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EF Academy Oxford is celebrating its 10th anniversary as an <a href="https://www.ibo.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">International Baccalaureate (IB)</a> World School. This is a milestone for <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/oxford/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy Oxford</a>, which joins a legacy of IB World Schools around the world to reach this landmark.
The <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/ib/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IB Diploma Programme</a> is available to students to study at EF Academy Oxford, which went through the IB’s rigorous authorization and evaluation process. The Diploma Programme (DP) is for students aged 16 to 19 and is comprised of six subjects including three DP core subjects.
Since the school first became an IB World School in 2010, the school has been supported by the IB organization that has worked closely with EF Academy Oxford to implement the programme offered to students. A total of 370 students have registered as candidates for the IB Diploma Programme since it was first introduced at the school.
<img alt="EF Academy IB World School Certificate" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-17870" height="399" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/EF_Academy_Oxford_IB_World_School.png" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/EF_Academy_Oxford_IB_World_School.png 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/EF_Academy_Oxford_IB_World_School-300x211.png 300w" width="568">
Head of School, Dr. Paul Ellis, said: “Our students come from all over the world. Being an IB World School is central to our identity. As an IB World School, we offer a world-class <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/navigate-university-applications/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pre-university education</a> that prepares students to make the world a better place.”
Dona Jones, Assistant Headteacher and IB Coordinator at EF Academy Oxford, said: “Helping students develop independence and drive their own learning, at the same time as becoming more culturally aware is something I’m lucky enough to lead-on every day of my working week. It’s a “way of life” for students and teachers!”
Adrian Kearney, Director IB World Schools, said: “The IB is proud to have <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/oxford/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy Oxford</a> as part of our global family of schools. It has been an inspiring provider of the <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/ib/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IB programme</a> for the past 10 years, giving students the confidence and ability to reach further and be the best they can be in an ever-changing and unpredictable world. As an organization, the IB thanks the school for its commitment to fulfilling and delivering the IB’s mission of education for a better world and look forward to many more years working with the educators at EF Academy Oxford.”
The IB’s vision is to foster open and enlightened minds through its educational programmes for students between the ages of 3-19 years old. Each programme is tailored to equip students with the skills they need throughout life and encourages lifelong learning beyond their school years.

The IB Diploma Programme is available to students to study at EF Academy Oxford, which went through the IB’s rigorous authorization and evaluation process.

EF Academy Oxford celebrates 10 years as an IB World School - EF Academy Blog

EF Academy Oxford celebrates 10 years as an IB World School ‹ EF Academy Blog

EF Academy Oxford celebrates 10 years as an IB World School

Ef academy oxford ib world school anniversary 10

This year’s <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/ib/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program</a> results have given EF Academy graduates, their families and school faculty plenty to celebrate. We are proud to share that EF Academy’s Class of 2021 obtained strong IB Diploma results, which continue to build on the achievements of previous years.
Overall, 146 EF Academy students obtained an IB Diploma this year. With an overall pass rate of 93.03%, EF Academy is well above the <a href="https://www.ibo.org/news/news-list/more-than-170000-students-across-the-world-receive-ib-results/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">global average</a> of 88.96% and surpassed our previous year’s rate of 89.09%. The average subject score of 5.32 is also above 2021’s global average of 5.19 and another improvement on last year’s results.
A particular highlight of this year’s IB Diploma results is the number of high scores awarded to EF Academy students. Nearly 16% of EF Academy students achieved overall grades of 40 points or higher, with the highest awarded grade being an impressive 44 points.
“EF Scholars graduated with far more than IB Diplomas, Certificates, and accolades,” said Gabriela Deambrosio, IB Coordinator at <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/new-york/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy New York</a>. “May 2021 graduates globally have the tenacity and skills to take on our world’s problems with compassion, vigor, and global collaboration. This year we didn’t just witness history, we were united through our shared goal of safety, wellness, and sustainability in order to become the pioneers that historians write about.”
“Congratulations once again to all our students for their fantastic IB Diploma achievements and to our teaching, pastoral, residence and facilities colleagues who have helped the students to reach their potential in such challenging times,” said Dr. Mark Zumbuhl, UK Director of University Guidance at EF Academy Oxford.
Our full academic results and university placement information will be published at the end of the summer.
<h3>The IB Diploma at EF Academy</h3>
As the world’s most internationally recognized high school diploma, the IB Diploma offers students excellent preparation for acceptance to leading universities worldwide. At <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy</a>, our experienced faculty and diverse student body representing over 75 nationalities enrich the global vision and intercultural perspectives valued in the IB curriculum by bringing them to life in an international classroom.
This two-year high school diploma provides both depth and breadth to students’ studies in six different subject areas. At EF Academy, students can choose from over 50 IB courses to customize the program. Combining individual coursework, exams, an extensive research essay and learning experiences outside of the classroom, the IB Diploma Program is effective preparation for the kinds of assignments students will encounter at university level.

We are proud to share that EF Academy’s Class of 2021 obtained strong IB Diploma results, which continue to build on the achievements of previous years.

