On a high in New York

Updated on: Tuesday, January 03, 2012

I decided to go abroad for my high school education to stay competitive in university admissions. I had to start as early as in high school to work towards realising my dreams of getting into Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

As for the high school years, 11th and 12th grade are very crucial and I understood early that my performance in the high school will help me get that competitive edge for university admissions.
Unmatchable

As a young student, I'm open to experiencing the international culture. It is interesting to live and study in an international community along with students of different nationalities. I got know so much about them and their cultures which I probably would never get to know through the Internet. We have students from 62 different nationalities, giving us a global cultural exposure.

The education system abroad is very different than that in India. At EF International Academy teachers help us challenge our own understanding of the subject and motivate us to learn more every day.
Practical approach

In India, we have a broad classification of science, commerce and arts, but at EF International Academy we get to make the choice on subjects we want to study and EF International Academy lays emphasis on individual growth and practical approach to studies than the theoretical approach.

IB Diploma is a very broad curriculum and the projects we take up as part of CAS (Creativity, Action and Service) are very interesting and exciting at the same time. I'm glad being in high school abroad and just can't narrate in words how much of a difference it has made to personally and academically.

Sheel Patel (16) from Baroda studied at Navrachna International School till the 10th grade. He is now studying at the New York campus of EF, pursuing his first year IB Diploma.

He loves soccer, table tennis, swimming and cricket. He is also a State soccer player. Besides sports, he likes to travel and explore the world with friends and family.
Advantage

I wanted to pursue my university education in the U.S. and I knew that going abroad for my high school education would give me a competitive advantage in university admissions. I want to pursue my career in the finance stream.

After my high school education at EF International Academy, I want to join Pennsylvania University. I have a goal in my mind and so I made the choice of studying at EF.
Pleasant surprise

I was pleasantly surprised when I got to the campus. The school is more than what I expected. It is a new atmosphere where I live and study with students of diverse nationalities, and the staff members are very supportive.

The teaching methodology at the school is more inclusive and emphasis is on practical learning and this instils responsibility in the student.

Our teachers encourage use of technology in the class and learning is not only from the books but also through practical methods.
Club activities

We have to participate in a minimum of five clubs outside our classroom activities.

In addition to the academic club, I'm part of the bicycle club and the swimming club. Participating in these clubs gets us credits as part of the CAS.

By the time I get into my second year IB (12th grade), my Guidance Counsellor will send me a list of top universities I can apply to and also help me prepare for the SAT and university interviews.

I'm glad that I have made the right decision to study abroad and am very sure of maximising my career opportunities through top university education.

On a high in New York

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