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Alexandra Jareck ‹ EF Academy Blog - 2

Participating in sports during your high school years, especially varsity sports, allows students to cultivate the confidence, empathy, self-awareness and advantageous habits they will need to be a successful individual. At EF Academy, we go so far as to say that activities like these contribute to their development as a <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/know-yourself-becoming-a-global-changemaker/">Global Changemaker</a>. There’s no doubt that athletics teach students <a href="https://www.nfhs.org/articles/participation-in-high-school-athletics-has-long-lasting-benefits/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">valuable lessons</a> that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.
This fall, EF Academy New York had a prosperous varsity sports season through their teams: Girls and Boys Varsity Soccer, Girls Varsity Volleyball and Varsity Cross Country. Here are quick recaps of our teams’ successful seasons:
Boys Varsity Soccer, coached by Adrian Burgess (Head Coach/Trainer), Jonas Valenti (Goalkeeping/Assist. Coach), Ilker Dugan (Assistant Coach/Trainer) and Gregor Roach (Volunteer Assist. Coach), had a spectacular season with a record of 11-2-2. Captains Malik of Mozambique and Marco of Japan led our squad through their biggest loss to the nation powerhouse, South Kent, but by the end of the season had helped the team grow to defeat them when they faced each other again at the final game of the season. Alberto from Italy was the top goal scorer, averaging ~1.2 goals per game. His predecessor as top goal scorer was Daigo of Japan, who over the course of the season also became a set piece specialist. The attack could not have commenced without the hard-nosed tackles and defensive talents of Mingi of South Korea, or Theo of Germany. The record could not have stood without the acrobatic, disciplined, and dedicated leadership of the first team goalkeeper Reí of Japan. This year the varsity team was composed of 11 nationalities and overall, the season was a huge success. The boys are anxious to start indoor winter conditioning, and then Spring training for the next upcoming Fall Season.
Girls Varsity Soccer’s fall season was unlike any other as athletes and coaches from 14 nationalities got to know one another and became a team. Coaches Miriam Ortiz and Adam Bavone pushed the players on the team to improve. For some athletes, the season was about developing the skills for a sport they already loved. For others, it was about discovering a new passion and challenging themselves to learn something new. The resilience of this team is admirable as was the leadership of the three captains; Siren of Norway, Zoë, and Abigail of the US collectively guided the team. In a season of five soccer matches, they were victorious in three. Abigail was top goal scorer averaging 2 or more goals per game. Siren and Karjord of Norway repeatedly worked together to bring the ball up the field. The team was low on numbers, but these players showed resilience as some of them played entire games without breaks. Natalie and Valentina of Italy also showed great confidence on the field by volunteering to be the team goalies. As our season ended in our last victory match, the athletes hugged each other and congratulated one another, as one of the players stated, “we were more than a team, we were a family.”
Girls Varsity Volleyball started the season off with a challenging game against the league champions team from Riverdale after only a week into our training. With only 7 starting vaccinated players, we managed to hold our own, and while we lost the first match, our spirits remained high. Skill and energy improved from then on. The team worked hard at every practice and stood the trials of multiple games – 3 per week to be in-fact, leading us to several victories with ace serving and great blocks and diving liberos! The team grew as one and learned to depend on each other and performed phenomenal plays. One of our highlights was our game against Storm King; we traveled far to clinch a last minute YouTube-marvelous-moment with only 7 players and no subs. It was amazing! The season ended in a mere 4 losses and glorious 10 wins, making us – Bill Roach, Head coach and Sinead Kelly, Assistant Coach – very proud coaches.
Boys & Girls Varsity Cross Country season came to an end and it was evident that the dedicated and determined team improved immensely throughout the season. After weeks of grueling workouts and practices, our team visited the Storm King Invitational where our girls took 1st place, and our boys took 4th place overall. We also traveled to NYC where we participated in the Terry Fox Run and contributed to raising over $100,000 for Cancer Research. To finish the season off, we went and competed at Hamden Hall. Our girls finished 1st place with Viridiana, Thea, and Aleksandra finishing in the top 4. Our boys had two top 5 finishes with Samuel in 2nd place and Kei in 4th place. Watching our students grow throughout the course of the season and seeing their hard work and commitment pay off has been extremely rewarding. They are proud to represent our school, just as our school is proud to call them our athletes.
We’re delighted to offer students the opportunity to participate in varsity sports. As it has clearly been shown, sports not only give our students the chance to build life skills, but also give them a family.

