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<p>Six EF Academy New York students recently attended the Theater Arts Program Symposium (TaPS) in Manhattan put on by the International Schools Theater Association. The students spent three days and two nights in the city led by IB Theater teacher Ginny Borton. Anyone taking theater classes at EF Academy could attend the conference, and IBY2 student Van Le decided to attend because, “Ms. Borton recommended me to attend because it would help me with the IB theater assessments.” The students joined students from many schools around the country to participate in three days of exciting workshops and exercises to further their knowledge of theater.</p>
<p>Upon arrival, the students were separated into groups of 10-15 with students from other schools. They stayed with the same group for three days, allowing them to make friends from across the region. Each group was led by a facilitator  and workshops were led my theatre arts professionals from around the region. One of Ms. Le’s favorite exercises was learning how sound affects a scene. She learned how “sound can affect the tone and message a scene conveys.” As someone who is interested in set design and the technical aspects of theatre, these were valuable lessons as she works toward her IB Diploma.</p>
<p>Ms. Borton loves bringing students to the conference each year because it allows her IB Theatre students to have a deeper understanding of concepts they learn in her classes. “As a teacher, it was a unique experience to be able to observe my students in another environment outside of the classroom, interacting with new students and workshop leaders from all over world, learning new techniques and skills of theatre making.  It was inspirational to all!”</p>
<p>A highlight for Van was the evening activities. After dinner in Manhattan, the students attended a Broadway show each evening. The first night was “The Cherry Orchard” Anton Chekhov’s masterpiece about a family on the edge of ruin—and a country on the brink of revolution. The second evening, students saw “Something Rotten!” This mash-up of 16th Century Shakespeare and 21st Century Broadway tells the story of brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom, two playwrights stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rockstar Will Shakespeare. When a soothsayer foretells the next big thing in theatre, the Bottom brothers set out to write the world’s very first MUSICAL! The show was a favorite for the whole group, as Ms. Le notes, “We really enjoyed the musical and the artistic aspects of The Cherry Orchard.”</p>
<p>The most valuable aspect of the experience is that Van believes the conference will help her with her IB assessments. “The conference allowed me to have a deeper understanding of theatre concepts outside of the classroom. I have a stronger understanding of methods learned in class and learned even more than I thought possible in three days!”</p>
<p>TaPS is a series of unique 3-day workshops specifically for students of DP Theater put on each year by the International Schools Theater Association. Students connect and collaborate with DP theater students from around the world through exposure to live, experimental theater and creative and unusual performances. TaPS takes place in six cities around the world each year, including New York City.</p>

EF Academy New York students recently attended the Theater Arts Program Symposium in Manhattan put on by the International Schools Theater Association.

In-depth IBDP theatre experience at TaPS! - EF Academy Blog

In-depth IBDP theatre experience at TaPS! ‹ EF Academy Blog

In-depth IBDP theatre experience at TaPS!

Depth ibdp theatre experience taps

<p>Last week, EF Academy New York celebrated our school pride with a week full of high achievement on the court & field in athletics.  Both the Men’s and Women’s Soccer teams as well as our Volleyball team had several matches last week boosted by support from the whole student body.</p>
<p>On Tuesday, the Girls’ Volleyball team won a big home game against the New York School for the Deaf, who are second place in the current standings. The win solidified EF Academy’s seeding as a first place team going into the post season tournament. Many students and staff came out to support the team and eat cupcakes to celebrate the win!</p>
<p>The Boys’ Soccer team had a thrilling game vs. St. Luke’s School. They came home with a 3-1 victory as senior Eduardo Pierucci tucked away a beauty to seal the victory.</p>
<p>To finish out the week, the Girls’ Soccer team took on Montfort Academy in their final game of the regular season and won 7-0. Mina Grefstad was a standout performer, scoring four goals. Synnove Tonnesen, Jaa Charoenbori and Clarissa Arnaudo all added a goal to clinch the win.</p>
<p>Throughout the week, in support of our athletic teams and in a show of school spirit, the school dressed up in accordance with several fun themes. On Monday, students & staff showed off their EF Academy Pride with EF Academy t-shirts & sweatshirts. Tuesday was ‘Pajama Day’ as students were able to literally roll out of bed and attend class or take one of their midterms wearing pajamas. Wednesday was WACKY day. Students were encouraged to wear the wackiest outfit, and some got very creative! On Thursday, our students ‘Dressed to Impress’ on Dress-Up day. Finally, on Friday, students celebrated their class spirit by wearing a unifying color. The EF Academy staff wore pink & donated money to support breast cancer awareness.</p>

EF Academy New York celebrated our school pride with a week full of high achievement on the court & field in athletics.

