U.S. Congressman George Latimer visited EF (Education First’s) International Language Campus in Tarrytown on Thursday morning for a s
tudent townhall with young people from over 60 countries who are studying English and immersing themselves in American culture this summer on EF’s campus.
EF’s International Language Campus in New York is currently hosting 1,400 international students who are learning English through EF’s fully accredited English language learning program. These students, representing countries from Japan to Argentina to Portugal, are united by a shared goal: to improve their language skills and build bridges of understanding across cultures.
Introducing Congressman Latimer, EF Vice President Shawna Marino emphasized the mission behind the gathering: “At EF, our mission is to open the world through education. Language learning and cultural exchange are powerful tools for building peace and sparking mutual understanding in the world – and that’s what makes this discussion so meaningful today.”
Latimer, who represents New York’s 16th Congressional District, spent the morning touring EF’s 25-acre campus, which was formerly home to Marymount College, before he answered questions from more than 75 students about his personal journey in public service, leadership in times of change, international cooperation and diplomacy, and important policy areas like climate change and regulation in artificial intelligence.
“It’s a great honor to be with you,” Congressman Latimer told the students. “I’m very impressed that you’ve come from all over the world to our backyard here in Westchester County. Learning a new language – and immersing yourself in a new culture – is not easy. It takes courage, empathy, and openness. You represent the very best of what international education is all about.”
Latimer reflected on the value of education and listening as key traits of leadership. He said, “I’m still learning from the people around me. Leadership begins with listening. In government, business, or any setting, we have to understand others before we can lead.”
When asked about his childhood dreams, Latimer responded with humor and humility. “I wanted to be an astronaut. Then a baseball player. I wasn’t very good at either,” he said. “Life has a way of surprising you. I ended up in public service because I realized that I could make a difference, even in small ways. You have to be flexible. Life may not go the way you planned — and that’s not failure. That’s how we grow.”
For many students, the opportunity to engage directly with a member of the U.S. Congress was both educational and inspiring. It was also a unique chance to practice their English and public speaking skills.
“I asked Congressman Latimer what makes a good leader,” said Leandro, a student from Argentina. “He said leaders should listen, be open to learning, and surround themselves with people who know what they know and know what they don’t. That really stayed with me.”
Lisa from Germany asked one of the day’s most thoughtful questions: how to foster unity in polarizing times. Latimer responded with candor, noting the challenges of political disagreement in the U.S. and beyond. “Real unity requires compromise and empathy,” he said. “We won’t all agree, but we must remember that we are interconnected economically. We are interconnected culturally. And we are all part of one race – the human race. We can’t solve global challenges alone – we have to do it together.”
Other questions touched on climate change, privacy in the age of artificial intelligence, and the role of diplomacy in future political cooperation. Congressman Latimer emphasized the importance of youth engagement, reminding students that “public service isn’t about power – it’s about purpose.”
The conversation ended with a student from Spain asking about the future of democracy worldwide. Latimer answered: “The best thing America can do is lead by example – not by force. We must be confident enough to extend a hand in friendship and committed enough to stand up for freedom and opportunity wherever they’re threatened.”
Following the event, EF New York’s Executive Director Deborah Arapovic reflected on the significance of the gathering. “Bringing together our international students and the U.S. Congressman who represents our campus in Washington, D.C. on the same stage shows what education and diplomacy can achieve. It’s moments like this that build the global leaders of tomorrow.”
EF (Education First) has been part of the Tarrytown community for more than three decades and brings thousands of students and exchange participants to Westchester County from over 100 countries each year through its language immersion, academic degree and cultural exchange programs, as well as thousands of Westchester County residents abroad through its educational travel division.
