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There’s nothing like summer to get yourself focused and set your goals for the upcoming academic year. But it’s also the perfect time to reset, explore, and see something new. Here are some travel destinations that can help you balance a love of learning and a sense of adventure. In the second part of <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/best-educational-summer-destinations-europe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this series</a>, we’re exploring educational destinations in North America.
<h3>Los Angeles, California</h3>
<a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/4-enriching-cultural-activities-in-southern-california/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Southern California</a> is a haven for education, especially when it comes to culture and art. Museum Row on the Miracle Mile will bring you the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the Craft and Folk Art Museum, the Petersen Automotive Museum, the Page Museum, and the La Brea Tar Pits. You could spend a whole weekend exploring each one!
Beyond viewing art, history, and museums, Los Angeles is a great place to learn a creative skill. Musicians flock to the area, where they’re more than willing to teach others the techniques they’ve learned from top-tier schools like UCLA, Berklee, and Juilliard. While you’re in the area, schedule some time to work on your musical skills.
<h3>Toronto, Canada</h3>
Toronto is one of the most interesting and diverse cities in the world. From the moment you arrive at the airport, you’ll quickly notice how easy it is to fit in, as you see cultures from all over the world come together in one beautiful space.
Of course, one of the first places most travelers want to go is the CN Tower, Toronto’s iconic landmark that was the world’s tallest building until 2007 and its glass floor is an Instagrammable favorite. Toronto is also home to some of Ontario’s best museums including the Art Gallery of Ontario, Royal Ontario Museum, and the Ontario Science Center.
<h3>Puebla, Mexico</h3>
While Mexico City is bigger and Tulum is all the rage on Instagram, Puebla is one of the most iconic locations in Mexico. The gorgeous capital of Puebla state combines the modern with a glimpse into the rich cultural history that’s unique to poblanos (locals of Puebla) and the country as a whole. The best place to start your trip here is the Zocalo or city square, where you can get a feel for local life and enjoy the historic buildings and statues that surround it.
Some of the most historic buildings in the area are the churches. Most notably, Santo Domingo which houses opulent examples of Mexican Baroque, especially in the Capilla del Rosario. If you want to go even further back into the area’s history, you can visit the Amparo Museum, which houses an impressive collection of pre-Hispanic and colonial art. From there, you can take a short bus ride to one of the most fascinating sites in the area and see <a href="https://sic.gob.mx/ficha.php?table=zona_arqueologica&table_id=80" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tlachihualtepetl</a>, the Great Pyramid of Cholula. It is in fact the largest pyramid in the world, but it’s uniquely hidden underneath a hill.
<h3>Route 66</h3>
If you’re more of a hands-on learner, there’s nothing more American than a classic road trip. And there’s one iconic route that will show you how different parts of the country live – Route 66. The US highway spans an amazing 3,940 km (2,448 mi). Its path takes you from California to Illinois.
Some of the most famous cities the route will take you through include charming desert cities like Albuquerque, New Mexico, Kingman, Arizona, and Barstow, California. You’ll get a feel for life in the midwest by traveling through Tulsa, Oklahoma, Carthage, Missouri, and Pontiac, Illinois. But the two big cities at the end of each side of the route are the ones most people flock to – Santa Monica, California and Chicago, Illinois.
<h3>New York, New York</h3>
The Big Apple is at the top of the list for travelers across the US and around the globe. In just one weekend, you can walk through some of the most iconic neighborhoods in Manhattan, visit world-renowned museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and visit some of the most historic and widely-celebrated sites in the country like the Statue of Liberty.
While you’re in New York, you can learn a lot about the history of the country. Take a tour of Ellis Island, the difficult first step into the country that many of the ancestors of modern-day Americans had to take. You can also see where countries unite together with a guided tour of the United Nations Headquarters.
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If traveling is your thing, then we think you’d fit in perfectly at EF Academy.

Taking time to travel this summer? In the second part of our series, check out some of the most educational travel destinations in North America.

Best educational summer destinations: North America - EF Academy Blog

Best educational summer destinations: North America ‹ EF Academy Blog

Best educational summer destinations: North America

Best educational summer destinations north america

On Sunday September 30, students took up the opportunity to visit Bath, the beautiful historical Spa Town which is also home to some of the most well-preserved Roman Baths in the World making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Once we had arrived in Bath we made our way to the Roman Baths, where we were given head sets to provide us each with a self-guided tour around the ruins and the interactive museum. This was a brilliant way to step back in time and provided the students with the perfect mix of audio, visual (in the form of artefacts and archaeological findings) and written information to keep them captivated throughout the tour and learn how the Romans settled in England and their advanced society.
This was a great experience, especially for all the History students and those interested in Classical Civilisation as we got to learn about how the Roman Empire brought their technology and way of life over to England as well as their social, political and religious beliefs.
After visiting the Roman Baths the students then had free time to explore the City and take in its beautiful historical buildings, its quintessential Georgian architecture and its famous Abbey and parks.
After a spot of shopping and afternoon tea it was time to head back to Oxford, the perfect end to a great day out.

