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Stories from our international boarding schools

Nameeda Elmi ‹ EF Academy Blog

<p><a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy</a> New York’s science teacher, Dr. Jesse Turiel, is very popular among his students who adore his easy personality, teaching style and the various pets around his classroom – from an aquarium of goldfish to a snake tank. So, let’s dive right into what makes this teacher stand out, and while we are at it, get to know his story a little bit better!</p>
<h3>Tell us a little bit about yourself</h3>
<p>Going back to the beginning, I was born in New Hampshire and lived pretty much my whole life in the northeastern United States. I grew up there until I decided to do my undergraduate at Syracuse, New York. I worked for a year and then moved to Boston where I studied for my Ph.D. at Boston University. After which, I went to Harvard for two years as a postdoctoral researcher and packed up to come here to <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/new-york/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy New York</a>.</p>
<h3>What did you study in the many prestigious schools that you have attended?</h3>
<p>Well, I have studied a lot of things. At Syracuse, I majored in Biology and Geography with a specialization in Environmental Geography. At Boston University, I got a Ph.D. in Environmental Policy where I specifically focused on the environmental and energy policies of China. In my postdoctoral studies at Harvard, I continued my research on environmental policy in China.</p>
<h3>Why did you want to study biology and environmental science?</h3>
<p>I have always loved learning about a lot of different things and growing up my two biggest passions have been science and politics. I started off at Syracuse studying politics, but at a certain point, I felt a little bit discouraged watching the elections or watching politicians arguing back and forth. Then I decided that maybe I should do science first, and once I understood that part I can go back into policy and politics. During this time, I loved learning about the human body, animals, ecology, and going outside to get my hands on plants, dirt, and all those things.</p>
<h3>What got you interested in teaching?</h3>
<p>The very first class I taught was an International Economics class as a teaching assistant at Boston University. I remember getting up in front of the class, terrified to have everyone looking at me and waiting for me to speak. But, after a couple of months, I felt like I was starting to get a hang of it and this became something I just loved. For me, taking an idea and trying to figure out how to explain it in a way that people can understand was something that has always been a passion of mine and something that I really enjoy from the very beginning.</p>
<h3>What’s your favorite part about teaching? Or anything you dislike?</h3>
<p>The best part of teaching, by far, is when I explain a difficult concept and there is some confusion at first, and I try to explain it in a certain way but it doesn’t click. So, I have to be creative like solving a puzzle, and think of another way to explain it, maybe by using an analogy or something students are more familiar with. Then eventually, if I am lucky, I get a little spark of understanding all of a sudden from behind the eyes of that student. It’s super exciting and I love it; it goes from one moment of no understanding to the next – they get it!</p>
<p>However, honestly, I just don’t have enough time to work one-on-one with every student like I would like to. I think if I had the time to sit down with everyone for an hour a day, I am pretty confident that I can get almost anyone to understand everything completely. However, that is not possible in a teaching situation, so sometimes I just get frustrated that there are not enough hours in a day.</p>
<h3>What do you love about your students?</h3>
<p>I enjoy it when my students ask me questions and not necessarily always about the material. For example, in my environmental science class a couple of weeks ago, during free study time, a couple of my students started to ask me random science questions and their answers led to other questions. So, for forty to fifty minutes, I just sat there answering random questions about science, physics, and biology. That was great. I love to see the curiosity in my students beyond just the material, rather than when they try to understand how the world works.</p>
<h3>What inspires you to use the outside environment as your classroom?</h3>
<p>We live on <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/new-york/campus-life/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">campus</a> with 97 acres of beautiful woods, streams, and ponds. In a way, I would be crazy to not take my class outside! For my environmental science class, there is no way you can learn about the concepts without being outdoors some of the time. It’s one thing to learn about sampling, populations, and calculations of species biodiversity, but it’s another to go out to the field to feel it and see it.</p>
<h3>What’s one thing that is different about teaching EF Academy students than students at other schools?</h3>
<p>Here, we have students from over 75 different countries all in one place. So, it’s really refreshing because, in everything we talk about, there is always somebody from that area of the world that can offer their unique perspective. So, if I talk about inequality in Cambodia or Bangladesh or policies in China there is always someone in class who can chime in and contribute. It adds more perspective when we talk about global issues.</p>
<h3>Is there anything you love about teaching at EF Academy specifically?</h3>
<p>Other than the student body which is very diverse and high-achieving, I do love the freedom EF Academy gives with its curriculum. Obviously, for the <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/ib-diploma-top-5-reasons/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IB curriculum</a>, I have to stick to a specific track and for my ninth and tenth-grade biology class we have some foundational skills and ideas that we want the students to learn. Aside from that, I can choose my own course to guide the students through which is really fun and not something offered in public or any other school.</p>
<h3>Finally, how much time do you spend on your PowerPoint presentations?</h3>
<p>I make all my PowerPoints from scratch and spend over twelve to fifteen hours a week just making them!</p>
<h3>Is there anything else you would like to add?</h3>
<p>I just want to emphasize that I not only admire the academic commitment of my students but also the initiative and curiosity of so many of them, and how they go beyond academics and get involved in global and community issues.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>There you go! A little insight into one of EF Academy’s best science teachers who goes above and beyond for his students, from giving endless time and effort to making over ninety detailed slide presentations for class. Dr. Turriel – we are very lucky to have you here with us!</p>

