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Sara Burkhard ‹ EF Academy Blog - 2

<p>If you’re privileged enough to travel, you should always make the time to try all of the incredible food your destination has to offer. If you’re headed west to California, you’ll have just about every cuisine available to you but there are some must-haves that are distinctly Californian. Here are five of the best eats in the southernmost parts of the Golden State. These are places everybody can try, regardless of their budget or available time.</p>
<h3><b>In-N-Out Burger</b></h3>
<p>Everyone in California grows up eating <a href="https://www.in-n-out.com/">In-N-Out</a>. Whether you’re there for the burgers, the milkshakes, or something from the <a href="https://www.in-n-out.com/menu/not-so-secret-menu.aspx">secret menu</a>, this is a must!  Living abroad, this is my first dinner when I travel back home. Shoutout to my homies at the In-N-Out off of Sepulveda Blvd near LAX.</p>
<h3><b>CREAM</b></h3>
<p>Have you ever felt like you can’t decide between baked goods and ice cream? Now you’ll never have to again because this is a glorious place to enjoy them in a sugary, satisfying combination! Started in Berkely California in 2010, <a href="https://creamnation.com/">CREAM</a> is your go-to space for fresh baked cookies and rich, creamy ice cream. Perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth!</p>
<h3><b>Dog Haus</b></h3>
<p>America is known for its fun take on hot dogs, but <a href="https://doghaus.com/">Dog Haus</a> is in a league of its own! The one in Pasadena will change the way you want to eat a hot dog and from that point forward, you’ll crave their signature, sweet bread instead of a standard hot dog bun.</p>
<h3><b>Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles</b></h3>
<p>You’ve probably seen this unusual combination on a menu before and even if you haven’t, it’s something beloved by generations. But <a href="https://roscoeschickenandwaffles.com/">Roscoe’s</a> is the original! With its original spot in Hollywood, it’s branched out to several different California locations. This is a great way to get started in the world of soul food. Might sound a little strange at first but as the <i>Los Angeles Times</i> has famously said, these days it’s hailed as “such an L.A. institution that people don’t even question the strange combo anymore.” Go give it a try!</p>
<h3><b>by CHLOE</b></h3>
<p>Technically not a Cali original, but beloved by all! For those looking for something less meaty and a bit lighter, <a href="https://eatbychloe.com/">by CHLOE</a> might be your new favorite space. This is a great spot that can be every bit as healthy or indulgent as you’d like it to be. Perfect for lunch after a morning hike near Griffith Observatory, or a night out with friends, this is going to be a great space to visit for some tasty vegan or vegetarian cuisine.</p>

Traveling in Southern California is pure fun in the sun. But you can't stay here for any length of time without enjoying the food! Here are some top picks.

Top 5 eats in Southern California from a local - EF Academy Blog

Top 5 eats in Southern California from a local ‹ EF Academy Blog

Top 5 eats in Southern California from a local

Top 5 eats in southern california from a local

<p>A popular term we’ve heard a lot about in education recently is STEM. An acronym for science, technology, engineering, and math, an update in recent years highlighting the importance of art education as well. This “STEAM education” is becoming an increasingly important part of a modern curriculum. With the growing development of technology, we’re seeing more jobs emerge in the industry and with that, more students are preparing for careers as engineers, developers, or analysts.</p>
<p>While students with aspirations towards a career in tech obviously benefit from this academic focus, students from all areas of study benefit from STEAM education. An emphasis on these subjects helps to establish what are called the “<a href="https://www.aeseducation.com/career-readiness/what-are-the-4-cs-of-21st-century-skills" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Four Cs</a>” and make them a priority for students of all ages.</p>
<h3>Communication</h3>
<p>One of the most valuable aspects of STEAM education is how it encourages students to learn “<a href="https://www.stratfordschools.com/blog/how-stemsteam-curriculum-helps-reinforce-soft-skills" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">soft skills</a>“. These are skills that deal more with emotional intelligence and how a person is able to interact with other people. Chief among these skills is the ability to communicate clearly. Through STEAM education, students are encouraged to do several things in their daily life that establish communication skills like critiquing art, presenting research, collaborating with peers for group projects, and communicating results in research papers.</p>
<h3>Critical thinking</h3>
<p>At any given moment, we can have the answer to most of our questions with a simple search online. We are very fortunate to live in a time when information is accessible and free to the majority of the world’s population. And if the belief that knowledge is power is true, surely the average person is more powerful than ever before in history.</p>
<p>But knowing something is just one part of the information’s value. The simple act of acquiring information often isn’t as important as knowing what to do once you have it. Being able to think critically means you know how to apply what you’re learning. You’re understanding how to filter effectively, allowing you to sort through life’s determining factors – Whether that’s through unexpected challenges or in navigating something as definable and understood as academic goals.</p>
<p>Whether in your future career or personal life, you’re going to have so many important problems to solve over time. This is a crucial skill that’s brought us through the ages, and it’s especially important as we navigate the 21st century.</p>
<h3>Creativity</h3>
<p>Along with creative thinking, creativity is one of the most vital skills of the 21st century. Unlike collaboration or communication, creativity isn’t something that can be taught specifically. But STEAM education creates an environment where students can learn to express themselves. With you have that <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/supportive-learning-environment-look-like/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">supportive and accepting</a> climate in the classroom, students get the chance to explore more of who they are. This helps students to put aside biases and allows them to think outside of the box on a variety of subjects.</p>
<h3>Collaboration</h3>
<p>Collaboration is a crucial part of any STEAM role. Everything from the apps and devices you use each day to the vehicle you commute to school in is a result of a team of people coming together to do their best work. Even discoveries and inventions are rarely the work of one person, but rather a team that allowed each party member to do their best work, setting the stage for the team member to discover something important.</p>
<p>The best teams are those that allow each member to shine and bring their own unique contributions to the table without undervaluing each other’s contributions. STEAM education encourages this, bringing a collaborative spirit to the classroom rather than a competitive one. As students work on chemistry reactions together or learn to see the value in their classmate’s artistic expressions, they are able to learn how to cooperate and how to appreciate their peers.</p>
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<p>At EF Academy, students are able to explore their subjects at length. Allowing them to build the foundations necessary to master their subjects – from sciences and mathematics to art and humanities. Are you ready to transform your life and high school experience?</p>