Spirited homecoming week - EF Academy Blog

Spirited homecoming week ‹ EF Academy Blog

Spirited homecoming week

<p>“The first thing that caught my eye was the wall with lists upon lists of human rights plastered on it.” Last week, students from EF Academy’s 9<sup>th</sup> and 10<sup>th</sup> grade Global Perspectives courses spent a day touring the halls of the United Nations in New York City where such dignitaries including President Obama, Malala, Kofi Annan and Ban Ki-Moon. The trip occurred as a part of their study of international relations and history. The tour included a visit to the Hall of Flags, the chamber where the delegations from all 193 member nations meet, and the Security Council meeting room. For many students, it was their first time visiting the United Nations and they were impressed to see the work of an international body of government.</p>
<p>Going to the United Nations was a great experience for the class. They learned the most important facts about the UN including the peace talks that happen there. They saw the principal rooms where the most important politicians meet and discuss world affairs. Most of these rooms have art donated by one of the countries that is a part of the UN. For example, they were able to view a mosaic donated by Norway. They also viewed the main table in the Security Council room which was also donated by Norway.</p>
<p>Following the tour, the group heard a speech from a member of the United Nations from India. He explained the main functions of the UN around the world. He also spoke about how the UN contributes to solutions on a world wide scale in political, religious, social and economic problems. One student remarked, “I found it amazing how all 193 countries gather together to discuss world matters. One thing that really caught my attention was the board that counted how much money was spent on a daily basis on weapons. The tour guide said the money spent on weapons could feed every child in the world. I found that very impacting because some countries only care about weapons instead of disarming and creating peace.”</p>
<p>There were many lessons learned from the trip to help support study in the classroom. Students reflected:</p>
<p>“The trip was really interesting and cool. It helped me to learn more about war in peace.”</p>
<p>“The General Assembly was the most important part of the day. It is a chamber where the most important people in the entire world gather together to find a solution to many conflicts.”</p>
<p>“The tour was very interesting because we are an international school from many different countries around the world. We loved seeing the Hall of Flags and learning about how all of our countries interact together, like we all interact together at school.”</p>
<p>The United Nations experience was led by IGCSE History and Global Perspectives Teacher Alexandra Levitt.</p>

Last week, students from EF Academy’s 9th and 10th grade Global Perspectives courses spent a day touring the halls of the United Nations in New York City.

Global perspectives takes new meaning on trip to the United Nations - EF Academy Blog

Global perspectives takes new meaning on trip to the United Nations ‹ EF Academy Blog

Global perspectives takes new meaning on trip to the United Nations

Global perspectives takes new meaning trip united nations

<p>The second student to be featured in our TEDx EF Academy series is Claudia, from<a href="https://www.efacademy.org/new-york/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> EF Academy New York</a>, who shares her thoughts on the importance of pursuing your dream.</p>
<h3>Dream is like a star</h3>
<p>What is your dream? My mother started taking me to study music when I was 2 years old. Soon after my teacher told my parents that I had a real talent for music. So they got me more lessons. Then, I began entering competitions and sometimes winning. I also started to learn different instruments, such as cello, trombone, saxophone, and others. I love all of them. I compete on these instruments too. My parents talked to me about making a career in music, “We invested a lot in your lessons, so make it your goal”. But, I just want to work in an office and make money. This was the normal life I saw surrounding me. But to please my parents and because I enjoyed it, I continued studying.</p>
<p>When I was 14, my schoolteacher’s husband who is a popular music producer in Hong Kong heard my recordings. He encouraged me and found me a new piano teacher. This teacher not taught me only piano, but recording, production, and other aspects of music.</p>
<p>I began to work on my songs. My teacher also brought me to different recording sessions. I played along with singers, did some productions, and was treated as e a professional. I knew then: this will be my goal. Today, I played around 12 instruments.</p>
<p>In 2021, I released my first original single “Love Castle”. I wrote, sang, produced, and played almost all the instruments on it. I am very proud of myself and felt like FINALLY! The world will hear me. At the same time, my first sponsor and ad appeared.</p>
<p>On the next day, one of the students in my school came up to me and said “I heard your song. It’s not professional enough.” I tried to ignore this comment. But then I checked on online comments. Most of them are very negative. “You are not pretty enough.”, “Just go and get plastic surgery.”, “You are affecting my ears.” This all went on for two weeks.</p>
<p>The imperfection of this song and people’s opinion of my appearance became a thing everyone can scold me for. I continued to finish the next song in a heartbreaking mood. One day I felt so stressed, tears fell down from the corner of my eyes. I asked myself, is this what you want? Do you have the courage to keep going? That night I wrote songs all the way until the next morning. I gave myself an answer. I said, “It took you fifteen years. You released your first single. Started to do what you want to do.”</p>
<p>Faced with a strange field, I have not yet given up. I ignored everything and keep on walking on the road which I chose. I found that music turned out to be my best friend. It knows the deepest part of my heartbeat. It is most willing to accept my negative energy unconditionally, and is willing to accept every tear of mine. Music is the inner and true me. What melody do I hear, what picture do I feel. The emotions expressed by the song is the truest me and cannot be faked.</p>
<p>I released other songs. Still got some negative, critical comments. But also some very good ones, and now someone followed my music. I hope I can break through in 2021. I chose to write my dream chasing experience to different songs, release my first album in my life. Nowadays, my album is on different music platforms. I would like to share with you the topic of my speech “Dream Is Like A Star’” is exactly the same as my album’s quote, which always reminds me to follow the star.</p>
<p>I think when I was 13 years old, I certainly didn’t expect that today I have these listeners who would like to listen to my music. I didn’t expect that my dream can come true.</p>
<p>Today, I release my own music. And I own three companies in Hong Kong. One of them is an entertainment company. Its main business includes music production, artist management, also responsible for film production, as well as multimedia. The other two are my own brand.</p>
<p>I don’t regret any choice I chose in the past 16 years. I tried my very best for everything.</p>
<p>There is still something pushing me to the forefront. I am no longer afraid. Every step is learning, every step is growth. I know I gained far more than I have lost. How did each step come through, how did I make every unswerving choice to start, I keep it in my heart. I know singing and composing are definitely something I will do in my whole life. But they won’t be the only things I can do.</p>
<p>I know this now: no matter what I do, someone will criticize it, someone will hate it. What matters is: do I love it? Do I believe myself?</p>
<p>Whatever decision I make, I will respect my choice. I think this is the super energy that young people have. Don’t be afraid, go all out and you can be the best version of yourself.</p>
<p>Thank you.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Find more TEDx EF Academy stories <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/topic/student-stories/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>

