Please visit EF Australia website to see relevant programs, offers and pricing information.

Academics

Boarding Life

Language And Culture

Parents

Alumni

Student Stories

School News

Language Learning

New York

Pasadena

Oxford

Stories from our international boarding schools

Ef Academy ‹ EF Academy Blog - 5

dots

<p>What is an international school if it does not acknowledge the different countries that have come together to become one? I, Adell Gadzey, would like to talk about the Culture Fair, and what it means to EF Academy, along with my friend, Beryl Kem, who would like to give an insight on what it was like for her particular country. Maintaining to definition, EF Academy is a very diverse and international school. On Friday April 20th, EF Academy had its annual Culture Fair! This is an event where the countries within EF Academy disperse into individual groups to create a beautiful presentation of the places they call home. The classrooms and hallways are transformed into a museum, feeding students/visitors with food and information about different countries from all over the world. Whether through games, music or language, the students representing each country expressed themselves in their own way. We had over 20 countries participating this year, including Turkey, Vietnam, Ghana, Norway and India. This diverse representation which made the event even more interesting! Italy intrigued guests with a real motorcycle in their room, while Brazil invited visitors to splash around in the ocean (a miniature swimming pool)! Every country had at least one type of unique artifact to set their country apart and highlight its unique culture.</p>
<p>I, Beryl Kem, am one of many representatives of Cameroon and Nigeria. In order to teach our community about our countries we put on a display of Nigerian and Cameroonian clothing, indigenous masks and African fabrics. We tried to replicate the floors of some Cameroonian and Nigerian homes by arranging special wooden bowls so that they resembled a site for cooking. The household brooms (handmade brooms made out of wild grass or palm tree branches) were spaced out on the floor. Truly the best part of the whole display was the variation of Cameroonian and Nigerian music played for the guests.</p>
<p>Just like the other countries, we educated the guests about our different cultures in several ways. We gave those who wanted them meaningful Nigerian and Cameroonian names. We taught them some Cameroon and Nigerian modern dance moves as well as the traditional dance moves. Each guest had their face decorated with white dots, which imitated the dots that some of Cameroonian and Nigerian people have on their faces for beauty purposes. These white dots are applied on the faces of women who are about to get married and their “bridesmaids.” In addition, we ordered some Nigerian food  so that others would be able to experience our country’s cooking.</p>
<p>Most students represented their countries by wearing beautiful traditional attire. Cameroon and Nigeria brought diversity when it came to our clothing; we wore dashikis, Nigerian wedding dresses, and some of the girls wrapped African material around their waist with simple mono-colored shirts. Because Cameroon and Nigeria have such diverse cultures within themselves, we wanted to make sure that all of our cultural diversity was showcased at its finest.</p>
<p>It was really great to be able to educate people about where we come from. Culture Fair was one of my favorite days at EF Academy New York because even though I was miles away from home, I really felt like Cameroon and Nigeria were right here in New York. The idea of culture fair brings joy to my heart because it shows that all of our cultures and backgrounds matter, and that they deserve recognition. At the end of the day, all our hard work paid off and Cameroon and Nigeria were awarded a certificate for having the best decorated room. This is an experience I cannot wait to have again next year.</p>
<p>Culture Fair was a beautiful and successful event this year – and it only gets bigger and better with each passing year. It’s always a great thing to experience rich cultural diversity hands-on, because it helps make you become a more open-minded person. Being open to new perspectives and culturally aware is an amazing trait that really brings all the students at EF Academy together. We are truly an international family.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Written By Beryl Kem-Bumbara and Adell Gadzey, former students at EF Academy New York</em></p>

Maintaining to definition, EF Academy is a very diverse and international school. On Friday April 20th, EF Academy had its annual Culture Fair!