Students took up the opportunity to visit Bath, a historical Spa Town which is also home to some of the most well-preserved Roman Baths in the World.

EF Academy Oxford’s Visit to the Roman Baths - EF Academy Blog

EF Academy Oxford’s Visit to the Roman Baths ‹ EF Academy Blog

EF Academy Oxford’s Visit to the Roman Baths

Ef academy oxfords visit roman baths

On Saturday, May 19, 2018, our graduates of over 200 students turned their tassels to become EF Academy alumni, ready to take on the next chapter of their lives.
The morning began with school bus rides full of graduates heading to nearby Tarrytown. The cool drizzle created an almost magical ambiance as students prepared for the pomp and circumstance that would soon commence.
Surrounded by proud families, teachers, and friends, our graduates proceeded through the auditorium, ready to celebrate all of the great achievements of the year. Hailing from Brazil, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Norway, Spain, South Korea, Russia, Taiwan, Thailand, United States and Vietnam, our senior class is a richly diverse one. They will move on to gap years and internships and universities such as New York University and the University of California.
George Stewart, Head of School, opened the ceremony with a welcome to all and advice to the class of 2018. “I ask you all to show up for each other, for your communities, for your challenges, for your families, for your mom, for your dad, brother and sisters, for your friends, and even, for one more…homework assignment… because I’m convinced that just showing up is probably more than 75% of what it takes to successfully meet new challenges,” said Stewart.
This year’s commencement speaker was DeeDee Trotter, former NCAA national champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist. Trotter had the following advice for the graduates, “Before you start this new chapter in your life, take the opportunity to look back – remember your most challenging times, then remember the people who helped you get through those times. Take the opportunity to humbly thank them for all they’ve done to get you to where you are. And then vow in sometime in your life you will give the same gift to someone else.”
Shih Chien Huang, Taiwan, delivered this year’s valedictorian address, “Bravery cannot be taught from a single lesson, but rather, bravery comes from trying.”
Teachers then presented graduate awards and diplomas as the ceremony came to a close. But, not before one last hurrah where the students turned their tassels and threw their caps into the air in true tradition.
A reception followed the ceremony, where students, families, teachers and friends enjoyed one last moment together. The event also featured a musical performance by a band of talented seniors.
It was a bittersweet day full of pride, happiness and a sense of accomplishment. But also, one of nostalgia, nervousness and excitement for the future.  We look forward to watching our Class of 2018 go forth to continue their life journeys, build bright futures and remain connected to their EF Academy peers and the experience they’ve shared together.

On Saturday, May 19, 2018, our graduates of over 200 students turned their tassels to become EF Academy alumni.

Hats off to our EF Academy New York Class of 2018 - EF Academy Blog

Hats off to our EF Academy New York Class of 2018 ‹ EF Academy Blog

Hats off to our EF Academy New York Class of 2018

Hats off 2018 ef academy new york graduates

Today, we’re interviewing another member of our amazing EF Academy staff. Pathway Manager Neil Abbott was kind enough to let us ask him about his life, career, and role at EF Academy Torbay. Grab a cup of tea and have a read about one of the team members helping to make life on campus feel like home.
<h3>1. Can you tell me a bit about your background?</h3>
I think my background can be defined in two ways; my career background and my emotional background.
My career background has seen me progress through a variety of different roles, all of which have been closely linked to interacting with people, of all ages. I have worked in sales, in sales/admin roles, and then from 1985-2013 in local protestant churches as a minister.
I trained at a Bible college from 1985-1988 and was then unleashed on the unsuspecting church population! Like so many newly ordained ministers, filled with all the new knowledge gained in college, I was persuaded that I would have the opportunity to both change the world and change the church. It never crossed my mind that it might change me instead, but change me it did!
Today, I am still involved in a local church but only as a member. So much for my career background, and now onto something far juicier; the emotional background! I believe that my emotional background is the sort of thing that a psychiatrist dreams of, to have me on their couch and poke around in my soul!
As a young boy, I was quite bright, top of the class material, and I quickly learned that by being so, I could gain the approval, affirmation, and ultimately the love, of my mom. I had inadvertently picked up a message of conditional love that would shape me for years to come. On top of all this, just before my 11th birthday, my dear father had a heart attack that all but killed him. Over the next five years, he had several more, before succumbing to a final illness just in the middle of my exams at the age of 15-16. My secondary education was in this way, neatly book-ended by the beginning of his ill health and his eventual demise. A beautiful symmetry, but not the type of symmetry that one ever wishes for!
I know what it is to be a teenager struggling with insecurities and fears and pressures. I believe this helps me to engage with and relate to people. These two aspects of who I am come together perfectly, I think, and provide me with the necessary life experience, and understanding to do the job before me.
 
