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Sara Burkhard ‹ EF Academy Blog - 3

<p>So, your child has decided they want to study abroad? That’s great! Living abroad is life-changing and can have a lasting positive effect on students of all ages, but it takes quite a bit of preparation. For a student who’s never lived abroad or hasn’t even approached high school yet, parental guidance is going to be especially important. Here are a few ways you can help your child prepare to reach their dream of studying abroad.</p>
<h3>Define the benefits</h3>
<p>There are countless benefits that come with studying abroad. This is the time to brainstorm with your child and think about everything they want to get out of the experience. Are they excited about living in another country for a while? Are they hoping to master their language skills? Do they see this as a road to their university choice? What’s the main benefit your child will get out of this opportunity? Knowing this can help you plan everything else and tailor it to their unique goals and needs.</p>
<h3>Find the right program</h3>
<p>Once you’ve nailed down what you and your student are expecting from the experience, it’s time to select the right program. It’s important to note that all study abroad programs are not the same. Just like your child’s education up to this point, this isn’t going to be something to approach with a one-size-fits-all attitude.</p>
<p>A great place to start is by considering the length of the program. Does your student want to study abroad for high school? If so, for how many semesters? If they’d like a shorter program, an exchange program might be ideal. Exchange programs can last for the entire school year or be as short as a semester.</p>
<p>If they’d like to do a longer program, the next thing you’ll want to think about is the curriculum. For students who want to study for a year or more, programs like the <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/a-level/">A-Levels</a>, <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/ib/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IB Diploma</a>, or IGCSE will be beneficial for their high school career and beyond, as they help students prepare for university.</p>
<h3>Guide them before they go</h3>
<p>Moving to another country is a huge step at any age. It’s especially life-changing for adolescents, who might not have been away from their family before. While you can’t physically be by their side through their time abroad, you can help prepare them for similar realities before they head off. Do what you can to help them get familiar with what it’s like to live in another culture so it won’t come as such a shock when they arrive.</p>
<h3>Plan ahead</h3>
<p>Make sure that you have everything in order for your child before they head out. This includes anything you’d normally have them look after throughout the year, like doctor and dental appointments to run a full health check ahead of time. If your student has any health issues, make the school and/or host family aware of them several months before departure. This helps ensure your student has the <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/supportive-learning-environment-look-like/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">support they need</a> the entire time they’re abroad.</p>
<p>You’ll also want to make sure you have all of the vital details like addresses, phone numbers, and points of contact ironed out well before your student takes off for their trip. Make sure your student also has all the information they need so they can always contact you and other loved ones in any situation, especially in the unlikely event of an emergency.</p>

Living abroad is life-changing and can have a lasting positive effect on students of all ages, but it takes quite a bit of preparation.

How to help your child prepare for studying abroad - EF Academy Blog

How to help your child prepare for studying abroad ‹ EF Academy Blog

How to help your child prepare for studying abroad

Help child prepare studying abroad

<p>Balancing a budget is something every student studying away from home should become familiar with. Whether your budget feels endless or you’re on a tighter limit, this is a skill that can help students from all walks of life. Continuing our <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/healthy-habits-students/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">student life skills series</a>, we’re looking at basic concepts for budgeting!</p>
<h3>Make thoughtful purchases</h3>
<p>We’ve all been there. Seconds away from making that impulse purchase we suddenly can’t part with. Maybe it’s something for your wardrobe, an expensive coffee every afternoon, or those little impulse buys around the register at the grocery store like candy, gum, or magazines. These things can add up quickly and in the end, might not offer so much benefit to our lives so it helps to consider your purchases before you’ve even entered the store (or, in the case of online shopping, visited the website).</p>
<p><strong>Tip:</strong> Think carefully about what you’re purchasing. This doesn’t mean to completely cut out those fun little purchases, but just to consider them a bit more. Something that often helps is to wait a day or two before buying the item. If you still want it then, consider it yours but oftentimes you might have forgotten about it even a day later. And if you can forget about it so easily, you’ve got to ask yourself if you really wanted it in the first place.</p>
<h3>Learn about local sales taxes</h3>
<p>If you’re studying in the US and living there for the first time, you might have noticed that the total price you spend at a store is a higher amount than the price tags revealed. This is because of something called value-added tax (VAT), or a sales tax. They’re very common in the US and the UK and if you grew up in a country without them, it can be quite shocking to see the totals add up at the register.</p>
<p><strong>Tip:</strong> Make sure you’re well-acquainted with local sales taxes and what they apply to. For example, in the state of <a href="https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/formspubs/pub61.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">California</a>, purchases from a retail store will have a sales tax while most food won’t. Knowing these little details can help you recognize where the total cost might be more than what’s written on the price tag.</p>
<h3>Be aware of retail pricing strategies</h3>
<p>Have you ever noticed how easy it is to spend way more than you planned when you go to Target or H&M? These big retailers make it easy to part with more than you planned but this is especially true at a store like Walmart. They famously make use of a practice called <a href="https://www.thebalancesmb.com/odd-even-pricing-in-retail-2890202" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Odd-Even pricing</a>, a psychological technique that convinces shoppers to purchase more.</p>
<p>You’ve probably seen the 0.88 or 0.44 endings on a price tag. This looks less assuming than the common 0.95 or 0.99 ending on price tags because as consumers, we’re not as used to seeing prices like $10.88 as we are to $10.99. This strategy proves to be effective for retailers who use it because customers are more likely to purchase the item. $10.88 feels a lot cheaper than $10.95 even though the difference is just a few cents. Which causes shoppers to make more impulse buys and to purchase multiples.</p>
<p><strong>Tip:</strong> It also helps to overestimate your totals and round up in your totals instead of down, especially when you see Odd-Even pricing. So, when you see that $10.88 sign, just round up and imagine it says $11.</p>
<hr>
<p>At <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/">EF Academy</a>, we prepare our students for success in their futures ahead. From academics to life skills, we ensure our students are ready for what’s next.</p>