Crossing borders with Culture Fair - EF Academy Blog

Crossing borders with Culture Fair ‹ EF Academy Blog

Crossing borders with Culture Fair

Crossing borders culture fair

<p>One of the most universal truths about attending school is that you’ll need to learn how to study and <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademynews/student-approved-tips-successful-exam-week/">develop your own study tips</a>. You’ll need to figure out the best space for you, good notetaking habits, as well as a routine that works for you. And of course, you’ll need a good playlist to keep you going even when the going gets tough.</p>
<p>That’s why we’ve put together some tunes to help you get through your next study session. Switch these on when you’re looking for some inspiration or you just want to have a good time hittin’ the books.</p>
<h3>1. “Dance Apocalyptic” – Janelle Monae</h3>
<p>The perfect song for when you need to take a brain break and dance it out for a few minutes!</p>
<h3>2. “Three Little Birds” – Bob Marley</h3>
<p>Don’t worry about a thing! Play this classic tune when you need a reminder that everything will be okay.</p>
<h3>3. “Send Me On My Way” – Rusted Root</h3>
<p>This fun song will remind you that all your hard work will pay off – you’re on your way to accomplishing your goals!</p>
<h3>4. “Eye of the Tiger” – Survivor</h3>
<p>‘It’s the eye of the tiger, it’s the thrill of the fight’. Get on your game and study hard with this classic motivational hit. Pen tapping is encouraged.</p>
<h3>5. “Never Give Up” – Sia</h3>
<p>When impending deadlines loom and the work is piling up on your desk, take a moment to get back in the right headspace. Perseverance is key! This tune will get you back on track in no time.</p>
<h3>6. “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger” – Daft Punk</h3>
<p>This is the perfect song for a dance break. Put your pen down and close your laptop – it’s time to robot your way to better grades. When you sit back down to work, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to get back down to it.</p>
<h3>7. “Don’t Stop” – Fleetwood Mac</h3>
<p>This classic rock hit is pure motivation, encouraging you to keep going on that term paper.</p>
<h3>8. “Under Pressure” – Queen</h3>
<p>There’s no doubt that study time is crunch time. Throw this track onto your playlist for the ultimate divide and conquer all of those homework assignments.</p>
<h3>9. “Survivor” – Destiny’s Child</h3>
<p>When in doubt, don’t worry, be-yonce. Exams are stressful, papers refuse to write themselves, but a jam like “Survivor” will surely remind you that you will get through and come out stronger for it!</p>
<h3>10. “Move Your Feet” – Junior Senior</h3>
<p>If <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademynews/dance-club-home-away-home/">dancing is your passion</a>, this is a great one to move around to in your seat and the rhythm makes it easy to memorize facts that might otherwise feel a bit dull.</p>
<h3>11. “Pocketful of Poetry” – Mindy Gledhill</h3>
<p>Such a light and airy sound, this song will remind you not to take everything so seriously. It’s a great one to lighten the mood amidst studying for a serious exam or even towards the end of a late night cram session.</p>
<h3>12. “Get Stupid” – Aston Merrygold</h3>
<p>Had a bad day and just don’t feel like studying? Go ahead and put this one on to remember to let loose. It’s a great one to blast on repeat, whether you’re listening for the lyrics or the catchy beat.</p>
<p> </p>
<hr>
<p style="text-align: center;">Looking for a new place to take your study tunes? Learn more about EF Academy.</p>

We put together some tunes to help you get through when you're looking for some study inspiration or you just want to have a good time hittin' the books.

Our 12 favorite songs to study with - EF Academy Blog

Our 12 favorite songs to study with ‹ EF Academy Blog

Our 12 favorite songs to study with

Songs to study with

<p><em>Kunanya Watcharawasunthara, from Thailand, is currently a student at EF Academy New York and studying the IB. She spent three weeks of her summer vacation as an intern in the marketing department of the Thailand office where she gained some unforgettable experiences and memories: </em></p>
<p>After EF Academy students finish their academic year in June, it is time to fly back home for summer break. This is our time to take a break from ten months of pure commitment to studying and doing activities. Some people use this free time to go on vacation, some get themselves ready for college, and some find a job or internship to do – and I was one of them. I contacted EF in my home country long before the break and asked them about the possibility of doing an internship. Fortunately, EF offered me a great opportunity to do an internship and be a part of the marketing team in Thailand for approximately three weeks. It was filled with unforgettable experiences and memories.</p>
<p>The first day of the internship, I started off by hardly knowing how EF works. However, the staff at EF are very kind and helpful; they explained to me all the necessary and significant information I needed to know. Still, the next problem was, “What do we have to do?” The very first task they assigned me was to create a presentation about myself regarding the experiences I have had at EF Academy in the previous year. In my point of view, doing this by myself is more genuine and sincere not only to me but to all those people whom I was going to present it to.</p>
<p>Despite the fact that we have a great number of work that has to be done, the first week passed by so fast. That week, we had to do workshops and information meetings everyday. It was me and Bella, my EF Thai friend, who were helping them to prepare, plan and give a presentation ourselves. In addition to that, we got to go to Chiang-mai, a province in the northern region of Thailand, with Mr. Dorman, an EF Academy teacher on the road, to hold a meeting there. Once again, I found that I was telling about my life at EF Academy and giving people some advice which I enjoyed very much.</p>
<p>After coming back from Chiang-mai, everything was more settled. I learned how to communicate with people, how to plan an event, and even how to speak in a formal (business) way. For the next upcoming event, we had to plan for a pre-departure meeting, design our own distinct EF Thailand t-shirt, arrange a trip for students to the orphanage for volunteer work in order to get to know each other better (and more importantly, to give something back to society). It was fun for me to do all of these things especially when working together with others.</p>
<p>Even though my career at EF has come to an end several weeks ago, I’m still thankful that I got the opportunity to do an internship there. Not only have we strengthened our EF Thailand bond, but also, I got to use business knowledge I learned at school and apply it in real life. In another sense, EF has provided me not only with the theoretical knowledge, but also with practical experiences that will forever stick with me. Furthermore, these experiences will help me a lot in the future, for instance, when I’m applying to college or a company. As a result, I have learned a lot of things from doing an internship; especially how to work in a team, although it was just for three weeks and it was just a minor position. For that reason, I strongly encourage people to go and do something when they have free time like this summer break whether is it a part-time job or an internship, so that you get to use your skills and learn and experience new things firsthand. Last, I would like to use this opportunity to say thank you to EF for offering me this opportunity. It was an incredible experience and totally worth all the efforts I have put into this.</p>

She spent 3 weeks of her summer vacation as an intern in the marketing department of the Thailand office where she gained some unforgettable experiences.