<h3>2. What is your role at EF Academy like? What does it mean to be a Pathway Manager?</h3>
When I started at EF Academy, my job title was that of “Welfare Mentor”. It was a role similar to the one I fulfill today, but with today’s role having the added responsibility of academic oversight. When I began here in March 2013, a colleague said that “the one thing about the routine of the role is that there is no routine”. That still holds true today. I can move from a serious pastoral issue to helping a student open a bank account, and then go on to email a parent about payment for lunches all in the space of about 30 minutes.
However, alongside the important administrative tasks, there are those tasks which epitomize all that we hope to be as pathway managers – a point of contact for parents, admissions offices and students.
Unsurprisingly, the most important aspect for us is the students. Whether it’s being at the school entrance to welcome them in the morning, sharing biscuits with them at break time, or simply talking to them about their studies. We consider this great part of our role to be the most important and it’s probably also the most fulfilling.
It’s great to be able to engage with our students as fellow human beings, rather than just having a relationship of student/member of staff. It really does help to be able to relate to each other as equals! We are all in the same school, and we’re all working – them at their studies and us, at helping them to be successful.
 
<h3>3. Have you found your background in ministry has applied to your current role?</h3>
Yes, but not in the most obvious ways. Of course, pastoral care is part of the role, but two of the most surprising ways my previous experience has helped me has been the following:
I think I have an understanding of communities and how they function, based on years of working in the community of the church. I see the same dynamics at work in EF Academy Torbay. Relationships, goals, the overarching mission, the key influencers, the mutual support and care that is so often shown to fellow staff, alongside the obvious care exercised towards our students (just fewer angels!)
Secondly, I feel that my previous experience has helped me learn how to relate to parents. I am a parent and I feel that I am able to relate to our students’ parents because of this.
 
<h3>4. What is the most important advice you can give a student at EFA Torbay?</h3>
The most important advice that I could give to a student who comes to EF Academy is to be determined to make the most of their time here. To take advantage of all that is on offer and to learn how to celebrate the many differences that will be a challenge to them.
 
<blockquote>“I fear that we often mistake intelligence for wisdom and progress in terms of the acquisition of more and more… rather than the acquisition of character and self-understanding”
 </blockquote>
<h3>5. What is the most important advice you can give to a parent of a student who’s attending?</h3>
I think that I would want to reassure them that they have made a good decision in sending their child to EF Academy Torbay because they will be sending their child not just to a school, but to a family that does education. Because of this, we want them to feel that their child will be in an environment which considers the whole person as important, and not just their academic ability.
I would want to also advise and encourage parents to try and trust us as we seek to accompany their children academically, emotionally, and psychologically. We really do want the best for them. To leave one’s child in the care of unknown people is a lot to ask of a parent and I would love to be able to say to them, “Don’t worry, we take the responsibility of caring for your child very seriously!”
 
<h3>6. What’s something you’ve found surprising in your time as a pastoral care worker?</h3>
I think that one of the things that I have found most surprising during my time as a pastoral care worker is the great struggle that the vast majority of us have in understanding ourselves and understanding that which is going on within.
I have been repeatedly surprised, if not astounded, by the lack of understanding of who we are and what it is that makes us tick. I feel that it is a great malaise in our Western Culture, and I fear that we often mistake intelligence for wisdom and progress in terms of the acquisition of more and more – this could be through wealth, property, qualifications, roles, and promotions, etc – rather than the acquisition of character and self-understanding.
It’s not surprising really, as these are the bargaining tools of the West that generally define success. The tragedy is that when we are defined by these things, our true worth, and that of others can easily be lost or condemned to the waste bin as an irrelevancy in the 21 Century.
 
<h3>7. How can parents and students deal with setbacks in their goals or time living abroad?</h3>
I think that setbacks can best be handled by sharing the difficulty with others. Friends obviously, but also people who are not emotionally involved and who can provide us with an unbiased view of a situation. For parents, it might mean listening to the advice that we as a school would give.
Secondly, setbacks can be better managed by managing our expectations. Sometimes expectations don’t correspond to the ongoing reality so it’s essential to be able to take a step back from them and think again.
It’s also important to place this period within the context of the rest of life. Time spent here in EF Academy Torbay is a fantastic opportunity to be given. But it is only a stepping stone to what will take place afterward. It is an important stepping stone, but it is only that, and I think students and their parents need to be able to see that.
 
<blockquote>“I want each of our students to know that they are of great value as human beings, irrespective of their ability to perform.”</blockquote>
 
<h3>8. Do you have any memorable stories that stand out to you?</h3>
I suppose one of the most memorable stories that stand out was when a student came into my office wearing a surgical mask. This was not something that shocked me, as many of our students wear masks during cold and flu season, what surprised me was the reason. His reason? To avoid contracting cholera. I was happy to remind him that the last outbreak of this disease in the UK was in the mid-1800s.
Another event that sticks in mind was that of a student who came to school on the day that we were going on a two-day trip where we would be outdoors the entire time, canoeing and doing various courses. He arrived at the school in attire that perfectly suited the occasion; a very impractical white suit.
My first day at EF Academy Torbay also proved to be a memorable one. Within minutes of my arrival, I was asked to accompany a colleague as she went to a student’s bedroom where we had to conduct a search. Unknown to the procedures, and unknown to the students, I simply stood there like a brooding, menacing, silent presence in the corner of the room.
Once my colleague had finished the search, we left. The rest of the day was spent getting to know colleagues and systems but during this time, the student rumor mill had been grinding out information. It was “fake news” before the term “fake news” had even been invented! According to the rumors, I was a plainclothes police officer who had come to work at the school!
 
