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Victor Huang, from China, was one of the first students to graduate from EF Academy Torbay in 2007. After studying Mathematics and Finance at Queen Mary University of London and the University of Reading, Victor went on to work in consulting, commercial finance and is now working in investment banking all across Asia. Learn more about our featured alum:
How did you hear about EF Academy and why did you choose to go to EF Academy?
I went to the Suzhou International Foreign Language School in China when I first heard of EF Academy through our international department. I wanted to go abroad and I thought that EF Academy was a great choice because I could go to the UK.
I became one of the first batches of students at the EF Academy campus in Torbay, which at that point only had about 30 to 40 students. I ended up spending two great years in Torbay, which marked the beginning of my six very important years in the UK. Honestly, to this day, I still get a very warm feeling when I think about EF Academy and Torbay. Compared to London, Torbay gave me sense of home and security.
What university did you go to afterwards? What did you study and why?
In 2007, I started studying Mathematics at Queen Mary because I loved mathematics. It was at Queen Mary that I started dreaming of pursuing a career in the financial industry. I would see the bankers going to work and think, “I want to become one of them!” That is why I decided to specialize in finance during my master studies at ICMA Centre at the University of Reading and during that time, I learned a lot about risk management, securities, etc.  It was a deliberate choice to stay in London, because I wanted to stay in a larger city with many different cultures.
What did you do after your university studies?
After my studies, I was drawn back to Asia and Shanghai because of the booming and dynamic market with many opportunities. I started working with the Nielsen Company; a global leader in delivering market research, information and analysis to the consumer products and service industries. However, I wanted a job with more client interaction and thus successfully applied to become a Graduate Trainee at GE Capital that only recruited three associates in 2012 in Greater China. I believe that my independence, maturity and solid quantitative background, as well as my English skills, from my time in the UK, was crucial in getting the job.
In 2014, I finished the graduate program and was offered a full-time position in Hong Kong with Structured Finance. After that, I started trying to transfer out from commercial finance into investment banking division.  This was much harder than I expected because investment banks are much more competitive and also require experience within the field. However, I did not want to give up and so I kept trying. Luckily, I had been offered a place at one of China’s top boutique investment banks. I have now been working in Beijing as an associate for over five months and I absolutely love it. In my daily job, I get to execute private placement and M&A transactions. I am so happy that I was persistent and never gave up on my goals.
Tips to current students that want to study what you studied?
<ol>
<li>Understand your own skills and personal priorities; then choose the career that fits you: For example, working in banking and consulting is stressful and competitive. It is definitely not for everyone, depending what you want to get out of life. Thus, my advice is to take the time and figure out what you really want in long-term and then base your career choice on that. However, no panic! For me, it took tons of time before I finally figured out what I was good at and what I wanted to do.</li>
</ol>
<ol start="2">
<li>Work hard and get good grades: In the industries that I have worked for, people do recognize which university that you went to so it is worth putting in the extra effort to get into a well-known university.</li>
</ol>
<ol start="3">
<li>Be persistent and never give up: Remember that there is always a way to overcome challenges and find alternative ways to your goal. For example, I did not have the right experience from investment banking in the first place but I still made it to where I am today thanks to my hard work, persistence and my belief that you can always make it somehow.</li>
</ol>
Do you keep in touch with your EF Academy classmates?
Yes, definitely!  We are a bit spread out and many of us are doing really well, e.g. PhD at Wharton University, entrepreneurs and employees at world top 500 companies. Of course, people are very busy but we are like brothers and sisters so we can always reach out to each other.
What’s your favorite memory from EF Academy?
The feeling of being completely carefree and free. At Torbay, everyone was really good friends with everyone – we were like a family. We would cook together, go on different excursions and even cut each other’s hair. Those days will never come back.
What is one thing that you learned from EF Academy that you found valuable for university? For the work life? For your personal life?
My English skills! When I went to EF Academy, I did not understand what people were saying when they were talking in English. As people were so nice in Torbay, I quickly started to pick up the language. Being good at speaking, reading and writing English, was immensely helpful when I started at university and I could communicate freely with other classmates. When I started working, having good English skills was of course essential to being able to work in an international setting.
Short questions:
Name: Victor Huang
Age: 28
Nationality: Chinese
How many languages do you speak? English and Chinese
EF Academy campus: Torbay
Graduation years: 2007
Program: A-Levels (mathematics, further mathematics, economics)
Residence or host family: Host family – I had the best host mom and she really meant a lot to me.
Favorite subject: Mathematics
Favorite teacher: Hazel Linacre, my mathematics teacher. I am sure she will remember me always sitting in the front row.
Favorite club/society: The Music Club – I started liking Rock n’ Roll in Torbay. I played the guitar, rapped and even produced my own recordings.
Shouts outs to:
<ul>
<li>Debbie Chatterton – My IT teacher at that time</li>
<li>Hazel Linacre – My mathematics teacher</li>
</ul>
ABOUT FUTURE FRIDAY: 
Every Friday will feature an EF Academy graduate who is on the way to accomplishing great things! You’ll read about former students’ experiences and a little bit about their university and career plans. Plus, you’ll get some pretty helpful tips on how to make the most out of your time at EF Academy!

Victor Huang, from China, was one of the first students to graduate from EF Academy Torbay in 2007. Victor is now working in investment banking in Asia.

