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As the late Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Indeed, schools play a pivotal role in shaping the minds of tomorrow, and in a world divided by cultural, social, and economic disparities, EF Academy is forging communities where voices from every corner of the globe are both heard and embraced.
Its campuses in Westchester County, New York, and Pasadena, California, are home to some of the most diverse student bodies in the U.S. With a third campus in Oxford, U.K., the school’s student body represents over 60 nationalities. The school is committed to opening the world through education and turning classrooms into melting pots of perspectives.
“I love hearing about other people’s countries and values,” shares student Abby from the U.S. “It is so incredibly special to be part of such a diverse and interconnected community. It absolutely taught me so much about the world.”
Global Perspectives is Abby’s favorite class. “From the minute I heard of it, I knew I wanted to take this class,” she says. Such topics typically have this effect on EF Academy’s budding global citizens, especially once they find out it involves various activities, such as writing research papers and discussing current events. However, what truly set this class apart for Abby was its ability to bring together diverse viewpoints.
Every student is unique—that’s why every learning journey must be unique. We craft a custom pathway just for you, based on your talents and strengths. We help you set personalized growth goals with your advisors, and then develop a plan for achieving them with courses and co-curricular activities you care about. Source: EF Academy
“When the Russia-Ukraine war broke out, we had both Ukrainians and Russians in the class,” she says. “We had such a wonderful discussion on the different perspectives of people from different countries. We had a debate, but everybody was so respectful of each other and their perspectives.”
Such exchanges are ingrained throughout every classroom and corner of EF Academy’s campuses. For example, IB Business Management classrooms sometimes see students sharing fashion ads from their home countries to analyze varying approaches to messaging, design, sustainability, and cultural sensitivity. Philosophy classes challenge students to synthesize perspectives. In medical ethics discussions, students simulate doctor roles and rank principles like autonomy, beneficence, and justice, resulting in conflicting lists due to their diverse backgrounds. Biology lessons have even transported students to Central America, where they can truly expand their understanding of the world.
“We bring students on a trip to Belize, where they have the opportunity to travel to a research station right on the barrier reef,” shares EF Academy’s Science Department Head, Stephen Fleming. “It’s informative, fun, adventurous, and we make tangible connections to our curriculum.”
Dormitories are intentionally designed to promote diversity too, with roommates carefully matched to ensure they come from different countries. This is why it’s common for learners here to form deep bonds with peers from other parts of the world, often spending holidays together or visiting each other’s home countries during breaks.
Our approach shifts the focus from “How do I get an A on this test?” to “What knowledge do I need to acquire, and what skills do I need to work on?” You get continual feedback from your teachers throughout the year, reducing test anxiety while freeing you up to focus on your true learning and development—what real education should be. Source EF Academy
EF Academy’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, diverse environment is exemplified by its dedicated DEIB team. The team supports various student groups, addressing their specific concerns and ensuring their individual needs are met. They also run various activities and celebrations to honor heritage months, such as Black History Month in February and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May. These events highlight the rich cultures within the student body and provide platforms for students to share their unique stories and traditions.
“We all come from different countries, we have different cultures, and that makes us open-minded people,” says Jimena from Spain. “That’s something a lot of people don’t have access to.”
Perhaps it’s rarer still to come across schools that encourage their students to actively participate in shaping their community. Each of EF Academy’s campuses fosters a “mini–United Nations” environment where students are empowered to speak up and engage directly with the school’s leadership team. They lead initiatives to tackle the global challenges closest to their hearts—whether that means recycling and upcycling around campus or bettering the local community. They can frequently be found volunteering with Town Hall or the local police department and joining community events like the Fall Festival.
Such exposure enables learners to hone skills like empathy, collaboration, and problem-solving. This foundation, combined with global perspectives and an enriched understanding of diverse cultures, transforms ambitious students into influential changemakers.
For example, Viridiana, a student from Mexico, combined her passion for running with her desire for change by participating in the Terry Fox fundraiser, contributing to a cause that has raised over $800 million for cancer research. Nameeda, from Bangladesh, is making a tangible difference by supporting Foundation 21’s fight against period poverty in her home country through educational materials and social media advocacy. Marie and Lotte from Norway decided to dedicate their Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) project to helping the homeless in Oxford.
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