Strong IB Diploma results for EF Academy’s Class of 2021 - EF Academy Blog

Strong IB Diploma results for EF Academy’s Class of 2021 ‹ EF Academy Blog

Strong IB Diploma results for EF Academy’s Class of 2021

Ib diploma results 2021

After more than 50 years, the <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/ib/">International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme</a> is still providing an exceptional education to students all over the world. We are thrilled to see that this has been consistently true at EF Academy.
This year marks a personal best for the IB results from all of our campuses. Worldwide, the average IB pass rate is 78%, so with EF Academy’s average among all three campuses being 84% this year and an outstanding 43 points as the highest score, EF Academy students have had exceedingly strong results.
We are immensely proud of our IB students who can not only look forward to attending some of the best-ranked universities in the world but can walk into the next chapter of their lives feeling confident and well-prepared.
<h3>Top IB scores</h3>
Siheng Yang (New York) was our top-scorer with 43 points. He will be attending Emory University (<a href="https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/emory-university-1564" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ranked 21st</a> by US News and World Report’s Best Colleges and National Universities).
Jet Hayden (Oxford) was the joint top-scorer in Oxford with 42 points. This places Jet in the top 4.5% of IB candidates worldwide.
Ana-Julia Tento Bezerra (Oxford) was the other top-scorer in Oxford with 42 points. She will be studying Medicine at the University of Leeds (<a href="https://www.studyin-uk.com/uk-study-info/university-rankings/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#11 in the UK</a>).
Emily Törner (Oxford) scored an impressive 41 points and can expect to decide between several offers from universities.
Boudicca Mahaseth (Oxford) scored 41 points and can expect to decide between outstanding universities and career options.
Cosima Kozka (Torbay) has scored 40 points and will go on to attend SOAS University of London to study International Relations and Development. 

Giorgio Cappuccinelli (Oxford) has scored 40 points and can expect to decide between outstanding universities and career options.
Rolcy Dave Mar Vasquez Rubio (New York) scored 39 points. He is undecided on his choice between University College London (<a href="https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/ucl" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ranked 8th</a> in the world by QS World University Rankings) and the University of Toronto.
Aruzhan Kani (Oxford) scored 39 points and with an interest in psychology, will be studying at the University of Toronto (<a href="https://www.shanghairanking.com/ARWU2018.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ranked 1st</a> in Canada) in the fall.
Eun Seok Bae (New York) scored 38 points on the IB Diploma and will be attending The University of California, Berkeley (<a href="https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/rankings?int=a27a09" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ranked 4th</a> US News & World).
Nhi Yen Dang (New York) scored 38 points and will be attending Carnegie Mellon University (<a href="https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ranked 21st</a> by US News & World’s Best Colleges and National Universities).
Yang Zilang (Torbay) scored 38 points and will go to the University of St. Andrews (<a href="https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/why/education/reputation/">#3 in the UK</a>) to study International Relations.
While this list only reflects a small glimpse of the brilliance seen in our students worldwide, we are deeply proud of the hard work and dedication from each student in the IB program and beyond. We can’t wait to see what’s next for each and every one of you.

The IB Diploma is providing an exceptional education to students worldwide. This year marks a personal best for the results from all of our campuses.

2019’s IB Diploma results are in – and they’re outstanding! - EF Academy Blog

2019’s IB Diploma results are in – and they’re outstanding! ‹ EF Academy Blog

2019’s IB Diploma results are in – and they’re outstanding!

Ib diploma 2019 results

As every changemaker knows, even the smallest changes can have big impacts. Many of the ways in which people make a difference go unsung, but every once in a while we come across someone whose impact is truly worth celebrating.
Last spring, as the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the globe and brought drastic changes to the world, 10th grade student Bella got to work thinking of a way in which she could make a positive difference. While keeping up with distance learning at home in Italy at the height of lockdown, she and her father decided to make improvements on the standard surgical masks on the market. The result? A successfully patented mask that is now in circulation and helping reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
Now, safely back on campus, we caught up with Bella to find out more about her extraordinary project, her love of science and her experience taking on a global pandemic.
<h3>Tell us about yourself.</h3>
I am Isabella. I’m Italian, a 10th grader, and this is my second year here at <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/new-york/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy New York</a>. Honestly, I’m very passionate about all the classes I’m attending, however I have to admit that biology, physics, and art are all subjects that I am very passionate about. I am part of the Environmental Club, Book Club, and Film Club at EF Academy. I am not currently part of the Model United Nations (MUN) Club but I participated in a recent simulation.
<h3>Where did the idea to design a new surgical mask come from? </h3>
The idea came when my dad and I wondered what we could do to improve surgical masks. The first thing I thought about was the ineffective sealing of the surgical masks, so we came up with a design that would make the filter more used, and thus a more functional and efficient mask. My only goal was to do something that would help people. Initially, I didn’t even think about the curriculum or the money I would have gained from the patent.
<h3>Can you take us through what designing the mask like?</h3>
I thought of adding a further flap of non-woven fabric on the upper part of a surgical mask, to prevent air escaping. (Without that flap, masks filter much less.) [My father and I] designed it, I made the drawings, and moreover he taught me how to write the patent. In this project the inventors were my dad and I. Now the masks with my patent are produced by other companies. In a few months there should be millions of masks in circulation with my patent.
<h3>How did you balance your school life with designing and patenting the mask?</h3>
Organizing myself between the patent and school work was a real challenge. I had many tasks and projects to follow but by giving up most of my social life and a few hours of sleep I managed to reach my goal. In biology, we were studying the digestive system. At the time we had not yet covered the respiratory system; all the information I found was thanks to the teachings of my dad and the Polytechnic University of Turin. Furthermore, my dad has one of the few laboratories for measuring masks Italy. I wanted to help him and understand more about his project on a new half masks for doctors. Since I lack his expertise, I thought I should go with a slightly smaller project and make some adjustments to surgical masks.
<h3>What’s the most valuable thing you learned from this experience?</h3>
That no matter the cost or effort I have to give, I will give my life to helping people and contribute to the field of science. These are things that make me feel alive, that make me want to get up the next day. I reverence science, knowledge, and I find it has helped me immensely during the worst times of my life. This experience has given me so much more than I could ever give, it helped me to sharpen the image of my identity.
<h3>Is there anything else you’d like to add?</h3>
That the hedonic treadmill A.K.A. hedonic adaptation is a real thing. I will never be satisfied with my achievements in the sciences. However, I will always be eternally happy to have potentially helped millions of people.
<hr>
At EF Academy, we believe in helping every student realize their true potential by providing them with a superior international education, personalized academic and university guidance and a transformational high school experience abroad to prepare them for a future of opportunities.