STEAM education combines important concepts from science to art and as a result, allows students to establish important skills they'll need for success.

The importance of STEAM education in high school - EF Academy Blog

The importance of STEAM education in high school ‹ EF Academy Blog

The importance of STEAM education in high school

Importance steam education high school

<p>In the age of social media and tailored news networks, it’s quite easy to create a world that constantly feeds us information and ideas that we want to hear. We’re given many opportunities to completely customize our own little worlds and specialize in very niche interests if we want to. But these curated windows don’t fully reflect the world around us.</p>
<p>There would be many gaps in our knowledge and growth as individuals if we only exposed ourselves to the things we’re already comfortable with and information we’re already aware of. So while it’s tempting to surround ourselves with people who share our opinions and ideas, there are many benefits to regularly being around differing perspectives. Especially, in a <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/school-environments-inspire/">classroom environment</a> where students are actively learning and expanding their minds.</p>
<h3><b>Well-rounded discussions</b></h3>
<p>Perhaps the most immediate benefit for differing perspectives in the classroom is that your discussions will be well-rounded. This lends room to spirited debates and other valuable conversations that teach young minds how to express their opinions, debate respectfully, and expand their range of understanding.</p>
<p>It also gives students the chance to add context that might not be readily available among a crowd with similar backgrounds and cultures. For example, having the opportunity to study literature from a <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/benefits-of-international-school-at-home-and-abroad/">different country or culture</a> can be amplified by hearing from someone who was raised within it. This can help you identify with the story’s author and find a layer of the narrative that an outsider might not be readily able to.</p>
<h3><b>Challenging opinions</b></h3>
<p>Throughout our lives, our opinions and ideas will fluctuate. It’s a great thing because it’s how we grow and mature. Being in school is the perfect time to challenge some of those preconceived ideas we might have about the world. It’s an opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding, especially if your fellow peers have come from a different background than your own. Along with challenging pre-existing opinions, having this diverse mix of peers can help you bust any stereotypes or myths you might have about certain cultures or people groups.</p>
<h3><b>Exposure to new learning styles</b></h3>
<p>A lasting benefit you might not expect from a diversified classroom is the opportunity to learn from the processes of your peers. Being around students from different walks of life can not only expose you to different cultures, but it can also introduce you to new <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/match-learning-style-study-technique/">learning styles</a>. As many cultures approach schooling differently, you might discover that the way you’ve always been taught to study in your own culture might not meet your individual needs as well as the studying styles you’ve seen practiced by others.</p>
<p>Overall, the chance to study among students from different walks of life can benefit everyone. This is especially true when students from different cultures and countries study together. As students approach different aspects of their education, the opportunity to learn from their peers’ experiences and perspectives will help them become more understanding, well-connected beyond their immediate circle, and better informed about a variety of cultures.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">At an <a href="https://www.efacademy.com/">International school like EF Academy</a>, you have the opportunity to meet students from all over the world. You can embrace new cultures and learn from different perspectives.</p>

It's tempting to surround ourselves with people who share our opinions and ideas, there are many benefits to regularly being around differing perspectives.

The value of differing perspectives in the classroom - EF Academy Blog

The value of differing perspectives in the classroom ‹ EF Academy Blog

The value of differing perspectives in the classroom

<p>Living abroad is a great way to learn more about the world. It gives you the chance to explore a new place and appreciate a culture you may have only admired from afar. For high school students, it can also be a valuable step in gaining independence and preparing for adulthood.</p>
<h3>New surroundings</h3>
<p>Growing up around familiar settings, in similar situations to the ones you’ve always been in is a great way to stay comfortable, but it doesn’t always do much to promote new experiences. Adventure is a major part of personal growth and being able to adapt to new surroundings can help you learn a lot about yourself. Students who <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/boarding-school-benefits/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">attend boarding school</a> or study abroad are given a chance to explore new surroundings.</p>
<h3>Self-reliant life skills</h3>
<p>Living abroad teaches students how to rely on themselves and better understand how the world works. They gain the chance to learn valuable life skills and live among a diverse crowd of people. This will require a lot of planning and effort as students learn how daily life works in a new culture. They’ll need to learn how to look after themselves in a foreign place, and build new routines to adapt to a different schedule. These are skills that will not only be important throughout the school year but also your student’s lifetime.</p>
<h3>Cultural understanding</h3>
<p>Knowing yourself is one of the most important aspects of being a strong, independent person. When your child is living among people who come from different backgrounds, they start to see areas where their traditions might contrast and they’re exposed to <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/studying-abroad-high-school-gives-student-head-start/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">new perspectives</a>. This gives them the chance to examine their personality and how they’re representing not only their culture but themselves. This is a great way to connect with others in a meaningful way and gives your student an opportunity to be a positive example.</p>
<h3>Excellence in another language</h3>
<p>Finally, one of the most coveted end results of cultural immersion is the opportunity to advance in language skills. Sending your student abroad gives them the chance to live among different cultures and speak languages that they may have only been able to study in a classroom. This gives them the chance to confidently speak with peers, teachers, and locals – surrounding them with a community that excels at the language of their choice.</p>
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<p style="text-align: center;">At EF Academy, we give our students the tools they need so they are set up for success.</p>

While studying abroad, your student will gain so many new life skills and foundations for success. But most of all, they'll gain independence.