The second student to be featured in our TEDx EF Academy series is Claudia, who shares her thoughts on the importance of pursuing your dream.

Dream is like a star | TEDx EF Academy New York - EF Academy Blog

Dream is like a star | TEDx EF Academy New York ‹ EF Academy Blog

Dream is like a star | TEDx EF Academy New York

Dream is like a star tedx ef academy new york

<p>Read along to see who has joined our dynamic team at <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/pasadena/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy</a> in sunny <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/how-a-californian-education-creates-well-rounded-thriving-students/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">California</a> to help shape our curriculum and dedicate themselves to empowering the next generation of global changemakers. First up in this introductory series is our school leadership team!</p>
<h3>Kim Stein – Deputy Head of School for Academics</h3>
<p><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-18994" height="757" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Kim-Stein.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Kim-Stein.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Kim-Stein-225x300.jpg 225w" width="568"></p>
<p>Kim Stein is an entrepreneur and educator who started in the world of education by opening her own language learning school in Madrid, Spain. She has spent over 22 years working in academic settings, including 10 years running her own school in Spain and another 10 years in International Baccalaureate schools in the U.S. and Spain. She spent 7 years in various leadership roles at the EF Academy campus in New York as the school grew from 200 to 750 students. She worked as the Vice Principal at SEK International School in Madrid, Spain where she launched a successful nutrition research project with students to respond to one of the U.N. sustainable development goals. She is passionate about international education, science education and research, global leadership, and experiential learning. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Manhattanville College and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Saint Joseph University in West Hartford, Connecticut. She is also a NEASC accreditation site visitor.</p>
<h3>Annie Hall – Deputy Head of School for Student Services and Residential Life</h3>
<p><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19036" height="556" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Photo-Annie_H-2-Feb-2020.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Photo-Annie_H-2-Feb-2020.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Photo-Annie_H-2-Feb-2020-300x294.jpg 300w" width="568"></p>
<p>Annie Hall has seventeen years of experience in the education sector across teaching, pastoral, admissions and leadership, in both state and private schools. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education in English. Originally from the U.K., Ms. Hall has taught English Language and Literature up to A-Level, as well as the Extended Project Qualification, and has held curriculum and pastoral leadership roles, including Senior Assistant Head Teacher at a large London school. As a Designated Safeguarding Officer, she has had experience in dealing with a broad range of issues around Child Protection and has extensive knowledge of how best to support young people. Since 2017, Ms. Hall has been working at EF Academy international campuses, where she has worked in leadership roles in student services, academic advising, admissions and residential life. Prior to joining the Senior Leadership Team at the Pasadena Campus, Ms. Hall Annie served in leadership roles at the EF Academy Torbay campus for many years, and was the Director of International Admissions for EF Academy since 2020, working closely with students, their families, and global admissions teams. In her role in Pasadena, she is committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming and caring campus community, that will ensure all students are able to flourish individually and grow as members of our global community.</p>
<h3>Dan Denoncourt – Campus Director</h3>
<p><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19041" height="564" sizes="(max-width: 464px) 100vw, 464px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Dan-Denoncourt.s.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Dan-Denoncourt.s.jpg 464w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Dan-Denoncourt.s-247x300.jpg 247w" width="464"></p>
<p>Dan Denoncourt has 25 years of experience in the field of international education; ranging from international student advisement, study abroad counseling and language and communications training. For the last 16 years, Mr. Denoncourt held various roles within the EF Education First family of companies. He served as the Director of Operations for Hult International Business School’s Boston campus at an exciting time as Hult was expanding student enrollment, adding more academic programs and opening new campuses across the globe. While at Hult, he had the unique opportunity of assisting in the development of Hult’s Global Rotation Program and running a satellite campus in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Following Hult, Mr. Denoncourt joined EF’s Real Estate Division as a Project Director and got his first experience with EF Academy by running the real estate development of the current EF Academy New York campus. Just prior to joining EF Academy in August 2019, he ran the operations at EF’s North American Headquarters in Boston. In his spare time, you can find Mr. Denoncourt hiking in the San Gabriel mountains, relaxing at the beach, competing in a Spartan race, or teaching early morning fitness classes at a local Pasadena gym. He is always game for trying out one of the area’s many excellent restaurants with his wife Gwenn and daughters Zoë and Uma, so if you need a restaurant recommendation, he’s your guy. Mr. Denoncourt and his family can’t wait to open the doors for the first class of EF Academy students in August 2022.</p>
<h3>Jim Sargent – Director of University and Academic Advising</h3>
<p><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19004" height="852" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Sargent_Jim.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Sargent_Jim.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Sargent_Jim-200x300.jpg 200w" width="568"></p>
<p>Jim Sargent (he/him) is an educator dedicated to helping students critically engage the university admissions process while finding joy in their journeys through high school. In a career that spanned public policy, college admissions, and student counseling, Mr. Sargent has developed expertise in test-optional admissions, college rankings, and student engagement in the college search. He is an active member of the college admissions profession, including serving as the host committee co-chair for the National Association for College Admission Counseling’s 2021 national conference. Mr. Sargent is a proud first-generation college graduate with a bachelor’s degree in political science and communication studies from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, and a master’s degree in public policy with a concentration in education policy from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. Away from work, he loves playing, listening to, and reading about music, as well as spending time with his wife Doreen and their two cats.</p>