Over lockdown, 10th grader Bella and her dad designed and patented a mask to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and fight the pandemic through science.

EF Academy student obtains patent for a new surgical mask - EF Academy Blog

EF Academy student obtains patent for a new surgical mask ‹ EF Academy Blog

EF Academy student obtains patent for a new surgical mask

Ef academy student mask patent

For International Holocaust Remembrance Day, our <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/pasadena/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pasadena</a> students had the opportunity to meet and hear the story of Holocaust survivor Mary Bauer.
<img alt="Holocaust survivor speaks at EF Academy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19790" height="568" sizes="(max-width: 426px) 100vw, 426px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/8DA74C1A-9D1F-476D-9853-92AACC6C3F16-e1678284200365.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/8DA74C1A-9D1F-476D-9853-92AACC6C3F16-e1678284200365.jpg 426w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/8DA74C1A-9D1F-476D-9853-92AACC6C3F16-e1678284200365-225x300.jpg 225w" width="426">
Mary was born in 1927 in Budapest, Hungary. In 1944, the Nazi regimen deported her and more than 500.000 Jews to the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland. Mary and her mother were the only members of their family to survive the Holocaust, and today she is one of the few survivors still alive and able to bear witness.
<img alt="Holocaust survivor with students at EF Academy Pasadena" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19791" height="626" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/098C50CF-C9B0-4858-950B-EF71256F2A1B_1.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/098C50CF-C9B0-4858-950B-EF71256F2A1B_1.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/098C50CF-C9B0-4858-950B-EF71256F2A1B_1-272x300.jpg 272w" width="568">
Mary’s story is incredibly powerful, and it had a profound impact on our students. Many of them had never heard a firsthand account of the Holocaust before, and they were moved by her courage and resilience in the face of unimaginable horror. The students asked thoughtful questions and engaged in meaningful discussions about the importance of remembering the Holocaust and learning from it.
We are honored to have hosted Mary on campus and thankful for her time and openness to share her experience. We believe it is of utmost importance that our students know and <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/reflections-inspirational-visit-toby-levy/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">learn about the past</a> so they can build a better future.
<img alt="Holocaust survivor" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19793" height="581" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/611D6BE8-E397-42EC-B881-C68AD3DF59A6-1.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/611D6BE8-E397-42EC-B881-C68AD3DF59A6-1.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/611D6BE8-E397-42EC-B881-C68AD3DF59A6-1-293x300.jpg 293w" width="568">
<img alt="Students at EF Academy Pasadena with holocaust survivor" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19794" height="650" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/C1A2CBCF-29B0-44BB-A249-45C969C1F5D4_1.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/C1A2CBCF-29B0-44BB-A249-45C969C1F5D4_1.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/C1A2CBCF-29B0-44BB-A249-45C969C1F5D4_1-262x300.jpg 262w" width="568">
<hr>
Students at <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy</a> are part of a diverse community of learners and we recognize the importance of learning about the past to better comprehend the present and navigate the future. By engaging with historical events from different cultures and perspectives, our students gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and richness of human experience. Through this process, we hope to empower our students to become thoughtful, informed, and <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/en/global-changemakers/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">engaged global citizens</a>.

EF Academy Pasadena had the privilege of hosting Mary Bauer, one of the few remaining survivors of the Holocaust. She shared her story with our students.

Holocaust survivor Mary Bauer speaks at EF Academy - EF Academy Blog

Holocaust survivor Mary Bauer speaks at EF Academy ‹ EF Academy Blog

Holocaust survivor Mary Bauer speaks at EF Academy

Holocaust survivor mary bauer ef academy pasadena

Education. Every parent wants the best schooling for their child – particularly during high school, when students are preparing for university, and especially in 2021. Amidst the disruptions brought to schools as a result of the pandemic, most parents are worried their children are <a href="https://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2020/10/29/most-parents-of-k-12-students-learning-online-worry-about-them-falling-behind/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">falling behind</a> on their education.
<a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">International schools</a> are a popular answer to parents searching for a superior education for their children. With over 12,000 international schools worldwide in 2021, chances are that most families don’t need to travel far to find a local international school. However, many parents still choose to send their children abroad for high school.
Although you might think twice about travel in 2021, the ways in which sending your child abroad will benefit their education haven’t changed. Holding students back is part of what will make them fall behind. So, why should parents consider sending their child to an international school abroad in 2021?
<h3><img alt="" class="alignleft wp-image-17830 size-full" height="378" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/international_school_abroad_ef_academy.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/international_school_abroad_ef_academy.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/international_school_abroad_ef_academy-300x200.jpg 300w" width="568"></h3>
<h3>World-class academics </h3>
<ul>
<li>International school diplomas are recognized worldwide, opening many doors for students’ futures</li>
<li>Students at international schools score higher on average in programs like the <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/ib/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IB Diploma</a> and <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/a-level/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">A-Levels</a></li>
<li>Studying in the US or UK, countries renowned for their teaching philosophies and high academic standards, stimulates full English fluency and can expose students to opportunities that better prepare them for university-level study</li>
</ul>
International education has become the gold standard for many families and private institutions. Its focus on educating students to understand the world around them, consider subjects through a global lens and develop intercultural perspectives from an early age is seen by many parents, universities and employers as the best preparation for living and working in the globalized 21st century.
International schools have a strong track record of helping students obtain higher than average grades on qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and the British A-Level program. Highly qualified teachers, personalized academic guidance and experience teaching students whose mother tongue is not English all factor into the outstanding support international schools abroad are able to give students to help them excel. Particularly in the United States and United Kingdom, international school students benefit from total English immersion inside and outside of the classroom, as well as studying in countries that invest heavily in research and education. Receiving this education at an early age can not only better prepare students for university, but also present them with more opportunities to excel in high school.
 
