EF International Language Center will sponsor its annual Culture Fair on Friday, May 17, 2013, between noon and 3pm on campus at 100 Marymount Avenue in Tarrytown. Involving students from over 40 countries, EF Culture Fair will feature exhibits, performances, games, costumes, music, food and lots of fun. All are welcome!
At right, EF Students from Sweden
My name is Maria Phillips and I am one of EF’s Host Family Coordinators. I have been with EF for almost one year and what an amazing ride it has been! Before I came to EF, I was not familiar with the school or what they offered. Once I joined the team, I was truly enamored by its uniqueness. I’d like to think that I have always been accepting of different people as well as other cultures ; working with EF has confirmed that for me. What I didn’t expect was how much the experience of interacting with students from all over the world, sharing their experiences and personal journeys, would deepen my appreciation of this exceptional world around me. This is one of the reasons why EF’s Culture Fair is so special. While students come to EF to learn and practice English through some of our many course offerings and by immersing themselves in American culture and customs, Culture Fair is a day when we at EF encourage the students to teach us about their countries and celebrate the richness of their different cultures.
During Culture Fair, our classrooms transform into “Countries from around the World.” When visitors enter each room they embark on a “tour” of a new culture. In past years students have decorated their spaces with pictures and symbols of their countries, worn national dress, had sample food on display and played traditional games. Later in the afternoon, some groups put on performances in Spellman Auditorium. EF enlists the help of community members, including host families, neighbors, and campus staff to judge various award categories from “Most Educational” to “Best Food” to “Kid’s Choice,” to “Best Overall Display.” This is a day when EF students use their creative talents to create a memorable experience that is not only fun for all participants, but also an opportunity for everyone who would like to join us to learn more about the many different cultures that make up our global classroom!
Culture Fair is the very embodiment of EF’s mission to break down the barriers of language, culture and geography that can divide us. In the past 48 years EF’s educational programs have helped people of all ages and nationalities become citizens of the world.
Please join us on Friday, May 17, 2013 from 12 – 3pm, in Marian Hall @ EF New York Campus, 100 Marymount Ave., Tarrytown, NY 10591. For more information, please call Maria Phillips (914) 597-7125 or e-mail to: maria.phillips@ef.com