<h3>9. What advice would you give to other counselors or pastoral care workers?</h3>
I don’t feel as if I have any advice to give to others. I do my best to be a conscientious and caring person but I’m not some sort of guru that has all the answers.
One thing that I feel is very important is to try and encourage others, whether they are students or colleagues. So many of us live in a world devoid of encouragement, where we don’t know from one day to the next whether we are appreciated or not, or whether anyone has noticed that we even exist. An encouraging word can make such a difference for others.
As we all know, we live in a highly pressurized world where one’s mistakes can haunt us. To hear genuine words of appreciation for what we do and perhaps more importantly, for who we are, can be a great source of strength. I think that the same applies for both young people and adults (who are, of course, just older young people)!
 
<h3>10. What’s one thing you want students to know?</h3>
I want each of our students to know that they are of great value as human beings, irrespective of their ability to perform. I want our students to be diligent in their studies but I also want them to find their self-worth in who they are and understand that in this way they can make a difference to the world.

Neil Abbott was kind enough to let us ask him about his life, career, and role at EF Academy Torbay. Read about one of the staff helping make Torbay a home.

Meet the team: Neil Abbott, EF Academy Torbay - EF Academy Blog

Meet the team: Neil Abbott, EF Academy Torbay ‹ EF Academy Blog

Meet the team: Neil Abbott, EF Academy Torbay

Meet the team neil abbott

It’s the most wonderful time of the year in the US – a time for food, family, friends, and being thankful. Originating as a harvest festival, Thanksgiving is one of the biggest holidays in the US. People across the country gather together to share a meal and reflect on all the things they’re grateful for. But there’s much more to do during this beautiful time of giving thanks than just eating. From parades to shopping, running to volunteering – Thanksgiving is celebrated in a wide variety of ways. We’ve put together our bucket list for the ultimate US Thanksgiving celebration.
<h3>Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade</h3>
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is now of the most famous holiday traditions in the United States. In New York City, thousands of people line the streets of Manhattan to watch. This particular parade is known for its giant inflatable balloons that float between the skyscrapers, high above the onlookers.
<h3>Break the wishbone for good luck</h3>
It may sound silly, but this is a real thing! After carving the turkey, the wishbone, a Y-shaped bone that carries much superstition, gets set aside to dry. Once the meal is over, two people make their wishes and break the wishbone. Whoever ends up with the bigger piece is said to have their wish come true and good luck for the upcoming year.
<h3>Eat a traditional Thanksgiving meal</h3>
No Thanksgiving Day would be complete without the traditional meal. Must-eats are: roast turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, and sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts. Green bean casserole has become a popular dish, especially in the Midwest. Completing the meal is, of course, pumpkin pie for dessert. After all of that it’s time for the next tradition. . .
<h3>Take a nap</h3>
After an afternoon filled with cooking and eating delicious food, many retreat to the couch for a mid-day nap. Turkey is well known as the culprit of this sudden onset of sleepiness, with its high levels of the amino acid tryptophan. While tryptophan is known to help release chemicals like melatonin (which makes you drowsy),<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/does-turkey-make-you-sleepy/2017/11/17/2b2a96ea-c89f-11e7-b0cf-7689a9f2d84e_story.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> it’s not entirely the turkey’s fault</a>. Eating other foods that are high in sugar (like pie) also increase your tiredness. But with all the business of the holiday, everyone deserves some rest!
<h3>Share what you’re most thankful for</h3>
Thanksgiving is a perfect time to reflect on the year alongside family and friends. Whether it’s during the meal or while relaxing later in the day, go around the room and share something you’re especially grateful for. It’s wonderful to hear everyone talk about their favorite moments and experiences from the previous year.
<h3>Watch an American football game</h3>
Football is the most popular sport to watch in the US and the idea of games played on Thanksgiving Day actually dates back as early as 1876, shortly after the game was invented. Families and friends gather around to watch their favorite teams compete in one of America’s favorite sports. Or, to burn off some of those Thanksgiving calories, some families split into teams and play a game of football themselves.
<h3>Be grateful for Friendsgiving</h3>
Because most people celebrate Thanksgiving with their families, dedicating time to give thanks with friends has become equally important.  Friends gathering together, aptly called “Friendsgiving,” is a newer tradition. It’s a time to share a meal and enjoy each other’s company before traveling home to join family.
<h3>Run a turkey trot</h3>
It may seem counterintuitive (or genius) to run a race on America’s biggest food holiday, but turkey trots are a trend across the US on Thanksgiving Day. The name derives from the turkey, the typical centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinner. From 5K fun runs to half marathons, these races bring out runners, walkers and fans in local communities. It’s a fun way to earn and burn the calories consumed during the Thanksgiving meal.
<h3>Shop ’til you drop on Black Friday</h3>
Stores all across the country have some of their biggest sales the day after Thanksgiving. Now known as Black Friday, this day is almost a holiday in itself. While this shopping tradition has changed with the rise of e-commerce, people still stand in line for hours early in the morning to get great discounts and start their Christmas shopping.
<h3>Giving back</h3>
In the spirit of giving thanks and helping others, many communities across the US hold annual food drives that collect non-perishable packaged and canned foods for those in need. These organizations also host Thanksgiving dinners so that everyone has a place to enjoy a warm meal.
Each year at <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/new-york/">EF Academy New York</a>, students from all over the world get to share in <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/like-celebrate-thanksgiving-us/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the holiday spirit</a>. They share the traditional Thanksgiving meal together, go Black Friday shopping at a nearby mall, and decorate the halls for the holiday season. It’s a fun and festive way to share this important piece of US culture with our international community.