<h3><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-17831" height="379" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/international_school_abroad_ef_academy_graduation.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/international_school_abroad_ef_academy_graduation.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/international_school_abroad_ef_academy_graduation-300x200.jpg 300w" width="568"></h3>
<h3>University readiness</h3>
<ul>
<li>Enrolling in an English-medium high school is highly advantageous for gaining acceptance to top-ranking universities</li>
<li>International schools abroad in the US and UK give students increased exposure to universities in those countries</li>
<li>Many international schools abroad boast strong university advising programs</li>
</ul>
A significant drive for international education is parents wanting to send their children to university abroad. Particularly for students whose first language is not English, English-medium international schools are often seen as the first step towards gaining acceptance at an English-medium university abroad.
Universities familiar with international curricula such as the IB Diploma recognize <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/universities-international-students/">why international students are so well suited for higher education</a>. Many of the world’s leading universities are also some of the most international; they seek to create diverse, multicultural communities and look for students who can contribute to this community.
The US and UK top the list of most popular <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/study-abroad-us-university/">university destinations for international students</a> year after year. Parents who send their children to international schools in the United States or United Kingdom often do so to bring their child closer to the institutions they aim to apply to for university. By obtaining a high school diploma in the country where students aim to continue their education, they benefit from already being settled into the country and culture by the time their demanding university degree program begins.
International schools abroad are attuned to their students’ university goals and hence work to elevate their university readiness, often by providing comprehensive university advising programs. University guidance sessions and workshops with admissions counsellors who are experts in the application processes for American and British universities help ensure that international high school students shine in their personal statements and present themselves as desirable candidates for prestigious universities.
<h3><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-17832" height="379" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/international_school_abroad_ef_academy_students.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/international_school_abroad_ef_academy_students.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/international_school_abroad_ef_academy_students-300x200.jpg 300w" width="568"></h3>
<h3>A global student body</h3>
<ul>
<li>Local international schools are made up of 80% local students, while international schools abroad remain highly international</li>
<li>At international schools abroad, students put their lessons on global citizenship into practice in their day-to-day lives</li>
</ul>
Originally, international schools were founded to provide expatriate families with a consistent, global educational system for their children. However, as tuition fees have become more accessible to local families, many parents are transferring their children to local international schools for a chance to gain English fluency and international exposure closer to home.
The rapid growth in international schools in recent years has come not from families moving abroad, but from local families sending their children to local international schools. This means that, although the curriculum stays the same in theory, in practice local international schools are becoming more monocultural and losing the advantages of being culturally diverse. A 2019 report by ISC Research found that ‘over 80% of the student population enrolled at international schools are now local nationals.’
With a guaranteed multicultural student body, international schools abroad like <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy</a> prepare students to find their way in a globalized world. Receiving a world-class education while studying abroad lets students live what they learn by developing their global mindset and paving the way towards an international future.
<h3><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-17834" height="379" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/international_school_abroad_ef_academy_oxford-1.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/international_school_abroad_ef_academy_oxford-1.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/international_school_abroad_ef_academy_oxford-1-300x200.jpg 300w" width="568"></h3>
<h3>The study abroad experience</h3>
<ul>
<li>Experiencing international school abroad teaches students crucial skills for succeeding at university, including independence and leadership</li>
<li>Research shows that people who experience living abroad develop a clearer sense of self</li>
<li>Studying abroad increases employability, as employers favor candidates who are also global citizens</li>
</ul>
While academia may be the main motivation for studying at an international school abroad, the skills and experiences students obtain go far beyond the classroom. A 2019 OECD report found that studying abroad improves students’ employability and becomes a ‘key differentiating experience for young adults’ at university. In an increasingly globalized world, employers not only look for highly qualified professionals, but also candidates who know how to adapt, engage and collaborate in a multicultural work environment.
Furthermore, research published in the <a href="https://hbr.org/2018/05/how-living-abroad-helps-you-develop-a-clearer-sense-of-self">Harvard Business Review</a> shows that people who experience living abroad develop a clearer sense of self. When a child’s high school years – crucial for academic and personal growth – are spent in an international environment, they receive a world-class qualification as well as a character-building education for life.
<hr>
EF Academy International Boarding Schools opens a world of opportunities for students by providing them with a transformational, international education abroad, thorough preparation for university and a future that knows no borders. With our <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/announcements/safe-learning-promise/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Safe Learning Promise</a>, we are committed to ensuring every student continues their education with us in 2021 no matter what.

Not only is it possible to study at an international school abroad in 2021, but the benefits have never been more pronounced.

International school abroad in 2021? The benefits you can’t get at a local school - EF Academy Blog

International school abroad in 2021? The benefits you can’t get at a local school ‹ EF Academy Blog

International school abroad in 2021? The benefits you can’t get at a local school