Participating in sports, especially varsity sports, allows students to cultivate the advantageous habits they will need to be a successful individual.

Students are celebrating a successful varsity sports season - EF Academy Blog

Students are celebrating a successful varsity sports season ‹ EF Academy Blog

Students are celebrating a successful varsity sports season

<h3>Meet Tyler, a local New York day student! Follow along to see a day in the life of a student at EF Academy New York.</h3>
Follow Tyler throughout his day to see typical classrooms on <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/en/new-york/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">campus</a> and our international student body. In this video, Tyler tells us about some of the topics he’s studying in classes like Theory of Knowledge, Visual Arts, Biology, and Chemistry, and what it’s like participating in clubs, such as Student Council.
Follow along to get an insight on what it’s like to have the whole world in your classroom!
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LwD0b8kPxdw?feature=oembed" title="A day in the life of a day student | EF Academy New York" width="500"></iframe>

In this video, Tyler tells us about some of the topics he's studying in classes, and what it's like participating in clubs.

A day in the life of a New York student - EF Academy Blog

A day in the life of a New York student ‹ EF Academy Blog

A day in the life of a New York student

Day in life of a ny student

While many schools claim to have the tools and abilities to provide real-life encounters that pair with their classroom lectures,<a href="https://www.efacademy.org/new-york"> EF Academy</a> can proudly say that our staff goes above and beyond to ensure that students can apply what they learn through community involvement and meaningful circumstances.
Like our mission statement says, EF Academy aims to open the world through education. The academy holds high its modern education that prepares students for university level work through hands-on experiences.
One experience is given to our diverse students by EF Academy NY’s Science Department Head, Stephen Fleming. In 2017, Stephen’s passion for science and education motivated him to launch a nonprofit that introduces students to marine science along New York City’s waterways aboard a 63’ research vessel.
This extraordinary effort,<a href="https://www.bioboat.org/"> BioBoat</a>, doubles as an opportunity for EF Academy students to work with children throughout the county that don’t have equal educational opportunities. Essentially, our students work with their new peers to navigate docks along the Hudson River and introduce these future scientists to New York’s mysterious underwater environment.
<h3>The ultimate goal</h3>
BioBoat’s mission is to bring science to all students and provide an opportunity for purposeful and educational achievement. This nonprofit works to create the next generation of environmental stewards by molding students into socially responsible citizens through elements of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).
The program will also show students careers in the maritime industry including engineering, building and navigation and ultimately demonstrate that any student can enter the realm of science, regardless of their gender, race or socioeconomic.
Through association with organizations in our community such as<a href="https://www.dec.ny.gov/"> DEC</a>,<a href="https://www.ldeo.columbia.edu/"> Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory</a>,<a href="https://www.srijb.org/"> Science and Resilience Institute at Jamaica Bay</a>,<a href="https://www.lhprism.org/"> LH Prism</a>,<a href="https://www.biobus.org/at-home/"> BioBus</a>,<a href="https://www.newyorkharborschool.org/"> The Harbor School</a>,<a href="https://trecenv.com/"> TREC</a>,<a href="https://www.5gyres.org/"> 5 Gyres</a> and many more, BioBoat was able to design a curriculum around analyzing pertinent environmental issues that are close to home.
<h3>How this benefit our students</h3>
Through this program, community involvement and our Science Department Head, EF Academy Students are able to get hands-on experience in the world of science and experience what it’s like to be an environmentalist. Although they are not physically piloting the vessel on the Hudson River,  they are navigating the challenges of educating students who don’t have the same knowledge and resources as them.
The<a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/ib-diploma-top-5-reasons/"> International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program</a> lives at EF Academy and is among many ways our students become prepared for university life and their future careers. One requirement of the IB Program is the Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) project. Students can fulfill this requirement by participating in BioBoat’s efforts and gaining knowledge through service learning.
Another way our students get involved is through partnership. At EF Academy, we combine our lessons when it makes sense to, in order to give students an overall understanding of how a project works from all angles. For example, the students involved in BioBoat partner with our business class to create a campaign around fundraising, social media and community awareness.
<h3>What’s happening now</h3>
To date, BioBoat has raised nearly $3,000 to support their efforts. In order for this academic nonprofit to continue, they depend on donations from dedicated maritime enthusiasts. Right now, our business class has created a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/bioboat-teaching-kids-and-saving-the-hudson?utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer">GoFundMe</a> page to support BioBoat and help it continue to encourage students to participate in this educational excursion.
You can help our students continue our hands-on learning through community involvement by generously donating to a cause dedicated to educating New York City’s underserved youth.
<hr>
At <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/">EF Academy</a>, we use the <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/ib/">IB curriculum</a> to both educate and help students towards personal growth. We supplement classroom learning with the guidance and support that students need to become intelligent, well-rounded individuals.