Making marketing memorable: Interning with EF Thailand - EF Academy Blog

Making marketing memorable: Interning with EF Thailand ‹ EF Academy Blog

Making marketing memorable: Interning with EF Thailand

Making marketing memorable

<p>The 2019 IGCSE results are here! Year after year, EF Academy students work hard to achieve their best and this year has been no exception. We’re proud to announce that our students have collectively achieved a 97% pass rate in <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/new-york/">New York</a> and <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/torbay/">Torbay</a>.</p>
<p>EF Academy Torbay is celebrating a 99% pass rate, with 72% of these marks in the A*-C range. An impressive 22% of all grades are within the A*-A range (which is the second best that the school has achieved!). EF Academy New York had an outstanding year as well! Students are celebrating a 95% pass rate, with 56% of all grades in the A*-C range.</p>
<p>13 students from New York won the prestigious ICE Award, an internationally recognized academic achievement award administered by Cambridge. Six of these students earned the ICE Award with <a href="https://help.cambridgeinternational.org/hc/en-gb/articles/203477342-Cambridge-International-Certificate-in-Education-ICE-" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Merit</a> and one student earned the highest level of achievement, the ICE Award with Distinction.</p>
<h3>Top IGCSE scores:</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Germany:</strong> A*A*A*A*A B</li>
<li><strong>China:</strong> A*A*A*A*B</li>
<li><strong>South Korea:</strong> A*A*A*A A A</li>
<li><strong>Russia:</strong> A*A*A A B</li>
<li><strong>South Korea:</strong> A*A A A A B B B B</li>
<li><strong>China:</strong> A*A A A</li>
<li><strong>Indonesia:</strong> A*A A A A B</li>
<li><strong>Spain:</strong> A*A A B</li>
<li><strong>Russia:</strong> A A A A A A A A B</li>
<li><strong>Norway:</strong> A A A A B</li>
</ul>
<h3>ICE Award winners:</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Marta Alekseevna Kondratiuk</strong></li>
<li><strong>Jongsuk Rim</strong></li>
<li><strong>Yangkesi Lin</strong></li>
<li><strong>Maria Catharina Quirina Ten Holder</strong></li>
<li><strong>Sibo Kim</strong></li>
<li><strong>Huizhen Li</strong></li>
<li><strong>Daria Ivanovna Mikhnova</strong></li>
<li><strong>Poema Marie Maura Conseiller</strong></li>
<li><strong>Yin-hua Hong</strong></li>
<li><strong>Maximus Benjamin Bakker</strong></li>
<li><strong>Vitaliia Alekseevna Golsman</strong></li>
<li><strong>Aruuke Ilmiianova</strong></li>
<li><strong>Dokyung Kwak</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>While these test results only reflect a fraction of the intelligence and commitment of our student body around the world, we are immensely proud of the hard work each student in the IGCSE program demonstrated. Congratulations to all of our students on their results and hard work throughout the year! You’ve no doubt paved the way to a bright and fulfilling future.</p>
<p>Learn more about our IGCSE program and for information about upperclassman studies with EF Academy, read about our <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/ib/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IB Diploma program</a>.</p>

The 2019 IGCSE results are here! Year after year, EF Academy students work hard to achieve their best and this year has been no exception. We’re proud to announce that our students have collectively achieved a 97% pass rate in New York and Torbay. EF Academy Torbay is celebrating a 99% pass rate, with 72% …

We’re proud of our 2019 IGCSE students – outstanding results from New York and Torbay! - EF Academy Blog

We’re proud of our 2019 IGCSE students – outstanding results from New York and Torbay! ‹ EF Academy Blog

We’re proud of our 2019 IGCSE students – outstanding results from New York and Torbay!

