This fall, international students at EF International Language Campus in Tarrytown embraced the spirit of the season through a blend of cultural immersion and community service. While cheering on the Sleepy Hollow High School football team and celebrating Thanksgiving with local families, the students are also making an impact by organizing a food drive to support local families in need.
For EF students, who hail from countries where soccer—known globally as football—is the most popular sport, American football has been a fascinating discovery. The high school games, filled with spirited crowds, marching bands, and cheerleaders, offer an experience that blends community pride with the thrill of competition. A highlight of their experience was attending the Sleepy Hollow High School homecoming football game, where they witnessed one of the most unique traditions in high school sports—the legendary Headless Horseman leading the team onto the field. The Sleepy Hollow Horsemen finished their season with a 3-3 record, wrapping up their regular season in October. While they didn’t advance to the playoffs, the homecoming game against Irvington was a quintessential American experience for EF students.
“The homecoming game was amazing!” said Tina Shafer, a student from Germany. “The school spirit, the cheering, and the whole atmosphere felt like something out of a movie. I didn’t know much about football before coming here, but now I love it “
Beyond football, Thanksgiving provides another opportunity for cultural exchange. Local families in Westchester County are opening their homes to EF students, sharing traditions like turkey dinners, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
“Thanksgiving isn’t something we have in my country, but I love the idea of coming together to celebrate and be grateful,” said Saxer Karlsson, a student from Sweden. “It’s been amazing to be part of a family here and learn about their traditions.”
This year, EF students are also giving back to the community through a campus-organized food drive. They are collecting canned goods and non-perishable items to donate to local charities, ensuring families in need can enjoy the holidays. The initiative aligns with EF’s commitment to fostering community service as an integral part of the program.
“Community service is an important value for us,” said EF Campus Executive Director Andrea Arakaki. “By participating in the food drive, our students are not only practicing their English and learning about American culture but also making a positive impact on the local community.”
The food drive has been enthusiastically embraced by the students. “We want to give back because this community has been so welcoming to us,” said Alessia Daninthe from Switzerland. “Helping families during the holidays is a small way to say thank you.”
From the sidelines of Sleepy Hollow High football games to the warmth of Thanksgiving dinners and the generosity of the food drive, EF students are making the most of their time in Tarrytown. This blend of cultural immersion and giving back is creating lasting memories for the students and strengthening their connection to their temporary home.
“These experiences are what make their time here unforgettable,” said Arakaki. “The students aren’t just learning English—they’re becoming part of our community, and that’s something truly special.”