EF Academy's Dr. Jesse Turiel has become a huge hit among his students who adore his easy personality, teaching style and the pets around his classroom.

Interview with EF Academy New York teacher Dr. Jesse Turiel - EF Academy Blog

Interview with EF Academy New York teacher Dr. Jesse Turiel ‹ EF Academy Blog

Interview with EF Academy New York teacher Dr. Jesse Turiel

Interview with ef academy teacher dr jesse turiel

<p>I arrived at <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy</a> with a heavy, zebra-striped suitcase, zero expectations about what may lay ahead and a determination to make the most of every experience. I didn’t know what the future held, but I had already decided that I wanted to take advantage of every opportunity that came my way. Little did I know, the experiences I would have during my time at the school would go beyond everything I could have imagined. Consequently, I experienced life the best way I knew how— continuously surprised by the unexpected.</p>
<h3><strong>Diversity of cultures and backgrounds</strong></h3>
<p>Coming from a small country, I was not used to being around individuals from so many different countries and backgrounds. Yet, here I was debating knowledge questions with my Romanian classmate, trying different pasta recipes with my Italian friend, wearing face masks with my Spanish roommate and learning something new about the cultures, customs, and traditions of all those around me. Inside the perimeter of <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy</a>, I was friends with people from Poland, Brazil, Spain, Belgium, Japan, and many more countries— quite literally the whole world.</p>
<p>Every day presented something new: flamenco for Spanish Heritage Month, celebrations for Lunar New Year, and a culture fair showcasing the best bits of all the countries. Yet, during world cup season, it’s like the hunger games around here with every student cheering for their favorite players, crying over missed penalties and screaming their lungs out watching their teams win. That’s just a small taste of the sheer diversity of the different nationalities and backgrounds of the people here!</p>
<p><img alt="EF Academy culture" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19691" height="219" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Picture2.jpg" width="291"></p>
<p><img alt="EF Academy boarding school students" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19692" height="338" sizes="(max-width: 253px) 100vw, 253px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Picture3.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Picture3.jpg 253w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Picture3-225x300.jpg 225w" width="253"></p>
<h3><strong>Interdisciplinary IB curriculum</strong></h3>
<p>Let’s start with a hot take and with words I never expected to say— school can be fun. I know, I am equally shocked too. Somehow, going to economics class and analyzing protectionist policies around the world or literature class or mulling over Slaughterhouse–Five in <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/power-of-the-harkness-method/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Harkness discussions</a> was actually intriguing and dare I say even exciting. I was learning more than I ever had, faster than I ever could. Of course, the interdisciplinary approach of the curriculum did help to not only see connections between different subjects but too also understand the world in a new way.</p>
<p><img alt="EF Academy boarding school students" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19693" height="179" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Picture4.jpg" width="222"></p>
<p><img alt="EF Academy boarding school art" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19694" height="568" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Picture5.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Picture5.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Picture5-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Picture5-300x300.jpg 300w" width="568"></p>
