On May 23, EF International Language Campus in Tarrytown celebrated the graduation of 110 Academic Year (AY) students representing 21 countries from around the world. Hailing from Belgium, France, Ecuador, Spain, Japan, Italy, Peru, Poland, Taiwan, Sweden, and beyond, these students completed their studies with improved English proficiency, lifelong friendships, and a broadened global perspective.
The AY program, tailored to students’ academic and professional goals, lasted six to eleven months and offered a blend of classroom instruction and experiential learning. Whether returning to their home countries or continuing their studies in the U.S., graduates left the EF campus with far more than just language skills – they carried with them stories of growth, independence, and intercultural exchange.
“The EF experience is a catalyst for transformation,” said one EF teacher. “It’s about meaningful connections, confidence, and a broadened worldview.”
Students, who have called Tarrytown home for much of the past year, quickly became part of the local community. They frequented beloved businesses like Coffee Labs Roasters, known for some of the best espresso in the country; Mr. Nick’s Pizza, a go-to for after class and study hall; and Playa Bowls, a favorite spot for healthy snacks and hangouts. Another popular destination was the Sleepy Hollow Bookshop, a cozy English-language bookstore where students browsed an impressive selection of novels, poetry, and nonfiction. Many cited the bookshop as a helpful resource for both language learning and leisure reading. “It’s a treasure,” one student shared. “They have so many options (in English) – it helped me practice and enjoy reading at the same time.”
While language immersion was the program’s core focus, personal development was just as significant. Students shared stories of adjusting to new social norms and building friendships across cultures. Marianella, who arrived late in the term, said, “The first day was hard, but a week later, I started making friends and participating in all the EF activities, and everything changed.”
Cultural exchange flourished not only in the classroom but also in dorm rooms, campus clubs, and weekend excursions. Students visited landmarks in New York City, explored the RiverWalk, and hiked through Rockefeller State Park. “Being here opened me up to new opinions, new mindsets,” said Giulia from Italy. “You don’t get this kind of experience from a book or classroom at home.”
The Tarrytown community itself left a strong impression. Students described it as welcoming, peaceful, and safe. “People always say hi,” one student noted. “It made me feel like part of the town.”
Now, as graduates disperse across the globe back to their home countries, their time in Tarrytown marks a pivotal chapter in their lives. They leave with sharper English skills, deeper cultural understanding, and memories of a village that embraced the world.
As the campus prepares for the summer intake of students who will visit Tarrytown from around the world for their short-term English language programs, EF’s team can’t help but reflect how the AY graduation wasn’t just a milestone – it was a celebration of global connection, resilience, and the lasting impact of a year spent learning not just a language, but a way of life.
Debby Arapovic is the Executive Director, EF International Language Campus New York
