EF Education First
Programs and Reviews
How we began: EF Education First was founded in 1965 by a young Swedish entrepreneur named Bertil Hult. Our first office was modest and our concept was straightforward: take Swedish high school students to England to learn English.
Who we are: Almost five decades later, EF Education First is now the world's largest private education company, comprised of over 15 subsidiaries and non-profit organizations centered around language learning, educational travel and degree programs. Today, EF has over 26,000 employees, teachers and volunteers; with offices and schools in 54 countries, EF has turned the world into a global classroom.
Where we are going: EF's mission is more timely than ever. EF remains committed to breaking down barriers of language, culture and geography by providing the highest quality educational experiences-whether that's in another country, around the corner, on or the internet.
Programs Abroad
Jobs
Reviews
70%Overall
Rating
90%Overall
Rating
Massive support, Encouragement to excel as an educator. Even opportunities to work in fields outside of teaching. EF is a pretty cool place to work.
The centres are a positive supportive place for both the students and staff.
the materiels are excellent, along with a system that, while not completely following any single established methodology, works in a culmination of the best of the best methods. This systems really works with Chinese learners who, as you will find out very quickly, are a breed apart.
4+ years witht he program, and I don't see myself leaving anytime soon. Is EF perfect? No, but who is? Would I recommend EF? Of course...
70%Overall
Rating
Scared and alone, I flew to Shanghai in June 2007 to work with EF English First. I was hired to teach English to kids 3 to 18 years old. Although I had sufficient teaching experience, I was nervous because it was my first time to work abroad. But no sooner than I put down my suitcase than I realized I was in good hands. My DOS was warm and supportive, the staff were friendly, and the school was beautiful.
I underwent a series of training and orientation before they gave me my own kids to teach. There was a lot of support coming from the other teachers. Materials were abundant - from books, to DVDs, to toys! Teachers were kept busy with fun and not-so-fun activities. There were parties, lectures and seminars, marketing activities, as well as, parents meetings. Tiring? Yes. But it was never dull.
After three years of working with EF Kids, I moved to EF Smart - the school for adults. Sure, teachers were just as busy, the school was as fancy,and resources were just as plentiful.However, EF Kids was expanding really quickly, EF Smart was not. It was quite difficult to move up the corporate ladder.
After 5 years with EF, I felt that it was time to move on.
100%Overall
Rating
When I first came to China I knew that I wanted to teach so I spent a fair bit of time doing my research on what company offers the most support for the best salary.
EF really does a great job. Even before you start they give you excellent directions and help in getting your Z visa. Your recruiter is with you at all times to answer any questions you may have. When you arrive in China the company puts you up in a hotel for two weeks, gives you micro-teaching training, gives you a real estate agent and generally helps you acclimate to life in China.
During your first three weeks at your school your DoS(Director of Studies) will pair you up with a mentor to train you and answer any questions you have to living in the country. The entire office from the administrative, sales, and customer relations are on your side to help you enjoy your time.
Once you've finished your in house three week training you are given your own schedule and are constantly provided with support to grow as a teacher. The company also offers numerous chances at moving up.
All in all the experience has been amazing and I wouldn't change it for the world.
90%Overall
Rating
I came to China planning to teach for just a year. I had so much fun and found it so rewarding that I taught for almost 3 years.
Pros:
-Friendly teachers, really into people and teaching
-Clean, modern schools
-Awesome students who were eager to learn and meet foreigners
Cons:
-Offices can be a little "cozy" (be prepared to share space)
-A lot of the centers are in shopping malls, so the restrooms are outside the school and quality varies.
EF is definitely a Business. This has it's good and bad points. On the good side you have a lot more security and accountability than a small school and they're quite experienced in bringing people to China. They reimburse your TEFL (I got mine from CCPED fast track http://ccped.org/learn/ so not really an issue) structure your pay with benefits to minimise tax, but if you don't The downside is that there is a lot of bureaucracy, unpaid overtime, demands for you to take on marketing and brand ambassador duties. You're not just there to help people, you're definitely a revenue stream. If you're ok with that then jump on board, you can make reasonably decent money albeit working like a dog. If you're looking to teach, help people and make a difference, probably best look elsewhere.