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On April 23rd, <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/oxford/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy Oxford</a> celebrated the graduation for the Class of 2021!
Basked in the glorious Spring sunshine, the final day played out for our Year 2’s. Divided in two, the first half of the day was devoted to the ceremony, hosted online for all parents, students and their first year friends to enjoy with the second half being an outside garden party, socially distanced across Cotuit lawn.
The ceremony was introduced with a welcome from Head of School, Dr. Paul Ellis, encouraging students that they are now prepared for anything. The overarching theme was that of their resilience as a year group and studying throughout a global pandemic, as Dr. Ellis applauded their achievements and results.
This message was coupled by praise from staff and <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/a-level/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">A-Level</a> and <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/ib/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IB</a> Coordinators Kevin Cousineau and Dona Jones who delivered the numerous Academic Excellence and Endeavour awards. The audience was treated to performances from pianists Bernardo Pina and Jiaqian Ji Ye as well as scenes from the Autumn production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Valeria Molina Castillejos motivated her classmates and successive first years with a heartfelt valedictorian speech. All were met with riotous applause from the online audience, unmuted in time to create an energetic atmosphere.
<img alt="EF Academy Oxford students on their graduation day" class="size-full wp-image-18179 aligncenter" height="426" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ef_academy_oxford_graduation_2021_1.jpeg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ef_academy_oxford_graduation_2021_1.jpeg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ef_academy_oxford_graduation_2021_1-300x225.jpeg 300w" width="568">
We were joined by audience members from around the world, with parents tuning in from as far as Mexico, Russia, Nigeria and China. Our guest speakers were equally international, with SeonJoo Yoon, Vice President EF Academy, Asia, who spoke about her career journey, advising students to follow passions and do what they love.
Having formally congratulated the graduates and celebrated their accomplishments online with friends and family, our festivities spilled out onto the lawn for a final message from Dr. Ellis who instigated the traditional launching of the Mortarboards, otherwise known as the Oxford Cap.
This was followed by a pleasant afternoon on the lawn, dining on sandwiches and canapés, receiving awards, and sipping No-secco (non-alcoholic prosecco). Our students enjoyed their final day and spent the afternoon in conversation with classmates, teachers and school staff, lapping up the atmosphere of achievement and sighing deep breaths of contentment.
<img alt="EF Academy Oxford graduates celebrate on Cotuit lawn" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-18180" height="426" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ef_academy_oxford_graduation_2021_2.jpeg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ef_academy_oxford_graduation_2021_2.jpeg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ef_academy_oxford_graduation_2021_2-300x225.jpeg 300w" width="568">
We were blessed with feedback from students and parents who had celebrated with us and celebrated in their own homes, from around the world, in true EF Academy international fashion.
We once again congratulate our Year 2’s on their monumental achievements!

On April 23rd, EF Academy Oxford celebrated the graduation for the Class of 2021! The overarching theme was that of their resilience as a year group and studying throughout a global pandemic, as Dr. Ellis applauded their achievements and results.

EF Academy Oxford’s Class of 2021 celebrates graduation - EF Academy Blog

EF Academy Oxford’s Class of 2021 celebrates graduation ‹ EF Academy Blog

EF Academy Oxford’s Class of 2021 celebrates graduation

Oxford graduation 2021

Boarding school is a world of its own. These schools have built an unmatched reputation in helping shape students for successful futures with <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/academy/about-ef-academy/support/">24-hour student support</a>, world-class academic pursuits, and guidance for university. It should come as no surprise that many of our favorite celebs attended a boarding school. Here are a few famous figures who attended boarding school during their adolescence.
<h3>Tom Hardy</h3>
You probably know him for his remarkable work in box office hits like The Dark Knight Rises, Mad Max: Fury Road, and Dunkirk but before he was lending his dramatic talents to films, he attended a boarding school. Before studying at Drama Centre London, the London native studied at Reed’s School, a boarding school for boys in Surrey, England.
<h3>Emily Blunt</h3>
The Devil Wears Prada star attended Hurtwood House in Surrey, England. While she wasn’t initially thrilled about attending the school, she says it’s what launched her acting career. While performing at school, Blunt was spotted by an agent who cast her in a play. He’s still her agent today.
<h3>Charlize Theron</h3>
The Afrikaner face of Dior is known worldwide for her multifaceted career. Her work as an actress has been applauded in films like Mad Max: Fury Road, Monster, and Snow White and the Huntsman. She’s also well-known for her activism and philanthropy for causes ranging from women’s rights to poverty. But before making a name for herself in Hollywood, she was just as well-rounded, attending boarding school while also attending the National School of the Arts in Johannesburg, South Africa.
<h3>Steve Carell</h3>
Whether you know him for his comedic roles like on the US version of The Office or from his more serious roles in films like Dan in Real Life, Carell has proven he can handle just about any role that comes his way. But before becoming a household name he attended the prestigious all-boys boarding school Middlesex School in Concord, Massachusetts. While there, he would regularly participate in plays and hone his acting skills on the small stage.
<h3>Emilia Clarke</h3>
Emilia Clarke is best known for her role on the hit series Game of Thrones. But before she became the on-screen dragon queen we know and love, she attended Rye St Anthony School in <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/academy/campuses/oxford/">Oxford, England</a>. While attending, she was able to become disciplined and prepared for her later career… eventually. When asked about it, Emilia says the main reason she wanted to attend at first was that her brother went there and she had a crush on some of his friends!
<h3>Jane Fonda</h3>
Actress, activist, and half of our favorite Baby Boomer duo Grace and Frankie, the Academy Award-winning actress attended the all-girl boarding school Emma Willard School in Troy, New York. The actress has gone on record stating that this was the place where she learned not to be afraid of her intelligence. Clearly, this time of her life set the stage for her decades-long career.
<h3>Benedict Cumberbatch</h3>
Benedict Cumberbatch attended boarding school from the age of eight. And if you’ve ever thought the London native’s performances were magical, it’s probably because he attended the prestigious Harrow School, which was used as a filming location in the Harry Potter films.
<h3>Mark Zuckerberg</h3>
Before going on to Harvard for university and long before founding one of the world’s most successful social networks, Mark was well prepared for the Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire. While he’s caught some <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mark-zuckerberg-career-facebook-2019-2?r=US&IR=T">recent controversy</a>, there’s no doubt his time there helped prepare him for Harvard University and heading up Facebook later on.
 