Advice from alumni: Victor Huang - EF Academy Blog

Advice from alumni: Victor Huang ‹ EF Academy Blog

Advice from alumni: Victor Huang

Advice alumni victor huang

From January 14 to 17, students from all three EF Academy schools traveled to London for the final round of the Hult Global Business Challenge, an annual competition that challenges students to come up with creative solutions to business-related scenarios.
This year, students were asked to work in teams of two to three to develop a business strategy to improve the growth and revenue of a newly promoted soccer club in the Barclays Premiere League. They needed to consider all the aspects of the global business of soccer, including PR, marketing, finance and management.
Brazil’s Renato Zimmermann and Taiwan’s Sarah Chen, IB Year 1 students from EF Academy New York, took home the grand prize after impressing Kent Jonsson, Executive Director of Hult’s London Undergraduate Campus, and Jannicke Roos, Executive Vice President of Hult’s Undergraduate Program, with their proposal of a “STAAR Initiative” for Norwich Football Club.
Their proposal concentrated on five points: upgrading the stadium, implementing new technology, establishing a training academy for new players, building an appreciation program and recruiting new players. The highlight of their presentation was an app prototype that Sarah and Renato created that would serve as an important tool to help Norwich F.C. fulfill the initiative.
“One part of the STAAR Initiative is taking advantage of technology. The app will be used as an advertisement tool and will help gain fan loyalty. The app also has a ‘live match’ function, which is interaction between the soccer players and the users of the app,” Sarah explained. “The idea is to have the registered users pay a monthly membership fee so that they have access to exclusive content, and there will be a regular raffle where they have the opportunity to win a chance to attend a monthly fan meeting with the players. So the super loyal fans will be excited about it, and the number of users will increase.”
The Hult Global Business Challenge kicked off in October when Hult visited the three campuses to present the competition. By the sign-up deadline, 123 students had indicated their interest in participating. Before winter holidays began in December, students had to present their solutions to a panel of judges that included the Head of School and a representative from Hult – in Torbay, an external businessperson was also part of the panel. The judges selected two teams from each school to travel to London for the final round of the competition held at Hult International Business School’s Ashridge Estate.
The final round
After checking in on Thursday evening, the finalists and their chaperons were invited to a dinner at the school’s on-campus restaurant. The following day, the groups prepared their case solutions and presentations and even received business advice from Hult professors. In the afternoon, they attended a public speaking seminar with the business school’s Director of Career Services and they were paired with students from the other EF Academy schools to create a five-minute presentation that answered the question, “What does an international career mean to you?” Answers ranged from traveling and being well educated, to working in an international, multi-cultural environment in their home country. They ended the day with a viewing of “The Play That Goes Wrong,” which led to discussions about culture and British humor.
The final round took place on Saturday and was followed by an announcement ceremony and a banquet dinner. As the winners of the competition, Renato and Sarah were awarded $500 (USD), a full scholarship to Hult’s Pre-University Summer program and a guaranteed Future Business Leader Scholarship of $5,000 (USD) to Hult’s Bachelor of Business Administration program. Both winners plan on enrolling in the summer program in London and combining their trip to the UK with travels throughout Europe.
“What I really got from this competition was a realistic business experience. I’m someone who doesn’t learn as much from presentations or reading books, I learn from experience. Whether I fail or succeed, the experience is important for me and being part of the competition with my teammate was a great experience. Getting to compete was more important to me than winning. Learning all that I did – from my team and from other teams – was really the greatest take away, winning was just an extra,” Renato said.
The Hult Global Business Challenge is one of several major academic competitions that EF Academy students are encouraged to participate in. In addition to allowing students to expand their knowledge within a specific field like business, the competition also gives them the unique opportunities to learn from experts, meet other bright students from around the world and learn more about their options for university.
“It was amazing and rewarding to see the growth in students’ presentation skills, poise, and confidence over the duration of our visit to Hult Business School, London. The highlight of the trip was the day we spent at the beautiful, stately Ashridge,” said Mark Niesen, EF Academy math teacher and chaperon of the two teams from New York.
Any student who is interested in participating in the 2016 edition of the Hult Global Business Challenge should keep an eye out for more information at the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year. The competition will kick off in late September.
“We had a large number of students from Torbay work on proposals and presentations for the Hult Global Business Challenge and all of them showed their skills and maturity in the proposals that they put forward,” Chris Nicholls, Enrichment Coordinator at EF Academy Torbay, said. “In the end we had two groups go through, one from the IB program and another from the IGCSE program. All the students really enjoyed the experience of the competition and the trip to London and we all welcomed them back with a round of applause.”
About Hult’s Pre-University Summer School program
Hult’s Pre-University Summer School program brings together adventurous high school students from around the world to London and San Francisco to get a taste of university life. During the two-week program, students aged 16 to 19 gain new skills and knowledge that will be beneficial for any course of study and receive a great introduction to undergraduate life. After-school activities and cultural excursions complement the immersive learning and practical application that occur in the classroom, making for a well-rounded and inspiring academic experience that will prepare students for the next step of their academic journey.
If you’re interested in experiencing university life at Hult this summer like Renato and Sarah, you’ll find more information about the program at <a href="https://www.hult.edu/preuniversity">www.hult.edu/preuniversity</a>

From January 14 to 17, students from all three EF Academy schools traveled to London for the final round of the Hult Global Business Challenge.