International school abroad benefits 2021

At <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/new-york/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy New York</a>, our student athletes have been busy training and competing in their sports clubs. We would like to take a moment to share with you some of the highlights and accomplishments of our sports teams during this varsity season!
<h3>Boys Varsity Soccer</h3>
<img alt="Varsity boys soccer" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19826" height="379" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/EFA_Thornwood_2017001_12_edit.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/EFA_Thornwood_2017001_12_edit.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/EFA_Thornwood_2017001_12_edit-300x200.jpg 300w" width="568">
Head Coach Adrian Burgess and Goalkeeper/Assistant Coach Jonas Valenti helped lead 25 students from 11 different countries this Fall, competing against 17 schools; this year’s boys took home 14 wins over the 17 local schools across Westchester County. Pablo (12th grade, from Spain,) and Rei (11th grade, from Japan,) who have helped lead this season as team captains. Leading goal scorer, Alberto, from Italy, averaged 1.7 goals a match with a season high of 27 goals. The victories over the rival German International School in New York, and South Kent High School will be particularly memorable to the boys, marking a comeback with Rei’s amazing saves against South Kent.
<h3>Girls Varsity Soccer</h3>
<img alt="Varsity girls soccer" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19827" height="379" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/16EFA_NY_MG_1891.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/16EFA_NY_MG_1891.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/16EFA_NY_MG_1891-300x200.jpg 300w" width="568">
This year’s Varsity Girls Soccer team was coached by Miriam and Jennie . 17 girls from 12 different countries proved they could overcome the odds, and achieved a successful season, with more than half of the team having never played soccer before. They showed up to practice after school throughout the Fall semester, eager to learn and work as a team. This seasons’ team captains were Izaro (12th grader from Legazpi, Spain) and Abby (11th grader from Warren, New Jersey), and their last game ended the season with a victory over Storm King High the whole team will remember.“ Our last game was proof of how much we have improved as a team. My last game was something that I have ever had. I’ll definitely never forget” – Izaro.
<h3>Varsity Cross Country</h3>
The Boys and Girls Varsity Cross-Country season was led by Coach Zach McCleney and Assistant Coach Valdimir Kuskovski. This fall, the team utilized the trails on campus to prepare for their upcoming meets. Two athletes made an impression, beating their personal records: Samual with a time of 17:28 at Storm King (3 Miles), and Ayami  with a time of 26:10 at Hamden Hall (5K). The season came to an end with an invitation to compete at the Nike Cross Country Regionals Meet against 200 other racers in Bowdoin Park in Wappingers Falls, New York.
<h3>Varsity Volleyball</h3>
<img alt="Girls varsity volleyball" class="aligncenter wp-image-19828 size-full" height="379" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/20EFA_NY_MWB02325.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/20EFA_NY_MWB02325.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/20EFA_NY_MWB02325-300x200.jpg 300w" width="568">
The Girls Volleyball season was coached by Bill Roach and Sinead Kelly. 16 games versus local schools were booked this Fall, and with an outstanding 11 wins, this team was a force to be reckoned with. Star player and team captain Valentina from Italy shone throughout the season with her unreturnable serves. The season fell a game short from entering the championship tournament, losing to Montfort Academy. “The team work and group cohesion were fantastic. Wherever they traveled they showed sportsmanship, good skills, dynamic enthusiasm and tenacity. They never gave up! Some games they had a slow start to their’ physical capabilities and cooperative play, but they worked diligently to show their strong 3 touch volleyball skills”
<h3>Boys Basketball</h3>
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19829" height="852" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/16EFA_NY_MG_3673.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/16EFA_NY_MG_3673.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/16EFA_NY_MG_3673-200x300.jpg 200w" width="568">
The Boys Varsity Basketball Team started their first season as part of the City Schools Sports League, a league that allowed our Boys Basketball team to compete competitively versus multiple private schools in Westchester County. Head Coach Wayne Walton and Assistant Coach Bert Yaffe led the team through multiple home games that filled up the bleachers. This season Justin averaged 21.5 points during his last two matches and dropped 13 three-pointers on 21 attempts. And congratulations to Erik from Norway for being selected as an All League Athlete, alongside Justin!
<h3>Girls Basketball</h3>
This year’s Varsity Girls’ Basketball team was coached by Bill Roach and Assistant Coach Ace Steblea. The team also entered its first season as part of the City Sports League (CCSL) and secured spot number 4 to head into the 2023 HVSSA Girls Basketball Championship tournament. Senior Basketball and Soccer player Milka from Mexico says “For the past two years, the court became my home and the coaches and team my family.I played for the volleyball and basketball season this year and it is extremely heartbreaking knowing that it is all coming to an end.I created strong bonds not only with my teammates but my coaches as well. These people had a big impact in my life and were there to support me every time.I am so proud for everything we fought for together and for not giving up! Thank you so much Coach Roach, Ms. Kelly and Ace for the respect and care towards us!”
 
Written by Salvador Garcia, Residential Advisor at <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/new-york/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy New York </a>
<hr>
Participating in sports and being part of a club on campus not only improves physical fitness but also fosters important life skills such as teamwork, perseverance, and leadership. With a wide range of sports clubs to choose from, we support our students to find the right <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/3-reasons-why-join-clubs-boarding-school/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">club</a> for them.

Our student athletes have been busy training and competing. Let's celebrate some of the highlights and accomplishments during this varsity season!