Balancing a budget is something every student studying away from home should become familiar with. Read part two of our student life skills series.

3 basic budget concepts every student should know - EF Academy Blog

3 basic budget concepts every student should know ‹ EF Academy Blog

3 basic budget concepts every student should know

Basic budget concepts students

<p>In a globalized world, being able to speak a second or third language is something that offers people value for the rest of their lives. While there is a lot of evidence that says the younger a child learns, the better, children acquire pronunciation, accent, and grammar rules best <a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/at-what-age-does-our-ability-to-learn-a-new-language-like-a-native-speaker-disappear/">before the end of their teenage years</a>.</p>
<p>So, how can you help your child become fluent?</p>
<h3>1. Speak with them</h3>
<p>If you already speak the language they’re studying, it will be easier for your child to feel comfortable trying to speak it. Just as they learned their native language from you, they’ll benefit from trying to practice language skills together. You can help them establish a good foundation with the comfort of home, away from exam scores or the classroom.</p>
<h3>2. Study with them</h3>
<p>One of the best ways to encourage your child to practice something that might be tedious or even difficult at times is to join them. Study with your child and show them that you can overcome any challenges together. It will show them they’re not alone, help strengthen their skills, and it’s a great way to feel connected to each other.</p>
<h3>3. Find entertainment in that language</h3>
<p>Think about how your family likes to be entertained together. Is there a TV series you all like to watch? How about movies? There are loads of great <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademynews/10-tvmovie-high-schools-we-wish-we-went-to/">films and TV shows</a> out there that offer subtitles or even audio in different languages. Turn those on next time you’re going to have a family movie night and see if you can pick out any of your favorite phrases together.</p>
<h3>4. Have them join a language course</h3>
<p>Language courses are a great way to learn quickly. And while your child’s school may not offer one, there should be plenty of community organizations that offer your child the chance to expand on their language skills. Another great alternative is to find a prep course abroad where your child can be fully immersed in the language and build a stronger foundation with it.</p>
<h3>5. Find study groups</h3>
<p>Along with a language course, your child could benefit greatly from joining a group. A lot of communities have after-school programs, classes at a local recreation center, or other community groups where your child can find friends and peers who are also trying to improve their skills.</p>
<h3>6. Look within your community</h3>
<p>Speaking of building upon your community, do you have a friend, family member, or neighbor who speaks the language your child is trying to learn? Let them know about your situation and invite them over to chat in the language your child is studying. Try to host a dinner or activity you try together where everyone only speaks it.</p>
<h3>7. Use apps and online tools</h3>
<p>Another great way to supplement your child’s learning is to use apps and online tools. One of the most famous apps at the moment is <a href="https://www.duolingo.com/">Duolingo</a>. It’s a great way to practice short phrases, learn new vocabulary, and even try pronunciation. Some other popular tools include <a href="https://www.memrise.com/">Memrise</a>, which helps gamify the experience, <a href="https://www.busuu.com/">Busuu</a>, which helps with pronunciation and accent, and <a href="https://languagedrops.com/">Drops</a>, which offers five-minute quick studies you can take anywhere.</p>
<p> </p>
<hr>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Wondering how your child can improve their language skills and experience life as a global citizen?</p>

In a globalized world, being able to speak a second language will offer value all of your child's life. Here's how to help your child become bilingual.