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Here are a few famous figures who attended boarding school during their adolescence.

Famous people who went to boarding school - EF Academy Blog

Famous people who went to boarding school ‹ EF Academy Blog

Famous people who went to boarding school

Famous boarding school

Image: Juhyun Kim, Korea, EF Academy Oxford and will attend university at King’s College
Considered the top qualification by British universities, passing the <a href="https://www.ef.com/academy/programs/a-level/">A-Levels</a> is a great accomplishment for secondary school students. Year after year, we watch our students succeed in this pursuit and it’s our great honor to announce that this year’s A-Level results from both Oxford and Torbay are the best in EF Academy’s history.
At Oxford, we are very proud to announce a 97% pass rate, with 29% of our students receiving A*-A grades. At Torbay, there was a 95% pass rate for students, with 31% of our students receiving A*-A grades. Almost 1/3 of all our A-Level students achieved the very highest grades which will put them in line to attend some of the very best universities in the world.
All of the students have had the opportunity to explore their potential and achieve great personal success throughout the course of the program. Our carefully-designed “university pathways” approach has led to great placements for fiercely competitive courses such as Medicine, Law, Economics, and Engineering.
<h3>Top 15 scores:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Sijie Ke from China scored A*, A*, A*, A. She will go on to study Economics at University College London.</li>
<li>Zengzi Xiang from China scored A*, A*, A*.</li>
<li>Hongxi Liu from China scored A*, A*, A.</li>
<li>Jingyao Xiao from China scored A*, A*, A.</li>
<li>Hsin Lun Chiang from Taiwan scored A*, A*, B.</li>
<li>Chung-I Ni from Taiwan scored A*A B. He will go on to study Materials Science and Engineering at Manchester University.</li>
<li>Yan Wah Keung from Hong Kong scored A*, A, B.</li>
<li>Chun Him Yeung from Hong Kong scored A*, A, B.</li>
<li>Fatimah Ibrahim from Nigeria scored A B B. She will go on to study Law at Nottingham University.</li>
<li>Junzhe Fan from China scored A*, A*, C.</li>
<li>Liang Zou from China scored A*, A, C.</li>
<li>Thanom Mitpasong from Laos scored A, A, C.</li>
<li>Onaopemipo Fakotun from Nigeria scored A*, B, C.</li>
<li>Dat Ngoc Van from Vietnam scored B, B, B.</li>
<li>Nurfajrina Putri from Indonesia scored B, B, B.</li>
</ul>
“Congratulations to all our hard-working A-Level students in the Class of 2018! A-Level is one of the most demanding pre-university qualifications in the world. And great results such as these mean that EF Academy students are now off to some of the best universities in the world.”
– Dr. Paul Ellis 
Head of School, EF Academy Oxford
<h3>Hear about our A-Level students’ experiences</h3>
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pvGE3SdIkkM" width="560"></iframe>

Read about our students' record A-Level scores. Congratulations to all our hard-working A-Level students in the Class of 2018!

Congratulations to our A-Level students: results from Oxford and Torbay - EF Academy Blog

Congratulations to our A-Level students: results from Oxford and Torbay ‹ EF Academy Blog