EF Academy New York team wins Hult Global Business Challenge 2015 - EF Academy Blog

EF Academy New York team wins Hult Global Business Challenge 2015 ‹ EF Academy Blog

EF Academy New York team wins Hult Global Business Challenge 2015

Ef academy new york team wins hult global business challenge 2015

<h1>Athletic scholarships in the US</h1>
With the price tag that comes with a university education, particularly in the US, it’s no wonder that scholarships are in high demand. Being aware of what is available, why universities offer scholarships and how you can maximize your chances of receiving one will help you navigate this area of the university application and acceptance process.
In this three-part blog post series, we’re breaking down academic merit scholarships and athletic scholarships in the US and UK. Read <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/university-merit-scholarships-us/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">part one</a> and <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/university-scholarships-uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">part three</a> here.
<h3>What are athletic scholarships?</h3>
Similar to academic merit scholarships, athletic scholarships from universities and colleges in the US are offered to students who are deemed deserving because of their academic standing and in this case, their strengths and abilities in a particular sport. Keep in mind that a student’s GPA and test scores are just as important for an athletic scholarship as for an academic merit scholarship.
Universities with athletic programs are part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), which organizes the schools into three divisions known simply as Divisions 1, 2 and 3. Division 1 schools are typically the largest universities, attract top athletes and receive the most media attention. Division 2 schools are smaller than D1 schools and generally, offer partial athletic scholarships. Division 3 schools are the smallest NCAA institutes and tend to be liberal arts colleges. D3 and Ivy League schools do not offer athletic scholarships and any financial aid D3 schools provide is need-based.
<h3>How does the process work for an athletic scholarship in the US?</h3>
The athletic scholarship process begins with recruitment. In most cases, a good candidate is identified by a university coach at a game, competition, or tournament. The coach would then reach out to the student’s high school to see if the student is academically qualified.
From there, the coach would reach out to the student and possibly invite them to visit the university for a tour and to meet the other athletes on the team. A coach might recruit one student but may also be recruiting other students in the process. It’s important to bear in mind that just because a student is being recruited doesn’t mean that they’re the only one being considered for the scholarship.
July 1st of the student’s junior year is the official recruiting start date but students might choose to reach out to coaches before then and those coaches can observe them at any time. In addition to being a stand-out athlete with great potential, a student will also need to demonstrate exceptional English skills and have an impressive academic record to attend college in the US.
Athletic scholarships range from a partial amount of the tuition to full coverage of the tuition. However, the level of ability will certainly help determine the amount. A particularly gifted athlete could be offered a full scholarship, but in most sports, a college coach tries to distribute these offers over the whole team. The NCAA limits the number of scholarships that can be given, so a coach may offer a scholarship for about 25 percent of the tuition.
<h3>What if I’m not an American?</h3>
There is no incentive for an American university to give a scholarship to a domestic student over an international student because athletic scholarships come from the school’s own funds. This means that the fact that a student is international is neither an advantage nor a disadvantage.
On the other hand, if a coach would like to increase the diversity in their program, having a player from outside the US could very well be something they consider during the recruitment process. Along with a strong GPA and notable exam scores, the only things that truly matter to college coaches is finding a player that’s found success with a team. Whether it’s been as a valuable player or even a captain.
<hr>
 
Great IGCSE, IB and A-Level results in class and on exams are an important part of a strong university application. Our teachers and university guidance counselors use their vast experience and knowledge to help you succeed and meet your goals at our private high school, and beyond.

Athletic scholarships from universities are offered to students who are deserving because of their academic standing and abilities in a particular sport.