See who has joined our team in sunny California to help shape our curriculum and dedicate themselves to empowering our students.

EF Academy Pasadena: Meet our school leadership team - EF Academy Blog

EF Academy Pasadena: Meet our school leadership team ‹ EF Academy Blog

EF Academy Pasadena: Meet our school leadership team

Ef academy pasadena meet our school leadership team

<p>Introducing Daniel Simpson, who joined <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/oxford/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy Oxford</a>’s pastoral team as a Pathway Manager, at the start of the January term.</p>
<p>Daniel brings a rich background of helping international students, having worked in schools in Italy, Spain, Russia and the UK. He was the head of examinations at an international school in Moscow and knows well the pathways that students take when studying their <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/a-level/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">A-Levels</a> and the academic hurdles that they must overcome.  He was also an IELTS examiner and so knows how to help students apply the academic language they need to succeed.</p>
<p>With EF Academy Oxford, Daniel works with students from Middle East and Africa, Nigeria, China Direct, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Algeria, Spain and France.</p>
<p>Outside of school, Daniel is a keen motorcyclist, having tackled numerous sections of the off-road Trans Euro Trail and recently completing a 2000-mile journey from Oxford to the Alps and back on his Royal Enfield Motorcycle. This year, he plans to complete the 1000mile Lands End to John O’ Groats length of Britain by bicycle.</p>
<p>With an excellent knowledge of their Academic programme and keen to support international students, Daniel looks forward to helping his students achieve in the coming year.</p>

Introducing Daniel Simpson, who joined EF Academy Oxford’s pastoral team as a Pathway Manager, at the start of the January term. Daniel brings a rich background of helping international students, having worked in schools in Italy, Spain, Russia and the UK. He was the head of examinations at an international school in Moscow and knows …