<h3><strong>Field trips and outside learning</strong></h3>
<p>I found myself going on field trips on a rather frequent basis– combining theory and real-world knowledge, and also learning about new things in a fun, creative way. In Environmental Science and Societies class, I went to sustainable farms and watched how fresh, organic food was grown and in English Literature class, I was at the Gatsby Mansion walking the same steps Fitzgerald took years before. Unsurprisingly, I learned so much on these trips and made quite a few invaluable memories with my classmates.</p>
<p><img alt="EF Academy field trip" class="aligncenter wp-image-19695 size-full" height="245" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Picture6.jpg" width="184"></p>
<p><img alt="Field trip" class="aligncenter wp-image-19696 size-full" height="329" sizes="(max-width: 246px) 100vw, 246px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Picture7.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Picture7.jpg 246w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Picture7-224x300.jpg 224w" width="246"></p>
<h3><strong>Extra-curricular activities and involvement in school life</strong></h3>
<p>The sheer number of clubs, organizations, and opportunities available for us to get involved in was actually shocking. It did not take me long to join clubs that I was passionate about and even take leadership roles in them. I became part of the environmental club and hosted campus cleanups and organized fundraisers for local animal shelters, ocean cleanups and more. I also joined the <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/model-un-in-high-school/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Model United Nations</a> club and attended conferences where I learned about international politics and diplomacy. Additionally, I participated in TedX and developed my public speaking skills and ultimately, gave a talk about<a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/the-reality-of-privilege-tedx-ef-academy-new-york/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> “The Reality of Privilege”</a> in front of the entire school. Yet, what took me most off guard was how passionate and dedicated my classmates were about different issues ranging from climate change to period poverty and how much they wanted to make a difference in the world.</p>
<p>Overall, my experience at an international boarding high school has been an unforgettable one. I have met friends from all over the world, grown as a person, and had unique experiences that have shaped the way I see the world. Is that not just the point of an education? And as my graduation date approaches, I look back not only at the highlights of the last couple of years but the small moments when my friends and I bonded over the silly, mundane things— those memories are the ones I know I will carry with me as I bid farewell.</p>
<p><img alt="Students at EF Academy international boarding school" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19697" height="328" sizes="(max-width: 224px) 100vw, 224px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Picture9.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Picture9.jpg 224w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Picture9-205x300.jpg 205w" width="224"></p>
<p><img alt="Students at EF Academy international boarding school in New York" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19698" height="334" sizes="(max-width: 319px) 100vw, 319px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Picture8.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Picture8.jpg 319w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Picture8-287x300.jpg 287w" width="319"></p>

Hear from Nameeda, one of our Ambassador students at EF Academy in New York, about what has surprised her during her time at boarding school.

