One stroll through a corridor in any of the 11 campus buildings of EF International Language School’s Tarrytown campus reveals all sorts of accents and languages.

“We have students come from all over: France, Spanish–South America and Spain –Japanese, and South Korea. We have students here from over 50 countries; students from all walks of life,” said Rachel Damiani, school director of EF International Language School’s Tarrytown campus for the past two-and-a-half years.

The idea is simple, and self discipline for the student – whether on a United States or international campus – is an important factor. This largest United States EF (Education First) International campus has customized programs that are rigorous and geared toward the needs of its international student population. Student self-discipline is highly prized at EF. Damiani calls the programs “well established.”

EF International offers both basic and intensive English courses. There is a specific concentration in Masters English, and this category includes Internal Affairs, Fashion and Design, and Media and the Arts.

The 25-acre site hosts many college-age students, but the age of students can range anywhere from their 20s to some in their 50s. The average student population at EF International is 600 students at any one time, with the summer of 2009 ballooning to a record 1,200. Attendance peaks in summer. There are two basic programs: long term, which lasts six to nine months with four entry points throughout the year, and a short term program, which is typically two to12 weeks.

High on the list of beneficial programs at EF International is the Host Family program, run by Coordinator Kristen Dayton, and the Internship program, led by Lisa Wilkerson.

“Hosting is an amazing opportunity for intercultural exchange,” said Dayton. “Not only is it an extremely meaningful cultural experience for a student, but it becomes very personal one where families and their host students become close friends and can remain in touch for years or even decades beyond the student’s departure.”

Adherence to prerequisites is required, and many times a host family’s children visit the student in their country, with the overall benefit, according to Dayton, being that it “really makes the world seem a little bit smaller!”

Wilkerson elaborates on internships. “Students can do internships in a variety of areas: Sales and Marketing, Accounting, Business, Human Resources and General Office Work. However we are open to internships in other areas as well. Students have held internships locally with hotels, car dealerships, non-profit organizations, TV stations, boutiques and a variety of other businesses. The internship program is a great way for serious, advanced level students to apply their talents and skills to a company while learning about American business practices and customs. We are very open to partnering with small, mid-size and large companies and organizations.”

Rachel Damiani loves her job. “Every day is different,” she said from her corner office on the Marymount Avenue campus, and it shows. She smiles as she says the words. There’s a great pride there. You see it in the students as well.

It’s what EF International Language School in Tarrytown is all about.