Congratulations to our A-Level students: results from Oxford and Torbay

Congratulations to our a level students results from oxford and torbay

In February 2021, <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/new-york">EF Academy New York</a> held a TEDx conference on campus to talk about issues around the theme of ‘Thinking through perspectives.’ Student Audrey K. gave this speech about giving up on a dream. 
I want to talk about having a dream, then giving up on that dream. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YZY73rPYXE4?feature=oembed" title="TEDx EF Academy New York - Audrey Krsek: Giving up on a dream" width="500"></iframe>
7:00 am Mammoth Mountain, California. I’m carrying my two pairs of skis to the chair lift. The wind is blowing at 40 mph. My nerves are like exploding butterflies. I wait at the start, watching my competitors go. Ten seconds later, five, four, three, two, one… Go!
In almost a blink of an eye, I cross the finish line. I grab my dad’s phone to check my ranking. I’m at the bottom again. I go home, slam my door, and disappear into a pile of blankets.
I grew up near the Nevada mountains. I was given skis, a helmet, and boots from my parents at age three. The feeling of sliding down the hill on two metal rods was irresistible. Even though I was only three, I knew I wanted to ski my whole life.
When I was seven, we bought a condo in the mountains at a place called Northstar, only a couple of hours away from home. I joined the Northstar ski team and I loved it. I loved the colorful walls of the ski lodge, the smell of wet carpets from the snow that fell off of our equipment, the taste of the goldfish, animal crackers, gummy bears, and hot chocolate on cold winter days, the feeling of a successful day on the hill, and the big hug I got when my parents picked me up.
Northstar had short race courses for anyone to ski. I skied the courses so many times, I earned little medal pins. But I thought, “I want to earn real ones one day.” So, I moved up to the race team.
My competitors constantly took home medals, but they lived only a couple minutes from the mountain, and raced almost every day. So, around age ten, I asked my parents if I could move to Northstar to race full time. They agreed!
I wanted to be in the winter Olympics, being cheered on by millions.
I raced five days a week, seven hours each day. I skied from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, then did my school work, ate, and went to bed. This grueling schedule consumed me.
My parents never put pressure on me to win. I did this all on my own. There were about 150 competitors at each race, which happened every two weeks. The really good racers placed in the top 30 consistently. I was placing in the ’50s.
For the next two years, despite my effort, I wasn’t getting worse, but I wasn’t getting better. It felt like for every step I took, my competitors took five. I didn’t know what was happening. What was I doing wrong?
Then, it was summer. I moved to the Squaw Valley Ski Team. This was the real deal. Most of the good racers were on this team. My summer consisted of working out and skiing wherever snow was. My new team was hard to adjust to. They all knew each other from grade school, and I was the new one. After a while, I just decided to focus on myself.
But I realized I was more and more nervous to race. I raced as usual, but mentally I was scared. The event I disliked the most was super: racing down the hill as fast as you can, while flying off jumps. This freaked me out. But I was a ski racer, I should be wanting to go as fast as I could, but I didn’t. At races, I was so nervous that I skied terribly, and placed even worse. Every coach said the same thing. “There are two Audreys. The one that is on fire when she charges and the one who holds back.” I wanted to be the Audrey that charged. I wanted those good results.
So we made an appointment with a sports psychologist.
She had a smile, and a soft voice. I told her I wanted to be the best, but I was scared to get injured. So, she taught me breathing techniques, how to visualize, and use imagery. She asked me, “would you rather take the risk and possibly win? Or take no risk and stay where you are?” I chose risk. She gave me a journal to jot down whenever I felt nervous, and used breathing techniques to help. How to breathe for more energy and how to wind down when I was nervous.
I would sometimes bring my boots and poles to the appointment. I would put my boots on, grab my poles, and imagine myself racing down a course. I felt myself getting nervous, even though I was still in a warm, safe office. This was the power of imagery. I pushed off my poles, and charged down the imaginary course. We did it again and again, and it was working. After each appointment, I felt myself getting more and more ready.
Next race, I was ranked in the top ’30s. I had one more run. I ranked 15th place. I was so excited. “We knew you could do it!” My parents said.  Now I knew, too.
A month later, I had qualified for regionals, the event that all ski racers want. If you succeed there, you go to nationals. I was happier than ever. I had made my goal.
Regionals were held at Schweitzer Mountain, Idaho. I placed near last in all three races. I thought I would be upset, but I really just wanted to go home. It wasn’t fun anymore.
I debated. I had put seven years of my life into this, but I wasn’t happy anymore. I had beaten my fear, but lost my passion, and if I continued I would be on the road to pursuing a career in it.
I told my parents I would like to retire from ski racing. They were not upset at all. The dream I had dreamed since I was three years old… was done. And it was okay.
The more I think about it, the more I realize how much racing has made me who I am today. I use breathing techniques on a daily basis. I’m an expert at time management; I will rarely procrastinate school work. I know how to deal with difficult people. I have skied through blizzards, and traveled the world. I will never get to the Olympics, but I can do just about anything.
Ski racing has made me realize just how important a person’s mentality is. I had the physical ability to continue and make ski racing into a career, but mentally I was done. I gave up on my ski racing dream. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Because what I did not give up on, was myself. Thank you.
<hr>
By Audrey K. 
TEDx EF Academy New York

I want to talk about having a dream, then giving up on that dream. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made. What I did not give up on, was myself.

Why giving up on my dream was the best decision I ever made | TEDx EF Academy New York - EF Academy Blog

Why giving up on my dream was the best decision I ever made | TEDx EF Academy New York ‹ EF Academy Blog

Why giving up on my dream was the best decision I ever made | TEDx EF Academy New York

Tedx dream giving up on

In February 2021,  <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.efacademy.com/new-york" href="https://www.efacademy.org/new-york" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://www.efacademy.com/new-york">EF Academy New York</a> held a TEDx conference on campus to talk about issues around the theme of ‘Thinking through perspectives.’ Student Shaoning P. gave this speech about why you shouldn’t smoke. 
My father is always coughing; a deep cough, like a cat in his throat that wants to rush out. He keeps silent with red eyes and tries to get over his cough. And every time I hear it, I feel distressed, but for my father, this has been the norm in his life for 30 years. He always has a burning cigarette in his right hand, and a full, yellow and black ashtray on the table. The smoke drifts towards me and I am a little uncomfortable, especially my eyes. Looking at the ceiling above his chair, there are some gray spots.
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VbbqIUznDEI?list=PL7L58x5g9znW-XnkdP07UA8ZelWq6sEtT" title="TEDx EF Academy New York - Shaoning Peng: Even more reason not to smoke" width="500"></iframe>
I hate smoke. I tried to persuade my father to stop, to tell him the dangers of second-hand smoke, so maybe he would feel sorry for me and my mother and then quit smoking. So he did stop smoking… but only in front of me. He would hide in the kitchen, corridor, garden, bathroom. It’s like a three-year-old kid secretly eating sweets, in the bed, under the table, in a place where his mother can’t see. Later, I even threatened him with love: If you love me, then you don’t smoke. If you smoke, it means you don’t love me. I cried, screamed, and became hysterical, but it was useless. Every time a cloud of cigarette smoke rises, I feel it is pulling my dad away from me step by step.
Many people don’t know the real harm of smoking. It’s not just the yellow teeth, it’s not just the heavy cough, it’s not just the scary nicotine. I’m sure all of you have seen pictures of smokers’ lungs, black and inelastic, and have heard about smoking causing cancer.
Cigarette smoking causes more than 480,000 deaths each year in the United States. Compared to China with a total of 315 million smokers. It is predicted that in the 21st century, 200 million people will die from smoking in China. Over 7 million people die from smoking every year around the world, which is every six seconds, a person dies because of smoking. In fact, this includes 900,000 second-hand smokers. While you smoke, there are 7,000 chemicals burning. But that is not the worst thing about smoking.
We all know radiation is scary, including my father. One year, I was very fascinated by the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident. I watched various movies, TV series, documentaries, and even found some travel diaries on Youtube. When I was talking to my father, he lit a cigarette and said, “Are those people stupid? Don’t they know radiation is very dangerous?”
In my biology class, I learned in a new way how dangerous radiation can be. What do you think is the most radiated thing in the world? Doctors working in the hospital? Employees working in nuclear power plants? Astronauts in space? None of these. It’s the lungs of smokers, getting twice as much radiation per year than astronauts.
After the biology class that day, my mood was very sad, and I couldn’t be happy for several days. I remember that my birthday wish for several years was to let my dad quit smoking. Red pocket money for several years has been given to my mother to buy pills for my father to quit smoking, but they are now covered in dust in the cabinets at home. At the Trevi Fountain in Rome last year, I turned around, dropped the coin, and made three wishes for my father to quit smoking. I think I have already thought about my wish for the future. This is the only thing I can do: to make a wish for my father. And a wish for you.
There are even more reasons not to smoke, especially if we let the people we love know that we want them with us forever.
Thank you.
<hr>
By Shaoning P. 
TEDx EF Academy New York