University scholarships: What, why and how – part two - EF Academy Blog

University scholarships: What, why and how – part two ‹ EF Academy Blog

University scholarships: What, why and how – part two

University athletic scholarships us

Soroush Basirat, from Iran, graduated from EF Academy Torbay with an A-Level diploma in 2014. He is currently studying Biology for a Pre-Medicine degree at the University of Colombia in Canada. In the future, Soroush’s dream is to become a doctor or dentist. Read more about our alumnus below:
How did you hear about EF Academy and why did you choose to attend?
My father read about EF Academy in the newspaper and became interested in the school. My family was planning to move to Canada at the time, so we thought it would be a good idea for me to study abroad for a short while before that so I could improve my English. The UK felt like a good option so I contacted the EF office in Iran and they helped with admission and visa processes.
To be honest, I initially wanted to go to Oxford because of the name but today I am very happy that I graduated from EF Academy Torbay. The small community there instantly made me feel at home and during my two years in Torbay, my classmates and teachers became like family to me. Moreover, EF Academy Torbay prepared me well for university life in a different English-speaking country – Canada – since I both improved my English level and became more confident there.
What university did you go to afterwards? What did you study and why?
I am currently studying Biology for a Pre-Med degree at the University of British Columbia in Canada. Since my family moved to Vancouver, they wanted me to move there too and I am very happy where I am. I did not apply to any U.S. universities but as I understand, the application process is rather similar. My A-Level coordinator helped me a lot with my application, especially with my personal statement. Taking the SAT exam is not mandatory for Canadian universities, but if you are interested in top-tier Canadian universities, it sure helps.
At UBC, I first started my degree by studying Biochemistry which I thought was a good option to prepare me for medical schools (my next stop!) and this also was the closest degree to my favorite fields: Genetics and Biotechnology. As time passed, I figured Organic Chemistry (which you encounter a lot in Biochemistry) is not really my thing. So I decided to change my degree to Biology and tailor my courses so that I could study more Genetics/Organismal biology. This is what I actually like about university, the flexibility to change your degree whenever you feel you are not happy with it.
What do you want to do in the future?
My dream has always been to become a doctor or a dentist. I know it is a long road to get there but I am determined to do it. The Bachelor’s Degree that I am working on now is preparing me and then I will need to have a good background in research or experience working in a hospital or different health related voluntary positions. After that, I will need to take the MCAT test to be able to enter medical schools.
What is your favorite memory from EF Academy?
The first thing that comes to my mind is the college trip during my first year when we went to Alton Towers, an amusement park with swimming pools and roller coasters. It was a special trip because we had the opportunity to spend the night with our teachers and classmates.
What do you miss the most?
I miss just spending time in Torbay with friends who became like family to me. I do really miss them.
What is one thing that you learned from EF Academy that you found valuable for university? For work life? For your personal life?
English skills – At EF Academy, I improved my language skills remarkably during the time I spent in Torbay.
One year’s worth of credits from my A-Level program – At university, I studied subjects directly related to my studies at Torbay and I could apply the A-Level credits to my current studies.
Preparation for life in a foreign country – My time at EF Academy made me a more confident person. After my time in Torbay, I knew that I could live by myself and cope with the challenges I might face when I encounter different cultures.
What final tips would you give to current students?
When I was at EF Academy, I spent a long time worrying about my studies. In hindsight, I regret that I did not balance it better with social activities. High school is not only about studying; it is also about having fun and getting to know people. Thus, enjoy the time that you have. It will definitely be a time that you will always remember.
Who is the most successful alumni that you know of?
Anuar Yeraliev from Kazakhstan, who studied at Torbay, and is now studying Physics also at University of British Columbia in Canada.
Sabina Chokusheva, Torbay class of 2014, who is studying Finance and Accounting at New York University in the US.
Any advice to fellow alumni at university or who are starting their careers?
Make sure to visualize a clear goal. If you want to become a doctor, make sure to really think through it as you will need to do things you might not always have wanted to do, cope with other peoples’ pain for example. If you don’t see that in yourself, don’t go for it. Same goes to others who are seeking different careers, a clear and achievable goal definitely helps you through your years of studying at university to prepare yourself fully for your future career.
Short questions:
Namev: Soroush Basirat
Age: 20
Nationality: Iran
How many languages do you speak? Persian, English and little bit of French
EF Academy campus: EF Academy Torbay
Graduation years: 2014
Program:  A-Levels (Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Mathematics) A*ABB
Residence or host family:  Host Family
Favorite subject: Physics
Favorite teacher: Robert East – I always hated Chemistry but he made it fun. He was always making jokes and trying to explain everything in a funny way.
Favorite club / society: Swimming Club
Which is the next country you want to visit?  USA
Who to interview next:
Nima Moradzadeh, Torbay class of 2013, studying Biology at Western Kentucky University
Arash Ahmadi, Torbay class of 2014, studying Biotechnology at Pennsylvania State University
Shouts outs to:
Oli Chapman, Brian Heavens, Robert East, Maria Mahoney, Helen Beardsley
All my friends who graduated in 2014 and 2013

Soroush Basirat, from Iran, graduated from EF Academy Torbay in 2014. He is currently studying Biology at the University of Colombia in Canada.

Advice from alumni: Soroush Basirat - EF Academy Blog

Advice from alumni: Soroush Basirat ‹ EF Academy Blog

Advice from alumni: Soroush Basirat

Advice alumni soroush basirat

Visiting a college that you really want to go to is important. This is because what you get to see on the campus can be really different from what you’ve heard or seen on the website. Moreover, it might be a life-changing experience for you. Luckily, I got a chance to visit one of my prospective universities which is Tulane University.
Tulane University is located in New Orleans, Louisiana which is about 3 hours’ flight from New York. The weather down there is different as it’s not as cold as in New York. New Orleans is a pretty unique city. Even though the population is not as diverse as New York, the people down there have their own characteristics that create the vibes of New Orleans. I had a chance to explore downtown several times and I found out that the people are pretty crazy. They have so much freedom that they dress up however they want to and they do whatever they want to. I’m glad I was able to see this because it shows that there’s nothing to limit their freedom to express themselves. Another important aspect of New Orleans is food. Food is definitely one of the New Orleans’ elegant vibes. Jambalaya, Boudin, gumbo, and oysters are New Orleans’ must-try food. These are local food that you can’t find anywhere else if not in New Orleans. New Orleans is also known as a festive city. There are always festivals to attend. One of the most famous festivals is Mardi Gras.
During the visit to New Orleans, I decided to take a campus tour. I walked around the whole campus. Tulane has a chill vibe all around the campus with lots of open areas for students to sit around or do activities. The campus tour was led by a freshman student. The tour benefitted me because she gave out information about the university through the perspective and experiences of a student. While she was giving us the tour, she also talked about the learning system that Tulane offers, her experiences at Tulane, campus life, and about living far away from home. After the campus tour was done, the next activity that Tulane provided for prospective students was a student panel. This is another useful experience because new students and parents have the chance to ask questions from the current students. There were conversations about courses and programs as well as what life is like living on a campus.
After I was done with the whole program, I visited one of my friends who is currently studying in Tulane right now. She graduated from EF Academy New York in 2015 and is also from Thailand. She gave me a little tour of her dorm room and as well as the area around Tulane. We also talked and discussed about which university I want to go to. There was one piece of advice that she told me and I think is really useful. She said that you have to think of living in a university like a home. Sometimes you get bored and you want to move away from this place. But at the end, your friends that have turned into your family stay here. They live here. Her advice has calmed me down because I was afraid of choosing a university to go to. However, I believe that there’s always something that we will like or fall in love with the place we choose to go.
Ms. Charoenboriboon, a senior at EF Academy, was admitted to Tulane University this spring. In the United States, admissions decisions are released between December and March. Students then have until May 1st to decide which university to attend once they receive their offers. Tulane University is located in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA and is ranked #39, admitting less than 30% of students who apply.
 