Updates from the New York varsity season - EF Academy Blog

Updates from the New York varsity season ‹ EF Academy Blog

Updates from the New York varsity season

New york varsity season

Is your child easily distracted by technology? It’s no surprise that distraction has been called an epidemic by researchers and journalists. Many parents fear their teenagers spend too much time with technology and too little time developing their passion.
If your child’s most frequent answer to “What do you want to do after you graduate from high school?” is “I don’t know,” it’s likely that they haven’t found their passion yet. Some children develop passions from a very young age – those who know early on that they want to be doctors, or love playing an instrument and practice out of sheer pleasure – but others need to work a little harder to uncover what they love doing. This is completely natural, but nowadays social media and smartphones can take precious time away from worthwhile activities that help develop passions.
The truth is, a lack of exploration can distract children from developing personal interests or becoming passionate about a subject area. These students are at a disadvantage when it comes to applying for university, where they will likely compete with students who have been interested in their area of study for a long time. Ensuring your child finds their passion in high school is important for giving their studies a sense of direction, and there are plenty of ways to do it. Here is some advice from our schools on how you can help your child find their passion in the Age of Distraction.
<h3>Lead by example</h3>
Parents often tell their kids to put their phone away and just do something, but only those who practice what they preach are successful. Getting your son or daughter to try new things is crucial to exposing them to a potential new passion. Encourage them to say yes to new experiences like trying a new sport or going on a school trip, but if you do then make sure that you are the kind of person who can also put their phone down and welcome a new opportunity.
<h3>Encourage their interests</h3>
Throughout childhood and adolescence, many children express interests in a particular topic and then forget about it. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’ve lost interest; they might just need a little encouragement. Pick up on comments your child makes that express an interest and find a way to increase their attention span for it. If they find an artist on Instagram that they like, visit an art museum together. If their favorite TV show is set in the past, suggest that they read a history book about that time period. Their interest might turn into a passion, and the experience may inspire them to pursue similar ideas in the future. 
<h3>Make learning exciting</h3>
Children spend a lot of time at school, so why not make it a school where they’re engaged by the curriculum and don’t feel tempted to search for distractions? The <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/ib/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma</a> encourages students to explore multiple subjects areas and partake in extra-curricular activities related to creativity, activity and service. A fresh start or a positive experience studying at an <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">international school abroad</a> – where programs like the IB are offered – might be just the thing to reinvigorate your child’s interests.
<h3>Embrace technology</h3>
If one thing is certain it’s that technology is here to stay. The same technology that distracts so many of us can be helpful for learning. If you think about it, many games teach important skills like communication (multi-player games) or problem-solving (logic puzzles). With schools bringing technology more and more into their classrooms, limiting your child’s screen time probably isn’t the best solution. Instead, harness tech’s power for good by using it to try learning a new language or developing a new skill. With so many apps, courses and tutorials available for free, the possibilities are endless. Developing a healthy relationship with it is key to reaping its benefits.
<h3>Focus on the future</h3>
High school is a very important period for personal growth and academic achievement, but it is also a steppingstone towards other milestones – most notably, going to a good university. Rather than asking your child the open-ended question of what they want to do after they graduate, start small by figuring out what they enjoy. Do they like working with people? Team sports, debate club or psychology might be potential fields of interest. Do they like traveling and learning about new cultures? An exchange trip or <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/about/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">studying abroad</a> can fuel their search for their passion. Your child might now know what their big picture future looks like, but focusing on the things they enjoy will help them discover what their aspirations are. Maintain perspective on what high school is for: the opportunity to take your child where they want to go.
<hr>
At <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/">EF Academy International Boarding Schools</a>, every student is provided with a world-class education, extensive extra-curricular opportunities and personalized university guidance to ensure they find their passion and reach their full potential.

Is your teenager easily distracted by technology? Many parents fear screen time is shortening kids' attention spans for finding their passion.

Finding your child’s passion in the Age of Distraction - EF Academy Blog

Finding your child’s passion in the Age of Distraction ‹ EF Academy Blog

Finding your child’s passion in the Age of Distraction

Finding your childs passion in age of distraction

Next up in our TEDx <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy</a> series is <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/new-york/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">New York</a> student Artem:
<h3>“And” Not “VS”</h3>
Fourteen thousand people – that is the official number of casualties in the war between Russia and Ukraine, (which happened in 2014). And 13468 of these people were Ukrainian, including 3400 civilians. It would take many hours if we would start talking about the political background of this ridiculous conflict, but I want to speak of my perspective as a young person whose life is divided between these two countries, Ukraine and Russia.
My Mother is Ukrainian and I was born in Moscow, Russia. The rest of my relatives live in Ukraine, in the city named Odessa on the shore of the Black Sea, where in my childhood years I used to spend all summer, in our house, waking up early in the morning and going to the beach with my brother and granddad, eating ice cream there and hiding this fact like it was an important secret, because my grandmother was cooking us soup for lunch. Spending the afternoon swimming in the pool, walking in the garden, cherishing the taste of home-raised fruits and vegetables – strawberry, bramble, grapes, fig, tomatoes and cucumbers larger than our cat, peaches with more juice in them than in the actual juice.
Half of our home was a guest house and dozens of people were coming to us starting in early May and staying until September to simply enjoy this feeling of being home, to eat this real fresh food, spend mornings by the sea and evenings in splendid restaurants better than in most of Europe. These people were my mother’s friends and kids who I was studying with in Moscow, tourists from France, England, Italy and Turkey.
So the late two thousands and early ten’s were spent in abundance, love and peace, but this all suddenly ended in 2014. Now people staying in the hotel were people from the areas affected by the war, who were trying to save their lives and these people didn’t even know what is happening to their home, they weren’t spending the whole day by the pool or on the beach, they were sitting in front of the TV, watching news.
The war destroyed tourism. Russian tourists, who brought the most income to the country and to my family, were now restricted, and this destroyed the business.
Airplane connections between countries stopped. It used to take around five hours for me, my brother and our mom from getting in the taxi to the airport in Moscow until drinking grandmother’s lemonade at our backyard. Now, we had to spend more than 24 hours in an uncomfortable, stifling bus, which turns your back into some geometric shape and makes your legs swell like you are in the last month of pregnancy. My mother was in sincere fear every time we were passing the border on that bus, because she didn’t know if we would be allowed to pass it or if officers would dislike something in the way we look and would take us off the bus in the middle of nowhere. The road from house to home turned into a torture.
Back in 2015 my grandfather was one of the passengers on the very last flight from Moscow to Odessa and 3 years later, when he died, the funeral had to be postponed, so his daughter and grandchildren would be able to get there on that damn bus. I remember how I wasn’t upset, I was feeling complete emptiness, the whole day and night sitting in the bus thinking how I will see him lying in the coffin, this person who was building all these swords and planes out of wood for my brother.
And all this is because of the conflict not between the countries, but because of the conflict between several men. Their conflict doesn’t mean that people stopped sharing their life between Ukraine and Russia, there are thousands of families like mine. And it’s so painful to see how mutual relationships which were built over centuries are falling apart in front of your eyes, how easy it is to ruin something so big and… how hard it would be to repair it.
What else is painful is that there wasn’t any war for Russia, in history classes in the Russian school you would be told that there was no war, just a conflict. One of the deadliest wars of the 21st century is just a conflict. In Ukraine, there is a wall in the center of Kyiv, hundreds of meters long and it’s all covered in the names of people who died in the Ukrainian-Russian war.
This really brought a feeling of separation. I don’t really remember how it feels to sit at the big table with all of the family members, how it is to celebrate New Year or Christmas with my family, because people just can’t get together. All of these moments were taken away.
Mom had to put the house up for sale and it put all of us in such a sorrow, for me it was the only place I was able to call a home, the place where my good childhood memories are coming from. But, who needs to buy a house in the country surrounded by one thousand tanks? So we still got it.
What I want to say now, when there is a serious threat of outbreak of war again, is that… no country is to blame. The leaders of the countries who are going against each other with the interest in personal benefit and not the benefit for the people in their countries, are destroying this friendship countries used to have. So, no matter which way the current situation is going to end, remember that there are always people who have no peace, who can’t see their relatives and don’t make enough money to buy themselves food. As cheesy as it sounds, remember this and cherish what you have like you are cherishing the juiciest peach or any other fruit you like and dream.
Thank you.
 