There are even more reasons not to smoke, especially if we let the people we love know that we want them with us forever.

The real reason to quit smoking | TEDx EF Academy New York - EF Academy Blog

The real reason to quit smoking | TEDx EF Academy New York ‹ EF Academy Blog

The real reason to quit smoking | TEDx EF Academy New York

Tedx dont smoke

In February 2021, <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/new-york">EF Academy New York</a> held a TEDx conference on campus to talk about issues around the theme of ‘Thinking through perspectives.’ Student Diego F. gave this speech about humanity in Generation Z. 
It was a rainy March evening, air thick with humidity. I sat at the kitchen table, my mum’s face was lit by the refrigerator light as she told me that she had been fighting leukemia for the past eight years.
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BqnoL0SRjL0?list=PL7L58x5g9znW-XnkdP07UA8ZelWq6sEtT" title="TEDx EF Academy New York - Diego Fischetti: Has our generation lost its humanity?" width="500"></iframe>
I looked back at my childhood, and some things finally began to make sense. The years between primary school through the beginning of high school had been about the best a kid could have in a small Italian city. My family was caring and attentive, in the way that made you feel at ease and knew that you always had a place to fall. But something in the back of my brain told me to ask questions. Sometimes it was a scream, other times a soft whisper, but it was ever-present: why? As a child I wondered, why did mum quit her job as a flight attendant? That job was a crucial part of her life, she loved to travel and took me along on many of her trips…Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, Chicago. Why did she cut her beautiful black curly hair? She did so as abruptly as resigning from her job. Why didn’t she look happy? As I listened to her explain her illness to me, it all made sense – a horrible kind of sense. I felt as if all the life in me had been knocked out by a truck barreling down the interstate.
And then the stillness came; after the rush that the news unavoidably gave me, I felt nothing. I spent days staring at the ceiling. The deafening silence wouldn’t stop. An endless loop of emptiness. Time went by and I didn’t notice. Days turned into weeks, weeks into months until it was early June and I was still laying in bed staring at the same crack in the paint on my bedroom wall. And just to create noise to save me from the unbearable quietness that had consumed seemingly every centimeter of my life, I started spending nights around the city with my friends, all in a frivolous attempt to run from a monster that materialized out of thin air. Spending time with them masked the pain, or rather the unbearable feeling of emptiness, but it was only wasting away time. I never talked about my mother, or how I was feeling. None of us spoke about how we were feeling, just whose house we would go to or what we were having to drink. It was this weird state of flux; I never was in true company, nor ever truly alone. The emotions that characterized me up until weeks before, were strangled by something I didn’t have before. I reached a moment where I started to be afraid of what was happening but I had no one to talk about it with.
People ask each other how they are in a nearly ritualistic way, but most of the time, we don’t want the answer. Just “good” or “fine” so we feel content about asking but don’t have to fear burdening ourselves with other people’s emotions. But I was neither good nor fine and all I truly wanted was for someone to break the silence that was eating me alive and genuinely care about how I was. Even if the answer was “confused” or “scared” or “unbearably sad”.
We live in unprecedented times as we can now connect to millions of people with the swipe of a finger, but this great technological advancement has caused us to forget about humanity. We are now icons, profiles, names on an infinite list of buttons, when in reality, we are individuals that live in a community and are capable of empathy. The ease at which we can now superficially connect has devalued us, it has devalued humanity. I dare say we are lacking true empathetic discourse. We have forgotten to engage with one another on a truly deep and compassionate level. With the world wrought with polarization and suffering a global crisis in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more imperative now than ever that we engage in empathetic dialogue and ask each other how we are doing in earnest. For if one person had sat across from me this past summer as my entire life changed in the blink of an eye, perhaps the chaos that had consumed me would settle, perhaps it wouldn’t have hurt so much. Perhaps I wouldn’t have felt so alone. So I urge you, look someone in the eye, and ask them how they are, and truly want to know. Allow for a space away from your phone or computer and embrace the intricacies of the human existence as you spend time facilitating true discourse with others. Take time to care for your friends. Because you never know, just asking “how are you” could change somebody’s life.
<hr>
By Diego F. 
TEDx EF Academy New York

Take time to care for your friends. Because you never know, just asking “how are you” could change somebody’s life.