How cultural immersion promotes independence in students - EF Academy Blog

How cultural immersion promotes independence in students ‹ EF Academy Blog

How cultural immersion promotes independence in students

Student independence cultural immersion

<p>When it comes to personal growth, whether academically or personally, moving ahead is all about creating a positive environment. A big part of that is the community you choose to build for yourself. There’s an old saying that says you are the sum of the company you keep. So here are some of the ways that success-oriented people can offer a positive influence for high school and beyond.</p>
<h3><strong>1. You increase your own ambitions</strong></h3>
<p>Spending time around success-oriented people will do a lot for you, but one of the greatest things it does is help you to raise your personal standards. When the people you spend a lot of your time with have goals and ambitions, it’s hard not to start to think about how you approach your own.</p>
<h3><strong>2. You will adopt some of their <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademynews/discovering-effects-positive-psychology/">positive habits </a></strong></h3>
<p>We all have little things in our lives that we can improve. Have trouble turning in your assignments on time? Spend more time with those who do. Feel like you’re never prepared for the big exams? Start studying with people who are.</p>
<p>Having positive influences around you will help you adopt some nicer practices for yourself and might be a big step in helping break bad habits.</p>
<h3><strong>3. Your academic performance will improve</strong></h3>
<p>Spending a lot of your time with people who are focused on their academic performance will help you to build a new and better foundation for your own. As with picking up new positive habits, you’ll begin to notice your academic focus shifting towards better methods and decisions. This could pay off in your future – not only <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademynews/5-qualities-universities-look-applicants-2/">while applying to university</a>, but far beyond.</p>
<h3><strong>4. You can ask for their advice </strong></h3>
<p>Sometimes you’ll find yourself wishing you could excel at something but aren’t sure how to get there yourself. Go beyond simply taking inspiration from the people around you who have figured this success out themselves, ask them.</p>
<blockquote><p>“He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; he who does not ask a question remains a fool forever.” – Ancient proverb</p></blockquote>
<h3><strong>5. You’ll gain self-confidence</strong></h3>
<p>Being around positive influences can help you feel better about yourself. Success-oriented people know that nothing creates more success than keeping things positive. They’ll often talk about useful concepts and ways to improve.</p>
<p>This environment will have a positive effect on you, especially as you begin to think more positively yourself. You’ll become far more confident when you have success-oriented people around you.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Want to surround yourself with positive influences in high school? Learn about how EF Academy can shape your future, even beyond high school.</p>

There’s an old saying that says you are the sum of the company you keep, here are some of the ways that success-oriented people offer a positive influence.

How you grow when surrounded by success-orientated people - EF Academy Blog

How you grow when surrounded by success-orientated people ‹ EF Academy Blog

How you grow when surrounded by success-orientated people

Growth success orientated people

<p>Being successful looks different to everyone. It comes in all shapes and sizes, but one thing that most people can agree on is that it includes feeling content and secure. One of the ways to offer this security is by opening as many doors to opportunity as possible by learning valuable life skills.</p>
<p>So, how will the next generation be able to do that? While trends come and go, and the economy and culture can change, there are some skills that every person will need to have to get ahead.</p>
<h3>1. Critical thinking</h3>
<p>Being able to think for yourself is a key skill at a time where the concept of career and the workplace is changing. Critical thinking is clearly self-directed and self-disciplined, so you will need to be able to think for yourself in a realistic and meaningful way.</p>
<blockquote><p><span style="color: #000000;">“Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.” – Albert Einstein</span></p></blockquote>
<p>This generation is going to need to go beyond taking notes and remembering information for important exams. They will need education <a href="https://www.ef.com/academy/">teaching them to think for themselves</a> and solve problems in real-time. Developing this ability early on will only stand to benefit today’s students and tomorrow’s leaders.</p>
<h3>2. Adaptability</h3>
<p>Navigating emerging technologies is something most students and professionals need to do in their daily lives. While this can ultimately make life easier, it often comes with new circumstances. A fine example of this is how several companies use modern technology to further their global presence. This results in top-tier companies encouraging their employees to work remotely and take full advantage of the Digital Age.</p>
<p>Working directly with an employee who lives in a different time zone could be just one of many adjustments the next generation will experience in their regular work culture. The next generations will need to be able to adapt or the could be left behind.</p>
<h3>3. Excellent communication skills</h3>
<p>Good communication skills are important, both in person and online. The next generation is going to need to excel in these and every now and again this will include having to lead the conversation. As mentioned above, there might be special circumstances to navigate, such as key members of a team who live in different locations.</p>
<p>This is only one of the many scenarios that might mean people will need to be multifaceted and learn how to communicate using new mediums. And with most workplaces using tools like Slack or Skype to communicate within their teams, written communication is a major point. Reading comprehension and writing skills have become crucial skills for the modern student and employee.</p>
<h3>4. Cultural understanding</h3>
<p>A deeper cultural understanding can lead to more positive interactions, better collaboration, and truly diverse conversations. Given that Generation Z is often stated as one of the most diverse generations to date, there will be a wider variety of voices and perspectives in the future workplace.</p>
<p>Cultural understanding has been a key part of progress in most cultures. With international business, an important aspect of modern life, large companies in top industries are embracing and teaching this to their employees. Companies like Google, Novartis, and Coca-Cola are well-known for their diversity initiatives.</p>
<p>Since companies like these are often looked to as tastemakers, it’s clear that by the time the next few generations are entering the workforce, this concept will be commonplace within most companies in the relevant industries.</p>
<h3>5. Initiative and drive</h3>
<p>While competition is a normal part of achieving success in life, the world is more connected now than ever so many will be competing on a much more global stage than previous generations might have. You have to consider the fact that this will mean that students will need to strive to compete with students from their own country along with several others.</p>
<p>Having the initiative and drive to compete will be an important element in navigating certain aspects of life, especially when it comes to career and education opportunities.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>Looking for more information about what your child could need for a successful future? <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/skills-for-success/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Learn more about EF Academy</a>.</p>

