In late October, alumni and prospective students of Education First (EF) International Language Centers got together for their annual Halloween parties. The EF Tokyo office held one for the students who had returned to Japan.
This year, the party was planned and organized by active members of the “EF Ambassadors” student group. When students have finished their study abroad program and had time to consider the life-changing experiences that came with it, many feel they want to share their memories with friends who haven’t travelled overseas.Members regularly meet at the local EF office to plan student events or help prospective students prepare for their forthcoming study program abroad with pre-departure English lessons and discussions.
EF awards the active ambassadors with special seminars, internship positions, invitations to an annual ambassador meeting held in Singapore, invitations to one of the continental ambassador tours and opportunities for international travel to a city of their choice in order to continue their studies.
In organizing the Halloween party held in Tokyo, ambassadors learned how to submit ideas and make proposals, as well as developing skills in planning, budgeting, and marketing. “It was amazing to see how enthusiastic the students were about planning the event. After spending time away from their familiar friends and families in foreign countries, not only do they return to Japan speaking another language, but they also become very independent. I don’t have to help them too much,” said Mami Yasui, Marketing Coordinator of EF Japan in Tokyo, who also takes a supervisory role with EF Ambassadors.
With the EF Ambassadors’ enthusiasm to learn and dedication to the event, this year’s Halloween party in Tokyo was a great success, and guests were delighted to be there.
EF’s Academic Year Abroad and University Preparation Course Abroad are available to anyone aged 16 years and older. Check out the website at http://www.ef.com. — WAKANA CATCHPOLE