7 valuable ways to encourage your child to learn another language - EF Academy Blog

7 valuable ways to encourage your child to learn another language ‹ EF Academy Blog

7 valuable ways to encourage your child to learn another language

Encourage child to learn language

<p>Whether you’re reading this from a smartphone, laptop, or tablet, this wasn’t more than a dream 50 years ago. The innovations from the tech boom completely transformed the way we live, socialize, work, and study. But what could happen in the next 30 years and how could it shape your life and career?</p>
<p>Here are four industries that are growing at rapid rates and are projected to become a major part of daily life over the course of the next three decades.</p>
<h3><b>1. Artificial Intelligence</b></h3>
<p>In 2018, Google unveiled a new feature for its Assistant technology. In an astonishing display of the capabilities of artificial intelligence, Google showed the technology’s ability to <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/8/17332070/google-assistant-makes-phone-call-demo-duplex-io-2018">hold a conversation</a> like a human.</p>
<p>But it’s not just the folks in Silicon Valley working on this capability. Volkswagen, Panasonic, and even Under Armor are just a few of the big names outside of the tech industry who are leading the way with AI. There has been quite a lot of research and investment going into AI and while 2050 is unlikely to look like a neon scene from <em>Tron</em> (or a grim one from <em>Black Mirror</em>), it’s clear that AI will only continue to change the world.</p>
<p><b>Career examples:</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Machine Learning Engineer, Data Scientist, R&D Engineer, Computer Vision Engineer</span></p>
<p><b>What to study: </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Machine Learning, <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademynews/clubs-profile-robotics-computer-programming/">Robotics and Computer Programming</a>, Python & SQL, Statistics, Data Science, Computational Mathematics</span></p>
<h3><b>2. Blockchain and Digital Currencies</b></h3>
<p>At the end of 2017, Bitcoin mania began across the globe. Quickly becoming one of the early buzzwords of 2018. While there’s no guarantee that the popular currency will still be in everyone’s minds over the next three decades, one thing became clear – there is a deep interest in the development of blockchain and digital currencies.</p>
<p><b>Career examples:</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Blockchain Developer/Engineer, Ethereum Developer, Cryptocurrency Project Manager, Data Scientist</span></p>
<p><b>What to study: </b><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademynews/computer-science-students-compete-mit-hackathon/">Computer Science</a>, Programming, Coding, Business, Cryptocurrency/Blockchain</span></p>
<h3><b>3. Augmented Reality</b></h3>
<p>In the summer of 2016, the whole world got a taste of a phenomenon that existed in the 90s. Pokémania took over yet again with the revived version of Pokémon available to people everywhere. Only this time, instead of trading cards on the schoolyard, it was an augmented reality mobile game causing all the stir. Pokémon Go showed us what a world highlighted by augmented reality could look like, creating a mixed reality masterpiece.</p>
<p>The future of augmented reality looks brighter than ever. With the widespread availability of mobile devices and advancements in graphics capability, a virtual reality in our daily lives has never felt more attainable and – well, realistic.</p>
<p><b>Career examples: </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Software Engineer, Technical Architect, Game Developer, Content Creator</span></p>
<p><b>What to study:</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademynews/brave-new-world-science-engineering-southampton-university/"> Software Engineering</a>, Computer Science, Computer Information Systems</span></p>
<h3><b>4. Space Exploration</b></h3>
<p>If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you or someone you know owns a cool t-shirt with the Nasa logo on it. At the very least, you’ve probably heard all about the cool things happening over the Los Angeles skies thanks to SpaceX. Interest in space exploration is undergoing a major revival at the moment.</p>
<p>A 2017 study by the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/aerospace-engineers.htm">Bureau of Labor Statistics</a> projects that employment of aerospace engineers will grow 6% by 2026. Aircrafts are being redesigned to cause less noise pollution and have better fuel efficiency, which will help sustain demand for research and development. And of course, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/8/17332070/google-assistant-makes-phone-call-demo-duplex-io-2018">Starman’s recent journey past Mars</a> has definitely helped.</p>
<p><b>Career examples:</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Aerospace Engineer, Electronics Technician, Meteorological Technician, Astronaut</span></p>
<p><b>What to study:</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Aeronautical Engineering, Astronomy, Atmospheric Science, Physics, Aviation Technology, Social Sciences</span></p>
<p> </p>
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<p style="text-align: center;">Thinking about your future? Learn more about where you could go in the next few years with an international education.</p>

Whether you’re reading this from a smartphone, laptop, or tablet, this wasn’t more than a dream 50 years ago. The innovations from the tech boom completely transformed the way we live, socialize, work, and study. But what could happen in the next 30 years and how could it shape your life and career? Here are …

Where could science and technology take us in 30 years? - EF Academy Blog

Where could science and technology take us in 30 years? ‹ EF Academy Blog

Where could science and technology take us in 30 years?