Written by Jaa Charoenboriboon, IBY2 from Thailand
 
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EF Academy International Boarding Schools open a world of opportunities for high school students by providing them with a superior education abroad, thorough preparation for university and a future that knows no borders.

Visiting a college that you really want to go to is important because what you get to see on the campus can be really different from what you’ve seen.

Making an important decision: Which university to attend? - EF Academy Blog

Making an important decision: Which university to attend? ‹ EF Academy Blog

Making an important decision: Which university to attend?

Making important decision university attend

A few weeks ago, EF Academy Torbay students went to New York to compete in a sports competition against EF Academy New York. This year we came with vengeance to try and win for 2017.
We flew all the way from the UK to the US and we were all very excited to go to New York. We started the first day with  some ice-breakers and dodgeball followed with cross country and badminton.
Carla(IGCSE) won the girls badminton and Diego(A Levels) won the cross country. The second day we had basketball and volleyball.
Although we lost on both games, we still had fun and make new friends. We also had ultimate frisbee and football match which the New York students won again.
We didn’t just stay at school for the whole day. We went to play bowling and to the arcade which is a lot of fun and we got to know each other even more. We also got the chance to watch an NBA basketball game( Brooklyn Nets vs Phoenix Suns) in the Barclays Centre which is a great experience too.
On the weekends, us Torbay students went to the city to go sightseeing and shopping. We went on a ferry cruise to see the Statue of Liberty. It was windy but the view was amazing. We also went to the top of the rock where we took loads of pictures together. We also got some free time around Times Square to do the most exciting part of the trip, shopping!
Even though we didn’t win, this only fuels the competition for next year! Look out New York we’ll be back!
 
Written by: Agatha Limonso

A few weeks ago, EF Academy Torbay students went to New York to compete in a sports competition against EF Academy New York.

Inter-campus sports competition - EF Academy Blog

Inter-campus sports competition ‹ EF Academy Blog

Inter-campus sports competition

Inter campus sports competition

At <a href="https://www.efacademy.com/">EF Academy</a>, a majority of our classes have an impressively low student-teacher ratio of 15:1. Small class sizes and an inspiring and highly qualified teaching faculty ensure that students get the absolute most out of their IGCSE, <a href="https://www.efacademy.com/us-high-school/">U.S. High School Diploma</a>, <a href="https://www.efacademy.com/ib/">IB Diploma</a> or <a href="https://www.efacademy.com/a-level/">A-Level courses</a>. Read on to find out about the benefits of a small class size and why we believe that it’s an integral part of a world-class education.
<h3>1. Each Student Gets Noticed</h3>
In a smaller class, it’s more difficult for students to hide and get left behind. Having fewer students means that each one can get the attention they need from their teacher. They are also encouraged to take part in discussions and driven to express their opinions.
<h3>2. Better Results</h3>
Research has shown that high school students in smaller classes have higher grades and perform better on their university entrance exams.
<h3>3. Learning is Enhanced</h3>
Not only do students learn more in small classes, but they also learn faster. And this means the class progresses through the course material more quickly. Their learning is enhanced by the confidence that students develop. They are encouraged to share their opinions and ask and answer questions, which also benefits their peers.
<h3>4. Teachers Can Teach</h3>
Teachers at the front of a small class have more opportunities to observe and assess the class as a whole and the students as individuals. Learning is further enhanced when teachers and students can interact spontaneously in the classroom.
<h3>5. Classes Become a Community</h3>
With fewer students per class, individuals can connect more closely with their peers and become more confident and comfortable when it comes to sharing their ideas and perspectives. These connections lead to lasting friendships. At an international school, students will respect and connect with peers who are from different cultures and countries – a skill that is very important in the globalized 21st century.
<h3>6. Opportunities to participate</h3>
Small groups mean fewer voices, which means the students those voices belong to have more chances to speak up in their class. They can apply the knowledge they’ve acquired as they participate in discussions.
<h3>7. Focus on Learning</h3>
In learning environments with a limited number of students, teachers can spend more time teaching the material and less time trying to regain the attention of those who are easily distracted. Teachers can also cater to students’ different learning styles and ensure that they stay engaged and understand what is being taught.
<h3>8. More Feedback</h3>
Teachers have more time to individualize their feedback, ensuring that each student understands the material, can get the help they need and can reach his or her potential.
<h3>9. Students and Teachers Can Work One-on-One</h3>
Students and teachers at EF Academy often work together one-on-one, which gives teachers the opportunity to customize instruction and guidance, and students receive their mentors’ undivided attention.
<h3>10. Ideas Are Shared</h3>
With fewer students in a class, there is more time for them to share their own ideas, express their opinions and describe their perspectives. They can really dive into where these ideas come from and enrich their international education abroad. Which means even shy students have the chance to embrace their ideas and share them with the peers.
 