Thanksgiving ushers in the most wonderful time of the year. Here are 8 of the most popular traditions to celebrate Thanksgiving in the US!

Top 10 Thanksgiving traditions in the US - EF Academy Blog

Top 10 Thanksgiving traditions in the US ‹ EF Academy Blog

Top 10 Thanksgiving traditions in the US

Top 10 thanksgiving traditions in the us

Hello! I am Pascal and currently studying in EF Academy at the Oxford campus. I am an IB year 1 student and felt so lucky to get a chance to intern at EF Hong Kong.
I learned a lot of things in the EF Hong Kong office. There are masses of branches working under EF Hong Kong which all cover various arious and responsibilities. I gained a deep understanding with nearly all the branches from IT to the finance departments, all within my two weeks. It helped widen my perspective and helped me make sure of what it is I want to do exactly in the future. At the same time, I also got the chance to live and work in Hong Kong for two weeks and enjoyed the cultural differences. This was one of the most interesting experiences I have enjoyed since I have gone abroad to study and I am so glad to have been able to be a part of this magnificent company as a staff member.

I'm currently studying at EF Academy Oxford and had the opportunity to do a summer internship at the EF office in Hong Kong.

Living and learning – my internship at EF Hong Kong - EF Academy Blog

Living and learning – my internship at EF Hong Kong ‹ EF Academy Blog

Living and learning – my internship at EF Hong Kong

Living learning internship ef hong kong

As an extension of the IB Visual Art curriculum and the after school Art Portfolio Club, I, Ms. Jessica Eddis conducted an intensive art workshop during the morning of PSATs, when Seniors were free to participate in academic opportunities around campus. We have been having this intensive workshop for the past few years, and it has been an excellent occasion for students to have a large chunk of time to develop their technical art making skills and delve into both the form and concept of a project. 20 seniors who are applying to art schools and universities for the fall of 2018 were invited to attend.
After eating doughnuts and coffee, the students warmed up with quick gesture drawings of hands and feet in different poses. Then, we went over certain portfolio requirements and application deadlines to a multitude of art schools including Pratt Institute, Rhode Island School of Design and California Institute of Arts among many others. Following this application review, students were placed in one of three zones in the art classroom where they embarked on different projects, each using a different medium. The three zones were: drawing giant self-portraits in charcoal, oil painting a still life object, and carving linoleum for eventual printmaking. It was very exciting to see the students pushed outside their comfort zones as they embarked on the challenge of learning a new medium and skill set. I am very happy that I could give them a three-hour block of time to both improve their portfolio for their applications and give them a taste of the intensity of art school.
– Jessica Eddis, IB Art Teacher at EF Academy New York
We started to work in the art room at 8:30 in the morning, and I chose to use charcoal as the main medium. The first thing we did was to draw our hands from observation. During this exercise, we switched gestures after one minute to practice drawing a variety of angles and poses. After filling up one page of our hands, we started to draw our feet. It was challenging to sketch the structure of the bones and to add shadow and light on it, but this was a really helpful way to practice our drawing skills.
After that, we divided into three groups, which were printing, giant drawing, and oil painting. I was in the giant drawing group. Each person in my group got a huge piece of paper hanging on the wall and we used charcoal to draw self-portraits. This was my first time drawing myself on such a huge scale. I was holding a mirror, observing my face carefully and drawing all at the same time. The artworks we made that morning are really helpful for both the IB process portfolio and my portfolio for applying to art school.
– Yiwei Dai (Yarina), former student at EF Academy New York

As an extension of the IB Visual Art curriculum and the after school Art Portfolio Club, I conducted an intensive art workshop during the morning of PSATs.