Science and technology

<p>The 4th of July, or Independence Day, is arguably America’s favorite holiday! The day commemorates when the US gained its independence, so historically, the day is filled with celebrations. One of the most colorful and interesting celebrations of the year, it’s a time to get together with friends, enjoy your favorite summer foods, listen to music, and have a great time.</p>
<h3>The history</h3>
<p>Independence Day commemorates the day in 1776 that the Declaration of Independence was announced. At the time, the United States existed as thirteen colonies that belonged to Great Britain. The two had been at war for more than a year, but relations had been deteriorating for more than a decade at that point. The colonies wanted to govern themselves and it had been an ongoing problem for both parties.</p>
<p>In July 1776, the Declaration of Independence was put in place, declaring that the colonies in the US would become independent states and no longer operate under British rule. Congress voted to declare independence on July 2nd and it was announced two days later on July 4th. This lead to the celebrations we still enjoy today.</p>
<h3>Red, white, and blue</h3>
<p>While the day itself is incredibly casual, there’s an important dress code almost everyone goes by. You’re practically required to wear red, white, and blue! And while these friendly colors blend well with each other, they’re also our national colors and represent important values. The red is for hardiness and valor. The white represents purity and innocence. The blue is for vigilance, perseverance, and justice.</p>
<p><img alt="4th of July" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-14879" height="379" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/camylla-battani-gZltlzPun9c-unsplash.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/camylla-battani-gZltlzPun9c-unsplash.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/camylla-battani-gZltlzPun9c-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w" width="568"></p>
<h3>Parades and block parties</h3>
<p>The 4th of July is a perfect time to socialize and that’s encouraged through parades, town festivals, and block parties takings place in just about every city in the US. The party is even bigger in a city like Washington D.C. but the 4th of July in Philadelphia is a must-see! Given it’s where the Declaration was signed, the city lives up to its expectations and throws an amazing party. Every year, Philly hosts an event called <a href="https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/events/july-4th-festival-concert-and-fireworks/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Party on the Parkway</a> where a whole section of the city is blocked off to offer performances, games, food trucks, and activities for a whole family.</p>
<p><img alt="Block party" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-14878" height="343" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/paul-povoroznuk-T25X9OGm8ig-unsplash.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/paul-povoroznuk-T25X9OGm8ig-unsplash.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/paul-povoroznuk-T25X9OGm8ig-unsplash-300x181.jpg 300w" width="568"></p>
<h3>Outdoor concerts and performing arts</h3>
<p>Concerts are a great way to spend the day. Most cities host concerts or performances in the park. In New York, there’s a summer series called <a href="https://cityparksfoundation.org/summerstage/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Central Park SummerStage</a> that offers free concerts. There are also plenty of amazing outdoor films and theater performances happening throughout the city. It’s the perfect space to lay down a blanket, lounge around during the movie or performance, and then stick around to watch fireworks.</p>
<p><img alt="Concert in park" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-14877" height="379" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/david-aymond-ZkhWEgj1_ZU-unsplash.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/david-aymond-ZkhWEgj1_ZU-unsplash.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/david-aymond-ZkhWEgj1_ZU-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w" width="568"></p>
<h3>Friends and loved ones</h3>
<p>Another important holiday tradition is spending time with people you care about. Whether you live near family or friends, this is a great day to spend time with someone. In some parts of the country, families will use this as a time to rent a summer house by the ocean and enjoy a vacation together. Others will get together with roommates and friends and explore events around the city. However you decide to spend the day, it’s best with someone by your side.</p>
<p><img alt="Friends" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-14881" height="379" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/courtney-hedger-UnGFy_mQoN4-unsplash.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/courtney-hedger-UnGFy_mQoN4-unsplash.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/courtney-hedger-UnGFy_mQoN4-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w" width="568"></p>
<h3>Fireworks</h3>
<p>No Independence Day is complete without a huge fireworks display. Whether in a smaller town or a big metro area, just about every county hosts a fireworks show. One of the favorite celebrations on the west coast is AmeriFest at the Rose Bowl in <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/pasadena/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pasadena</a> or Hollywood Bowl’s “Fireworks Spectacular”. On the east coast, there’s a huge show in Philadelphia above the Philadelphia Museum of Art on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. But the largest in the country is the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks display in <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/new-york/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">New York</a>. Fireworks are launched from boats on the East River and are best enjoyed from a rooftop around Manhattan.</p>
<p><img alt="Fireworks" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-14882" height="298" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/hermes-rivera-uIhcaulybPs-unsplash.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/hermes-rivera-uIhcaulybPs-unsplash.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/hermes-rivera-uIhcaulybPs-unsplash-300x157.jpg 300w" width="568"></p>
<p> </p>
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<p>Want to experience the US culture for yourself? At <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/">EF Academy’s international boarding schools</a>, you can transform your high school experience while studying abroad.</p>

The 4th of July, or Independence Day, is arguably America’s favorite holiday! The day commemorates when the US gained its independence, so historically, the day is filled with celebrations. One of the most colorful and interesting celebrations of the year, it’s a time to get together with friends, enjoy your favorite summer foods, listen to music, …

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Sara Burkhard

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