<hr>
(The TEDxEF Academy event was held in February, 2022)
Find more TEDxEF Academy stories <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/topic/student-stories/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.

Next up in our TEDx EF Academy series is New York student Artem: “And” Not “VS” Fourteen thousand people – that is the official number of casualties in the war between Russia and Ukraine, (which happened in 2014). And 13468 of these people were Ukrainian, including 3400 civilians. It would take many hours if we …

“And” Not “Vs” | TEDx EF Academy New York - EF Academy Blog

“And” Not “Vs” | TEDx EF Academy New York ‹ EF Academy Blog

“And” Not “Vs” | TEDx EF Academy New York

And not vs tedx ef academy new york

In what can hardly be described as an ordinary year, EF Academy’s graduating seniors have obtained some of the strongest university offers in our school’s history.
Overall, 327 students graduated from our campuses in <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/new-york/">New York</a>, <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/oxford/">Oxford</a> and Torbay this year, obtaining their <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/ib/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IB Diploma</a>, US High School Diploma or A-Level qualifications. Across our three schools, students have received offers from 40 of the top 100 universities in the world according to the <a href="https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/world-university-rankings/2020" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">QS World University Rankings</a>.
In our New York campus alone, 88 students have been accepted to the top 100 universities in the world – nearly 50% of the Class of 2020.
Our Oxford campus achieved a new record this year, with students receiving offers from all 20 of the UK’s top 20 universities according to <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/good-university-guide-in-full-tp6dzs7wn" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Times Good University Guide 2020</a> and the <a href="https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/league-tables/rankings" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Complete University Guide</a>. Not only that, but the school received multiple offers from prestigious universities such as Imperial College London (3 offers), King’s College London (19), the University of Edinburgh (7), University College London (9) and the University of Manchester (11).
Among our students’ outstanding offers are a conditional offer from the University of Oxford for Biochemistry and an unconditional offer from the University of Cambridge for Mathematics. EF Academy Oxford also received three offers to study Medicine – a highly competitive subject in the UK.
It has been a strong year for our artists, too, with 20 students receiving offers from universities within the top 36 for Art & Design (<a href="https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/university-subject-rankings/2020/art-design" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">QS</a>) – including Parsons School of Design, School of the Art Institute of Chicago and University of the Arts London.
In regards to scholarships, New York’s senior class has been awarded a total of $1.14 million in scholarship money annually.
<h3>Our university offers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Hult International Business School</li>
<li>Imperial College London</li>
<li>Johns Hopkins University</li>
<li>King’s College London</li>
<li>London School of Economics and Political Science</li>
<li>New York University</li>
<li>Pennsylvania State University</li>
<li>University of British Columbia</li>
<li>University of California Berkeley</li>
<li>University College London</li>
<li>University of Cambridge</li>
<li>University of Edinburgh</li>
<li>University of Manchester</li>
<li>University of Melbourne</li>
<li>University of Michigan – Ann Arbor</li>
<li>University of Oxford</li>
<li>University of Sydney</li>
<li>University of Toronto</li>
<li>University of Queensland</li>
<li>. . . and many more</li>
</ul>
We are eagerly anticipating results of our IB and A-Level students later this summer. This information along with a full list of our university offers will be published in our annual results book at the end of the summer.
<h3>University guidance</h3>
Thorough university preparation is a fundamental element of our mission at EF Academy. As a result, we regularly place graduates at some of the best universities in the world.
Our students benefit from exceptional university guidance from experienced counselors with deep knowledge and insight into what universities look for in applicants. We supplement the IB Diploma, <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/us-high-school/">US High School Diploma</a> and A-Level curricula with a university guidance program that includes application and interview preparation, one-to-one application coaching and over 150 university visits throughout the year. In addition, our SAT test preparation sessions help our students in New York excel in this all-important American university admissions criterion.
Building core academic and personal development skills throughout your program will equip you with the essentials to make the best impression when applying to university.

EF Academy’s graduating seniors have obtained some of the strongest university offers in our schools’ history – including Oxford, Cambridge and Berkeley.