One of the ways for the next generation to find success is by opening as many doors to opportunity as possible by learning valuable life skills.

5 skills the next generation will need for success - EF Academy Blog

5 skills the next generation will need for success ‹ EF Academy Blog

5 skills the next generation will need for success

Skills for success

<p>‘Startup’ is a word that gets thrown around a lot these days and, while it conjures up ideas of Silicon Valley mega-brands like Apple and Facebook, it’s really just a term used to describe a business that was started by an entrepreneur, set of individual founders, or a side business venture created to meet an emerging need.</p>
<p>We can learn a lot from these innovative brands. Most have introduced us to new ideas that have changed the way we live our lives. Others created a demand for a market that nobody even realized was missing. And all faced a hefty share of failures on the way to their greatest success. Today, we’re going to be looking at everyone’s favorite online retailer and how its unlikely story launched billions more.</p>
<p>Unless you’re an avid reader of Business Insider, Jeff Bezos is a name you probably didn’t know until a few years ago. Today, Bezos is one of the most famous and influential entrepreneurs of this decade but back in the early 90s, he was the relatively lowkey senior vice president at an investment management firm D. E. Shaw & Co.</p>
<p>In 1994, he left his job and decided to move to the Pacific Northwest and start up an online bookstore. He came up with the business plan while on a cross country road trip from New York City to Seattle, Washington. Starting with humble beginnings, he began selling books from his garage. This would become the first version of Amazon. Named partly after the Amazon River in South America and partly because this would give the company a name that started with the letter A.</p>
<p>Amazon’s earliest investors were Bezos’ parents, who offered $300,000 for startup costs. A realist and knowledgeable about finances, Bezos warned them that the business had a high chance of failure. But to everyone’s delight, the idea took off quickly.</p>
<p>Just two years later, Amazon’s sales had reached $15.7 million. A year later, that number shot up to more than $147 million. The company went public in 1997 and served as a shining example of how the internet’s growth and accessibility would change the way consumers shopped for books. The company also began to expand its range of services by buying up small competitors. This lead to eventually launching new options like Amazon Web Services.</p>
<p>The young company was riding high, but the victory was short-lived as Amazon lost $719 million in 1999. This was in contrast to the $1.6 billion the company had earned in revenue. The numbers continued to plummet, and bad press followed when it was revealed that the company retained only $350 million after billions had been raised and borrowed through bank loans and to make matters worse, this caught plenty of public attention. Amazon faced criticism that its business was unsustainable and would never be able to turn a profit.</p>
<p>Eventually, Bezos had to make the tough decision to scale back and close several distribution centers, laying off 14% of Amazon’s employees. It wasn’t until 2003, nine years after the company’s founding, that it turned a profit. The $400 million profit that year was a sign that things were going to turn around for the company. In a historic step forward, Bezos released the company’s first e-reader, the Amazon Kindle. A mere six years later, Amazon became the largest online retailer in the world in 2013.</p>
<p>Today, what started as an online bookstore is now a leader in e-commerce, cloud computing, digital distribution, and electronics. The company employs more than 560,000 people, and houses a list of successful subsidiaries including Alexa, Whole Foods Market, IMDb, Zappos, and Twitch Interactive. It is the second-largest private employer in the US and Bezos has been the world’s wealthiest person since 2017 as a centi-billionaire worth $137 billion as of 2019.</p>
<p>What we can learn from Amazon’s example is that there’s always a way to persevere and move on. In many cases, the art of staying power could be the means to a happy ending. In other cases, ingenuity, and adaptability will serve you the best.</p>
<p>In any case, perseverance is key. When you find yourself knocked down, dust yourself off, get back up, and take another look around. Who knows? A better idea and a steadier path to success could be right in front of you once you’ve found your footing again.</p>

Starting with humble beginnings, the first version of Amazon saw Jeff Bezos selling books from his garage in 1994, long before he was a centi-billionaire.