Meet the team: Daniel Simpson, Pathway Manager - EF Academy Blog

Meet the team: Daniel Simpson, Pathway Manager ‹ EF Academy Blog

Meet the team: Daniel Simpson, Pathway Manager

Meet the team daniel simpson pathway manager

<p>On February 25, 2023, <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/pasadena/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy Pasadena</a> hosted an open house event that was a great success for the Admissions Office and the team of student Ambassadors. The event was organized and engaging, and families who attended were impressed by the amount of freedom and creativity given to students.</p>
<p><img alt="Ambassadors in Pasadena" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19840" height="292" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Ambassadors-pas.png" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Ambassadors-pas.png 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Ambassadors-pas-300x154.png 300w" width="568"></p>
<p>One of the highlights of the event was the opportunity for families to speak with student Ambassadors. Prospective students and families were able ask questions and learn more about the school from a student’s perspective. The student Ambassadors were knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and their positive attitudes toward their school were evident.</p>
<p>Attendees also had the opportunity to choose from a selection of demo classes to attend. This gave them a taste of the <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/shark-tank-design-challenge-in-pasadena/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">academic experience</a> at EF Academy Pasadena and allowed them to see the level of teaching and learning that takes place at the school. The enthusiasm and engagement of the students in the demo classes left a lasting impression on the families who attended.</p>
<p><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19842" height="380" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/DSC06538-1.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/DSC06538-1.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/DSC06538-1-300x201.jpg 300w" width="568"></p>
<p>The positive feedback from families who attended the event was overwhelming. Many commented on how impressed they were by the level of passion and dedication that the student ambassadors and teachers displayed. Families also appreciated the opportunity to speak with <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/day-in-the-life-boarding-school/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">current students</a> and learn about their experiences.</p>
<p>There were also very good refreshments, with the best orange juice available.</p>
<p><img alt="Ambassadors in Pasadena" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19843" height="379" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/4916493E-709C-414D-968D-487460A97877_1_105_c.jpeg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/4916493E-709C-414D-968D-487460A97877_1_105_c.jpeg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/4916493E-709C-414D-968D-487460A97877_1_105_c-300x200.jpeg 300w" width="568"></p>
<p>Overall, the open house event was a great success. Families left feeling informed and impressed, and the school showcased the unique features and qualities that make it a great place to learn and grow through competency-based learning. Everyone spent the rainy Saturday excited about <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy</a>, including the families who will send their children to our <a href="https://covecreekproductions.com/tours/ef_academy_pasadena/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">beautiful campus</a>.</p>
<hr>
<p><em>Written by EF Academy Pasadena Ambassador Tilak for Pasadena’s magazine <a href="https://internationalchangemaker.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The International Changemaker</a></em></p>

EF Academy Pasadena hosted an open house event that was a great success for the Admissions Office and the team of student Ambassadors.

Ambassadors make debut at successful Open House event - EF Academy Blog

Ambassadors make debut at successful Open House event ‹ EF Academy Blog

Ambassadors make debut at successful Open House event

Ambassadors make debut at successful open house event

<p>High school is a critical time for students, and not only because it’s the time in which academic grades matters most. These years are crucial for personal development and for shaping the identities that turn teenagers into young adults. So how can you get the most positive outcome from this testing time?</p>
<p>There are many reasons why thousands of teenagers decide to study abroad every year, but a main one is that it’s simply a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Moving your child to another country for their education is a great way to make the most of their final years in school. Here are just a few of the ways in which this international adventure can enhance your child’s high school experience.</p>
<h3>Find their independence</h3>
<p>Being far from home during high school can be challenging for students and their families, but it’s also the perfect time for teenagers to develop their independence in a safe, sheltered environment. Whether your child lives with a host family or at a boarding school while studying abroad, they will become the number one person responsible for themselves. Without you, the parents, around to set their daily routine, your child will learn how to maintain a healthy work-life balance for themselves and gain maturity along the way. Learning to manage their time, schoolwork and budget while looking after themselves and their health is great preparation for university.</p>
<h3>Discover another culture – and themselves</h3>
<p>Studying abroad during high school is a great way for your child to explore a new culture firsthand. Learning through experience has been shown to be one of the most effective ways of assimilating knowledge, and there is no shortage of experiences to be had while studying abroad! Living in a foreign country will teach your child valuable lessons about the world and, in turn, themselves: research has shown that people who live abroad develop a stronger <a href="https://hbr.org/2018/05/how-living-abroad-helps-you-develop-a-clearer-sense-of-self" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sense of self</a> than many who don’t. If your child goes to an <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">international high school abroad</a>, the number of cultures they get to learn from through their peers multiplies exponentially. Being exposed to new perspectives at this age will help your child form their worldview – an increasingly essential skill in our globalized society.</p>
<h3>English immersion</h3>
<p>It’s widely known that young people learn languages much faster and more easily than adults. A year’s worth of English lessons in your home country doesn’t come close to the language skills your child can learn through immersion by studying in the US or UK. When the world around you functions in your second language, you are forced to adapt – and fast. Learning to communicate in a global language such as English will give your child an advantage for opportunities later in life. If your child has aspirations to go to university in the UK or US, perfecting their English in high school is an even more important focus that can be achieved by studying abroad.</p>
<h3>Make lifelong friends around the world</h3>
<p>Friendships are an essential part of a good high school experience. By studying abroad, your child will make friends they wouldn’t otherwise get to meet. With so much to learn from one another, cross-cultural friendships never get boring. Afterwards, when your child returns home, the world will seem a little bit closer knowing that they have friends in another part of the world. This is particularly true for students who study at <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">international schools abroad</a>; the sheer diversity of the students around them can easily make them friends from dozens of countries around the world and form the basis of a valuable global network.</p>
<h3>A reason to get excited for school</h3>
<p>There’s a reason why many people look back at high school as the best years of their life, but the pressure to achieve the highest grades possible can take away much of the enjoyment. When studying abroad, the novelty of being in foreign surroundings keeps students excited about school and can motivate them to participate more in class or excel in assignments. When you study abroad, just as much learning is done outside of the classroom as inside it. Everyday interactions in a foreign place become learning opportunities and make the process of learning by exploring all the more enjoyable.</p>
<h3>Memories to last a lifetime</h3>
<p>A lot of parents assume that their child will have the chance to live abroad in university or at some point in their career. But why wait? Responsibilities get you down with age and sometimes the opportunity is lost. Make sure your child doesn’t miss the chance to form memories that will transform their high school experience.</p>
<p>A positive study abroad journey pushes high school students out of their comfort zones in all the right ways. The healthy attitudes they develop towards broadening their horizons and pursuing more are qualities that will stand out in their university applications. Not all students have the privilege to study abroad in high school, but those who do come out of the experience with lifelong memories, confidence in themselves and closer to becoming the global citizens that will lead our world of tomorrow.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.efacademy.org/">EF Academy International Boarding Schools</a> opens a world of opportunities for high school students by providing them with a superior education abroad, thorough preparation for university and a future that knows no borders.</p>

