The Explorer
World's best student cities ● Why go on a gap year? ● Meet Anthos, an EF Mentor
Your fastest way to fluency!
Issue 03 ● The faster way to learn a language ● www.ef.com
International Language Campuses
The Explorer
Dear student, Welcome back to The Explorer - a newspaper that'll get you rummaging for your passport and filling a backpack in no time. We'll take you behind the scenes with testimonials from two current students and an EF Mentor. We'll also give you the low-down on the freshest spots in America. Our brand new brochure is also included in this pack. Inside, you'll find all you need to start planning your dream gap year abroad. Simply browse our selection of courses in the world's most sought-after destinations and get ready to start the adventure of a lifetime. Everyone at EF (MARKET) is looking forward to helping you design the most unforgettable experience of your life. Contact us today by calling XXXXXXXXXX or emailing first. last@ef.com Sincerely, name surname title, country
Why go on a gap year? Officially, a gap year is described as a period of time, usually an academic year, taken as a break between school and university or college. But this doesn’t even begin to explain how empowering and life-changing it can be. EF's Gap Year program is designed for this purpose. A gap year is an exciting opportunity to develop new skills and put yourself outside the comfort zone. It means moving abroad to a beautiful, new country where you have to learn about a different culture, how to communicate in a new environment, and how to adapt to change. This is one of the best ways to discover more about yourself. There are academic benefits too. Regularly speaking with locals is the fast-track way to become fluent in a new language. There’s no set routine to learn this way, so you’ll find yourself in some very funny, extraordinary, and unusual conversations with natives along the way. Don’t forget that having another language on your C.V will get you noticed by potential employers too. A gap year doesn’t mean an empty year that needs filling. It means a year of possibilities to grow as a person, both academically and emotionally. Take a look at EF's state-of-the-art campuses here: www.ef.com/year
Issue 03 ● The faster way to learn a language ● www.ef.com
The Explorer
Being Bilingual At EF, learning languages is what we do. So here's 3 reasons why we think being bilingual is so important. We’re in the 21st century The world we live in is now more globalized than ever - there are so many platforms for communication and we can reach people in the most remote and wind-swept corners of the earth. So why limit ourselves to speaking in only one language? The more we connect with people from distant lands and non-native cultures, the more it is necessary for us to understand these people and show empathy. The best way to empathise with a foreigner is to learn their language. Learning their language means understanding their colloquialisms, idioms, and cultural differences.
body to a greater degree and thus perform better. Why is the mind any different?
Exams Being bilingual is crucial when it comes to taking language exams. Tests such as IELTS or the Cambridge English Exam, which is recognised by over 11,000 institutions around the world, require a high level of language proficiency. Passing these exams will certify your fluency and increase your future employment options. Find your perfect pathway to becoming bilingual here: www.ef.com/year
Brain function
Top 5 student cities Live like a local in one of the world’s greatest student cities during your EF Academic Year Abroad. From iconic capitals to sunsoaked beach cities, we’ve scoured the globe to find the very best destinations for you to call home.
3 Perth Perth is officially the sunniest city in Australia – meaning you’ll have plenty of time to explore pictureperfect beaches and sandy surf spots when you’re not in class at EF's brand new campus. Away from the coastline, you'll find a city that's packed with a cultural scene rivaling Australia's east coast metropolises.
1 London Studying in London puts you in the epicenter of the English-speaking world, especially with EF's campus located a stone's throw from the iconic River Thames. From world-class universities to student essentials like cheap eats and free events, London provides students with unforgettable experiences.
4 Paris One of the culture capitals of the world, Paris is at the forefront of fashion, literature, and the creative arts. With history flowing through every street, studying at an EF campus in the elegant 9th arrondissement, close to the famous Champs Elysee, is a truly inspiring experience.
2 New York America’s biggest city has been educating the globe’s academic elite for generations. And it's easy to see why students are still drawn to the Big Apple thanks to its eclectic mix of neighborhoods, non-stop nightlife and renowned colleges. EF’s 25-acre campus gives you the perfect base from which to explore it all.