Proud 2019 igcse students outstanding results new york torbay

<p>Everyone needs the support and care of a community – whether that’s family, friends, or peers, we all need one. When people come together to serve each other in some way, great things happen for everybody. That’s why it’s important to find ways to get involved and <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/importance-giving-back-to-your-community/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">give back to your community</a>.</p>
<p>So, if you’re back home for the summer, here are some ideas of ways to volunteer in your town.</p>
<h3>1. Visit a retirement home</h3>
<p>The golden years can be quite lonely for some, especially if health and mobility issues develop. For those who require more detailed care, this can mean fewer opportunities to socialize with new people. A great way to counteract this issue is to volunteer your time at a retirement home and give the residents the gift of company. This gives both parties a chance to benefit as they learn about generational differences, connect over shared life situations, and gain insight into things they might not have known about a different era otherwise. Win-win!</p>
<p><strong>You’d be a great fit if:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>You’re social and like to have long, meaningful conversations</li>
<li>You’re patient and can give your full attention to something without getting distracted</li>
<li>You have an interest in history and culture</li>
<li>You like to entertain or perform for others</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>How to get involved:</strong> Not sure how to plan your visit? Don’t worry – simply coming by to talk and get to know the residents’ stories is a perfect place to start. You can also call ahead to speak with the facility’s activities coordinators and learn about something the residents might enjoy. For example, if you have a special skill for performing, think about sharing that skill with them. Over time, you’ll find the best ways to connect. The most important step here is the first one.</p>
<h3>2. Volunteer with the differently-abled</h3>
<p>When it comes to life, we’re all born into different circumstances. For those with a different ability, this can mean that certain aspects of life can look a little different or require more attention to detail. Volunteering to help members of society living with handicaps or special needs is a great way to ensure everyone in your community has the same opportunities and joys in life. After all, people living with disabilities can always use the same kind of support and friendship as anyone else!</p>
<p><strong>You’d be a great fit if:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>You’re social and outgoing</li>
<li>You’re adaptable and can go with the flow</li>
<li>You’re patient and don’t mind taking the time to let someone enjoy an experience longer than you might choose to</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>How to get involved:</strong> Most communities have organizations that cater to people with physical or intellectual handicaps. These organizations can always use volunteers for group events and other activities as a community. You may also be able to find a group home that’s looking for volunteers to do anything from help cook meals to running errands around town.</p>
<p>You can also support performances like concerts, plays, and art exhibitions where handicapped people are performing. There’s nothing like seeing the look on someone’s face when you’ve appreciated them and made them feel like a star!</p>
<h3>3. Share with people who are less fortunate</h3>
<p>It can be easy to get so caught up in our lives that we forget to have a look at people living in situations different from our own. When coming from a place of immense privilege, there are plenty of opportunities to help those who might not have been born into the same fortunate situation. So whether it’s a leg up from a scarce economic situation or just sharing a nice meal with someone who could use it, you have the ability to change someone’s life for the better or at least give them some hope in a hard situation.</p>
<p><strong>You’d be a great fit if:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>You have plenty of resources that you could share</li>
<li>You’ve always cared deeply about meeting the needs of others</li>
<li>You want to help people feel respected regardless of their present circumstances</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>How to get involved:</strong> Research local organizations who cater to people facing economic difficulties. This can look different in different locations but two that most cities have are soup kitchens where people can get a free hot meal each day and community shelters where some people might live for a length of time. These organizations rely heavily on the work of volunteers and can use help with cooking, cleaning, or simply serving guests of the facilities.</p>
<p>If you don’t have a lot of time to volunteer, you can donate high-quality items that people will always need. Look for a food bank where you can donate non-perishable foods and bottled drinks. You could also donate clothes, linens, or sleeping bags to shelters, especially in locations that face harsh weather conditions. Other often overlooked necessities are toiletry items like toothbrushes, sanitizers, soap, feminine hygiene products, and bags to carry these items in.</p>
<h3>4. Help protect your local environment</h3>
<p>We are all aware of the immense impact that we as human beings are having on our planet. Unfortunately, it’s not difficult to spot old bottles, cans and plastic bags littering our favorite outdoor spaces. Most of us like to enjoy our summers outside, having picnics in the grass, playing sports with friends, or swimming at the beach – but not when surrounded by trash! Spending a couple of hours to collect discarded plastic and other rubbish at a local park or beach is a perfect way to help your community. Not only will you be making a public space more enjoyable for others, but you will also be improving the health of our planet, one plastic bottle at a time!</p>
<p><strong>You’d be a great fit if:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>You like to be active and spend time outdoors</li>
<li>You’re passionate about protecting the environment and reducing your carbon footprint</li>
<li>You like to see the impact you’re making in real-time</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>How to get involved:</strong> This is one of the easiest ways to volunteer your time. Not only does it require minimal planning, but it’s also something you can do at any time! Making a difference in your environment is as simple as When you have an hour to spare you can put on some old sneakers, grab a pair of gloves and a trash bag and head out to your local park or beach.</p>
<p>Put on a good podcast or some music, or bring a few friends to help you cover more ground while you’re cleaning. While it’s easy to do this on your own, you can also make this activity more social. Check with your community center to see if there’s a dedicated <a href="https://trashhero.org/our-network/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">litter removal group</a> in your town and work with a team on scheduled clean-up days.</p>

It's important to find ways to give back to your community. If you’re back home for the summer, here are some ideas of ways to volunteer in your town.