EF Academy New York’s art bootcamp - EF Academy Blog

EF Academy New York’s art bootcamp ‹ EF Academy Blog

EF Academy New York’s art bootcamp

Art boot camp new york

Chidera Egbujor from Nigeria graduated from EF Academy Torbay in 2014. Currently, he is studying Engineering at the University of Cambridge in England and is dreaming of becoming a Software Engineer once he graduates. Find out a little bit more about our featured alum:
Why did you choose to go to EF Academy?
I first came in contact with EF Academy through the Founder’s Scholarship, which really grabbed my attention. For me, it was very attractive to study at EF Academy because it offers the unique opportunity to meet people from different places in the world with very different perspectives and experiences. I always liked the UK and knew I wanted to attend university in the UK, so Torbay was a good choice for me. Looking back, it was a great way of getting exposed to the “real world” without my family.
What university did you go to afterwards? What did you study?
I am in my first year of engineering studies at Cambridge University. Even before I left Nigeria, I knew I wanted to go into engineering because it’s what the world needs right now; people solving physical and social problems. I personally enjoy solving problems, particularly in the fields of mathematics and science. I was accepted to Southampton University for Electronics Engineering but Cambridge suits me better since we start with two years of general engineering studies and then specialize in our studies in the third year.
What is your dream job?
If I would graduate tomorrow, I would like to work as a Software Engineer. I did a 12-week internship last summer for a software company, Brady PLC, based in Cambridge. I really liked coding and seeing how it takes form.
Tips to current students that want to study what you study?
Listen and make friends with your teachers. They have a lot of experience and they can really guide you in making decisions. In my experience, all the teachers at EF Academy are keen on helping you because they want to see you succeed in what you do.
Get involved with what you want to do. If you want get involved in software engineering, just start coding. If you want to do something with fashion, start designing your own clothes. For example, I got involved in a couple of math and science competitions and even reached the national finals
Do you keep in touch with your EF Academy classmates?
There is definitely a group that I keep in regular contact with. It is also great with Facebook and LinkedIn because one can always follow and see what people are up to!
What’s your favorite memory from EF Academy?
The teacher pantomime: the staff got dressed up and performed a whole pantomime sketch. It was brilliant – absolutely brilliant. I think I speak for all students when I say that it was great to see all our teachers, who are usually perceived as quite serious, get dressed up and put on a show.
What do you miss the most?
I really miss my host family since we got very close! They got a cat after I left, so I guess that was my replacement. I also miss the very personal atmosphere at the school because I knew all the teachers and they really cared about me. This is very different from university where it is much more impersonal.
What is one thing that you learned from EF Academy that you found valuable for university? For your work life? For your personal life?
The value of relationships: In life, relationships are very important. Whether you do well is very much dependent on who you hang around with. My experience at EF Academy helped me realize this and that is why I put a lot of effort into making new friends with similar interests at university. Especially because we are living in such a diverse environment, it is so valuable to get to know people with different perspectives
 Willingness to adapt and change: The world is changing rapidly so it is important to consider different ways and perspectives.
What tips would you give to current students?
Immerse yourself in the culture – don’t be aloof.
Get involved – take advantage of the whole package.
Go for it – there is so much to explore.
Who is the most successful EF Academy Alumni in your opinion?
I think the most successful EF Academy Alumni that I know of is a girl called Joon. She graduated two years ahead of me. She must have graduated from Cambridge by now, where she studied Economics. She graduated with A*s in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Economics including an A* in her extended project.
For me, she sort of epitomized my vision, as a student, of where I’d like to end up and what I’d like to achieve through A-levels. It was great to get to ask her questions during one of her visits to EF Academy Torbay, where she studied A-levels.
Short questions:
Name: Chidera Egbujor
Age: 19
Nationality: Nigeria
How many languages do you speak? English and French
EF Academy campus: Torbay
Graduation year: 2014
Program: A-Level (Mathematics, Further mathematics and Physics)
Residence or host family: Brilliant host family, Jane and Matt, who I still visit regularly
Favorite subject: All subjects involving solving problems; I especially enjoy problem-solving in cross-subject settings
Favorite teacher: I really enjoyed and learned something from all my teachers. Special shout outs to: 
Hazel Linacre – for making concepts real to me 
Hana Skuckova – for inspiring me to be even more hard-working 
Oliver Chapman – for teaching me his approach of problem-solving and going the extra mile 
Bob East – for being the funniest teacher
Favorite club/society: Football (co-captain for a year)
Which is the next country you want to visit? I want to go to U.S.A. to visit my sister and also to Vietnam to visit my EF Academy roommate.
Shouts outs to:
Maria Long – my guidance counselor at the school

Chidera Egbujor from Nigeria graduated from EF Academy Torbay in 2014. Currently, he is studying Engineering at the University of Cambridge in England.

Advice from alumni: Chidera Egbujor - EF Academy Blog

Advice from alumni: Chidera Egbujor ‹ EF Academy Blog

Advice from alumni: Chidera Egbujor

Advice alumni chidera egbujor

One of our students, Amalie explains a little bit about the amazing experience of taking part in the Hult Global Business Challenge.
Hello everyone! My name is Amalie and I am a student at EF academy Torbay, studying the IB program. This will be my first blog post, updating all of you guys in English. I am really excited to start writing these blog posts, not only to update all of my friends and family back in Norway, but also informing present and maybe future students interested in EF Academy. My post for today is going to be al little bit different and weird, because that is exactly what those three days have been like. I have to start by giving you guys some back story. At Torbay I study among other subjects, Business. It´s one of my favourite subjects and a while ago our school was given the opportunity to enter the global Hult business challenge. This was a competition and the task was to develop a product that Ford was going to sell and aim at generation Z (teenagers). Our group immediately started thinking about what this product would be and we figured out quite quickly that we wanted to develop a bike, an electric bike. This bike was going to be special and customisable for the customers need. It was going to have 25 different accessories that we defined as “add-ons”. Safety, gadgets and extra design was the three categories we had, each containing about seven add-ons. It was really exciting.
We worked and developed our concept for over two months. Then came the day when all the different groups from our school gathered together to compete against each other. The jury consisted of teachers from our school and people from Hult university. We presented last and we were told later that we literally “dropped the mic”. We won this competition and we would be competing in the finals in London the 14th of January against two other groups. One group from EF Academy Oxford and the other one from EF Academy New York.
 
