5 ways to kick-off your New York high school experience
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Starting high school in a new city can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be! Studying abroad provides many amazing opportunities for growth in your personal, academic, and social life. Having worked with students new to the United States for several years now, there are many ways students can make the best of their time here and start their experience off right.
Get to know your teachers and staff
At EF Academy New York there are so many trusted adults that can help you succeed. From your Residential Advisors and other dormitory staff, to your classroom teachers and Pathway Managers, to the mental health department and administration working behind the scenes to provide the best experience for everyone. Don’t hesitate to visit your teachers during office hours, express concerns to the adults in your dorm hall, or stop by your Pathway Manager’s office to talk about your progress in your classes! The adults on campus are here to support you and help you create the best high school adventure in New York.
Visit New York City!
One of the greatest features of EF Academy New York’s location is the proximity to one of the greatest cities in the world. With New York City at our fingertips, there are always opportunities for educational field trips, weekend activities, and day trips to the five boroughs. It’s best to take advantage of these opportunities to visit the many culturally diverse locations throughout the city and explore new places with your friends. Make sure you speak to your Residential Advisor and the activities department on campus to find out more!
Prioritize rest
Making new friends from different countries and living independently is very exciting! As much fun as you will have jumping into this new life, it’s important to remember the value of rest and relaxation. At EF Academy there are quiet hours and scheduled downtimes for you to relax with your roommates and catch up on sleep to recharge your brain and body for the next day. This is extremely important not only for your academic success, but to keep you healthy and able to grow in your years spent here. In fact, the CDC recommends children aged 13-18 years old get 8-10 hours of sleep every night!
Attend activities with your roommates
At EF Academy there are so many clubs, activities, and sports that meet the wide range of interests and values our diverse student body has. Attending these events is a great way to bond with your roommates while meeting new people from all over the world. Look out for club fairs, sport tryouts, and activities sign-ups with our activities department. Your international high school experience abroad won’t be complete without participating in a range of fun, exciting and diverse activities after class.
Get involved!
In addition to all the wonderful social and academic activities here on campus, there are always opportunities to get active in our community on and off campus. There are many teachers and staff here who can help you plan or attend charity work, community service, or showcase your creativity to the community. Depending on your interests, New York has much to offer for you to develop your passions and make a difference in the world.