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Eliza Wright ‹ EF Academy Blog

The <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/en-us/landing/ef-academy-preparation-program/">Preparation Program</a> helps students experience real-life learning while preparing their academic skills for the US classroom. To learn more, we spoke with Emile Gable, Director of EF Academy Preparation Program at our New York campus. 

Q: What can a student expect if they enroll in the Preparation Program?

Our focus is helping students build the skills to be academically successful in a rigorous setting like <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/">EF Academy</a>. So that means study skills, English language skills, and adjusting to an experiential learning culture.

For instance, our Preparation Program students recently completed an etymology research project in partnership with the Teen Center at The New York Public Library. At the end, students presented their work—including a two-page paper and a 90-second oral presentation in English—to 30 faculty and staff. Considering that these students had only been in the program for two months, it was a huge achievement.

<img alt="An EF Academy Preparation Program students presenting her original research project" src="https://a.storyblok.com/f/245693/1440x1440/9d42af2b35/preparation-program-research-project-1.jpg" style="width:100%;min-height:auto; max-width: 600px;">

Q: Can you tell me more about the differences between the <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/en-us/landing/ef-academy-preparation-program/">seasonal pathways</a> that are offered?

The summer pathway is a great fit for students who are new to American classroom culture, studying in the US, or living away from home for the first time. It gives them an extra edge when they enter school in the fall.

The other pathways (spring, fall, and winter) are longer, so they benefit students who need additional time in the program. Students also get academic credit for the courses they take during these pathways. Our goal is to build students’ skills and confidence to the point where they can successfully transition to our other academic programs.

Q: Can you give more examples of experiential learning in the curriculum?

Recently our students visited the New Jersey School of Woodwork to learn hands-on math skills as they planned, measured, cut, and built their own birdhouses. And when school is back in session, the science department will help students place the birdhouses around campus to see which species gather there. Last year, we did a weeklong boat expedition, participated in the Billion Oyster Project, and even had a whale-watching trip.

<img alt="EF Academy Preparation Program students using a table saw to create birdhouses" src="https://a.storyblok.com/f/245693/5712x4284/896e5260db/preparation-program-students-woodwork-1.jpg" style="width:100%;min-height:auto; max-width: 600px;">

We’re excited to plan more hands-on learning experiences that don’t just stand alone but instead unfold throughout the year across multiple subjects. It gives students a chance to apply in the classroom what they learned in the field and vice versa.

Q: What else should families know about the Preparation Program?

This program works so well because first, we invest time into students; second, it’s a strategically built program. We have fantastic teachers, really dedicated staff, and we pay close attention to our students and families. For example, I offer one-on-one parent calls every four to six weeks, and I meet every family personally when they start the program, either in person or via Zoom. Families are eager for that connection, and I think they feel more comfortable knowing that their child is here with trustworthy people.

Learn more about <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/en-us/landing/ef-academy-preparation-program/">EF Academy's Preparation Program →</a>

The Preparation Program helps students experience real-life learning while preparing their academic skills for the US classroom. To learn more, we spoke with Emile Gable, Director of EF Academy Preparation Program at our New York campus.

Meet Emma Gernez, Head of Language and Literature

Behind the scenes of EF Academy’s Preparation Program

In this interview, we delve into Emma’s journey, her role at EF Academy, her passion for


Behind the scenes of EF Academy's Preparation Program

At <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/en-us/pasadena/">EF Academy Pasadena</a>, we’re all about community. And we couldn't think of a better way to connect with our neighbors than through bicycling—a journey that transforms the initial fear of scraped knees into the thrilling moment of “Hey, I’m doing it!" Though cycling may be a solo activity, the shared experience of freedom, resilience, and joy brings people together in a powerful way.

At a recent event, EF Academy students and families assembled bikes to donate to the <a href="https://www.cityofpasadena.net/parks-and-rec/">Pasadena Rec Center</a>. The event made the most of the rolling hills that surround campus with a group bike ride led by <a href="https://efprocycling.com/">EF Pro Cycling</a> team members Neilson Powless, rider for EF Education-EasyPost, and Coryn Labecki, a former rider for EF Education-Oatly.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QLW2S6X1GgU?si=Fx9spguWcXz5dOqe?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

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<h4>“There’s a deep nostalgia associated with bicycling. It’s really for a simpler and less paranoid time in the history of both neighborhoods and parenting. The banana seat, the training wheels, the freedom to roam—it’s culture-deep. And there’s a growing movement to bring it all back.”</h4><h6>– Elly Blue, Taking the Lane Vol. 8, 2012</h6>
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Bicycling is more than a mode of transportation or a way to get fit, though it is those things too. Dr. Kaela Clapp, Dean of Academics at EF Academy Pasadena, said, “I see the bike build as being a really cool opportunity for our students to expand their skills, and to see that their work has an application beyond their [school] community.” 

A team of students helped lead this event as part of our <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/en-us/pasadena/academics/innovation-impact-program/">Innovation & Impact Program</a>, which encourages students to solve real-world problems based on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. In this case, the focus was Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

<img alt="Innovation and Impact students helping at the EF Pasadena bike build event" src="https://a.storyblok.com/f/245693/800x533/1cebfb13ab/ef-academy-bike-build_students_fixing_wheel.jpg" style="width:100%;min-height:auto; max-width: 500px;">

Past projects for the Innovation & Impact Program addressed environmental concerns by developing a reef-safe facial sunscreen and a car battery that is portable, sustainable, and biodegradable. Students not only come up with their own ideas, they also work with teachers and industry experts to develop and test real prototypes.

<img alt="Students smile for a picture with their Innovation and Impact program teammates" src="https://a.storyblok.com/f/245693/800x533/c9962c25e5/ef-academy-bike-build_student_team.jpg" style="width:100%;min-height:auto; max-width: 500px;">

Throughout their projects, students are encouraged to use design thinking principles, particularly empathy, to create viable solutions. For example, students Sean, Adrian, and Seojun oversaw the assembly of 25 bikes with the goal of donating them to young people in the community. The hope? To enable a lifelong love of cycling.

As EF Education-EasyPost rider Neilson Powless said while attending the event, “The more people we can get on bikes through programs like this, the better.”

Learn more about EF Academy Pasadena's approach to <a href="https://www.efacademy.org/en-us/pasadena/academics/real-life-learning/">real-life learning →</a>

At a recent event, EF Academy students and families assembled bikes to donate to the Pasadena Rec Center. A team of students helped lead this event as part of our Innovation & Impact Program, which encourages students to solve real-world problems based on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

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Eliza Wright

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