4 realistic ways you can volunteer this summer - EF Academy Blog

4 realistic ways you can volunteer this summer ‹ EF Academy Blog

4 realistic ways you can volunteer this summer

Realistic ways to volunteer

<h5 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">“Will I fit in?”</span></h5>
<p>This is one of the most common questions the faculty and staff at a boarding school hear. Studying and living abroad is a big step for most students and one that’s best experienced when you feel you’re among friends. While it’s perfectly normal to be curious and even a little nervous about what it’s going to be like, we wanted to map out all the reasons you have nothing to worry about.</p>
<h3>Dedicated counselors and staff</h3>
<p>Some days can feel a little more challenging than others. This can be especially true when you find yourself living far from home and family. Having someone there to support your emotional well-being and guide you along is especially important. That’s where the support of house parents and guidance counselors come in. You’ll have someone there to go to if you ever feel unsure, need advice, or find yourself stressed out about exam season.</p>
<h3>Small class sizes</h3>
<p>If you’ve ever found yourself feeling like just another student in a class of 30 peers, you’ll be delighted by the smaller community surrounding you at boarding school. Boarding schools tend to have <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/10-benefits-small-class-sizes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">smaller class sizes</a> than the average classroom in a public school. This brings more opportunities to get to know your classmates and for them to get to know you. This sets the stage to engage in deep conversation and have meaningful interactions with your peers and teachers. Before long, you’ll be able to establish relationships and build lasting friendships.</p>
<h3>Diverse voices</h3>
<p>Along with the smaller class sizes, you’ll benefit from working and living among those who have <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/the-value-of-differing-perspectives-in-the-classroom/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">different perspectives</a> than you might have grown up around. This means more opportunity for opinions to be shared. Students can connect with teachers and peers about things that truly matter to them – and in doing so, find friends to build lasting connections with.</p>
<h3>A variety of activities</h3>
<p>Studying at an international boarding school can give you access to extra-curricular activities that you might not have in your home country. This gives you the chance to be around students who have similar interests to you. This is especially nice for those who might have lived in an area where this skill or activity wasn’t popular.</p>
<p>Imagine being in the US where you can <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/athletics-vital-part-high-school-experience/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">play on a basketball team</a> or having the chance to paint or practice photography with a school club. At EF Academy, you can even make your own clubs and teams to suit your focus. This means that if the school doesn’t already offer the space you’re looking for, you can create it yourself with likeminded friends and peers. It’s the perfect way to make friends from all over the world with shared interests.</p>
<h3>Your uniqueness is celebrated</h3>
<p>Being at an international boarding school can be especially valuable for those who’ve not always felt like they fit in. Everyone comes from somewhere that seems unique to their peers. This promotes an environment where students are curious, not critical. You’re all able to celebrate your diverse interests, heritage, and home country while learning more about everyone else’s. So while you’ll be able to stand out for what makes you unique, you’ll always fit in.</p>

One of the first things students ask when joining a new school is whether or not they'll fit in, especially abroad at a boarding school.

Will I fit in at an international boarding school? - EF Academy Blog

Will I fit in at an international boarding school? ‹ EF Academy Blog

Will I fit in at an international boarding school?

Will i fit in at an international boarding school

<p>The <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/a-level/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">A-Levels</a> are considered the top qualification among British universities. Secondary school students in this program are able to specialize in their subjects and often go on to great academic achievement in university. At EF Academy, we’ve watched our A-Level students grow confident in their subjects and in themselves. It’s through this assurance that our students have had such impressive results.</p>
<p>At Torbay, we are very proud to announce a 96% pass rate for students, with more than 50% of our students receiving top grades, the second-highest grades in the school’s history. At Oxford, there was an 84% pass rate, with 36% of our students receiving top grades. These high grades have put students in line to attend some of the very best universities in the world.</p>
<p>Students this year have places for Chemical Engineering at the University of Surrey, English Language at Swansea University, Urban Planning in Newcastle University, and Business at Hult International Business School.</p>
<h3>Top A-Level scores:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Taiwan, A* A* A* A* applying for the University of Oxford or MIT</li>
<li>Thailand, A* A* A (plus an A* in EPQ), King’s College London</li>
<li>Indonesia, A*A A, gap year</li>
<li>Algeria, A A B (plus A in EPQ), University of Birmingham</li>
<li>Italy, A*A A C, University of Bath</li>
<li>Germany, A B B, University of Sheffield</li>
<li>Taiwan, A B B, Lancaster University</li>
<li>China, A B C, University of Durham</li>
<li>Indonesia, B B B (plus A in EPQ), University of Southampton</li>
<li>Serbia, B B B, Queen Mary University of London<strong><strong><br>
</strong></strong></li>
</ul>
<p>While this list only reflects a small glimpse of each student’s achievements, we are proud of every one of our students. All of the students have had the opportunity to explore their potential and achieve great personal success throughout the course of the program and the class of 2019 will go on to achieve great things.</p>
<p><center><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pvGE3SdIkkM" width="560"></iframe></center></p>
<hr>
<p>At <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/">EF Academy International Boarding Schools</a>, we offer our students the guidance and direction they need to pursue their passions. With the <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/a-level/">A-Level program</a>, students are able to specialize in their chosen subjects while gaining in-depth knowledge. With university guidance every step of the way, students are in good hands to gain real-world experience, earn an enriching education and feel confident in their future studies and career.</p>

Congratulations to our 2019 A-Level students at EF Academy. Here are the results from our UK campuses in Torbay and Oxford.

Congratulations to our 2019 A-Level students – Results from Oxford and Torbay! - EF Academy Blog

Congratulations to our 2019 A-Level students – Results from Oxford and Torbay! ‹ EF Academy Blog

Congratulations to our 2019 A-Level students – Results from Oxford and Torbay!