There are many reasons why thousands of students study abroad each year. What is it about this experience that makes high school all the more exciting?

How studying abroad enhances the high school experience - EF Academy Blog

How studying abroad enhances the high school experience ‹ EF Academy Blog

How studying abroad enhances the high school experience

How studying abroad enhances high school experience

<p>The Education in Action days have proved to be a brilliant insight for students into the professional applications of their math studies. This ‘Engineering in Action’ afternoon of interactive lectures were a great mix of disciplines, all with exciting roles in the real world of engineering.</p>
<p>Dr Jackie Bell, from <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Imperial College London</a>, gave us an insight into her career journey in designing astronauts’ suits and equipment, and the engineering needed to get in to space! She explored the real-world (and in some cases out-of-this-world) problems engineers need to solve in her field.</p>
<p>Professor Dave Cliff, from the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">University of Bristol</a> explained how due to the phenomenal rate of progress in computer technology over the last 50 years, we are close to hitting unavoidable limits. This lecture showed students new approaches, one drawing inspiration from biology.</p>
<p>Roma Agrawal MBE, Structural Engineer showed how the bridges, buildings and tunnels which surround us in a city were designed and built, and how people, cars, nature and materials are turned into numbers to make sure our structures don’t collapse.</p>
<p>I asked the students to write down their favourite parts of the event, and I can share some answers with you below:</p>
<blockquote><p>“The engineering in action event was very informative and useful, I really enjoyed the quantum computing, it helped me to know more about what I want to do in the future and make a decision.”</p>
<hr>
<p>“The engineering in action event was very educating, I was more interested in the civil engineering part, and I hope for another experience like that.”</p>
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<p>“This event was very informative, I acquired a lot of knowledge, especially the computer technology part with Professor Cliff , which I found very interesting, and I was fascinated by the way computers have been built up, and how they evolved over the years , and also the way datas and browsers are managed.  I really enjoyed it, engineering is a very interesting domain that I’d never stop learning about it. Thank you, and looking to join more similar events in the future.”</p></blockquote>
<p><em>Written by Lidia Salinas, Math Teacher at EF Academy Oxford</em></p>

The Education in Action days have proved to be a brilliant insight for students into the professional applications of their math studies. This ‘Engineering in Action’ afternoon of interactive lectures were a great mix of disciplines, all with exciting roles in the real world of engineering. Dr Jackie Bell, from Imperial College London, gave us …