<center>Want to know more? Here’s some further reading on the benefits of small class sizes:</center>“<a href="https://www.boardingschoolreview.com/blog/why-small-class-sizes-work" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Why Small Class Sizes Work</a>” by Robert Kennedy
“<a href="https://www.classsizematters.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/fact-sheet-on-upper-grades.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Importance of Class Size in the Middle and Upper Grades</a>” by Class Size Matters
“<a href="https://www.classsizematters.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/benefits-of-CSR-6-10.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Benefits of Smaller Classes</a>” by Leonie Haimson

At EF Aacdemy, we offer small class sizes to our students which has proven to offer several benefits academically as well as personally.

10 benefits of small class sizes - EF Academy Blog

10 benefits of small class sizes ‹ EF Academy Blog

10 benefits of small class sizes

10 benefits small class sizes

SooHee Kim, an IB student from South Korea, will start her last year of high school at EF Academy New York in September. She says her experience as an intern with EF in Hong Kong has changed her life and taught her how to make the most of her opportunities. Read on to find out more about her internship this summer: 
“What an amazing place!” That was the first impression I had when I entered the EF Hong Kong office. The glass window covering one whole side of the lobby showed me a magnificent view of Hong Kong: people walking busily in and out the crowded buildings covered with English and Cantonese signs, red taxis waiting for passengers, trams carrying loads of people, ads on the screens changing rapidly. While everything moved and changed so fast, the mountain slightly covered with clouds behind the buildings made the view exotic. I was thrilled about what I would experience and learn in this charming city.
As I was interested in finance and accounting, I applied for the internship with the finance team in the EF Hong Kong office. I learned how accounting was used in the company and how different people had different roles in dealing with the finance part of the company. Among different roles, I worked for the payroll team. The concept about payroll was new for me so I had to study some basics about payroll and the policies of the company regarding salaries of the employees. I learned that the finance system the company used is much more complex than one might think at first. For example, I learned that when a company hires someone, it should think not only about the salary but also about the extra working hours, holidays, insurance, pension and time off.
In addition to the work experience, I learned more from the experiences and the people I met during the internship. As I finished my junior year, I had to make important decisions about colleges and majors. Knowing that the choices I make now will leave a lasting mark in my life, I was stressed and scared. However, meeting people here, I gained confidence. First, they helped me to appreciate the fact that I can make choices. Despite all the burdens and worries I have about my future and my job, I should also be excited about what I can do during my college and further in my future. I realized that I should be thankful for the opportunities that I can have in the future and enjoy the moment. Moreover, I was so stressed about whether I was making the wrong choices but after I talked with them, I realized the world is not black and white. There are no right choices or wrong choices and even though the steps that I took today seem wrong right now, in the future, those steps can lead me to a better path.
Most importantly, I promised to myself that I will do something that matches my true passion and interest, not something that will bring me more fortune or a better reputation. Sitting with the finance team, I could see how the people in the finance sectors really work. I imagined myself sitting down in an office working on things that I am not interested and passionate about but only earning a good salary. It was miserable and frustrating. I concluded that I am simply going to try my best on big or small tasks I have right in front of me. And I truly believe that if I follow what I really like and try my best every day, it will really bring out the best in me.
This EF summer internship program was an extraordinary and invaluable experience for me. I thought I would make photocopies and bring coffee, but after two weeks, I found that I had grown and matured. Even in the future I will see this chance as a life-changing experience. Lastly, I really want to thank Sara Magnusson for guiding me to apply for this internship and Mandy, Johanna, and Anders for making this summer internship even more special.

She says her experience as an intern with EF in Hong Kong has changed her life and taught her how to make the most of her opportunities.

Figuring out finances: My internship with the EF Hong Kong team - EF Academy Blog

Figuring out finances: My internship with the EF Hong Kong team ‹ EF Academy Blog

Figuring out finances: My internship with the EF Hong Kong team

Figuring finances internship ef hong kong

Goodbyes are an unfortunate fact of life at international schools. Unlike other schools, which typically cater to a semi-ﬁxed community of families, international schools bring seemingly opposite worlds together – but often only brieﬂy. As we have drawn to the end of this academic year, many of us at EF Academy New York have prepared ourselves for these imminent goodbyes, many of which were said at this weekend’s graduation.
This past Saturday, May 20th, 2017, our senior class, which consisted of around 200 students, held their graduation ceremony at the EF Language School campus in Tarrytown. Parallel worlds seemed to collide as the families of the graduates came together to support their children, grandchildren and siblings. They claimed residencies in countries ranging from Algeria to Ukraine, and the swell of unfamiliar languages ﬁlled the auditorium as we waited for the ceremony to begin.
As it did, the EF Academy students in the audience began to bid farewell to both friends and mentors and relative strangers, people we did not know personally but whose presence still contributed to our EF Academy experience. Our senior class is an incredibly diverse one, through to nationality, number of years spent at EF Academy, interests and future plans. These students will move on to gap years, internships and universities such as New York University and Parsons School of Design.
I, alongside the rest of the EF Academy community which has watched them go, wish them all the best and more. I know they will do great things not limited by language or hemisphere or the country on their passport; they know these things matter very little when it comes to where, what and who they can impact. We will be able to watch them from afar as they continue their journeys, and perhaps we will have the pleasure of witnessing their transformations from a closer proximity at one point or another. At the end of the day, it truly is an incredibly small world – one which I feel conﬁdent will bring many of our alumni paths together someday soon.
 