It’s a jungle out there: how Amazon made it through - EF Academy Blog

It’s a jungle out there: how Amazon made it through ‹ EF Academy Blog

It’s a jungle out there: how Amazon made it through

Amazon made it

<p>There’s so much to get out of studying abroad. But being so far from home can be hard. Especially when you’re quite close to your family and community back home. Here are some fail-proof ways to stay in touch with your parents and other loved ones while studying abroad.</p>
<h3>Pick up the phone</h3>
<p>We have so much technology available to help us <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/parents-manage-homesickness/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">communicate from anywhere</a>. While all of those are great, sometimes you just need to hear your loved one’s voice. Phone and video calls help you to stay connected to loved ones in realtime. You’ll be able to hear their voices, see their faces, and even get a glimpse of home when you call. And for those family members you can’t text like pets or young family members, a video call is a great way to stay in touch and let them know you’re still around.</p>
<h3>Record parts of daily life</h3>
<p>You probably already do this with Snapchat or Instagram. But during those times that your schedules don’t line up and you can’t get on the phone together. When this happens, a simple video message can mean everything to someone. Show off where you’re living on campus, feature some of your new friends, or just record a video message to send someone you care about.</p>
<h3>Send gifts for special occasions</h3>
<p>It’s hard to be away from loved ones during the days you’d normally spend in their company. Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, or another significant date, try to send them something special. Living abroad from my family, something I’ve found really useful is to order a gift online from a retailer in my home country.</p>
<p>Amazon is especially helpful because they have a gift-wrapping option where you can include a card and a wrapped gift. If you want to get really fancy with it, there are several companies that send pre-made and customizable gift boxes. A popular service for this in the US is <a href="https://shopboxfox.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BoxFox</a>, but similar companies exist all over the world. Look for one in your area and see how much joy it will bring your loved one on their special day.</p>
<h3>Write to them</h3>
<p>When you’re missing your loved ones, it helps to have a few reminders of them around. It’s always incredibly personal to read something from a loved one that they’ve written themselves. So when you’re feeling a bit <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/getting-homesickness-hurdle/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">homesick</a> or you want a special way to stay in touch with someone back home, why not put pen to paper? You can write them a letter to send news about your life, commemorate special events, or just a little reminder that you care for them.</p>
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<p><span style="text-align: center;">EF Academy offers an unrivaled level of personal support and guidance at <a href="https://www.efacademy.com/">our boarding schools</a> and offices around the world. We prepare you for success by working with you to discover and develop your strengths and by providing you with an academic environment that will see you thrive.</span></p>

If you're studying abroad or living far from home, it's important to be able to stay in touch with loved ones. Here are some helpful ways to stay connected.

How to stay in touch with loved ones while studying abroad - EF Academy Blog

How to stay in touch with loved ones while studying abroad ‹ EF Academy Blog

How to stay in touch with loved ones while studying abroad

Stay in touch studying abroad

<p>Exams are a necessary part of every academic journey. And while they’re something most students feel at least some dread towards, they really don’t have to be as dramatic as they seem. When you build good study habits, exams become easier and easier to manage and eventually excel in. Here’s how to map out studying for exams.</p>
<h3>1. Treat it like a project</h3>
<p>During school, we’re used to completing plenty of assignments. You’ve become a master of mapping out your time to complete your day-to-day projects. However, some students struggle to take that same level of dedication and apply it to their exam preparation.</p>
<p>The idea of having a huge test coming up that you’re expecting to ace in one go can be daunting enough to derail some of that productivity. If you just look to it the same way you would any other project, it takes a lot of the pressure off and you have the chance to prepare with a deadline in mind. Breaking it all down into smaller chunks to bite off and then applying that to the day of your exam will help tremendously.</p>
<h3>2. Set a schedule</h3>
<p>From your first day of class, you already know that it’s going to conclude with an exam. Make the most of that information. If you’re treating your exam preparation time as a grand project, you need to set up a study schedule.</p>
<p>This will help you to build out the times you need to spend on each subject and how much of it you need to allot to something else. Setting a schedule also ensures that you’ll never have to worry about focusing too much on one subject or leaving one out. A great way to do this would be to have a look at the projects you have coming up.</p>
<h3>3. Measure strengths and weaknesses</h3>
<p>Since your exams will be on multiple subjects, you need to make sure that your studying time is well-rounded, covering all of the most important bases. But some subjects might be harder for you to grab onto than others. Take the time out to chart which subjects you feel you’re strongest in and the ones that you feel you’ve not understood as readily.</p>
<h3>4. Find additional study help</h3>
<p>Self-study is a key part of academic success and it’s <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/hone-entrepreneurial-skills-high-school/">a great skill to have</a> in other aspects of your life. But you won’t always be able to study enough to feel prepared in a subject that you struggle with. That’s why you have teachers and access to tutors.</p>
<p>When there’s something you feel you don’t fully understand, get some help and work together to find the best solution. Whether that’s asking your teacher for some extra time after class or finding a tutor on the subject, work in a way that helps you to improve your understanding.</p>
<h3>5. Make the most of your resources</h3>
<p>In addition to access to your teachers and tutors, there are several resources available to high school students. Study hall is one such resource, as it’s regularly worked into your weekly class schedule. You can also form a study group by reaching out to students in your different classes.</p>
<p>If you want to pool some resources off campus, have a look at some of the online resources available to students of all ages. Websites like <a href="https://www.udemy.com/">Udemy</a> and <a href="https://www.skillshare.com/">Skillshare</a> are great places to gain some additional knowledge on a subject but you could even make use of free resources like YouTube or Reddit.</p>
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<p style="text-align: center;">At EF Academy, students are able to excel by exploring new subjects while being immersed in the English language and the academic traditions of the US and the UK.</p>

Exams really don’t have to be so dramatic. When you build good study habits, exams become easier and easier to manage and eventually excel in.