Engineering in Action at EF Academy Oxford - EF Academy Blog

Engineering in Action at EF Academy Oxford ‹ EF Academy Blog

Engineering in Action at EF Academy Oxford

Engineering in action at ef academy oxford

<p class="p1">Laurent Limboerg graduated from EF Academy in 2018 with an IB Diploma. As soon as he graduated from high school, he went to Japan to learn Japanese for 4 weeks. Laurent has roots in Russia, Belgium, and the U.S. but became interested in Japan and studying the language as an international student during high school.</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Having grown up in the U.S. he speaks English fluently and also grew up speaking French and Dutch. He can understand Russian and with Japanese, he expands his skills as a polyglot. </span><span class="s1">In the future, he wants to study business and has many interests from owning a retail brand to a Japanese restaurant. He was kind enough to sit for an interview about his experience studying in Japan. </span></p>
<h3 class="p1"><span class="s1">How was your experience at EF Academy?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Although I struggled to understand cultural differences at first, I made friends with students from various countries like Japan, Russia, Mexico, China, Italy, </span><span class="s2">Kazakhstan, and African countries.<b> </b></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">My favorite classes were History and English. The teachers in the university guidance team also really cared about me. They helped guide me through the application process and the team was proud when I received</span><span class="s1"> offers from American universities. Mrs. Ciella, our university guidance director, even gave me a hug. </span></p>
<h3 class="p1"><span class="s1">What was your favorite part of Japan?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I like the politeness of Japanese people. The city is always clean and I don’t find any trash on the roadside. I love Japanese foods and I think the culture is really cool. I love how everyone can express their own individuality such as the Harajuku-fashion. I’m also really glad that Japanese people were interested in me and made me feel welcome in their country.</span></p>
<h3 class="p1"><span class="s1">What are some things you don’t like about Japan?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I really can’t find anything. But the only thing I didn’t really like was the morning trains. They’re always too crowded!</span></p>
<h3 class="p1"><span class="s1">Which course do you study?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Now I’m taking a 4-week Japanese course, and I’ve learned Hiragana (A type of Japanese characters). I live with my host family and they are really nice.</span></p>
<h3 class="p1"><span class="s1">Why did you choose Japan?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Since my father had many cool manga comic books, I started to be interested in Japan when I was little. It became my dream to come to Japan. While I was studying at EF Academy, I loved it when Japanese students would join our school so I could learn more about their culture. And when I realized I could go to Japan to study the language with EF, I was really excited. I look forward to coming back here and when I do, I’ll stay with my host family again. </span></p>
<p class="p1">
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Laurent Limboerg graduated from EF Academy in 2018 with an IB Diploma. As soon as he graduated from high school, he went to Japan to learn Japanese for 4 weeks. Laurent has roots in Russia, Belgium, and the U.S. but became interested in Japan and studying the language as an international student during high school. …

How Laurent went from EF Academy to studying in Japan - EF Academy Blog

How Laurent went from EF Academy to studying in Japan ‹ EF Academy Blog

How Laurent went from EF Academy to studying in Japan

Laurent went ef academy studying japan

<p>Sara Park comes from South Korea and is currently in her senior year with <a href="https://www.ef.com/academy/campuses/new-york/">EF Academy New York</a>. She did a summer internship with EF Korea where she had the opportunity to learn more about work life and how she can apply some of the concepts she experienced to her future career. She spoke to us in August and explained why her internship provided her with a valuable opportunity.</p>
<h3><span class="s1">What is it like studying at an international school?</span></h3>
<p><span class="s1">I really like being a student in an international school. There are so many students from all over the world and as a person that loves to learn and share cultures, it has become a perfect place for me. I’ve become more open-minded and active while I’ve been attending EF Academy. The friends I’ve made are helping me become the person I want to be. Studying at an international school is like not only learning academic skills, but you also learn so many cultures and new things that you can never experience in regular school.</span></p>
<h3>How was your internship experience?</h3>
<p>I had a great time during the internship. Everyone was very nice to me and trusted me to do work. They gave me tasks and I felt like an adult. Also, I started to admire how hard the teachers work and the passion for their job. Looking at them and completing my tasks makes me want to work for a company. Before, I told myself that I am not going to work for a company because it seemed boring to me, but after this internship, my thoughts about it have been changing.</p>
<h3><span class="s2">What was your favorite project?</span></h3>
<p><span class="s2">It wasn’t really a project, but consulting with new arriving students or current students was my favorite. Since I like meeting new people, I liked to meet the students and talk about their current problems or future plan about adjusting in the new school. I see many students are having a hard time in school or worrying about new schools and talking to them feels like I am helping them, almost like a counselor.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s2">What were you learning during your internship?</span></h3>
<p><span class="s2">I learned to improve my responsibility and focus on the concentration in my work. It also helped me to cooperate with others while helping the teachers. It’s been very rewarding for me to be a helpful person to them. </span></p>
<h3><span class="s2">How does the internship connect to what you are studying at EF Academy?</span></h3>
<p><span class="s2">The academic skills that I have experienced in school have had the most connection with the internship. I felt like working as an intern was similar to studying as a student, because both involve a lot of work and responsibility. </span></p>
<p><span class="s2">If I point out one subject I see this similarity in, I would say it’s like Korean Literature because I write a lot of things for both, such as tips for newly arriving students. The writing and speaking skills I’ve learned in that class helped me most.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s2">How does EF Academy help you prepare for university and/or your career?</span></h3>
<p><span class="s2"> When I was in 11th grade, I had high expectations about going to good universities but I didn’t know anything about how I should get ready. When I was worried about this, my guidance counselor told me “why don’t you go see your university counselor?” I went there the first time, and I got so much help from her. In regular school, there isn’t a university counselor, just a guidance counselor, and teachers. However, university counselors who only focus on students’ university application helped me a lot to draw my future plan.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s2">How will you apply what you’ve learned during your internship to your future career?</span></h3>
<p><span class="s2">From this two-week experience, I’ve learned how people work and how a company is run. In my future career, if I work for a company, I don’t think I would be unsure about how to begin. Also, something I realized is that I like meeting with people more than sitting at a desk working. This experience has given me some ideas of what I want to do for my future career. </span></p>

