The Explorer
2019's hottest student cities ● The bilingual advantage ● A different path to success
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 to The Explorer, our annual newspaper about language, culture and travel that'll have you rummaging for your passport and dreaming of adventures abroad. We'll give you the inside scoop on the best cities to visit in 2019, the science behind bilingualism and EF's hottest destinations–from Lisbon to Dubai. Our brand new brochure is included in this pack. Inside, you can browse our range of personalized programs in the world's most iconic destinations. You'll discover that a year with EF is about much more than becoming fluent in a language; it's a friendship-building, culture-absorbing, life-changing experience. Get in touch with us to make it happen by calling XXXXXXX today. Sincerely, name surname title, country
Challenge yourself on an EF Gap Year A gap year is a break that students take between school and university or college. Here at EF, we see a gap year as an opportunity to empower yourself. So we designed our own, to serve this very purpose. We're here to encourage you to get out of the comfort zone. To challenge yourself by interacting with locals in a beautiful, strange new country. To adapt to new culture. To discover yourself. The academic benefits are always in our mind too, so we'll do everything we can to get you speaking fluently in a new language–from local activites and epic excursions to an immersive campus environment, academic clubs and volunteerships with local companies. Our fully-immersive programs will give you the skills you need to develop as a person, as well as get you noticed by future employers. Read more about the EF Gap Year on our blog: www.ef.com/go
Issue 03 ● The faster way to learn a language ● www.ef.com
The Explorer
Bilinguals get a brain boost! Improve yourself by becoming fluent in a new language with EF. Empathy Learning a language abroad introduces students to the unique customs and values of a particular society. This fosters empathy by encouraging them to look at things from a different perspective (that of a local). In our increasingly globalized world, empathy is an undervalued yet incredibly powerful tool with which to nurture cooperation and trust.
Health benefits
2019's hottest student cities The heavyweight capitals are here to stay. Find out why we can't leave them out! 1 London With world-class universities, cheap eats and free cultural events, London is the ultimate student city. EF's campus is located a stone's throw from the iconic River Thames too, right in the center of the English-speaking world. 2 New York It's easy to see why students are still drawn to the Big Apple, America's largest city, thanks to its eclectic mix of neighborhoods, non-stop nightlife and renowned colleges. EF’s 25-acre campus is the ideal base from which to explore it all. 3 Sydney Don't let the surfing on Bondi Beach, partying in Darlinghurst or culture-hopping around the Opera House and Harbor Bridge fool you. Sydney is a city with some serious academic heft, home to esteemed universities like New South Wales and Wollongong. Discover the city from our campus in the heart of it all.
4 San Francisco Progressive, liberal and techsavvy, San Francisco is one of the USA's most forward-thinking cities. Practice English in diverse neighborhoods–from Chinatown to Mission District, shop at boutique stores with locally-sourced produce and uncover the SFMOMA and SoMa art scene. From our student lounge in school, you'll have a view of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge too! 5 Lisbon Ancient ruins, quaint cobbled streets and church spirals shimmering at sunset. Lisbon isn't all picture-perfect postcards and the architectural relics of empire, however. It's also contemporary– with thriving art galleries, an unrivalled culinary scene and bars on every street. Top tip: Take a ride to our EF campus on the charming Gloria funicular. See our centrally-located campuses here: www.ef.com/year
According to recent studies, regularly speaking multiple languages throughout life can slow down the onset of neurological diseases like dementia by up to five years! Speaking and thinking in a foreign language protects the functionality of the brain because it is required to process information in a different way. Scientists call this 'cognitive reserve'.
there may be a correlation between multilingualism and earning potential. There are numerous reasons for this, one of which is that professionals who are fluent in multiple languages are more suited to working in increasingly crossnational industries.
Exam success 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. Put yourself on the path to becoming bilingual here: www.ef.com/year
Higher earning The Economist and Time, among other reputable media outlets, have published articles indicating that
A different path to success Dropping out of high school or university can be a positive, characteraffirming and academically enriching experience. Taking an EF Language Year Abroad is the way to ensure it.
same country. I learnt how to think positive and [embrace] new cultures. I made more than 10 friends in a day. My advice: enjoy every moment."