Written by Maya Nylund, former student at EF Academy New York

EF Academy New York have steeled ourselves for some of these imminent goodbyes- many of which were said at this weekend’s graduation.

EF Academy New York celebrates the Class of 2017 - EF Academy Blog

EF Academy New York celebrates the Class of 2017 ‹ EF Academy Blog

EF Academy New York celebrates the Class of 2017

Ef academy new york celebrates class 2017

With two locations in the UK and one in the US, EF Academy has a few different options when it comes to how to spend Winter Break. Christmas is a strong tradition in both the US and UK, which is the reason we like to take a break at this time of the year. So while our students head off campus for the holidays, we thought it might be nice to show what the locals get up to during Christmastime. Here’s how Christmas is celebrated in our three different locations.
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Christmas in New York City</h3>
During the month of December, the city of New York pulls out all the stops and begins preparing for Christmas. There are twinkly lights on every street, shimmering decorations in store windows, and plenty of opportunities to spread holiday cheer and embrace the Christmas season. Here are some of the best and brightest Christmas traditions in NYC!
For almost ninety years, the annual Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting has been the main event to kick off the Christmas season. Each year, thousands of people crowd the streets surrounding Rockefeller Center to watch as the giant tree (sometimes 30 m tall) is lit for the first time. This celebration includes performances by the Radio City Rockettes and many other talented musicians. The tree remains lit throughout the Christmas season and is admired by thousands of people every day.
Fun Fact – Each year the tree is donated to a charity when the holiday season is over. For the past 12 years, it has been given to Habitat for Humanity, where the wood is used to help build houses for people in need.
If you don’t get to see the Rockettes perform at the tree lighting, you can walk just a block and experience the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular. This show is, as its name says, truly spectacular – an incredible Christmas-themed combination of singing and dancing, complete with the iconic “wooden soldier fall.” If you’re in the mood for a more traditional show, you can watch the New York City Ballet perform The Nutcracker over at Lincoln Center.
The Winter Village at Bryant Park is another fun spot to feel the Christmas spirit. The entire park is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with an ice rink and a beautiful tree. Grab a hot chocolate and wander around this adorable Christmas market filled with vendors selling everything you can imagine – a great place to buy last-minute gifts and trinkets!
Ice skating is a must-do if you’re celebrating Christmas in New York City. Whether you skate in the Winter Village at Bryant Park, the Plaza at Rockefeller Center (with a great view of the tree), or at the rink in Central Park, there’s no doubt you’ll have a magical time.
 
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<h3>Christmas in Torbay</h3>
The Christmas season in the South of England is traditional, festive, and at times a little bizarre. To kick things off, like many places in England, the advent period is celebrated through mass feasting on mince pies. The mince pie has been a staple Christmas dish since the 13th century when roaming knights brought new treasures back from the wider world: cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and dried fruit, were originally combined with suet and minced meat. By the 19th century, this recipe had evolved into something sweeter (without meat!) in a bitesize pie portion.
In the south, you might even wash down this treat on an evening out ‘Wassailing’. The act of Wassailing involves going door-to-door carol singing while carrying a bowl of warm, spiced wine or cider. The singers shout ‘Wassail’ which means ‘be well’ in Anglo-Saxon, and the villagers reply with ‘drink well’. This tradition occurs all through the festive period but was originally performed on Twelfth Night (or early January).
Some traditional homes on the coast of England will also feature a ‘Cornish Bush’ or ‘Kissing Bush’ in the run-up to Christmas. This is made from holly, ivy and mistletoe wound into a circle and topped with a rosy apple and a candle. Originally a pagan ritual to represent new life during the winter solstice, this tradition is now more commonly substituted with a single bunch of mistletoe hung over a doorway. Guests who find themselves underneath this must share a kiss.
On Christmas day itself, many families in southern England will listen to the Royal Christmas Broadcast which features a speech given by the Queen about the year that’s past. Some families might go and see a Pantomime, which is a sort of musical fairytale theatre production for children. But perhaps my favorite tradition and one that is still quite common is the Christmas Swim.
Some hardy Brits on the coast will venture out every year to take a plunge in the icy winter waves of the Atlantic sea. Rarely in wetsuits, swimmers will dip in costume with some even wearing Santa or elf outfits. This tradition is very popular, with locals shaking off the cold later on with plenty of drinking, a turkey dinner, and a good log fire.
 
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<h3>Christmas in Oxford</h3>
There are a few special experiences that a Christmas in Oxford just wouldn’t be the same without! The Christmas market in Oxford is a common favorite for locals and tourists alike. The city of dreaming spires is filled with Christmas joy, as locals set up a beautiful display on the historic Broad Street. Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and tour the wooden stalls, as you peruse the creative pop up shops.
The University of Oxford also contributes a great deal of holiday cheer with their caroling services. At Christ Church (on the university campus), there are several lovely Christmas performances including several by Music at Oxford’s choirs. Similar to their Southern counterpart, people in Oxford are known to go Wassailing, which contributes to the cheer and merriment.
Another iconic Christmas experience in Oxford is the Christmas Light Festival. Taking place in November each year, the three-day festival brings the area together. Visitors can enjoy light and sound installations, a festive market, music, dance and lots of free activities in venues across the city.
Advent calendars are another bright point in every home in Oxford. This is a tradition that is widely embraced across the UK and Europe. So whether you’re in Oxford or Torbay, an advent calendar is a must! Though, most importantly, everybody has seen the John Lewis Christmas commercial of the year. So to avoid missing out on the conversation, prepare to have your heart warmed by watching this year’s remarkable ad.
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">Whether you’re in the UK, US, or anywhere in the world, we wish you a wonderful Christmas season from EF Academy!</h4>

Our students head off campus for the holidays, but we thought it might be nice to show what the locals get up to during Christmastime.