5 simple study habits for exam success - EF Academy Blog

5 simple study habits for exam success ‹ EF Academy Blog

5 simple study habits for exam success

5 simple study habits exam success

<p>Public figures come from all walks of life. But one thing each has in common is the ability to manage their message as a brand. We can all learn a lot by taking a look at public figures and how they present themselves. Even if you’re not looking to work in the spotlight someday, you’ll have to know how to brand yourself effectively for everything from interviews to professional portfolios.</p>
<p>Today we’re exploring public figures from three very different backgrounds who’ve done a phenomenal job not only in their respective fields but in the way they choose to brand themselves to the world.</p>
<h3>Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez</h3>
<p>Whether you’re living in the U.S. or not, there’s a good chance you know about the loveable politician everybody’s talking about right now, AOC. At 29, she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from New York’s 14th district. This makes her the youngest woman to ever serve in the United States Congress. And even before this historic achievement, Ocasio-Cortez already had quite a few impressive records under her belt such as working for the National Hispanic Institute and graduating from Boston University with honors.</p>
<p>Ocasio-Cortez officially began her political career the day after visiting the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota during the Dakota Access Pipeline protests. She’s said that before this experience, she’d believe the only way to run for office was the have access to wealth and social influence or other power but that the experience in North Dakota inspired her to work in her own community. She kicked off a grassroots campaign for congress in 2018 while working as a waitress and bartender at a taqueria in New York City’s Union Square.</p>
<p>Despite facing a financial disadvantage in her political race against longtime Democratic Caucus Chair, Joe Crowly, she knew she’d need to think differently to reach the people. She’s famously said that “you can’t really beat big money with more money. You have to beat them with a totally different game.” And that’s exactly what she’s done.</p>
<p>Her message has reached an audience far beyond her district. And that’s what a good brand should do. It evangelizes, it gets the word out about concepts that some might not have ever thought about before. She’s captured the hearts of people all over the world with charming Instagram stories about eating ice cream at the end of a long workday and with hard-hitting tweets in response to unethical statements by her country’s very own Commander-in-Chief.</p>
<p>She’s breaking the mold that many politicians have set by trying to stay more reserved and avoid rocking the boat. She stays true to herself and it’s impossible to disconnect her history and fiery personality from her brand. While she’s less than a year into her role in congress, it’s clear she’s got a valuable career ahead of her. And thanks to her uncanny ability to get the word out, we’ll all get a front-row seat.</p>
<h3>Billie Eilish</h3>
<p>Whether you’ve got her on a Spotify playlist or heard her at a summer festival a name everyone’s been repeating in 2019 is Billie Eilish. The teenage singer-songwriter became a household name, playing Coachella and receiving nominations for prestigious awards less than three years after sharing her first recording online.</p>
<p>This was all from one song that was originally published on SoundCloud when the singer was only 14 years old. That same track went on to be played more than 100 million times on Spotify and almost instantly gave her an audience ready for her highly anticipated debut album When We Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? (2019), which debuted to critical acclaim.</p>
<p>So how did this happen? Experts are looking at the brand. The artist has been wise with the way she presents herself to the world. Her first single has this dark and mysterious sound that’s been compared to the work of artists like Lorde and Lana Del Rey.</p>
<p>Eilish could have come out into the limelight, gotten a typical “Hollywood” makeover and signed on to be the next big pop princess. Instead, she stayed kind of quiet. She weighed her options well, stuck with her original songwriting collaborator (which happens to be her brother) and instead of being washed out by the pressure to look or act a certain way, she kept some mystery alive for a while until she was ready to represent her brand on a larger scale. This attracted even more attention from an even larger audience.</p>
<p>In her branding, she’s been very intentional about the way she appears. She stated that she tries to avoid flashy trends and prefers to model her look after her favorite rappers and anything else that inspires her. So far this has meant wearing baggy clothing, dying her hair, and crafting her public image around looking memorable.</p>
<p>Today, the star has more than 34 million followers on Instagram and more than 18 million subscribers to her YouTube where her creative music videos receive hundreds of millions of views on average. Something about that tells me she’s figured out exactly how she wants to present herself to the world.</p>
<h3>Bill and Melinda Gates</h3>
<p>There’s a good chance Bill Gates is a name that comes up in your life from time-to-time. Hailed as one of the most inspiring entrepreneurs of the 21st century, Gates has had an impressive career. From founding Microsoft to managing the company’s visionary product strategy, Gates was often cited as the richest person in the world for most of the ’90s and ’00s, into 2017. That title has since been taken by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. But don’t feel too sorry for Gates, he’s still doing alright with some of the most recent estimates stating the billionaire makes about $1.38 million every hour.</p>
<p>But despite the numbers, one of the first things you might notice about Bill or his wife Melinda is the fact that they look like pretty average people. And even though both are incredibly smart, driven, and cultured, the type of attention they like to bring to themselves has nothing to do with boasting or arrogance. It’s usually to highlight normalcy or even draw attention to people in need.</p>
<p>Bill and Melinda have used this fortune that would take several lifetimes to spend and have focused it on those in need. Together, this dynamic couple founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000. An organization that focuses on global health, sustainable economic growth, and education – particularly in vulnerable or underserved communities. Today, it’s the largest private foundation in the world. And both Bill and Melinda stepped down from their jobs in 2006 to focus on it full time.</p>
<p>Even though the two have upheld a very low-key public image, they’re rockstars on social media. Of course, their platforms of choice are LinkedIn and Facebook. If you’ve been on either platform for very long, you’ve probably come across an inspiring and engaging post, especially by Melinda, who often uses both platforms to highlight incredible humanitarian work or champion for women in STEM careers. The two have a massive following online and their posts are often shared, talked about, or even picked up by news outlets. Not for outrageous antics or typical “celeb culture”, but almost because of their incredible normalcy.</p>
<p>The Gateses use their personal brand to prove that seemingly ordinary people can go on to do something extraordinary. That fame doesn’t have to interfere with a couple’s life or raising a well-adjusted family. And that wealth doesn’t have to amount to self-indulgence and greed. They have something important to say and it’s their normalcy, charm, and low-key lifestyle that speak the loudest.</p>