Congratulations 2019 level students results oxford torbay

<h1><strong>Academic merit scholarships in the US</strong></h1>
<p>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.</p>
<p>In this three-part blog post series, we’ll break down academic merit scholarships and athletic scholarships in the US and UK.</p>
<h3>What are merit scholarships like in the US?</h3>
<p>In the US, academic merit scholarships are offered to students who have a high GPA, strong academic record, and impressive exam scores. Ivy League schools like Princeton, Brown, and Harvard don’t offer any type of merit scholarships so universities and colleges that are not Ivy League schools offer scholarships to qualified students as a reward and an incentive. Sometimes a school will offer a student a scholarship early in the application process so that they begin thinking about the school and consider it more seriously.</p>
<p>The average academic scholarship offer is about $20,000 per year, which can reduce the total tuition by a third. Merit scholarships come directly from the school’s funds, unlike need-based aid which is only for US citizens and comes from the American government. Because of this difference, universities and colleges can offer merit scholarships to international students, although good grades and test scores are the first criteria that will be considered whether the student is from out of the country or not. This is why a student must focus on their academics throughout their high school career.</p>
<h3>What are colleges looking for?</h3>
<p>A major advantage for consideration for a merit scholarship is full engagement in the <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/academy/programs/ibdp/">IB curriculum</a>. Colleges worldwide recognize the rigor of the IB program and value students who come from a challenging curriculum that prepares them so well for college.</p>
<p>For example, a college will notice a student who challenges themselves in four HL courses versus three, or a student who predicts quite high in their overall IB predictions. Additionally, experience with the Extended Essay demonstrates to schools a student’s ability to do genuine research on a specific topic, a talent greatly respected by universities.</p>
<p>Writing an excellent application essay is also a key factor. Some schools consider the application essay to be an example of an applicant’s verbal skills and potential. If a school is considering a student for a scholarship, they might ask them to write an additional supplement about why the student wants to attend that particular university or why they feel they are deserving of the scholarship. Some universities will offer scholarships to students who have engaged in leadership or community service, but even in these cases, a student’s academic record and SAT/ACT score will be the deciding factors.</p>
<h3>Is there a difference between offers from public and private universities?</h3>
<p>There is a distinct difference between the merit scholarship offered by a public or a private university. It is more likely that an academic merit scholarship will come from a private school because the funding for public schools comes from the state’s government. This means that their first responsibility is to spend money on local students as opposed to international or out-of-state students.</p>
<p>Private universities have more expensive tuition than public ones. But oftentimes the annual $60,000+ price tag will come down by $20,000 or more. This makes it more in line with the tuition for a public university, making it a more attractive choice.</p>
<h3>What’s the best program for scholarships?</h3>
<p>The best program, in any case, is the one you feel suits you and your goals the best. And it’s pretty clear that’s not always the most competitive or popular program. Being accepted to a university and receiving an academic merit scholarship can be done by choosing a specific program that’s less selective while still being of interest. If there’s a program or major that a school would like to build up or fill, there could be an incentive for the admissions officers to look more closely at a student who shows a really strong interest in that particular area and offer them a scholarship.</p>
<p>There are so many career-oriented students so there is no shortage of kids applying to business, law, and engineering programs. However, choosing a particular major where the program is less selective – nutrition, English, history, or philosophy, for example – it can maximize a student’s chances of getting into their favorite school and studying something they’re really passionate about.</p>
<h3>Final thoughts</h3>
<p>What is important for students and their families to know is that these academic scholarships are based on merit and on the idea that a candidate has done something meritorious to receive the scholarship. If you want a leg up, take advantage of the summer break between school years by doing community service or completing an internship before Grades 11 and 12. Participating in these sorts of activities make a student more attractive to colleges, compared to students who don’t do much during the summer.</p>
<p>An outstanding GPA and high test scores combined with experiences that demonstrate your leadership skills and strengths outside of the classroom will distinguish you as a scholarship candidate, but also as a student. Study hard and work closely with your academic counselors to identify these scholarships. Your commitment will definitely be rewarded.</p>
<hr>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">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.</p>

In the U.S., academic merit scholarships are offered to students who have a high GPA, strong academic record and impressive exam scores.