What surprised me most about going to boarding school - EF Academy Blog

What surprised me most about going to boarding school ‹ EF Academy Blog

What surprised me most about going to boarding school

What surprised me about going to boarding school

<h3>The Reality of Privilege</h3>
<p>Let me begin with a simple question: ‘What is your favorite clothing brand?’</p>
<p>For me, I love to shop at mainstream stores like Forever 21, H&M, or Zara, it’s okay quality, affordable and pretty. But some time ago, on one of my trips to H&M, while I was going through their racks, I noticed one common trend ‘Made in Bangladesh’ written over and over again on the tags at the backs of t-shirts, dresses, skirts of different styles, colors and designs.</p>
<p>Now, many of you probably have never noticed these tags or ever heard of Bangladesh, or even know where it is. This is quite common actually. But, then where is Bangladesh? I’ll give a small hint, Bangladesh is not India.</p>
<p>This country, Bangladesh, located at the edge of Asia and independent only 50 years ago, has been growing fast, yet, it is still struggling significantly and not because of the misconceptions that Bangladesh has less literate or qualified people but because of inequality. The inequality all of us here knowingly or unknowingly contribute to, including me, when we decide to support those stores I mentioned earlier, yes, H&M, Zara but also Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and many many more.</p>
<p>For people in my country, this means multi-million dollar corporations paying the average factory worker around $100 per month in conditions far worse than we can imagine in factories that destroy the environment, all in the name of keeping profits high and making the rich richer.</p>
<p>Our favorite brands are the ones who are failing us, and the perfect example of their unethical practices would be the Rana Plaza tragedy which took place on the 24th of April, 2013 when a garment factory collapsed crushing, suffocating, killing 1134 individuals and permanently injuring hundreds more. This tragedy is not unique and is bound to repeat, yet, many people who shop at Zara or H&M and similar brands don’t even know about this incident or others like it. This is ignorance and this is privilege.</p>
<p>This leads to my next question: “how many of us are aware that two realities exist?”. That a world outside of our own breathes and lives and functions as imperfectly as ours, and that they both rotate around the sun.</p>
<p>I was always aware of the two distinct realities; one clean and the other dirty. The first with steady roads painted black and traffic lights blinking red, green, and yellow. Cars lined neatly in rows, yellow signs for directions and zebra crossings for pedestrians, so much organization and a place for everything. This is the developed world.</p>
<p>But the world I come from is messy. Cobblestoned streets sweating from humidity with lines of cars, buses, rickshaws, motorcycles creating never-ending traffic. Piles of plastic, garbage, and litter on the side, and threads of wires hanging above. Here, people are overflowing, on the nonexistent sidewalks, in the buses, in the middle of the road everywhere. People selling handmade junk for 20 cents, people begging for money, people trying to survive.</p>
<p>In this world, nothing is easy, not going to work or school or buying food. Their days are shorter with less time for everything, while something as small as roads barely makes a dent in ours. This is convenience and this is privilege.</p>
<p>We view the world with rose-tinted glasses but the reality is that privilege exists in nooks and crannies everywhere. It’s unfair because of the inequality it represents, where some win because of their race, gender, sexual orientation, physical appearance, and more, while others lose. It’s not going to go away but it’s our responsibility to understand the differences, judge them fairly and work towards giving all people the same opportunities.</p>
<p>I spent hours on those roads and my people still spend years in poverty. There was never a moment I was not aware of my privilege.</p>
<p>How could I be?</p>
<p>When I had the luxury to sit in air-conditioned cars, while people tapped on my windows chanting for taka- money. The harsh reality, always, right outside. I could never ignore this world but I was also part of the lucky few who saw a world different from this, a world without so many people living on the streets. It was almost like I was living two lives, one in Bangladesh and the other with those who once colonized us.</p>
<p>Gradually I felt guilt for having this life. A life, only 10% of a population of 165 million people can have, a life I did not work for, a life given to me, a life I did not deserve. Yet, it was when I finally stepped out of the bubble of privilege that I was born into that I understood why my parents and grandparents distributed food at orphanages and hospitals every time we had something to celebrate or donated blankets in winter and clothes in aid or helped them in their every sickness and joy. I am slowly learning from them and to be like them, thus, I started by working with small charities that distribute necessities, tackle taboos, and alleviate poverty. I only just started this journey and there’s a long way for me to go but I am so glad that I have finally begun.</p>
<p>Now, here is the twist: I’m NOT saying, don’t shop at Zara or Forever 21 or any of the others because, at the end of the day, these people making $100 a month have families to feed and bills to pay, so that $100 is… something. But it’s not enough.</p>
<p>Not nearly enough to escape the cycle of poverty or stop struggling for the rest of their lives.</p>
<p>So I am asking you to take action, to use your voice, your power to tell these companies that you want their workers to be paid fairly and to give them what they deserve. Today, let’s come together and help those who need our help the most. And we can do this by creating awareness, signing petitions, and donating to organizations like the Awaj Foundation which fights for workers’ rights and bridges the gap of inequality.</p>
<p>Today, let’s make a promise to build a community inclusive of everyone, a society built on fairness rather than privilege, and a world different from the one of yesterday.</p>
<p> </p>
<hr>
<p>Find more TEDx <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy</a> stories <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/topic/student-stories/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>