EF Academy can proudly say that our staff goes above and beyond to ensure that students can apply what they learn through community involvement.

BioBoat gives EF Academy New York students opportunities for community involvement - EF Academy Blog

BioBoat gives EF Academy New York students opportunities for community involvement ‹ EF Academy Blog

BioBoat gives EF Academy New York students opportunities for community involvement

Community involvement students teaching students

When Spring Break rolls around, so does our annual <a href="https://www.efacademy.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy </a> Belize trip. Every year, an intimate group of students and their teachers travel almost 2,000 miles (3000+ kilometers) from our quiet campus tucked away in <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/new-york/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Thornwood, New York</a>, to the enchanting country of <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/dreaming-of-trec-belize/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Belize</a>.
<img alt="Belize trip" class="aligncenter wp-image-19900 size-full" height="426" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/20230321_112655A_11zon.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/20230321_112655A_11zon.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/20230321_112655A_11zon-300x225.jpg 300w" width="568">
Most years, our Belize trip is filled withthe same fun and exciting activities. However, this trip had a few surprises! Not only did we host our students inland for a portion of the trip, but we were also joined by some students from our <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/pasadena/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pasadena campus</a>! Students had an opportunity to both learn about the culture of a unique country and meet fellow classmates from another campus.
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19901" height="320" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_1335_11zon.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_1335_11zon.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_1335_11zon-300x169.jpg 300w" width="568">
This was the first time we took students inland during the Belize trip – and we were only a few miles from the Guatemalan border! The inland experience was only part one of this adventure.
During our time inland, we spent most of our time at Clarissa Falls, a family-owned resort with thatched huts and loads of excursions from canoeing to hiking and everything in between. While being an active resort for adventurous explorers, the Clarissa Falls Resort is also performing  a crucial service to the planet: they are working to reforest their resort’s farmland back into a rainforest, in the hopes to regain natural vegetation and give local animals their habitat back. This honorable project is something we hope to involve our students in more closely in the coming years.
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19916" height="320" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_1116-1.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_1116-1.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_1116-1-300x169.jpg 300w" width="568">
An important goal of the Belizeans is to share their culture with visitors and inform them on how they can save it for future generations. A critical activity we did while inland was hiking the Mayan ruins. After our hike, in a small village outside the town of San Ignacio, we met a group of women who devoted themselves to promoting Mayan heritage through traditional cooking techniques and pottery making. Our students were able to assist in preserving this culture by making delicious tortillas and Belizean-style pottery with their own two hands.
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19917" height="320" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_1253-1.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_1253-1.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_1253-1-300x169.jpg 300w" width="568">
While on this journey, our community bumped into another preservation group who explained why chocolate is important to Mayan culture. Students made chocolate from scratch with this group using cocoa beans and had the chance to see how you can start with only a few simple ingredients to make something remarkable.
Our students were always on their toes while inland. While here, we took two cave trips, one in which we canoed keep into the cave systems, and another where we hiked from one cave to another in rock climbing fashion! At the end of every day, we were sure to relax, hanging out in the river at the bottom of Clarissa Falls, enjoying the warm water and beautiful sunsets.
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19914" height="419" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Belize-1.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Belize-1.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Belize-1-300x221.jpg 300w" width="568">
The second part of our Spring Break trip is something familiar to us: spending time at in TREC (Tropical Research and Education Center) in San Pedro, Belize. As always, our students suddenly became aquatic vertebrates, and spent most of their time in the water, snorkeling and examining tropical fish. During this experiential adventure, students did not cease taking pictures and asking questions. Eventually, the students even had the opportunity to go night snorkeling, where they played with octopi and other marine life. At one point, all the students turned off all their flashlights, and became entranced by the bioluminescence. It’s this type of hands-on education that keeps us coming back to our home-away-from-home at TREC.
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19915" height="320" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_1151-1-1.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_1151-1-1.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_1151-1-1-300x169.jpg 300w" width="568">
For many students, this was their first time. First time: in Belize, hiking in ruins, swimming in rivers, eating exotic foods like termites, and snorkeling in a coral reef. To start, many students were hesitant, and had large feelings of “I can’t do this.” Over two weeks, we watched our students grow and become scientists. What they once thought they couldn’t do only days ago, they ended up leading themselves. These trips are important for experiential learning, but more important for self-growth. Here in Belize, our students become the best versions of themselves.

