EF Education First Headquarters - Cambridge, Massachusetts

emilie vion

Why I would choose EF all over again !
I always dreamt of going on exchange, but I was so unsure and scared about what if I would have a problem once I am there and my parents are not there. Well, first of all I had the most amazing year of my whole entire life and even though it came to an end over a year ago, I still think about it every day and have my amazing friends from there. I had to switch host family during my year and I couldn’t have been more helped than I was. My coordinator was there to support me day and nights and she ended up making the rest of the most wonderful. I will forever be thankful for all these opportunities and all the ambassador friends that I made thanks to Program. I wouldn’t have wanted my exchange to be any other way. I also absolutely love the ambassador program which enabled me to meet friends that I go on vacation now even back home over a year after. EF gives you a million possibilities to stay involved in the Program and that’s my favorite part now! Getting to meet new students at pre departure meetings, being a part of the buddy program, going to Summits in Boston, Zurich and having the possibility to apply for summer jobs will NEVER get old!
Thank you again,
Emilie

Ella roundy

I went on my first EF trip to Portugal and Spain and could not say better things about it! Our tour guide was so thoughtful of everyone and such a joy to be around.As well as had many options of what to do during free time. I definitely caught the travel bug after:)

Hana Kolyani

EF was a pretty interesting experience. There was room for improvement for organization but overall the company was fantastic in allowing students to immerse themselves in other cultures. Personally went to Japan and enjoyed my two weeks studying the language in an efficient way! There was trips and journeys to shrines and prefectures that just overall really made things fun. The residence was unexpected since it was a share house with other programs but overall solid 8/10! Just try it out for yourself.

Maria Bruno

I just got back from an amazing 2 weeks vacation/studies in Costa Rica, what a trip! A lifetime experience that I will remember forever! I chose an intensive program, so mostly had classes all day. Either 8am-3.30pm, or 11am-4.30pm, which I really enjoyed because my main goal for this trip was learning Spanish. You still have plenty of time to explore. In the mornings before classes we would go to the beach and also were able to squeeze 2 excursions! Zip lining and kayaking, the places were close to town. During lunch break we would explore different cafes, and at night went to watch sunset and have dinner on the beach. Lots of night life that starts late, like after 9-10pm, so we did that too when we had afternoon classes. I only had 2 weeks, but I packed them with all kinds of activities. Got to try surfing for the first time! There is a lot to do, I wish I had more time. Would love to come back!

Isabella Kobylinski

I have been on two EF trips & have a third booked! My first trip was Greece & it was my first time in Europe. I went alone and had the most amazing time of my life. It sparked my love for traveling & the next year I did the Italy, Germany & Switzerland trip. A whole different vibe but still an unreal trip. From both trips I have seen incredible places, met lifelong friends & have been inspired to continue traveling. I leave for Cruise Croatia in a week and cannot wait! The guides are amazing & I love the stress-free travel that EF provides.

Ines Cichowski

Technically amazing idea and opportunities to travel and explore new places but when I did my exchange and stayed in America it was horrible.
The camp before I left for my host family was not worth the money at all. The food and sleeping situation was miserable.
EF did not manage to match me to a right host family. The family I got was awful and I got treated like a complete stranger. My advisor or the person that was supposed to look after me did not help at all. She always sided with the host family and didn’t understand where I was coming from or helped me when I had problems. This was a horrible experience to deal with alone for a 15 year old. Paying so much for a 10 month exchange was ridiculous. The money only went to the organization and the host families hosted for free. That is probably they wanted to keep every host family they could and prioritize them. The downside is the foreign child is suffering.
After I finally changed host families I got into a better home and everything resolved itself. But I will never forget the hurt the first couple of months into my experience have caused me. EF needs to care more about the children instead of blaming them for being different. Host families need to understand that different cultures = different behaviors.

Alec Tub

I took a 4 week trip to Nice this summer and it was an amazing experience. Really recommend EF to anyone who is looking to improve their language skills and make lifelong friendships. The staff is super nice and helpful and the accommodations are comfortable. I was able to explore Nice and lots of the surrounding area like Monaco, and Antibes, and we constantly did a lot of fun activities. I will definitely look to EF next time i want to study abroad

Chris Cipolla

WARNING BE CAREFUL
I signed up for 3 months in EF Costa Rica- Spanish language and it cost me 15 thousand dollars and my home stay was more like a camp site- it was over 95 degrees every day and there was no AC and I booked a flight home one day due to the extreme heat and no AC there.

I received a nasty call from a manager at EF telling me I’m running away from my problems, and I’m not getting my money back….

Also when I signed up, an agent named Gian Luca (yes I’m exposing them) told me if I signed up that day I would receive free flights. He said he needed my card for the flights and then later I would be refunded. The company scammed me and never gave refunded me. I called many times and they said I misunderstood the situation.

This company is very money hungry please be careful