We had two months to prepare ourselves for the finals and during those two months, we had our winter break. We worked on our presentation in our business class and off school. It was fun, but a lot of work. We experienced a period were there were no new ideas and cool things to add. Our minds were stuck in the box.
The 12th of January we left the Academy and headed towards London. I’ve never been to London, so it was an AMAZING experience to see the London taxis, the London Eye, Big Ben and the London Bridge. Let me just tell you, reality beats movies and HD pictures! We arrived at Hult four o clock and was greeted by DittH, one of the people working for HULT. Me and Chalisa (one of my teammates) shared room at the campus. We were expected at the reception one hour later to socialize and meet the other teams. I was a bit nervous to mingle with everyone, but it turned out to be a great experience. All of the students were amazing and super, super nice! That night we had a lot of fun, eating good pizza, talking, getting to know each other and listening to live music.
Friday we woke up at seven thirty to get ready for our exciting day at Hult. We ate a good breakfast and enjoyed our surroundings (by that I mean the funky canteen at Hult!). We than went to class were Eli Bohemund held a really good presentation about public speaking. I learned a lot and he helped us calm some nerves. “If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail” was something that got stuck in my head after his class. This is especially important if you are going to try to convince your audience to but your idea! Btw, here is a smart tip we learned from Eli. If you ever feel your mouth drying up before a presentation, eat or drink something sweet. It will help you and may even calm you down a bit! After Eli´s class we had a coaching session with Daniel Rukare were he helped and prepared all the individual groups for our presentations on Saturday. Daniel did a really good job helping our group. He helped us think outside the box and make our ideas POP! He was truly an amazing coach helping us along the way! After working for a long, long time we finally went to a restaurant and ate some really good steak! Hult had booked us tickets for a Stomp show, and yes I was as confused as you probably are now. Stomp? Stomp uses the body and ordinary objects to create a physical theatre performance creating rhythms, music and acrobatics. And it was unbelievable! It was so much fun and was so cool!
Saturday we took the bus to Ashridge were the finals was going to be held. It was a one and a half hour drive from the Hult campus. We had been told it was an amazing castle, almost looking like a Hogwarts replica. I am not exaggeration when I am telling you guys, this place was one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen in my whole life. The pictures can explain for themselves!! Wow!! We were guided to some parts of the castle and it was so amazing! We separated in to our groups pretty fast after arriving and started the last finishing touches of the presentation. We had lunch at 12:30 and had to present the final product to the jury at 14:00. I was SO nervous. My heart was pounding so hard in my chest, I swear my shirt was moving up, down, up, down. We were the second group to present, after New York. New York had an amazing presentation with a complex prototype of their product. I got the feeling we had already lost before even entering the “stage”. When it was our turn my mind went from chaos to focus. Things went pretty smoothly, other than getting the “one-minute warning” a bit sooner than we had expected.
We answered the questions from the judges in an okay-way. We took our seats again and listened to the last group from oxford. I was really disappointed, because I was 100% sure we had lost. One of my team mates, Juan from Mexico was super confident and whispered to everyone “We won, we won, don’t worry!”. We had to wait for over an hour for the results, and finally we were asked to come to the Ashridge chapel were we would get the results. The judges gave every group feedback of their presentations and gave certificates for attendance of the competition. It was so nerve-wracking, it felt like I could get a heart attack any minute. The judges gave as good advice and told us that the most important thing in life is to grow and always strive to do better. And finally, the judges announced the winners. There was a long pause. I didn’t like it, not even one bit. My whole body froze. “And the winner for the Hult challenge 2017 is the school from… Torbay!!!”. The most awkward squeaky sound came out of my mouth when I heard the judge say our school. I couldn’t believe it!! I was in complete shock, so many emotions at the same time! I must admit, my eyes started sweating a bit, when I saw an electric Chalisa crying in front of me. We were given a round of applause from all the people in the room and were given diplomas. OMG, I was so happy! I called my parents as quickly as possible and announced the great news!
I am so happy to have been a part of this great experience, I have learned a lot and I have made so many new friends! Thank you, EF and thank you HULT for giving me this amazing opportunity, this was truly incredible!

Amalie explains a little bit about the amazing experience of taking part in the Hult Global Business Challenge.