As Spring Break rolls around, so does our annual Belize trip. Every year, a group of students and their teachers travel 2,000 miles to Belize.

2023 EF Academy New York and Pasadena Belize trip recap - EF Academy Blog

2023 EF Academy New York and Pasadena Belize trip recap ‹ EF Academy Blog

2023 EF Academy New York and Pasadena Belize trip recap

2023 ef academy new york and pasadena belize trip recap

On April 9, 2022, <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/new-york/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy New York</a> hosted its 14th annual Culture Fair, an exceptional and unique <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/celebrating-diversity-culture-fair-2019/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">tradition</a> that represents a message our school always emanates – to be unique, yet united.  
Culture Fair holds a special place in the hearts of all EF Academy community members across our campuses. At Culture Fair, students get to share their favorite culturally unique traditions with their peers and teachers. As a school filled of students that represent over 60 nationalities, you can imagine this an exciting event – year after year.  
<img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-19121 aligncenter" height="376" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/CultureFair2s.jpeg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/CultureFair2s.jpeg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/CultureFair2s-300x199.jpeg 300w" width="568">
This year at our New York campus, we had almost 30 classrooms representing over 40 countries. Students had the opportunity to spend the weekend traveling the world, all without leaving campus! 
In each room, students decorated the walls with relics from their home country, set up games they were taught as children and cooked delicious, custom food with a smell that filled the air with the sweet aroma of diversity. For hours, students wandered in and out classrooms-turned-countries and learned first-hand what makes their friends so special. As they grabbed a plate and competed in a new game, students exchanged tales of history and personal anecdotes from places that no longer seem so far away. 
<img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-19122 aligncenter" height="376" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/CultureFair3s.jpeg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/CultureFair3s.jpeg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/CultureFair3s-300x199.jpeg 300w" width="568">
At our international school, we are always looking for ways to incorporate the diversity our students bring in their academic experience. While Culture Fair is one of the most amusing events our students host all school year, it is not just for our entertainment! In a matter of a day, the New York academic building becomes a giant brain, absorbing information from 450 students and transforms into a repository of ideas. 
We are so lucky to have such passionate, dedicated, and worldly students living and learning in this miniature United Nations. We hold the privilege of having the world reflected in our student body and teaching individuals who are eager to share their knowledge. <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy</a> students never cease to be unique, yet united.  
<img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-19123 aligncenter" height="376" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/CultureFair1s.jpeg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/CultureFair1s.jpeg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/CultureFair1s-300x199.jpeg 300w" width="568">

EF Academy New York hosted its 14th annual Culture Fair, a unique tradition that represents a message our school always emanates – to be unique, yet united.

Culture Fair in New York – The whole world in your classroom - EF Academy Blog

Culture Fair in New York – The whole world in your classroom ‹ EF Academy Blog

Culture Fair in New York – The whole world in your classroom

Culture fair in new york the whole world in your classroom

On September 11, EF Academy New York’s Head of School, Dr. Vladimir D. Kuskovski, ran 9.11 miles (14.7 kilometers) with our Activities Director, Bill Roach, and students Kei and Matvey to commemorate 20 years since the tragic events that happened in the US on this day in 2001. The four started their run at 8:30 am and finished around 10:30 am, having run around EF Academy’s quaint county of Westchester and the campus. Dr. Kuskovski and Mr. Roach ran to Westchester’s 9/11 memorial, where they exchanged stories of history, both in the US and other countries they’ve called home in the past.
On their run, they stopped at the 9/11 Memorial in Valhalla, New York at the Kensico Dam. This memorial is supportive of not only Westchester families, but also representative of all those who have given their lives to and been affected by this catastrophe. The memorial has been standing at the dam since September 11, 2005 and had a new piece revealed this year to honor those who gave their lives to save others.
Our students ran throughout campus to honor the day. While neither student is from the US – Kei being from Japan and Matvey being from Russia – they still <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/realistic-ways-to-volunteer/">voluntarily came together</a> to support their US teachers and peers. Events such as these represent the family culture we build at EF Academy; Students or staff may not know exactly what someone has gone through, but they’re always there to show support and lend a hand.
The memorial run ended with a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CTzfteqr1yv/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">small awards ceremony</a>, where the students awarded Dr. Kuskovski and Bill medals of completion and appreciation. They took a moment at the end to consider the reason for their run, which was to bring awareness to the sacrifice individuals gave, to mourn the loss of everyone affected, and to recognize the massive effect this day had.
Dr. Kuskovski shares, “I am a soldier turned educator. And yes, a short time in the military defined my following decades as an educator, but my soul yearns for peace, for innovation, for working together not against something or somebody but for something.”
We are very grateful for our considerate staff and student body who choose to support important causes. Thank you to Dr. Kuskovski, Mr. Roach, Kei and Matvey for honoring the US on this day of grievance.

