on their faces.

What do you miss the most?

The distance to New York City – close enough to visit, but not constantly surrounded by it.

What is one thing that you learned at EF Academy that you found valuable for university? For work life? For your personal life?

Time management, which is especially important for college because you do a lot of things on your own.

What final tips would you give to current students?

Don’t procrastinate or skip classes.

Short questions:

Name: Maggie Teng

Age: 19

Nationality: Taiwanese

How many languages do you speak? Chinese and English

EF Academy campus: New York

Graduation years: 2015

Program: IB

Residence or host family: Residence

Favorite subject: Biology was fun and so was economics because of my interest in business.

Favorite teacher: Both of my favorite teachers, Mr. Barnes and Ms. London, helped me a lot. They not only supported me academically but also in terms of life advice. It was really nice to always be able to count on them. I visited Ms. London in September and had a picnic with her and her newborn baby. We are still in touch.

Favorite club/society: I was a part of the Discipline Committee meetings, which was under the Student Council. It was a great experience because I learned the importance of never judging others.

Which is the next country you want to visit?

Finland or Australia to visit my friends.

Who to interview next:

• Bryam Lim
• Anthony Yan