This is how Christmas is celebrated in our three locations - EF Academy Blog

This is how Christmas is celebrated in our three locations ‹ EF Academy Blog

This is how Christmas is celebrated in our three locations

This is how christmas is celebrated in our three locations

Teacher on the Road – Finance 
Entrepreneur, business expert and IB teacher, John Dohrmann, decided to take his syllabus to a new level this year when he signed on to be EF Academy’s Teacher on the Road!
Since September, Mr. Dohrmann has been traveling from country to country and school to school to teach students in Asia, Europe and South America how to kindle their entrepreneurial spirit and make their start-up dreams a reality. Mr. Dohrmann kicked off the second round of his travels in Thailand at the beginning of the month and his boarding passes will take him to Spain, Norway, India, China and Hong Kong.
“Teaching in classrooms around the world has been an incredible experience,” he said. “One thing I’ve realized is despite the geographic distance, we are all quite similar – a 15-year-old in Kazakhstan is not that different from a Brazilian or Thai student.”
Students at high schools around the world have benefited from Mr. Dohrmann’s business-focused presentations, one of which is centered on the finance aspect of this broad and stimulating topic.
Mr. Dohrmann starts off his finance presentation with the quote: “Earning money is hard, losing money is easy” – a message that is at the heart of his lesson. He goes on to explain the three basic reasons that all businesses – large and small; new and old – need money: to start up, for day-to-day and ongoing operations, and to expand with new products into new markets.
But where do business get their money from? Mr. Dohrmann explains this as well, breaking down “internal sources” and “external sources” by using examples that his audience can relate to, like Coca-Cola, Starbucks, Apple, Facebook and Alibaba. Clarifying the difference between private investors, bank loans and investment bankers is an important part of his presentation, as is defining initial public offering (IPO), which refers to the first time a company publicly sells shares of its stock on the open market.
“No matter what country I’m visiting, my high school students have been attentive and intrigued by what it takes to create a successful new business. That says so much about the generation that will be leading our businesses in the globalized 21st century,” Mr. Dohrmann said.
This post is the first installment of a three-part series that focuses on his three presentation topics. Keep your eyes open for Part II and Part III in the coming months!

Entrepreneur, business expert and IB teacher, John Dohrmann, decided to take his syllabus to a new level this year as a Teacher on the Road!

EF Academy business teacher makes the world his classroom – Part I - EF Academy Blog

EF Academy business teacher makes the world his classroom – Part I ‹ EF Academy Blog

EF Academy business teacher makes the world his classroom – Part I

Ef academy business teacher makes world classroom part

Tuesday:
Girls soccer vs. Green Farms Academy
Final Score: EF – 3   Green Farms – 1
Girls soccer closed the season with one last victory against Green Farms Academy. The final score was 3-1. This was by far one of best games the girls played as a team. The passes and plays they created in the field were a result of a dedicated team that worked hard throughout the season. The first two goals were scored by Trine Lund Vaag and Matilda Johnsen. The final victory goal was scored by Camilla Haugenes. Right after the game, the underclassmen celebrated the seniors with some gifts given to each one of them followed by a speech. This year a constant climb of success, from skills acquired to the family bond that was created.
Thursday:
Fall Sports Awards Banquet
written by Paul Giordano, Athletics Director
Thursday was EF Academy Athletics fifth annual Fall Sports Banquet.  We honored the Boys JV soccer team, the Cross Country team, the Girls Volleyball team, the Girls Soccer team and lastly, the Boys Varsity Soccer team.  All in all over 75 athletes came together to celebrate both individual and team achievements.  We gave out awards including golden boot, fastest sprinter, most improved player, best keeper, most assists, best corner kick taker, best goal celebration, defensive player of the year, offensive player of the year, coaches awards, team spirit awards, and lastly we honored all of our senior athletes with special gifts as well.
It was by far the most special awards banquet for me, the Athletic Director.  I remember when we first started these banquets we had about 30 students.  Now, 5 years later we have grown into a true athletic program.  Last night was amazing for me looking out into a sea of athletes and coaches who have come together and formed true families.  Not only have life long friendships been made, and memories created; but the ability for our athletes to motivate each other in good times and in bad – both on and off the field is uncanny.  I can honestly say that every one of our athletes followed the athletic departments motto of “get better every day.”
Last night was truly about celebrating our special athletes, and honoring our seniors for their years of service, but I can’t help but look ahead into the future.  EF Academy, New York has a lot left to achieve athletically and a lot more championships to win.  I want to end this post the same way I ended the banquet last night: by saying thank you to a phenomenal group of young student athletes.  Your effort, drive, passion, charisma and school spirit is contagious, and I can’t imagine what we would be like without each and every one of you.  Lastly, thank you to all of the coaches who work tirelessly to help mold these students into better students, better athletes, and better people on a daily basis.

Girls soccer closed the season with one last victory against Green Farms Academy. The final score was 3-1.

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