Privilege exists in nooks and crannies everywhere. Let's build a community inclusive of everyone, a society built on fairness rather than privilege.

The reality of privilege | TEDx EF Academy New York - EF Academy Blog

The reality of privilege | TEDx EF Academy New York ‹ EF Academy Blog

The reality of privilege | TEDx EF Academy New York

The reality of privilege tedx ef academy new york

<p>Dismantling myths, creating awareness and normalizing taboos is nothing new to <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/new-york/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy New York</a> students, who have carried out several projects throughout the year to support causes like the Ukraine crisis, worldwide fund for nature (WWF) and period poverty in Bangladesh. Here, members and clubs come together to dedicate their time and energy to come up with ways to highlight great ideas and spread the word in their communities. As such, the profile of a<a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/know-yourself-becoming-a-global-changemaker/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> global citizen</a> is a quality that students carry with them in everything they do inside and outside the classroom.</p>
<p>One of the best examples is the <a href="https://foundation21.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Foundation 21</a> and <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy</a> collaboration led by a team of three volunteers (<a href="https://www.efacademy.org/clp/global-changemakers/ef-academy-nameedas-story/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nameeda</a> from Bangladesh, <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/clp/global-changemakers/Vittoria/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vittoria</a> from Italy, and <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/student-and-drone-pilot-lucio-and-his-eye-in-the-sky/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lucio</a> from Italy) who come from different cultures and values to share a united goal. To give some context, Foundation 21 is a non-profit, youth-led charity that aims to improve menstrual hygiene, fight period poverty, and break taboos in Bangladesh. They have carried out many projects in rural and slum areas where period kits were donated that contained sanitary hygiene products. Additionally, they have collaborated with other organizations in Bangladesh to promote trans rights, mental health, etc. Thus, throughout the school year many fundraisers, information sessions, period awareness videos and posters have been carried out to contribute to F21’s vision of supporting communities in Bangladesh and spreading awareness about period poverty everywhere.</p>
<p>For the longest time, I have been involved with Foundation 21 in various roles ranging from content writer, graphic designer and now, project coordinator. Hence, when I moved to<a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> EF Academy</a>, I wanted to continue working with this organization and bring more people in who were also passionate about the same things as me, and to my pleasure I was able to find such bright individuals within the community. Together, with strong teamwork, we pulled off fundraisers that accumulated over $700 in total donations that went towards buying menstrual cups and menstrual discs, as well as models of uteri that will be used for educating girls about their anatomy. As mentioned, we also created a video that was shown in advisories and Theory of Knowledge classes to reach hundreds of students, but more excitingly, we also conducted <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy’s</a> first ever menstruation information session!</p>
<p>Our series of period positive sessions called “Break the Taboo” held in collaboration with <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy’s</a> nurses and other strong female figures around campus was a really fun project to complete. We educated over 400 students from around the world about periods – health facts, myths, stigmas, and periods beyond gender. So, of course, we discussed menstruation in detail and tackled some misinformation, but also shared our own personal experiences. There was also an anonymous question box set up in different locations which allowed people to put in their own questions or thoughts on period which facilitated more conversations during the sessions, which lasted about 45 minutes.</p>
<p>Menstruation, as a whole, needs to be normalized and discussed more thoroughly in schools everywhere, and for this reason, we started from our small community. We are excited to continue this relationship with Foundation 21 into next year and hope to be able to reach even more students, raise more funds and take our collective work to an even better level!</p>

Creating awareness and breaking the taboo is nothing new to EF Academy New York students, who work together to break the period taboo.

