It all started in the spring. I didn't know what I wanted to do next. Should I continue with my studies, go abroad or find a job?
A friend told me something about EF study abroad programs, so I attended an info meeting to find out more.
I was excited because I realized that I could actually combine both travelling and studying!
I could choose from over 40 destinations. Did I want to live big city life, college campus life, or right on the beach?
They have this cool website called "My EF" where I could connect with other people going to the same school as me.
On the same website I could also start studying the language, even before I travelled. This was great, as I was a bit rusty!
Soon I was packing my bags - full of shoes, clothes and expectations!
I could not believe I was on my way. It was all so easy, EF helped me book my air ticket and everything.
Josh from EF met me at the airport and tool me to my host family.
This is my host family, the Davises. They are the best, I love them! (I even got used to their weak coffee!)
Some of my classmates stayed at the student residence, which seemed fun. But I loved living family life like a local!
First day we took the placement test. It was nice to know that I would be studying in a class with people at the same language level as me.
We were a small class, but almost everyone was from a different country. EF students really are from all over the world.
I was on an EF Master English Program, where you combine language studies with career focused subjects.
They offer everything from Business and Fashion to Social Media and Art. Some people tool Fitness, but I thought it looked like a boot camp!
EF have a really innovative teaching method called the Efekta System. The coolest part is that we used iPads!
After only a few days, my English level got better. And by the end of my year, I was almost like a native! (if I say so myself!)
If you don't believe me, I have official proof: my Cambridge ESOL Exam!
I decided to go for the full experience. For Halloween I had the craziest costume and I think I was the last one in bed.
I've always been interested in marketing. EF got me an internship at an ad agency, so now I have international work experience.
I created some cool ad campaigns (and made a lot of photocopies too!)
I loved the local food, but these cakes were my favorite (and so was the lovely old lady selling them too!).
The best thing of all was my new friends.
We tried many new things together. I even learnt to ski!
Time went really fast. Suddenly it was graduation. I have never laughed and cried like I did that day.
We will be friends forever - Class of 2011!
I've gained a new perspective and learned so many different things from all over the world.
I look forward to seeing everybody again at this year's reunion!