Even if you’re not looking to work in the spotlight someday, you’ll have to know how to brand yourself effectively in a professional environment.

3 public figures: 3 very different brands - EF Academy Blog

3 public figures: 3 very different brands ‹ EF Academy Blog

3 public figures: 3 very different brands

Celebrity personal brand

<p>STEM has become one of the more popular academic phrases of recent memory. But it’s far more than a beloved buzzword, as the concepts are expanding the way the next generation approaches these engaging academic subjects. An acronym for “science, technology, engineering, and maths”, it’s helping give rise to the cool side of logical, analytical thinking.</p>
<p>With so many programs working towards educating students from all walks of life, now’s the perfect time to dive into your passions for STEM. So, how can you further shape your interest in science, tech, engineering, or math?</p>
<h3><b>School and community clubs </b></h3>
<p>Have you ever had that moment where you went into a long rant about your favorite hobby and watched as your conversation partner’s eyes glazed over and you just knew they weren’t nearly as excited about it as you were? We’ve all been there and that’s exactly why clubs exist!</p>
<p>Working together with a group of people with similar interests is a great way to develop your skills and interests. You’ll find yourself surrounded by a community of people who are interested in and passionate about the things you are. And that’s when your favorite subject can really be explored!</p>
<p><b>Further reading:</b></p>
<p><a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademynews/clubs-profile-robotics-computer-programming/"><b>Robotics and computer programming club</b></a> This is a fun club that takes place in Torbay. Offering students the opportunity to grasp basic (and a few more complex) computer science skills before graduating high school.</p>
<p><a href="https://girlswhocode.com/clubs-int/"><b>Girls who Code</b></a> Did you know that fewer than 1 in 5 computer science graduates are women? This is a sobering reality when considering that tech jobs are among the fastest growing in the world. Computer science skills will be important for the next generations. That’s why Girls Who Code was founded with a single mission: to close the gender gap in technology. With a community of more than 90,000, GWC is helping educate and empower women, successfully closing the gap in tech.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademynews/full-steam-ahead-tackling-science-tech-engineering-art-math-new-york/"><b>Full STEAM ahead</b></a> Read about how our New York campus is incorporating science, tech, engineering, and math into their curriculum in and outside of the classroom.</p>
<h3><b>Online courses</b></h3>
<p>While school clubs offer a great space for students to connect with each other, some students prefer self-paced study. If you’re looking for resources outside of the classroom or community, there are plenty of resources online. Online courses have gained such popularity, many universities and affiliated members offer courses put together by some of the most brilliant minds in their field.</p>
<p><b>Further reading:</b></p>
<p><a href="https://teachyourselfcs.com/"><b>Teach Yourself Computer Science</b></a> If you’re looking to get ahead of the curve studying computer science, this is a great resource. Started by Bradfield School of Computer Science instructors Ozan Onay and Myles Byrne, this site offers straightforward answers. They clearly guide you on which subjects to learn and offer realistic resources to study them.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.edx.org/"><b>edX</b></a> Started by MIT and Harvard University in 2012, edX is working to change the way we approach education. You can enjoy resources from top-level universities and allow that to provide you with some insights on what you might need to study to get into your desired industry. You can take self-paced classes in engineering, maths, and sciences, along with a few that teach principles of computer science.</p>
<h3><b>Phone and tablet apps</b></h3>
<p>We all know the endless scroll that comes with having a mobile device. You open your phone to quickly check a text and before you know it, you’ve hopped in and out of two or three apps and 15 minutes have gone by. But next time this happens, you have the chance to study some STEM!</p>
<p>There are loads of helpful apps out there to give you the opportunity to enhance your skills and expand your knowledge on a given subject. Some gamify learning, helping you master basic principles while playing a game and others offer short, but memorable lessons on a subject like coding or the periodic table.</p>
<p><b>Further reading:</b></p>
<p><a href="https://www.sololearn.com/"><b>SoloLearn</b></a> The SoloLearn app is a great way to learn more about coding anywhere you go. The goal is to eventually learn to create your own code from your phone or mobile device. You can teach yourself C++, Ruby, Javascript, HTML and other key programming languages you’re interested in. Best of all, the programs are self-paced and the apps are completely free.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.khanacademy.org/resources/k-12-teachers-1/our-content/a/learning-on-the-khan-academy-app"><b>Khan Academy</b></a> Founded by MIT and Harvard graduate, Salman Kahn, Khan Academy is a well-known non-profit organization that offers several free online tools for students all over the world with the simple mission to accelerate learning for students of all ages.</p>
<h3><b>Attend enrichment activities</b></h3>
<p>Finally, if you want to nurture your passions for STEM, simply turn the world into your classroom. If you think you might want to study engineering at University of Oxford or computer science at MIT, what better place to go than the source? Read below about some of the thrilling expeditions and adventures EF Academy students get to experience firsthand.</p>
<p><b>Further reading: </b></p>
<p><a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademynews/quantum-physics-university-oxford/"><b>Quantum physics at the University of Oxford</b></a> Read about how students at our Oxford campus are learning more about physics with trips to University of Oxford.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademynews/brave-new-world-science-engineering-southampton-university/"><b>Science and Engineering at Southampton University</b></a> Learn more about how engineering and science students have the chance to gain firsthand knowledge about their fields of study at one of the leading universities in the UK.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademynews/computer-science-students-compete-mit-hackathon/"><b>Computer science students compete in MIT Hackathon</b></a> Enjoy a thrilling recap of how computer science students put their skills to the test by stopping by MIT’s world-famous Hackathon.</p>