5 Malaga With a 2,800 year history that makes it one of the oldest cities in the world, Malaga has always drawn international students in awe of its stunning beaches, artistic heritage, and delicious Mediterranean cuisine. EF’s campus, with its intimate villastyle design and idyllic citrus tree gardens, characterizes the city’s appeal. See our perfectly located campuses here: www.ef.com/year
Scientific research seems to indicate that our brains benefit from being bilingual. Various studies have shown that the cognitive exercises we perform in order to speak in different languages helps to keep the brain agile and flexible, as well as reduce the risk of dementia. Imagine a gymnast who jumps straight into a routine, compared to one who spends time stretching before. It’s more likely that the stretching gymnast will be able to extend their
'A new path opened up for me' After Anne dropped out of university, she decided to take an EF Academic Year Abroad. She explains why it was the best decision she's ever made. "I was having a tough time at university because the course I was on did not really suit me. I realised two things. Firstly, I wasn’t happy to keep studying something I didn’t like, and secondly, that I actually didn’t really know what I wanted to do. I decided to take an EF Academic Year Abroad because I wanted to do something valuable for my future and make progress in my life.
purpose: they had a fully-equipped gym and even dance studios! Learning a new language, in which I am now fluent, has created so many opportunities for me. I feel confident again because I can communicate better, and it’s also helped me to decide what I want to do for a career. I’ve met more incredible international people at EF than I would have at university, and it genuinely feels like a community here - everyone knows each other and the EF staff are always available to help and support me in my development."
I chose to study in San Diego on a 9 -month course, where I partook in 32 English lessons a week and used EF's digital learning materials. Additionally, I participated in regular activities and student clubs to further expose myself to English. The campus was designed for this
Issue 03 ● The faster way to learn a language ● www.ef.com
The Explorer
Meet Anthos, an EF Mentor We sat down with EF's Anthos to get some insight into the EF Mentor program. So, Anthos, what’s your role at EF? I’m the Activities Manager at EF London. I make the fun happen!
You sound enthusiastic! So, what is an EF Mentor? Well, we know that it can be challenging to move to a foreign country, so we have EF Mentors to help make things easier. We offer guidance and support so students can adapt to life in a new city and make the most of their experience.
So it’s a bit like being a coach? I believe a coach is someone who focuses on performance and reaching a target. A mentor is different because they only offer guidance; a mentor allows the student to discover their own direction.
Do you think students benefit from an EF Mentor? Yes, definitely! The students have told me before that it’s nice to know that there is always someone available to talk to, confidentially. I’ve had some really interesting conversations too - for example about how to become a ‘local’ in London.
Are there specific times you meet your students? We schedule chats to follow-up on our students’ progress during their course, but we are quite relaxed and informal. We know that a lot happens in a year, so it’s important for us to keep regular contact and be around if someone needs to talk. Ok thanks for your time Anthos. We hear you are taking some students for a fish and chip dinner tonight, in true English style. Enjoy!
Why choose an EF Academic Year Abroad? 1 Complete fluency
4 Class of 2018/19
When you return home you'll be fluent in another language – impossible on a short-term course.
You'll study with the same group of students throughout, meaning you'll make lasting relationships that go far beyond the classroom.
2 Become a local You'll go beyond the tourist trail and discover how locals live in one of the world's most inspiring cities.
3 Official exams Earn a globally recognised language exam to show to universities and future employers.
5 Set term times Having set term times means you can explore your host city and beyond during vacation times.
6 Personalized project Choose a long-term academic project in a subject that inspires you,
working with a team of like-minded peers.
7 EF Mentors Receive support throughout the entirety of your course with an EF Mentor.
8 Internships Gain fluency and professional experience by working in a local company.
9 Twin and Triple Study in two or three destinations to enhance your fluency and cultural exposure.
'Why I didn't do Erasmus' Gabriele had the option to take either an Erasmus program or EF Academic Year Abroad. She reveals why she chose the latter. "One of the first reasons is simple - EF is older and more established. Over 20 years older in fact. I really got a feel for this when I spoke to an EF representative in one of their local offices, because they were so knowledgeable and really understood the long-term courses they were offering. EF is personalized. When I spoke to EF, they showed me how I could tailor my course to get the most out of my year. I could choose my own Special Interest Classes (SPINs),
Live in America's most iconic cities New York
Boston
San Diego
From giant, worldrenowned landmarks such as the Empire State building and Brooklyn Bridge to the everluminous sparkle of Broadway and Times Square, 'The Big Apple' is truly the place where dreams are made.
Among the oldest and most historic cities in the US, inspiration is easily found along Boston's revolutionary streets. One highlight is the atmospheric Fenway Park, home of the Red Sox baseball team.
The second-largest city in California is a dynamic yet liberal blend of Spanish, Mexican, and American culture. Absorb the laid-back atmosphere on any of over 60 world-class beaches.
See what our students are up to on Instagram: #efboston
Follow the Instagram action: #efsandiego
Get inspired on Instagram: #efnewyork
Issue 03 ● The faster way to learn a language ● www.ef.com
how many hours I wanted to study per week, and they also had flexible start dates. The environment inspired me. The San Francisco campus has a strong academic feel with large, stateof-the-art classrooms. This was balanced perfectly with the comfort of sofas and chairs in the student lounge, where we could relax and gaze out through the window at the remarkable Golden Gate Bridge." Gabriele, 21, EF San Francisco.