How EF Academy students break the period taboo - EF Academy Blog

How EF Academy students break the period taboo ‹ EF Academy Blog

How EF Academy students break the period taboo

How ef academy students break the period taboo

<p>It has never been more important than now, as a student anywhere in the world, to be part of an experience that can expand our global understanding, build leadership and critical thinking skills, and motivate us to explore something completely different. One such opportunity would be the Model United Nations club (otherwise called Model UN or MUN) at <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/new-york/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy New York</a> which opens doors to new ideas and encourages students from diverse backgrounds to understand complex issues faced by people around the world. </p>
<h3>Solving real-world problems</h3>
<p>Model UN provides a platform for students to play the role of delegates from different countries and attempt to solve real-world problems with the policies and perspectives of their assigned country. The objective is to come together to pass a universal resolution that addresses various concerns and find a unanimous solution for participating countries like North Korea, Nigeria, and more. </p>
<p>Outside of the conference itself, Model UN can help tackle the fear of public speaking, improve analytical and problem-solving skills, develop a collaborative spirit, and give a taste of diplomacy to students. Thus, not only does this experience create a culture of cooperation, but also is great for university applications in the future as it can highlight all your wonderful qualities. </p>
<h3>Go outside of your comfort zone</h3>
<p>Now, let’s dive deeper into how Model UN helped me, a student who wanted to develop the right skills and add onto her extracurriculars. Over the course of the last few months, and under the guidance of teachers and student mentors at EF Academy, I learned to tailor arguments, get creative with ideas, and push myself out of my comfort zone. This not only helped me with my writing skills, but also in presentations, group projects, and any other activity that required attention to detail. Finally, it also inspired me to get more involved in global issues and understand our differences; a chance I would never have had before EF Academy.</p>
<p>Of course, the magic of Model UN was not kept strictly to our club; we spread it around campus! As is <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/model-united-nations-wins-awards-princeton-fairfield-university-conferences/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">tradition</a>, EF Academy New York hosted their 2nd Annual Model UN conference on campus in November 2021 for all students. This great initiative opened the club to non-members and allowed everyone to participate in the conference for the very first time. At the same time, it was an amazing opportunity for me, since, after weeks of preparations and interviews, I was appointed as the chair of the ‘Economic and Financial Committee;’ a huge responsibility. As chairs, we were head of the committee which entailed meeting certain expectations like not only being knowledgeable about the issue itself but also ensuring that all proceedings went ahead smoothly, inside and outside the conference. So, with our team and wonderful Secretary-General, Hyejin (Jennifer), we conducted hours of research, organized the logistics, and planned every part of the event from logos to arranging the guest speaker, Bill Baroni, a past senator of New Jersey, USA. </p>
<h3>Get involved</h3>
<p>We do not plan to stop here. This year, we want to take Model UN to another level by participating in conferences in different schools and across the state. So, we are looking for new students with innovative ideas interested in current affairs, debate, and problem-solving to join us as we start a new chapter. We can’t wait for both new and existing EF Academy students to join us next. </p>
<p>Don’t forget: nothing comes easy, and if you get into the Model UN club at EF Academy New York, there will be much hard work spent on harnessing a variety of critical skills. While difficult, the process will be unforgettable with a lot of team bonding, shared experiences, and excitement at every step of the way. Always be ready for an incredible time at Model UN!<br>
 </p>
<p><em>By Nameeda, EF Academy New York </em></p>

Model UN provides a platform for students to play the role of delegates from different countries and attempt to solve real-world problems.