Sara Park from South Korea shares her summer internship story with EF Korea where she had the opportunity to experience work life and career.

Sara Park’s internship story - EF Academy Blog

Sara Park’s internship story ‹ EF Academy Blog

Sara Park’s internship story

Sara parks internship story

<p>Utpala Shakya comes from Nepal and currently studies in the <a href="https://www.ef.com/academy/programs/ibdp/">IB program</a> at EF Academy New York. She did a summer internship with EF Thailand where she had the opportunity to explore some of the techniques and theories she’d need to pursue her interest in business studies. With an interest in economics and business management, she spoke to us in August and explained why her internship provided her with such a valuable opportunity.</p>
<h3><strong>Q. How was your internship experience?</strong></h3>
<p>My internship was such a good opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real life. It’s helped me know more of the “behind-the-scenes” of how a company like EF works and to see and experience how the corporate world works.</p>
<p>The Thai office staff was really welcoming and helped me a lot with living in the city and going around, using the public transportation. I had a really fun time coordinating with them. Since I did my internship in Thailand, I could also experience the life of a Thai office worker so that was a plus!</p>
<h3><strong>Q. What did you hope to gain from this experience?</strong></h3>
<p>I hoped that through this experience I would be able to think outside of the box and in the future when I have to do the real job, that this experience will make me feel more at ease and I will make fewer mistakes going into the job.</p>
<h3><strong>Q. How did your internship connect to what you are studying at EF Academy?</strong></h3>
<p>Currently, I am studying business and through this internship, I was able to use and see some of the techniques and theories taught in that class. For example, to build the teamwork and increase the morale of the employees, EF Thailand had a bowling venue booked for all the staff and had a cool sports theme to go with the ongoing World Cup craze in Thailand.</p>
<h3><strong>Q. That sounds like so much fun! </strong><strong>What do you think you were learning from that?</strong></h3>
<p>I’ve been learning the importance of time and being well-spoken. I’ve seen the importance of teamwork and the vital coordination between different departments for a job to be done, and the significance of the positive working environment for a job to be done properly.</p>
<h3>Q. <strong>What was your favorite project during your internship?</strong></h3>
<p>My favorite project was helping new students that are also going abroad, talking to their parents so that they are more comfortable with sending their children to a foreign country, telling the new students how things work, and how the people are, what things they need to bring. Just by talking to them, I helped them have less anxiety about going to a new school so far away from home.</p>
<h3><strong>Q. What’s it been like to study abroad for high school?</strong></h3>
<p>Studying in an international school, where the faculty, staffs and the students are coming from different parts of the world, there is always something to new to learn each day.</p>
<p>In classes and clubs when discussions are happening, we get to learn new things happening in different countries and their point of view in the matter we are discussing. For example, in Environmental Club, we are growing some vegetables and we learned new techniques of agriculture that the members of the club learned in their home countries. Overall when all the ideas come together, it becomes something truly amazing.</p>
<p><center><br>
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/36eBRmnFrYg" width="560"></iframe></center></p>
<h3><strong>Q. You sound like you have great goals for the future. What do you hope to achieve?</strong></h3>
<p>In future (short term), I would like to get into UCL or ETH Zurich but for long-term, I see myself being an Economist and to be well-employed in an organization to do the work I enjoy the most while studying more.</p>
<h3><strong>Q. That sounds incredible! How do you think you can apply what you’ve learned from your internship to your future goals?</strong></h3>
<p>In the future, I will work with the same enthusiasm and moral the staff at Thai office had. I will welcome new people and my colleagues the same way they had – always with a smile, and I will know the value of time and work so that the work is done well.</p>
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<div class="cn-post-content">
<p><em>Summer Stories is a series of interviews with EF Academy students taking part in internships throughout summer 2018. This is part three of the series.</em></p>
</div>

Hear from a student from Nepal in the IB program at EF Academy New York. She did a summer internship with EF Thailand to explore her interest in Business.

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