Advice from alumni: Soroush Basirat

Soroush Basirat, from Iran, graduated from EF Academy Torbay with an A-Level diploma in 2014. He is currently studying Biology for a Pre-Medicine degree at the University of Colombia in Canada. In the future, Soroush’s dream is to become a doctor or dentist. Read more about our alumnus below:

How did you hear about EF Academy and why did you choose to attend?

My father read about EF Academy in the newspaper and became interested in the school. My family was planning to move to Canada at the time, so we thought it would be a good idea for me to study abroad for a short while before that so I could improve my English. The UK felt like a good option so I contacted the EF office in Iran and they helped with admission and visa processes.

To be honest, I initially wanted to go to Oxford because of the name but today I am very happy that I graduated from EF Academy Torbay. The small community there instantly made me feel at home and during my two years in Torbay, my classmates and teachers became like family to me. Moreover, EF Academy Torbay prepared me well for university life in a different English-speaking country – Canada – since I both improved my English level and became more confident there.

What university did you go to afterwards? What did you study and why?

I am currently studying Biology for a Pre-Med degree at the University of British Columbia in Canada. Since my family moved to Vancouver, they wanted me to move there too and I am very happy where I am. I did not apply to any U.S. universities but as I understand, the application process is rather similar. My A-Level coordinator helped me a lot with my application, especially with my personal statement. Taking the SAT exam is not mandatory for Canadian universities, but if you are interested in top-tier Canadian universities, it sure helps.

At UBC, I first started my degree by studying Biochemistry which I thought was a good option to prepare me for medical schools (my next stop!) and this also was the closest degree to my favorite fields: Genetics and Biotechnology. As time passed, I figured Organic Chemistry (which you encounter a lot in Biochemistry) is not really my thing. So I decided to change my degree to Biology and tailor my courses so that I could study more Genetics/Organismal biology. This is what I actually like about university, the flexibility to change your degree whenever you feel you are not happy with it.

What do you want to do in the future?

My dream has always been to become a doctor or a dentist. I know it is a long road to get there but I am determined to do it. The Bachelor’s Degree that I am working on now is preparing me and then I will need to have a good background in research or experience working in a hospital or different health related voluntary positions. After that, I will need to take the MCAT test to be able to enter medical schools.

What is your favorite memory from EF Academy?

The first thing that comes to my mind is the college trip during my first year when we went to Alton Towers, an amusement park with swimming pools and roller coasters. It was a special trip because we had the opportunity to spend the night with our teachers and classmates.

What do you miss the most?

I miss just spending time in Torbay with friends who became like family to me. I do really miss them.

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

English skills – At EF Academy, I improved my language skills remarkably during the time I spent in Torbay.

One year’s worth of credits from my A-Level program – At university, I studied subjects directly related to my studies at Torbay and I could apply the A-Level credits to my current studies.

Preparation for life in a foreign country – My time at EF Academy made me a more confident person. After my time in Torbay, I knew that I could live by myself and cope with the challenges I might face when I encounter different cultures.

What final tips would you give to current students?

When I was at EF Academy, I spent a long time worrying about my studies. In hindsight, I regret that I did not balance it better with social activities. High school is not only about studying; it is also about having fun and getting to know people. Thus, enjoy the time that you have. It will definitely be a time that you will always remember.

Who is the most successful alumni that you know of?

Anuar Yeraliev from Kazakhstan, who studied at Torbay, and is now studying Physics also at University of British Columbia in Canada.

Sabina Chokusheva, Torbay class of 2014, who is studying Finance and Accounting at New York University in the US.

Any advice to fellow alumni at university or who are starting their careers?

Make sure to visualize a clear goal. If you want to become a doctor, make sure to really think through it as you will need to do things you might not always have wanted to do, cope with other peoples’ pain for example. If you don’t see that in yourself, don’t go for it. Same goes to others who are seeking different careers, a clear and achievable goal definitely helps you through your years of studying at university to prepare yourself fully for your future career.

Short questions:

Namev: Soroush Basirat

Age: 20

Nationality: Iran

How many languages do you speak? Persian, English and little bit of French

EF Academy campus: EF Academy Torbay

Graduation years: 2014

Program:  A-Levels (Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Mathematics) A*ABB

Residence or host family:  Host Family

Favorite subject: Physics

Favorite teacher: Robert East – I always hated Chemistry but he made it fun. He was always making jokes and trying to explain everything in a funny way.

Favorite club / society: Swimming Club

Which is the next country you want to visit?  USA

Who to interview next:

Nima Moradzadeh, Torbay class of 2013, studying Biology at Western Kentucky University

Arash Ahmadi, Torbay class of 2014, studying Biotechnology at Pennsylvania State University

Shouts outs to:

Oli Chapman, Brian Heavens, Robert East, Maria Mahoney, Helen Beardsley

All my friends who graduated in 2014 and 2013