On 9/11, our Head of School, Activities Director and two students ran to commemorate 20 years since the events that happened in the US on this day in 2001.

Running for a reason - EF Academy Blog

Running for a reason ‹ EF Academy Blog

Running for a reason

<h3>Live and learn with classmates from all over the world</h3>
<a href="https://www.efacademy.org/pasadena/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy Pasadena</a> is eager to welcome their inaugural class this school year! Students attending this brand-new school in the first year have the exciting privilege of shaping the community for future generations to come. There are so many aspects of campus that our students will get to design alongside our talented faculty and staff – such as residential life, activities, and so much more!
<h3>Life in our EF Academy Pasadena dorms</h3>
Our purpose-built Scandinavian style <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CcDeHs7FiFL/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">dorm rooms</a> are the perfect combination of an inspirational and cozy space for studying, but also taking some time to relax with friends after class. Every dorm room includes 3 student beds and a student lounge space. Each student has a study desk, wardrobe, and a locked drawer for valuables. The rooms are blank canvases, with lots of open wall space, shelves, and a pin board to decorate and make your own!
All students will live with someone from a different country. Every roommate will be a different nationality, giving our students the opportunity to truly learn both in and out of the classroom. Students will be able to travel the world, all from the comfort of their room!
<h3>Around-the-clock fun</h3>
At EF Academy Pasadena, there’s no shortage of activities for every student’s interest. From sports, to art, to science and more, there’s something for everyone. Since the school day ends at 15:30, students have an hour after classes to dedicate to extracurriculars! Students have the option to either play a sport or participate in a club or activity. Each weekday club runs twice a week and will either take place Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays after the school day. Clubs can either run for a half-year or a full year. Students are required to sign up for a club every day, so classes will be constantly complimented by an extracurricular activity. There is a plethora of options to choose from!
Our sports, clubs and activities enhance our American-styled international education and allow students to put the skills they learn in the classrooms to real-life use.
<h3>Our extended campus</h3>
After the school day has come to an end following clubs, activities, and sports, students can either choose to relax on campus or take a stroll down to the local shops and restaurants in town! E. Washington Blvd is riddled with locally owned cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and gyms. There are also grocery stores and pharmacies for students to purchase all their necessities. After a fun-filled day of learning, students can grab a friend and enjoy a cup of tea at the local coffee shop to sit back and get ready for another inspiring day in <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/how-a-californian-education-creates-well-rounded-thriving-students/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">California</a>.
<h3>Exploring the area</h3>
Weekends are for exploring! From Friday evening through Sunday, students can travel to famous California attractions, such as Hollywood and Santa Monica pier. There will always be school-organized field trips provided for students to participate in. These field trips are organized based on our students’ areas of interest, while also providing the opportunity for new experiences.
EF Academy Pasadena greatly benefits from our rich and diverse community. Places such as the California Institute of Technology, The Huntington Library, and more, will pair perfectly with our hands-on classes.
 
<hr>
Students at EF Academy Pasadena will always have something to enrich their learnings. Whether it be a sport, an activity, an off campus trip, volunteering, or a club, there will be no lack of educational and fun opportunities for students to participate in!

Students attending this EF Academy Pasadena in the first year have the exciting privilege of shaping the community for future generations to come.