Why you should join Model UN in high school - EF Academy Blog

Why you should join Model UN in high school ‹ EF Academy Blog

Why you should join Model UN in high school

Model un in high school

<p>Exploring <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/5-ways-kick-off-high-school-new-york/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">New York City</a> is always thrilling, but let’s mix it up once in a while and open our horizons to what lies outside the concrete jungle of the Big Apple. Luckily, the city is surrounded by picturesque areas offering a more laid-back vibe — cozy coffee shops, relaxing river walks, and even historic (while sometimes creepy) cemeteries — making it easy to have fun. So, dive into this guide to learn more about a few underrated spots that might just be perfect for your next big adventure!</p>
<h3>Pleasantville</h3>
<p><img alt="New York city farmers market" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-19415" height="394" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Farmers-market.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Farmers-market.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Farmers-market-300x208.jpg 300w" width="568"></p>
<p>Pleasantville lies at the heart of Westchester and very close to <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/new-york/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Academy New York</a>. Its charming name and Gilmore Girls vibe is enough reason to want to tour more of this sweet village. From a cluster of cute bakeries and coffee shops, including the Lil Chocolate Shoppe — perfect for satisfying sugar cravings – to lovely boutiques and shops, this town is like a Hallmark movie set come to life. What’s more, every Saturday, it hosts the Pleasantville Farmers Market, a popular spot amongst locals with live music, family programs, and the best vendors offering organic jams, flaky pastries, fresh fruits, and more! As a cultural hub, the town celebrates many small artists, and thus, it’s an absolute must to visit the Jacob Burns Film Center, a successful non-profit art house, which showcases cinema anywhere from popular releases to independently produced films, foreign movies, and documentaries.</p>
<h3>Sleepy Hollow</h3>
<p>Let’s segue into the small town of Sleepy Hollow, a place renowned for Washington Irving’s famous horror tale that pays homage to the 17th century Old Dutch Church, the 1600s dated gravestones of Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, and the famous Headless Horseman statue; spots perfectly preserved in history and literature. In nice weather, a peaceful stroll through Kingsland Point Park, a short trip to the 1883 Lighthouse, and afterward, a picnic overseeing the sparkling waters of the Hudson River with a view of the Tappan Zee Bridge can create the most wonderful itinerary!</p>
<h3>Tarrytown</h3>
<p><img alt="New York City music hall" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-19416" height="426" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Tarrytown-music-hall.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Tarrytown-music-hall.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Tarrytown-music-hall-300x225.jpg 300w" width="568"></p>
<p>Full of character, the classic river town of Tarrytown is a popular destination thanks in part to the Historic Districts displaying 19th and 20th-century architecture and first-class entertainment that includes great shops, restaurants with diverse cuisines, and theaters – notably Tarrytown’s historic Music Hall. Coming soon, at the end of April, the Lyndhurst castle offers a fantastic festival and market experience, true to the small-town spirit, with unique fashion, jewelry, accessories, and beautiful trinkets from over 200 vendors! There’s also face painting, puppet theater, and pottery, along with many more fun activities that can make for a picture-perfect day.</p>
<h3>Bonus in the city: Bronx!</h3>
<p><img alt="New York City Yankee stadium" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-19417" height="426" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Yankee-.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Yankee-.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Yankee--300x225.jpg 300w" width="568"></p>
<p>Though officially a borough of New York City, the Bronx gets to bend the rules because of the many amazing activities it offers from the Botanical Gardens to the Bronx Zoo, (the real) Little Italy on Arthur Avenue and, the popular Yankee Stadium. This borough has so much personality that it can never get boring, but more importantly, it allows the chance to get a taste of the real New York!</p>
<h3>Takeaway</h3>
<p>We all love NYC and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, however, venturing outside of our comfort zones or avoiding the clichés can lead to unexpected and new experiences that may make you want to come back for more. As such, some of these great places bursting with history, culture, and literature could be the right ones to begin with. What are you waiting for? Let’s get to exploring!</p>

New York City is always thrilling, but let's mix it up once in a while and open our horizons to what lies outside the concrete jungle of the Big Apple.

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Nameeda Elmi

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