Outstanding university offers for EF Academy’s Class of 2020 - EF Academy Blog

Outstanding university offers for EF Academy’s Class of 2020 ‹ EF Academy Blog

Outstanding university offers for EF Academy’s Class of 2020

Outstanding university offers 2020

2018 marks the 50th year of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. It feels especially fitting, as this year was one of the more remarkable years of IB diploma results for EF Academy. Many of our students fared better than <a href="https://www.ibo.org/news/news-list/almost-150000-ib-graduates-celebrate-2016-exam-results/">the average IB diploma</a> students worldwide.
Each campus did exceptionally well in the results and with an overall average pass rate of 82% and the highest score of 41, our IB students can look back on their high school experience as an enriching one. The students who took the exam can look forward to attending some of the best-ranked universities in the world.
<h4>Top 10 IB scores:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Rebekka Kvalum from Norway was a joint top-scorer with 41 points. She has an unconditional offer to study History at St Andrews University, which is currently #1 in the UK for History (<a href="https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2018/world-ranking#!/page/0/length/25/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats">Times</a>). Oxford</li>
<li>Tung Ho Lau from Hong Kong was the other top scorer, also with 41 points. He has a place to study Management at the University of Warwick, which is currently #7 in the UK for Management (<a href="https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2018/world-ranking#!/page/0/length/25/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats">Times</a>). Oxford</li>
<li>Shih Chien Huang (Cherry) from Taiwan began her journey at EF Academy New York four years ago as a freshman and finished her time at our school as the class valedictorian scoring 40 points on her Diploma and receiving a bilingual distinction on her IB DIploma. In September, Cherry will be attending Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. New York</li>
<li>Cosima Kozka from Germany scored an impressive 40 points. This included scoring a maximum 7 points in three higher subjects. Torbay</li>
<li>Khoa Thien Le (Harry) from Vietnam has become one of our top students this year, scoring 40 points on his IB Diploma. He will begin his next chapter at one of America’s Public Ivy universities, The University of Wisconsin-Madison. New York</li>
<li>Jiayi Zhao (Tina) from China began with us four years ago as a freshman. She scored 40 points on her IB Diploma. She will be joining Wellesley College in the fall, ranked third in National Liberal Arts Colleges in the United States by US News and World Reports. New York</li>
<li>Chau My Luu (Jade) from Vietnam began her studies with us at grade 9. She scored a 39 on her IB Diploma. She will be attending the University of British Columbia in September. New York</li>
<li>TianChen Xia (Jerry) from China serenaded the school throughout his four-year journey as a member of our school’s rock band. He scored a 39 on his IB Diploma and received the distinction of a Bilingual IB Diploma. He will be attending The University of California at Berkeley in the Fall. New York</li>
<li>Iulia Bock from Romania achieved 38 points and has already secured an offer for Medicine at University of Leeds (#13 in the UK). Oxford</li>
<li>Bror Nissen from Norway scored 37 points and has an unconditional offer to study Law from the University of Exeter (#14 in the UK). Oxford</li>
</ul>
Congratulations to this year’s IB diploma students. We are deeply proud of the hard work and dedication from every student in the IB program this year. As the test scores suggest, the hard work has paid off – in results and the personal development for each IB student of EF Academy. We can’t wait to see what comes next for each one of you.

Congratulations to this year's IB diploma students. We are deeply proud of the hard work and dedication from every student in the IB program this year!

Congratulations to our IB diploma students: results from Oxford, New York, and Torbay - EF Academy Blog

Congratulations to our IB diploma students: results from Oxford, New York, and Torbay ‹ EF Academy Blog

Congratulations to our IB diploma students: results from Oxford, New York, and Torbay

Congratulations to our ib diploma students results from oxford new york and torbay

On May 1, 2021, <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/new-york/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">EF Academy New York</a> senior Aryan A. gave the following speech on behalf of the Class of 2021 at their graduation ceremony in New York.
Good morning respected teachers, administrators, parents and the amazing Class of 2021. Before I start, I would like to thank all the teachers for coming through for us this year and therefore I ask all the graduates to stand up and join me in giving all the teachers a round of applause.
Congratulations! We’ve done it, all the hard work has finally paid off and we’re all ready to take the next big step in life beyond high school. I was lucky enough to be chosen to speak today before all of you and reflect on our collective journey in this school, and if I were to think of one word to describe this journey, it would be: Unprecedented. 
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/95HSLbNqUd4?feature=oembed" title="Class of 2021 Student Graduation Speech – EF Academy New York" width="500"></iframe>
Unprecedented is defined as never done or known before, and I’m sure all of you have heard this word countless times over the last year, being normalised into a word that correlates directly with COVID-19. But here, my intention is to connect this word with all of you; you are unprecedented, you are a high school class that has done something never known before. You see, all of us have had a roller coaster ride; from week-long quarantines to distance learning, masked classes to countless pending Google Classroom assignments, brunch check-ins to Monster-fuelled all-nighters and numerous other things.
All of our crazy roller coaster rides have been unprecedented, never seen before in the history of education, let alone at EF Academy, because let’s be honest, every batch that graduates from EF Academy is a special one. Maybe not the underclassmen we so lovingly dislike.
Living in such unprecedented times made us cherish the small yet important aspects in life. Leaving the campus for field trips felt like freedom to us; and somehow breathing the polluted Manhattan air felt unusually fresh. Snow days felt like gifts from heaven since the term snow day apparently doesn’t exist in Dr. K’s dictionary. We love you Dr. K.
Countless Uber Eats orders were the closest glimpses to tasting the outside world, but we arguably valued such glimpses higher than our own IAs. Most importantly, we formed relationships with the people we love, people we care about, people that went on this crazy journey along with us, the journey without any exams, yet being stressed out over countless deadlines and mock exams. Unprecedented.
We have now learnt how to foster relationships through these tough times, quite literally finding the meaning behind the saying “through thick and thin” at a much younger age than other older folks, like the teachers here. Unprecedented. We were thrown into this thunderstorm of uncertainty and irregularities throughout the year, but we fought through it through ways we could’ve never imagined; be it through Vietnamese cooking sessions in the lounges or the Spanish and Russian parties with insanely loud music that we claimed to hate but never actually stopped tapping our feet or bopping our heads to. Unprecedented.
Learning from these experiences, I’m sure all of us will remember the families of friends we created amongst ourselves that looked out for each other at every step of the way. If there is one sentiment I want you to take away from this speech, it’s this: You are all capable of taking on any obstacle that may lie in your life in any country in the world at any time of the year. You have all faced a challenging high school experience that has never happened before, and you overcame it, made it worthwhile . . . something that I would like to call: Unprecedented.

On May 1, 2021, EF Academy New York senior Aryan A. spoke on behalf of the Class of 2021 at their graduation ceremony in New York.

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