Frequently asked questions

What distinguishes EF International Academy is that it specialises in working with international students. Our students, who come from over 40 countries, are driven and motivated, and our experienced teachers know how to guide our students to their greatest potential. In addition, EF International Academy graduates go on to top universities around the world; nine out of ten attend their first choice university.

Both are rigorous two-year academic programmes that are respected around the world. A-levels encourage students to choose and specialise in a few academic subjects, typically three to four, whereas the IB programme is broader in scope. All IB students must master literature, mathematics, science, humanities, arts and second languages. A-levels are popular in Great Britain, and students choose A-level subjects based on their university and career goals.

Prospective medical students might study mathematics, biology, chemistry and statistics, whereas prospective law students might study political science, history, government and philosophy. An EF International Academy admissions officer can help you decide which programme is best for you.

One of our primary goals is helping students get into the right university. Advisors work individually with each student to develop a thorough application strategy. They confer on a regular basis to ensure students meet various filing deadlines and are navigating the application process effectively. We sponsor university fairs and coach students about interviews, application profiles and aptitude tests. Most important, we ensure students progress academically and achieve the best results possible on examinations. At the end of the process, we offer advice to students and parents about which offer to accept.

Prospective medical students might study mathematics, biology, chemistry and statistics, whereas prospective law students might study political science, history, government and philosophy. An EF International Academy admissions officer can help you decide which programme is best for you.

Medical school is highly competitive, and our university advisors work with prospective medical students to ensure they’re well positioned for entry into a good programme. We organise informational sessions for prospective medical students, arrange work experience at hospitals and tutor students to ensure they’re prepared for the BMAT, UKCAT, GAMSAT, MCAT and other aptitude tests. We also offer coaching that includes mock admissions interviews, and we advise students about choosing coursework. A number of our students take advantage of open days at hospitals and medical schools, and many pursue relevant work experience during school holidays, activities we encourage and help arrange.

Contact one of EF International Academy’s admissions offices listed at the back of this brochure. EF International Academy admissions managers will offer guidance and provide assessment tests, English language tests and application forms.

Students must have complete medical and accident insurance. We recommend an insurance package offered through Erika Travel Insurance, which has been tailor-made for EF International Academy students. It provides medical and accident coverage and coverage for personal belongings, programme interruption and liability. It’s valid around the world, allowing students to travel during the programme.

We believe that forming close relationships with students and giving them individual attention is the best way to teach. On average we maintain a student to teacher ratio of about 15 to 1. In addition, each student works closely with a personal advisor who monitors the student’s overall welfare and academic progress. Students also develop close relationships with dorm parents and residential staff.

On our New York campus, students live in comfortable dormitories on campus. In Torbay, students live with host families, where they can practise English and enjoy a warm, family environment. In Oxford, students have the choice between living with a host family or in a dormitory.

The safety of students is our primary concern. Our campuses are private, secure and monitored by staff 24 hours a day. In addition, campuses are located in quiet residential areas. In New York, we have 25 acres of private grounds – formerly a university campus – in the small community of Tarrytown. In Oxford, our campus is located in a neighbourhood popular with university professors. In Torbay, students are surrounded by a quiet community. If a student needs help or advice from an adult, he or she is able to do so at any time, 24 hours a day.