Has our generation lost its humanity? | TEDx EF Academy New York - EF Academy Blog

Has our generation lost its humanity? | TEDx EF Academy New York ‹ EF Academy Blog

Has our generation lost its humanity? | TEDx EF Academy New York

Tedx how are you just ask

In February 2021,  <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.efacademy.com/new-york" href="https://www.efacademy.org/new-york" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://www.efacademy.com/new-york">EF Academy New York</a> held a TEDx conference on campus to talk about issues around the theme of ‘Thinking through perspectives.’ Alumna Anna I. gave this speech about what it takes to succeed. 
I am a scientist at MIT.
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7GjCtCTZKxQ?list=PL7L58x5g9znW-XnkdP07UA8ZelWq6sEtT" title="TEDx EF Academy New York - Anna Ivanova: From Russia to MIT" width="500"></iframe>
As soon as I said those words, you might have formed a particular image in your mind. You’ve pictured someone who is smart, passionate about science, maybe a bit socially awkward. You might be a little surprised that I’m a girl, not a guy. But most importantly, you have now attached to me this label “she has what it takes to be at MIT”.
What I want to show you today is that the labels people assign to successful individuals are incomplete and, frankly, misleading.
“She has what it takes to be at MIT”. What does this even mean?
Well, for most people, it means that I have some kind of talent, an innate ability to master difficult academic subjects. My talent and hard work have swept me up and brought me where I wanted to be – in this case, to MIT.
And, in principle, this is how things should work. In a perfectly meritocratic society — a society that evaluates individuals based on their talents and skills — your abilities will determine which path in life you’ll be able to take.
Unfortunately, our society is far from meritocratic. There are thousands of people around the world who deserve to be at MIT but aren’t. So the label “she has what it takes” includes much more than just talent or hard work.
Let’s take a look at my story.
At the age of 17, I came to the United States to study at EF Academy, a boarding school for international students. I was able to make this transition because I was motivated to get the best education I could and because my English was good enough. But that’s not all.
One key reason why I ended up at EF Academy is because they gave me a scholarship. Without this money, I would not have been able to afford the program – and the rest of my life would have been completely different. Another key reason is because my parents were super supportive and able to cover the rest of the expenses. If my family was against me going abroad or if they didn’t have the means to help me, there would have been no EF Academy for me.
During college admissions, the circumstances of my birth started to work against me instead of in my favor. My family could not pay the exorbitant tuition fees charged by US colleges, and, because I’m international, I did not qualify for financial support. Even schools that claimed to provide “need-blind” admissions for international students had a very limited budget to do so. As a result, the admission rate at top schools for students like me was ten times lower than for Americans. Many schools turned me down because they did not have money for me. One of the top US colleges accepted me but refused to provide any aid. It was devastating.
I was starting to pack my bags to go back to Russia, but I got lucky. University of Miami gave me a scholarship, one of the few, few merit-based awards available to international students. I moved down to Florida, signed up to be a neuroscience major, and started working in a lab that studied the human brain. My research experiences and a US diploma allowed me to be a competitive applicant for MIT’s PhD program in Brain and Cognitive Sciences, and here I am.
It turns out that being successful is much more than talent and hard work. Your ability to achieve your goals depends on a whole host of external factors. Is your family supportive? Do you have enough money to pay for your education? If not, are you lucky enough to find money elsewhere?
And this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many more factors behind my success that I take for granted. I am from Russia, a country known for its scientists, so I have plenty of role models to follow. I am a woman in the 21st century and therefore face far fewer barriers than women even a few decades ago. I am not disabled and therefore I can live independently away from family. So many pieces had to fall in place for me to get the education I want — and so many people fail to achieve their dreams because they’re missing just one piece.
So today, I want you to look at your life and identify the factors that make it easier or harder for you to succeed — your financial status, your family, your citizenship, your luck in the past. And at the very least, I want you to be grateful and cognizant of the opportunities you have.
But what’s more, I want us all to think together of how to increase opportunity for everyone, regardless of background. I want us to create more scholarships. I want us to become role models for others. I want us to break down barriers to education for as many people as possible. In short, I want us to create a new world, in which talent and hard work will actually be enough to succeed.
<hr>
By Anna Ivanova 
TEDx EF Academy New York

What I want to show you today is that the labels people assign to individuals who succeed are incomplete and, frankly, misleading.

Beyond labels: Becoming an MIT neuroscientist | TEDx EF Academy New York - EF Academy Blog

Beyond labels: Becoming an MIT neuroscientist | TEDx EF Academy New York ‹ EF Academy Blog