EF Academy Pasadena – Residential life - EF Academy Blog

EF Academy Pasadena – Residential life ‹ EF Academy Blog

EF Academy Pasadena – Residential life

Residential life at ef academy pasadena

There are various ways to describe a good student. Some common expressions are hardworking, submitting work on time, actively participating in class and achieving high grades. But what about those who are compassionate, selfless, putting others first, and empathetic? You could also argue that an ideal student is someone who spends their time supporting other students and works to make a difference in their school. We have compiled a formula that includes all these qualities and more to represent the epitome of a good student, the <a href="https://a.storyblok.com/f/70381/x/6d648b9599/ef_academy_student_profile_21efa_studentprofile_a4_digital_ny.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy Student Profile</a>.
Students are accepted to EF Academy based on the ideals of the EF Academy Student Profile. There are four traits of the EF Academy Student Profile:
Learners
<ul>
<li>Think critically and ask questions to deepen understanding</li>
<li>Find joy in learning new skills and information</li>
<li>Take responsible risks to enhance learning</li>
<li>Learn both independently and in groups</li>
<li>Accept, reflect on, and learn from mistakes</li>
</ul>
Leaders
<ul>
<li>Accept new responsibilities and challenges</li>
<li>Stand up for the dignity of others</li>
<li>Communicate with clarity</li>
<li>Endeavor to protect our planet</li>
<li>Inspire and collaborate with others</li>
</ul>
Scholars
<ul>
<li>Engage with current events</li>
<li>Gather and synthesize information across a variety of media</li>
<li>Use evolving technologies skillfully</li>
<li>Pursue their passions</li>
<li>Think both analytically and imaginatively</li>
</ul>
Global Citizens
<ul>
<li>Consider alternative viewpoints</li>
<li>Discuss conflicting perspectives respectfully</li>
<li>Persevere through challenges</li>
<li>Make a positive difference in the world</li>
<li>Appreciate the interconnectedness of all peoples</li>
</ul>
While we are an <a href="https://www.ibo.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IB World School</a>, this profile differs from the IB Learner Profile. “It’s aligned with the IB Learner Profile’s values, but it’s unique to us,” says Andrea Houser, Director of US Admissions and one of the heads of this project; “We wanted to create something that encompasses the ideals of all our students, beyond just the IB Candidates, and leaves a lasting impression on their lives.” The EF Academy Student Profile was created to connect the school’s mission: “Open the world through education,” and our vision: “Foster true global citizenship through our multicultural learning community.”
The EF Academy Student Profile was created to connect EF Academy’s core values and beliefs:
<ul>
<li>Mission: “Open the world through education,”</li>
<li>Vision: “Foster true global citizenship through our multicultural learning community.”</li>
</ul>
This profile was developed with input from all areas of our school, from on-campus faculty and staff to our global Admissions Counselors and everyone in between.
“The student profile was developed collaboratively with input from teachers, students and administrators,” says Matt Sipple, Deputy Head of School for Academics at <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/new-york/">EF Academy New York</a> and another head of this project. “Much of it was adapted from EF Academy’s <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/continuous-school-improvement-ef-academy-new-york-commits-to/">guiding statements</a>, definition of international mindedness and our definition of learning.”
To show our appreciation of our students internalizing these ideals, we give awards to those students who represent each aspect of the profile. These awards are given to our seniors as <a href="https://a.storyblok.com/f/70381/x/f6e5b2258c/ef_academy_graduate_profile_21efa_graduatetprofile_a4_digital_ny.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Profile of a Graduate</a> awards at graduation and again to the underclassman at their end-of-year awards ceremony. The students who have been awarded these prestigious titles are described by their teachers as:
<ul>
<li>“Dedicated to learning. Their grit is admirable as they don’t only want to ‘know,’ but also want to understand the ‘whys’ and the ‘hows,’” – Learner</li>
<li>“Approaching challenges head on and springing into action without hesitation – no task is too daunting for them. Their habits and hard work are impressive beyond their years,” – Leader</li>
<li>“Having an uncanny ability to think critically and clearly communicate that thinking in their writing. Whether it be an assignment, an exam or her Internal Assessment, they have often left me speechless after reading their work,” – Scholar</li>
<li>“Being able to persevere through challenges with dignity, poise, humbleness, and their staple smile. They motivate others even when too overwhelmed and tired to whisper those words of wisdom to themself. They appreciate and embrace every human being that they meet,” – Global Citizen</li>
</ul>
The EF Academy Student Profile is utilized in every aspect of a student’s journey at the school, from prospective students to new classmates. We’re so excited to share this profile with you and internalize these principles into our everyday lives at EF Academy.

There are various ways to describe a good student. EF Academy has compiled a formula that includes all those qualities in the EF Academy Student Profile.

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Alexandra Jareck

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