STEM has become one of the more popular academic phrases of recent memory. But it’s far more than a beloved buzzword, as the concepts are expanding the way the next generation approaches these engaging academic subjects. An acronym for “science, technology, engineering, and maths”, it’s helping give rise to the cool side of logical, analytical …

How to nurture a passion for STEM - EF Academy Blog

How to nurture a passion for STEM ‹ EF Academy Blog

How to nurture a passion for STEM

Nurture passion stem

<p>Congratulations! You’ve landed your first official job. That’s quite a milestone and you should celebrate it! But after the buzz wears off from accepting the offer and your new reality begins to set in, there’s a lot to consider that you might not have thought about before.</p>
<p>You might find yourself examining everything from your workwear wardrobe to the concept of meal-prepping. It’s perfectly natural to give everything a look over but once you’re in the building, staring across at your new team you’ll find it won’t matter which brand of slacks you chose for the day or how perfectly you’ve memorized the fun facts in the company brochure.</p>
<p>So, how can you prepare for your first job? Not to worry, here are a few things to focus on while trying to make the most out of your workplace debut. These quick tips will help you with your personal development both on the job and in the future.</p>
<h3>1. Think about why you chose the job</h3>
<p>What made you choose this role for yourself? Is it because you’re excited about the company culture? Do you believe in the brand? Success looks different for everybody so it’s important to discover the things about this role that will make you feel fulfilled each day. That can be as broad as wanting to work with a good team or something deeper like being able to contribute to the ethics of the company. Whatever that looks like for you, keep it in mind when you start each day.</p>
<h3>2. Keep track of what you’re learning</h3>
<p>Not to sound too much like your high school guidance counselor, but every experience has the potential to be a learning experience. Your first job offers plenty of opportunities to build foundations for your future. So take a moment to think about everything this role, company, and the team around you could teach you. This is where you’ll grow the most, both professionally and personally.</p>
<h3>3. Work smarter</h3>
<p>In any job, you’re going to have plenty of deadlines to work towards. That won’t be much different than what you had to do in school but at times it could feel more demanding. It might take you some time to adjust to your new team’s workflow and it’s important to learn how to balance your deadlines with meetings, collaborations, and additional projects.</p>
<p>You can start by trying out some productivity techniques. A great one to start with is time blocking. It’s where you set certain times during the day for specific tasks and projects. Another important thing to do is communicate with your team about how you can best work together. You might pick up some fresh ideas on how to map out your day.</p>
<h3>4. Be mindful of your bad habits and own them</h3>
<p>Nobody’s perfect. You’ll make mistakes, you’ll forget to do something, a deadline you were confident about might end up having to get pushed back. While not ideal, these things happen. You’re going to have your abilities tested and it’s going to be great because you’ll discover blind spots and parts of yourself that you’ll have the opportunity to improve. Nobody likes to mess up or focus in on their bad habits, but if you own up to mistakes and get up again when you fall, you’ll improve all the time.</p>
<h3>5. Create a positive environment</h3>
<p>Nobody likes to be surrounded by negative talk, especially at work. Think about how you can bring positive energy to conversations throughout the day. It might not feel like it, but your positivity can help change your team’s dynamic and re-theme the culture by starting a ripple effect. In doing so, you’ll make the working environment better for your team and you’ll be remembered as someone who makes people feel good about being at work. That’s a win-win for everybody.</p>
<h3>6. Manage your expectations</h3>
<p>Every new experience comes with expectations. The key to having a great experience anywhere you go is to understand what those expectations are. What do you want from this job? To build good connections, expand your expertise, gain experience in your dream field, earn a lot of money?</p>
<p>Now take those thoughts and look at them objectively. What is actually possible? Are your goals a little lofty for this position? Or are they out of reach, but possible through promotion, dedication, and hard work? Explore these ideas and level your expectations for your time there.</p>
<h3>7. Work hard</h3>
<p>This is an obvious point but it’s always worth being reminded of. Hard work always goes a long way towards reaching your goals. Whether that’s something more immediate like making the most out of your first job or setting yourself up for a long and rewarding career.</p>

So, how can you prepare for your first job? These quick tips will help you with your personal development both on the job and in the future.

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Sara Burkhard

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