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

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

University scholarships: What, why and how? – part one

University merit scholarships us

<p>Taegyeong Kim comes from South Korea and currently studies in the IB program at EF Academy New York. He did a summer internship with EF Hong Kong where he had the opportunity to learn about finance and business management. Taegyeong plans to work in finance and study it in university. He spoke with us in June and explained why his internship provided him with such a valuable opportunity for his future studies and career.</p>
<h3>Q. Tell us about your internship</h3>
<p>I had many great experiences during my Hong Kong internship. First, I met many new people and they’ve helped me a lot, especially if I don’t understand something. Second, I learned many things about the financial aspects of a business, such as payback terms, invoices, etc. And finally, with the 9 am to 6:30 pm work schedule, I was able to experience the pain of office life that I didn’t know before as a student.</p>
<h3>Q. What did you hope to gain from this experience?</h3>
<p>I wanted to have many different experiences. This is because I also will work for a company when I grow up and I wanted to see what it’s like to be an employee and work in an office. I wanted to learn what they do and what the day looks like. I also hoped that these experiences would bring me to make decisions about my future career.</p>
<h3>Q. What’s been your favorite project?</h3>
<p>My favorite project in the internship was working with the EF Korea office. They gave me an assignment that checks the invoice and figures out if it’s right or not. I was very proud of myself to gain experience in what different employees do.</p>
<h3>Q. What do you think you’re learning here?</h3>
<p>Basically, I’ve been learning about the finances of a company and how employees deal with payments. I was interested in that work. I also realized that the finance is one of the most important things for company operations. Besides that, I have been learning about socializing at work. I improved my social skills and English skills by working with the different employees.</p>
<h3>Q. How has the internship connected with what you study at EF Academy?</h3>
<p>This internship experience will connect to my IB business HL class at EF Academy since I learned about finance and work life. For example, I will learn about accounting and finance in next year’s business class, and now I knew some of the parts, so it will be beneficial to understand in the business class next year.</p>
<h3>Q. How can you apply what you’ve learned to your future career?</h3>
<p>I hope this internship will have a good influence on my future career. I want to work in the financial field after I graduate from university. I’ve made many experiences in that field and I was able to figure out my shortcomings. I think the internship has helped me to improve all of my weaknesses very well.</p>

Taegyeong Kim from South Korea studies in the IB program at EF Academy New York. He did a summer internship with EF Hong Kong to learn about finance.

Summer stories: Taegyeong Kim’s internship - EF Academy Blog

Summer stories: Taegyeong Kim’s internship ‹ EF Academy Blog

Summer stories: Taegyeong Kim’s internship

Summer stories taegyeong kims internship

<p>All aboard the Mystic Whaler! The Hudson River is a large river just a few miles from EF Academy’s campus. However as some members of the IB Geography class recently found out, while beautiful and majestic, the Hudson River also faces many challenges from pollution. The wildlife in the river is considered unhealthy for pregnant women and babies to eat due to the high levels of pollution.</p>
<p>After boarding the “Mystic Whaler” schooner, students had the opportunity to learn about ship navigation and even raised the sails of the schooner with the crew. But the trip with Hudson River Sloop Clearwater was not simply about enjoying a beautiful Saturday morning on the river.</p>
<p>The Hudson River is home to many types of marine life. The group visited several sites along the river and collected water samples for the IB Geography Internal Assessment. IBY1 student Sarra Mechri noted, “All of us took data from the two different types of water. These water samples will be the base for our IA project in IB Geography class.” The trip began with a visit to a historical site along the river, where they learned about the discovery of the Hudson River and its role in the development of civilization in the river valley.</p>
<p>The group then continued along the river for a Watershed Ecology Simulation to learn about the effects of factory emission, domestic water discharge, oil spills, and fertilizer pollution from farms. They learned the effects on vegetation in water ecology can be devastating.</p>
<p>According to one of the trip attendees, IBY1 student Zichuan (Oliver) Wang, “The Hudson River trip was an invaluable once-in-a-lifetime experience that raised our awareness of the importance of river conservation and gave rise to our love of the river we live so close to.” Ms. Mechri commented, “My favorite part about the trip was that I could sail for the very first time of my life.”</p>
<p>The Hudson River Sloop Clearwater environmental education initiatives introduce thousands of school-age children and young adults to the Hudson River and its watershed each year through innovative, hands-on learning programs that provide a continuum of experiences from elementary school right through college. Over the last nearly 50 years, the concerts, sloop education programs and environmental advocacy programs have inspired, educated and activated millions of people.</p>

All aboard the Mystic Whaler! The Hudson River is a large river just a few miles from EF Academy’s campus.