Beyond labels: Becoming an MIT neuroscientist | TEDx EF Academy New York

Tedx succeed what it takes

Starting in September 2022, <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy</a> students in New York will work with their assigned University and Academic Advising team for the entirety of their journey at the school. This new model, which replaces the <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/what-is-a-pathway-manager/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pathway Manager</a> model, allows for thoughtful and continuous support of students. Each University and Academic Advisor (UAA) will work with their assigned students in helping them discover and develop their passions and strengths.
We are incredibly fortunate to have hired wonderfully experienced and thoughtful counselors to guide students in implementing and managing academic progress and ensure that students make the most of available academic and extracurricular opportunities. Additionally, the UAA will support each student throughout the college/university research and application process.
Each UAA will work with their assigned students as they move through high school such that, for example, students in grade 10 in the 2022-2023 school year will continue working with the same UAA through graduation in May 2025.
Let’s meet the team!
<h3>Bernadette Condesso</h3>
<img alt="EF Academy New York University Advising staff" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-19406" height="572" sizes="(max-width: 457px) 100vw, 457px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Condesso-Bernadette..jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Condesso-Bernadette..jpg 457w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Condesso-Bernadette.-240x300.jpg 240w" width="457">
Ms. Condesso graduated from Saint Peter’s University with a bachelor’s in American History, completed a Post Baccalaureate Program in Near Eastern Studies at New York University, holds a master’s in Teaching degree from State University of New York at New Paltz, and has a New York State license in Secondary Education in Social Studies. Prior to joining <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy</a> as the Director of University Guidance, Ms. Condesso served as Director of College Counseling at Graded – The American School of São Paulo, Solomon Schechter School of Westchester, and Poughkeepsie Day School. She has participated in the National Association for College Admissions Counseling, the International Association for College Admission Counseling, and the New York State Association for College Admission Counseling. Ms. Condesso has co-organized college counseling conferences for the New York State Association of Independent Schools. She has also engaged with the Council of International Schools Global Forum on International Admission and Guidance.
<h3>Denby Christ</h3>
<img alt="International high school abroad staff" class="alignleft wp-image-19407 size-full" height="572" sizes="(max-width: 457px) 100vw, 457px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Christ-Denby..jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Christ-Denby..jpg 457w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Christ-Denby.-240x300.jpg 240w" width="457">
Mr. Christ has master’s degrees in school counseling and teaching, with focuses in social studies and special education. At <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy</a> , Mr. Christ has held several positions, including School Counselor, Student Support Center Coordinator, Teacher, Basketball Head Coach, Pathway Manager and University Advisor. He is also an avid cyclist and basketball player.
<h3>Kaitlin Schmidt</h3>
<img alt="International high school abroad member of staff" class="alignleft wp-image-19408 size-full" height="491" sizes="(max-width: 410px) 100vw, 410px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Kaitlin-Schmidt.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Kaitlin-Schmidt.jpg 410w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Kaitlin-Schmidt-251x300.jpg 251w" width="410">
Ms. Schmidt joined <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy</a> in the fall of 2021 as a chemistry teacher. This spring, while also teaching, she joined the university advising team. Given her knowledge, insight, and experience working with students, she was invited to join the UAA department full-time starting in August 2022. Ms. Schmidt has extensive high school teaching experience having worked at public schools in Minnesota, and at a private, international school in Shanghai, China. She is keen to guide students in their <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy</a> academic journeys and to help them navigate the world of university admissions. Ms. Schmidt grew up in Minnesota and obtained a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin. In her free time, she enjoys being active outdoors, traveling, music, trying new foods, and spending quality time with family and friends.
<h3>Diane Bidna</h3>
<img alt="EF Academy team member" class="alignleft wp-image-19410 size-full" height="379" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Diane-Bidna..jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Diane-Bidna..jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Diane-Bidna.-300x200.jpg 300w" width="568">
Ms. Bidna joins <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy</a> as Associate Director of the University & Academic Advising team after working in college counseling for over 12 years, most recently at JFK The American School of Queretaro (Mexico) and AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian High School (Los Angeles, California). After working with students from diverse backgrounds and cultures, she feels strongly about assisting students in finding the university that is the right fit for each individual student. Toward this end, Ms. Bidna has visited over 100 universities to learn about academic programs and experience the campuses first-hand. She stays on top of developing trends in the university admissions world through professional development opportunities with the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). Originally from Southern California, Ms. Bidna obtained a B.S. in Business and Entrepreneurship from the University of Southern California and certification in College Counseling from the University of California, San Diego.
<h3>James Cart</h3>
<img alt="EF Academy team member" class="alignleft wp-image-19411 size-full" height="597" sizes="(max-width: 439px) 100vw, 439px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/James-Car..jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/James-Car..jpg 439w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/James-Car.-221x300.jpg 221w" width="439">
Mr. Cart joins the team at <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy</a> after working for the last five years in higher education, most recently at Dartmouth College and Tufts University School of Medicine. In addition to his experience in higher education, Mr. Cart has worked directly with teens since 2010, coaching, mentoring, and advising student-athletes for university admission. Mr. Cart looks forward to bringing his passion for student success to <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy</a> and helping our students realize their university goals. Mr. Cart obtained a B.A. in Philosophy and Anthropology from Dartmouth College. Having achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank of the Scouts Boy Scouts of America, it is not surprising that in his free time, Mr. Cart enjoys sailing and playing basketball, soccer, and chess.
<h3>Kristen S. Carter</h3>
<img alt="International boarding school team member" class="alignleft wp-image-19412 size-full" height="616" sizes="(max-width: 425px) 100vw, 425px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/KristenCarter..jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/KristenCarter..jpg 425w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/KristenCarter.-207x300.jpg 207w" width="425">
Ms. Carter brings extensive experience in international university admissions having guided hundreds of students at Rochambeau, The French International School (Bethesda, Maryland) in applying to universities in the United Kingdom, Canada, Europe, and the United States. A certified school counselor with an M.S. in School Counseling, Ms. Carter uses a student-centered, solution-focused, holistic approach to guide students in finding their best college fit. As a university advisor, she seeks opportunities to advance her knowledge through professional organizations. She is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), and the Potomac & Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling (PCACAC), where she serves as the Communications Chair of the Leadership Board.  Ms. Carter also understands the college process from a parent’s perspective; her daughter is a rising junior at Sarah Lawrence College (New York), and her son will attend University of New Haven (Connecticut) in 2023 after taking a gap year. In addition to obtaining an M.S. in School Counseling, Ms. Carter has a B.A. from Ithaca College and an M.A. from Johns Hopkins University.
<h3>Sophie McCorkle</h3>
<img alt="International high school in USA team member" class="alignleft wp-image-19413 size-full" height="500" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Sophie.jpeg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Sophie.jpeg 500w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Sophie-150x150.jpeg 150w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Sophie-300x300.jpeg 300w" width="500">
Ms. McCorkle joins the team at <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy</a> after working as a college counselor at Belmont Charter School (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) and at The American Creativity Academy (Salmiya, Kuwait). She is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). Ms. McCorkle grew up in Ohio and obtained a B.A. in History from The Ohio State University. She also has an M.A. in Applied Psychology from New York University, and certification in College Advising from Teachers College at Columbia University. In her free time she enjoys traveling, swimming, trying new restaurants, and of course, researching colleges, visiting campuses, and learning about new and exciting post-secondary options for her students.

In this blog post we introduce you to the members of the new University & Academic Advising (UAA) team at EF Academy in New York.

Meet our University and Academic Advising team in New York! - EF Academy Blog

Meet our University and Academic Advising team in New York! ‹ EF Academy Blog

Meet our University and Academic Advising team in New York!