Hult Global Business Challenge winners – Team Torbay! - EF Academy Blog

Hult Global Business Challenge winners – Team Torbay! ‹ EF Academy Blog

Hult Global Business Challenge winners – Team Torbay!

Hult global business challenge winners team torbay

<a href="https://www.francescabeard.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Francesca Beard</a> arrived in Oxford on a rainy day to work with IB English and Theatre students who perhaps expected a lesson about how to write poems. But Francesca has been hailed as the Queen of British Performance Poetry and we soon found out why. She showed us that poetry, rather than being mere written text, can come alive with a performer like Francesca.
And come alive we all did! After introductions where we played games that generated collaborative poems, we were treated to Francesca’s speaking her own poem, Chinese Whispers. The almost alien but soon strangely familiar messages in Francesca’s spoken poem Chinese Whispers somehow take on their own life as you listen.
Soon, we felt we were going on a journey with Francesca. She led us along a street where she used to live. Somehow, as we heard the words ‘with the trees like saints’, we were wandering down Ladbroke Grove, London with the sound of distant traffic and the trees rustling in a gentle breeze of expectations. Following Francesca’s dreamy tones, we soon found ourselves inside Tesco’s:
<blockquote>
“Inside, the air hums with choice. 
If you are what you eat, 
I’m a Rubix cube of biochemistry, 
consumer of international scandal,  global cuckoo!”
</blockquote>
This virtual supermarket trip turned into an exploration of our identities and after that, the performance became a hilarious game in order to discover who we were!
Students enjoyed hilarious musical chairs that involved asking questions and later wrote their own identity poems, responding to prompts like “What brand are your shoes and where did you buy them?”
The day went by far too quickly (always a good sign) and the students were left with questions forming in their minds and a whole new world to explore when shopping!
The classes followed up the visit by continuing to explore some of the themes of Francesca’s poem, Chinese whispers, working with Antonia and Tom on themes like “we are what we consume”. We had already looked at how advertising encourages to ‘buy, buy, buy!’ and how it often seemed to be connected to our sense of who we are. Students thought about being consumers, wrote blogs on globalization and other global issues. Some students even wrote their own poems, which <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/student-created-poetry/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">you can read here</a>.
So, thank you, Francesca, for opening our minds! We look forward to another visit and catching one of her shows! Thank you for sharing stories of your life with us and especially why you speak your poetry and want to share your words with us and our Rubix cube identities.
 
Originally published March 18, 2016.

Francesca Beard arrived in Oxford on a rainy day to work with IB 1 English and Theatre students who perhaps expected a lesson how to write poems.

Francesca Beard poetry workshop - EF Academy Blog

Francesca Beard poetry workshop ‹ EF Academy Blog

Francesca Beard poetry workshop

Francesca beard poetry workshop

Cultural icon, celebrity and provocateur, <a href="https://www.ashmolean.org/exhibitions/andywarhol/">Warhol</a> produced images which are instantly recognizable, but this exhibition, through the lens of a private collection, also reveals an unfamiliar side to the artist in his less well-known works.’  
The Ashmolean’s Spring Exhibition featuring Andy Warhol’s private collection of works had proved incredibly popular in Oxford, with many time slots selling out in advance. This week, EF Academy students made a visit to the show, which features both familiar and less known pieces by Warhol.
Each exhibition room expressed a different side to the artist, spanning Warhol’s entire output from iconic pieces of the 1960s pop pioneer to the experimental works of his last decade. A number of film reels made by the artist were also featured, including ‘Empire’ (1964): a silent continuous motion film over 8 hours in length of the Empire State Building showing gradual changes in light.
This exhibition allowed students interested in pursuing art related university degrees with an opportunity to gain inspiration and see some rare works of the infamous artist first hand. Next month, students will have the option to attend ‘Warhol Lates’, a special after-hours event at the Ashmolean with live music and DJs, which will allow those interested to learn about Warhol in more depth.

The Ashmolean’s Spring Exhibition featuring Andy Warhol’s private collection of works had proved incredibly popular in Oxford.

EF Academy Oxford visits Warhol’s private collection - EF Academy Blog

EF Academy Oxford visits Warhol’s private collection ‹ EF Academy Blog

EF Academy Oxford visits Warhol’s private collection

Ef academy oxford visits warhols private collection

Yesterday a coach load of students made their way to Birmingham to visit its famous Frankfurt Christmas Market, which is the largest authentic German market outside Germany and Austria. 
With over 180 stalls selling everything from candles, ornaments, decorations and jewellery, handmade toys, gloves and slippers, not to mention a wide range of tasty traditional German foods to try including: Bratwursts & Brezel, Stollen, Apfelstrudel (apple strudel) and sweets galore, this was the perfect way to experience the festive celebrations of a different culture.
The student also had the chance to see Britain’s second largest city, Birmingham, which also boasts a number of universities which have been popular destination choices for past and current students.
The visit was therefore a great opportunity for those students interested in continuing their further education in the UK to see at first hand, another city which offers exciting prospects for students and is bustling with activity and culture.

Yesterday students made their way to Birmingham to visit its famous Frankfurt Christmas Market, which is the largest authentic German market.

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