Many students from around the world have been in a position where they weren't happy on the path they were on–whether it was a university course that didn't suit them or they were going through post-high school insecurity about what choices to make. With an EF Language Year Abroad, students are guaranteed both personal development and academic progress.
"At EF, I learnt how to be more tolerant. Sometimes things that are considered very different in some cultures are really common in others. Be open minded to as many things as you can, and you'll have a lot of fun."
Ingrid, 18, from Brazil, who decided to spend nine months studying at EF's Cambridge campus, explains the benefits of taking a long-term program:
Anna, 21, from Japan, decided to take a long-term program with EF. For her, the experience has fuelled a more positive outlook. She revealed: "I spent my time speaking English with friends who were not from the
Issue 03 ● The faster way to learn a language ● www.ef.com
The Explorer
EF Manchester's favorite Mentor EF Manchester's Customer Support Manager, Barbara, knows the secret to helping students realize their goals. Barbara, tell us a bit about your EF career. I'm currently the Customer Support Manager at EF Manchester. My journey with EF began in 2015 when I went to Bournemouth to learn English for six months as a Language Year Abroad student! As soon as I finished my course I started working for EF as an Activity Leader and Residence Assistant. After a fantastic year in the South I got the opportunity to move to the friendly North, to be Activities Manager at our Manchester school.
What's it like working in the school? It never gets boring! Every Monday we have new students, new faces, new nationalities. We are the lucky ones that get to know our customers and ensure they have an unforgettable experience. We love fancy dress too, so if it's not Harry Potter day, we are dressing up as a character from Roald Dahl's books or celebrating the '80s in tutus!
1 Complete fluency
4 Class of 2018/19
7 Internships
When you return home you'll be fluent in another language, an incredibly valuable asset to add to your résumé.
You'll study with the same group of students throughout, meaning you'll make lasting relationships that go far beyond the classroom.
Gain fluency and professional experience by working in a local company.
2 Become a local You'll go beyond the tourist trail and discover how locals live. Choose from 52 inspiring cities and find your new home.
3 Official exams Earn a globally recognised language exam to show to universities and future employers.
What are the most common questions you get asked? It's usually related to living in the U.K–how to join local meet-ups, a football team or how to volunteer.
And what do you think makes the school special? It's a mix of everything, but at the end, the students always remember the staff. We become their second family; they spend a lot of the day with us. It's the lively atmosphere and people that make it special.
What is the Mentor and Tutor program like? The idea is to make sure our students get support, and that they're making progress. They can talk to us about anything. Maybe they have culture shock, can't adjust to new food or just don't quite understanding the Mancunian accent. And we tutor them to ensure they are maximizing their academic experience.
Our students recommend... Dubai
Miami
Brighton
One of the world's richest cities, with towering architecture like the Burj Khalifa, expansive entertainment shopping malls and unique activities like dune bashing on desert safaris, Dubai is the 'cool' place to study Arabic.
As well as art-deco buildings and sundrenched boulevards, Miami is home to exciting restaurants, lively bars and a tropical climate that makes beach-going a daily occupation.
Perhaps the UK's most free-spirited city, Brighton is a southern city that packs a punch. With a thriving student scene, an iconic Pavillion and striking coastal beauty on its doorstep, there's no better place to practice English.
Get inspired on Instagram: #efdubai
What makes our long-term study options special?
See what our students are up to on Instagram: #efmiami
Issue 03 ● The faster way to learn a language ● www.ef.com
Follow the Instagram action: #efbrighton
5 Set term times Having set term times means you can explore your host city and beyond during vacation times.
8 Twin and Triple Study in two or three destinations to enhance your fluency and cultural exposure.
6 EF Mentors Receive support throughout the entirety of your course with an EF Mentor.
First choice since 1965 An EF Language Year Abroad is the ideal option when it comes to educational and cultural exchange. Over the past half-century, EF has provided language courses abroad for millions of students. So we know what works and what doesn't. We know how to maximize students' time and provide topquality service.
The campus environment is what makes EF special though. Spacious lounge areas, state-ofthe-art facilities and an activities department that provides fully immersive local activities and excursions, year-round!
Personalization is important. It's crucial that you've got options, so we offer flexible start dates and study hours on our long-term programs. Don't forget the Special Interest Classes (SPINs), where you can learn the language through subjects that interest you.
Get in touch with your local office: XXXXXXX. They'll give you even more reason to get excited.