All aboard! IB Geography sails the Hudson - EF Academy Blog

All aboard! IB Geography sails the Hudson ‹ EF Academy Blog

All aboard! IB Geography sails the Hudson

Aboard ib geography sails hudson

<p>In November, all of EF Academy Oxford’s economics students went to attend lectures at the University of Warwick.</p>
<p>The talks were targeted at university students who were better informed and had a deeper understanding of economics, so I wasn’t sure how much I could understand in the lectures that day but I was looking forward to the opportunity.</p>
<p>To my surprise, I found myself understanding quite a bit of what was shared. We were in contact with different aspects of economics that we’d previously studied in our syllabus.</p>
<p>What I found interesting was how they analyzed and applied all that we had learned in economics to real-life examples such as the impact of Uber at a micro and macroeconomic level. We learned how asymmetric information has an impact on second-hand cars, those in a good condition and sold at a reasonable price and those sold for more than they’re worth because of a lack of information.</p>
<p>What I personally found most interesting was David Birch’s talk about open banking. A problem that the UK is currently facing is that the UK is in the process of adapting something called “open banking”. This is the introduction of new API’s, which are programs that allow the intervention of third parties during the transactions using credit to facilitate the trading for households. During the talk, he described the possible impact this could have on the economy from a possible increase in monopolistic and oligopoly power in the technology industry to asymmetric information trade between the government and private firms.</p>
<p>The talk wasn’t purely focused on the well-being and different functions of the economy. It also talked about the psychological aspect of consumer behavior, and how innate comparison function within human brain effects consumer’s decision making.</p>
<p>Without comparison, we cannot actually understand the meaning of 24 kg or 30cm, and it also applies to how we make decisions in our daily life. When we walk into Starbucks, a£3 tea doesn’t seem to be too expensive. However, if we go to the supermarket we can buy exactly the same tea bag for 5p or even less.</p>
<p>Then why people still willing to go to Starbucks and paying for all of this expensive tea and coffee? As what I have mentioned before, our brain likes to compare things. In Starbucks, every drink is around £2 to £4 and therefore it’s a rationale for your brain to think £3 is actually not too expensive.</p>
<p>However, if I open a small coffee shop beside Starbucks and charge £1 for each coffee, then some of the consumers would start to think Starbucks is too expensive for a coffee, and this is because I offer customers another source of information that allows their brain to compare the price between £1 and £3. To summarize, I think this event was surprisingly useful and interesting. In the beginning, I thought the discussions would be too far away from where my understanding is right now. However, I found plenty of very useful examples.</p>
<p>The Uber market was a perfect example of how the knowledge in our economics syllabus can actually be applied within the real world, the idea of open banking was a great illustration of how important it is to adapt to change in the future, and the concept of comparison helped us understand fundamental human behavior in terms of decision making. Overall, this was a great experience and I am glad I had such a wonderful opportunity to hear these talks.</p>
<p><center><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SPzjL5vHhnM" width="560"></iframe></center></p>

EF Academy Oxford's students went to attend lectures at the University of Warwick where they used examples like Uber and Starbucks to explore economics.

Economics in Action at the University of Warwick - EF Academy Blog

Economics in Action at the University of Warwick ‹ EF Academy Blog

Economics in Action at the University of Warwick

Economics in action

<p>Last week, five former EF Academy Torbay students visited their high school for a question-and-answer session with IB and A-Level students in years one and two.</p>
<p>The panel included Gilbert Leon from Indonesia (Class of ‘16), now studying Business at the University of Exeter; Luz Rodriguez Abril from Spain (Class of ‘13), now studying International Management and Business at Toulouse Business School; Anthony Wijaya from Indonesia (Class of ‘15), who attends Cardiff University and studies Medicine; Pol Porta Perera from Spain (Class of ‘16), studying Digital Games at Falmouth University; and Rena Yap from Canada and Hong Kong (Class of ‘13), who has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Studies from Cass Business School and a Master’s Degree in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from Imperial College Business School.</p>
<p>In addition to thanking the university advisor and guidance counselors for helping them achieve their academic goals, they also gave their own advice and shared their personal experiences with the students.</p>
<p>Luz told the students that she had first attended a university that had large lectures and big classes, so she wasn’t able to build relationships with the students and teachers like she could at EF Academy. After a year, she transferred to an international school where there were more nationalities and smaller classes where she could get to know her teachers better. She told students it was important for them to know that if they are unhappy with their situation at university, they should make a change. She said that she wasn’t happy at her first university, so she decided to switch schools and she’s glad that she made that decision.</p>
<p>Anthony’s advice was that students should realize that everyone has 24 hours, and it is up to each individual to decide how to use this time. At the end of the day, he said, you are the one that has to make decisions and use your time wisely.</p>
<p>The alumni also reflected on their time in high school and how their experience helped them get to where they are now.</p>
<p>“EF Academy provided me with a good foundation of global perspectives and an understanding of different cultures because of the diversity of students at the school. I also developed well-rounded academic skills,” Rena said.</p>
<p>Luz said, “I could not communicate in English at all at the beginning, but EF Academy helped me improve. I grew up and I am the person I am today because of what I learned here.”</p>
<p>After the Q&A session, the alumni imparted their wisdom in a more detailed meeting with Year 1 students. They discussed what plans and goals they needed to tackle in order to get to where they want to go.</p>
<p>“The alumni have been in the same position as current students and we know how stressful and confusing the university application process can be. I feel that as an alum, I am able to assure them and give them answers through my own experience,” Rena said. “Furthermore, I hope to give current students a sense of clarity with regards to university life and career options.”</p>
<p>Following these discussions, Gilbert, Luz, Anthony, Pol, and Rena enjoyed dinner at Las Iguanas, a popular place among students, in Torquay and then headed home.</p>
<p>“What I miss most are the friends I made while I was studying at EF Academy. Even though we are all still in contact, it is not the same as seeing them every day and going for lunch,” Pol said.</p>
<p>The Q&A session wasn’t just for current students to receive advice from students who were in their shoes not too long ago, it was also an opportunity for alumni to see their former classmates again, relive their experiences together, see what they are up to today, and rekindle friendships that were made years ago.</p>

Five former EF Academy Torbay students visited their high school for a question-and-answer session with IB and A-Level students in years one and two.

Topics

Ef Academy

All posts from Ef Academy