University academic advising ef academy new york

Judging by the fact you are on this blog post, you may already have some idea what <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy</a> is. Perhaps you are already a student here or are someone interested in joining us for the next steps of your education journey – either way, welcome! <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/oxford/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy Oxford</a> is part of the much wider family of Education First, and both the company and the campus have very interesting and inspiring backstories!
<h3>Humble beginnings</h3>
Like many other great business entrepreneurs who founded global institutions from the most unexpected origins (Disney was founded in a one-car garage after all), EF was founded by Bertil Hult in his own university dormitory in 1965! His original idea was to send Swedish secondary school students to study in the UK for the summer. This idea of summer study was inspired by Bertil’s own experience of visiting England. Whilst in the UK, he realized that being immersed in the culture vastly and quickly improved his English language skills. Thus, EF was founded as a summer program to immerse Swedish secondary school students in English culture.
From this humble origin, EF has grown rapidly with separate branches that focus on language travel, business, and the international secondary school experience. <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy</a> was inspired by the success of the immersive summer school program and an important question – why can’t we do it all year? <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy’s</a> mission statement is to “open the world through education” and our schools have been successful in opening the world and educating thousands of students from all over the world. And, at the end of August 2022, a new <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy</a> campus will open its doors in <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/pasadena/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pasadena, California</a>!
<h3>EF Academy Oxford</h3>
<img alt="EF Academy Oxford campus" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-19419" height="379" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20EFA-OXF_JHO0141-edit.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20EFA-OXF_JHO0141-edit.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20EFA-OXF_JHO0141-edit-300x200.jpg 300w" width="568">
Having learned a little about EF as a company – what about <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/oxford/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy Oxford</a>? Oxford as I am sure you are aware is a city synonymous with academia, history, and beauty. Through the University, it has been at the forefront of academic discoveries for centuries. <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/oxford/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy Oxford</a> is also steeped in academia, it uses the historic Cotuit Hall as its campus. Cotuit Hall is not only academic in its housing of our academy but, it was also originally commissioned by an Oxford University professor of Language and Literature who lived there with his family until 1916. He chose to build his house here as Pullens Lane (where Cotuit Hall calls home) was building a reputation as a home for the learned, and to this day there are over five educational institutions on the one lane!
Since then, Cotuit Hall has changed hands through various schools and education facilities. For a brief time in its history, Cotuit was also an orphanage, the “City of Oxford Children’s Home” from the 1940s until 1958. In 2011, it was sold by Oxford Brookes University to <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy</a>. <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/oxford/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy Oxford</a> now specializes in preparing our <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/international-school-why-you-should-go/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">international student body</a> to attend <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/university-offers-for-ef-academys-class-of-2022/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">world-class universities</a> by providing them with a truly remarkable educational environment. This environment sees students from all over the world study either the <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/ib/?campus=oxford" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">International Baccalaureate</a> or <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/a-level/?campus=oxford" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">A levels</a> and, for a brief time, they get the opportunity to call Oxford home.
I think, if there is one thing we can take away from Bertil and <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/oxford/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy Oxford’s</a> story, it is that from inconspicuous beginnings, truly remarkable things can grow.
 
Freya Waites
Pathway Manager at <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/oxford/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy Oxford</a>

EF Academy Oxford prepares our international student body to attend world-class universities by providing them with a remarkable educational environment.

Curious about EF Academy Oxford? Hear from a Pathway Manager! - EF Academy Blog

Curious about EF Academy Oxford? Hear from a Pathway Manager! ‹ EF Academy Blog

Curious about EF Academy Oxford? Hear from a Pathway Manager!

Ef academy oxford pathway manager

We are so proud to share that our recent <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/oxford/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy Oxford</a> graduate Dawid (IB Diploma Class of 2022 and EF Academy Ambassador) was selected last year through competitive entry to take part in the prestigious Alpha Scholars program. This scheme is designed to provide students with university-level skills in research, writing and presentation in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, under the mentorship of current Harvard students.
<h3>Harvard International Review</h3>
Participants receiving an A Grade for the program have their papers evaluated by an academic panel, and the very best are awarded medals. We are pleased to announce that Dawid’s paper, <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vRQWkwGgRmyjMD3BB8WtcESnhb2LhR7cVNJfvnx4eO_sYRzXahLM4aswOMaOx_mkQ/pub" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">“How does artificial intelligence used by the United States Government perpetuate systemic inequalities in the criminal justice system?”</a>, was awarded a Silver Medal and has been published online by the <a href="https://hir.harvard.edu/alpha-scholars-fall21-winners/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Harvard International Review</a>.
Dawid writes: I wasn’t expecting such a good result from that paper, but it’s great to see that the hard work paid off! Success with this paper is in large part owed to the education I received from EF Academy.
We would like to congratulate Dawid on his hard work and success, and are very happy that we here in<a href="https://www.efacademy.org/oxford/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> EF Academy Oxford</a> were able to help contribute to him achieving his potential. Dawid was accepted at a large number of <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/university-offers-for-ef-academys-class-of-2022/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">universities</a> for undergraduate studies, and has chosen to attend The Cooper Union in New York City where he has been awarded a full scholarship.
We wish him the very best of luck for his future studies!
<img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-19286 alignright" height="379" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Dawid_Graduation_NY_22.png" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Dawid_Graduation_NY_22.png 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Dawid_Graduation_NY_22-300x200.png 300w" width="568">
<hr>
Thorough university preparation is at the core of EF Academy’s mission. With dedicated, personal academic guidance, our teachers and Pathway Managers prepare students for success by helping them discover and develop their strengths.

We are so proud to share that our recent EF Academy Oxford graduate Dawid has been published in the prestigious Harvard International Review.

EF Academy graduate published in Harvard International Review - EF Academy Blog

EF Academy graduate published in Harvard International Review ‹ EF Academy Blog

EF Academy graduate published in Harvard International Review

Ef academy graduate published in harvard international review

The end of the first academic half-term at <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/oxford/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy Oxford</a> has just passed and with this passing comes the perfect opportunity for us to commend and celebrate all that has been achieved so far.
For all students, this has been a period of immense change, and for our first-year students, this has been a half-term of many firsts! First time studying the <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/ib-diploma-top-5-reasons/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IB</a> or <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/why-study-a-level/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">A-Levels</a>, the first time living away from home in an international boarding school, and for some, it is their first time in England!
For our second-year students, although they are already acclimatized to life in Oxford, this new year brings with it the very real pressure of exams and getting themselves prepared for the next stage in their academic journey.
<h3>Celebrating achievements</h3>
These first few weeks have been full of new challenges for both year groups and their assemblies this week have recognized and celebrated students for their achievements so far this term.
Year 1 student Arianna began the awards assembly by playing a beautiful piece on the piano.
<img alt="Student playing piano at achievements celebration at EF Academy Oxford" class="aligncenter wp-image-19599 size-full" height="387" sizes="(max-width: 454px) 100vw, 454px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/oxf.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/oxf.jpg 454w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/oxf-300x256.jpg 300w" width="454">
<h3>The Awards</h3>
The all-round ‘Good Egg’ award from the Pastoral Team for the students who have been the most helpful, kind and friendly.
Year 1 winners: Sihyun & Laura
Year 2 winners: Jennie & Ysaline & Anant
The ‘Cleanest Room’ award from the House Parents.
Year 1 winners: Pratham & Sihyun and Arianna & Veronica
Year 2 winners: Natalia & Manuela and Noah & Ryem
The Pathway Manager’s ‘All-rounder award’ was awarded to the student who had made the best impact both in their academic and residential lives.
Freya’s all-rounder: Sin Yau NG & Jennie
Joan’s all-rounder: Oskar & Karolina
Special CAS  and AAA mentions.
Year 1: Majken & Baldwin & Yun Tin Shuin & Mirko
Year 2: Anastasija & Ryem
100% Attendance
We also had 43 students who had 100% attendance. This is absolutely amazing as it means each of those students has not missed a single tutor period, assembly, or lesson. This will keep them on-track to achieve great things in their A Level and IB exams.
<h3>Looking forward</h3>
We are so incredibly proud of all these fantastic achievements this half term. We know that it feels as if Winter Break is right around the corner, however, it is important that we take the time to reflect on all the milestones we pass throughout the year. Each of the students mentioned in this email will be joining us tomorrow for a celebratory breakfast. We would like to end by saying a massive congratulations to all of our students and a thank you for making us smile each day!

The end of the first academic half-term has just passed. With this comes the perfect opportunity to celebrate our students' amazing achievements!

Celebrating achievements at EF Academy Oxford - EF Academy Blog

Celebrating achievements at EF Academy Oxford ‹ EF Academy Blog

Celebrating achievements at EF Academy Oxford

Celebrating achievements at ef academy oxford

This post about the Lunar New Year celebration in New York was written by <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy</a> Ambassadors Germery and Clare
<hr>
Lunar New Year, a celebration held at the start of a new year according to the lunisolar calendar and the arrival of spring, is the time for people to come together and honor their households as well as their ancestors and other spiritual deities. The celebration consists of preparing all sorts of traditional and symbolic foods, playing music and dancing, getting together with friends and family, and having big festivals that involve fireworks and firecrackers. Red, being considered to be the color of luck, fortune, and prosperity, is seen prominently in decorations that are used to celebrate Lunar New Year, one of the most common decorations being a red lantern. 
<img alt="Lunar new year in New York Ef academy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19715" height="377" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Lunar-new-year-2.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Lunar-new-year-2.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Lunar-new-year-2-300x199.jpg 300w" width="568">
Ever since we came to <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy</a> in 2020, we have had to switch to celebrating this time through a variety of online performances because of the epidemic. As this was the first time we’ve been able to celebrate Lunar New Year properly, we were all very happy about finally being able to perform live! It was just as amazing and fun as what we had hoped it would be.
<img alt="Lunar New Year celebration at EF Academy in New York" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19716" height="376" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Lunar-new-year-3.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Lunar-new-year-3.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Lunar-new-year-3-300x199.jpg 300w" width="568"> 
Although it was unfortunate that we weren’t able to spend Lunar New Year with our families, we were able to celebrate with our <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/international-school-why-you-should-go/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">friends </a>while introducing Asian culture to people from other countries. The aspect of being able to share our culture with everyone here at EF Academy definitely motivated us to work even harder for the show as we wanted to recreate the festivity of Lunar New Year the best we could.
<img alt="Lunar new year celebration in New York EF Academy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19717" height="377" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Lunar-new-year-4.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Lunar-new-year-4.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Lunar-new-year-4-300x199.jpg 300w" width="568">
Of course, we encountered many problems during the preparation process, even the rehearsal on the day of the performance was not as perfect. But in the end, what mattered most was the fact that all of us put in all our effort to host an entertaining show. There were light-hearted and funny songs as well as well-choreographed dances by the Vietnamese, interactive games to drive the atmosphere by the Japanese, traditional martial arts and entertaining dances performed by the Koreans, retro-pop music by the Taiwanese, and finally an incredible international band as the final closing act with members from Korea, Taiwan, China, and Japan. We certainly believe that the whole school felt our enthusiasm during the culture festival through each astounding performance!
<img alt="Lunar new year celebration at EF Academy New York" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19718" height="379" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Lunar-new-year-5.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Lunar-new-year-5.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Lunar-new-year-5-300x200.jpg 300w" width="568">

The Lunar New Year celebration is a much beloved event at EF Academy New York. Read all about the latest celebration in this post!

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