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EF International Language Campuses

Why choose EF International Language Campuses?

The world is waiting. Learn a language abroad.

See the world, experience a new culture, and make friends from around the world as you prepare for your global future. EF's fun and interactive classes help you learn faster while living the language first hand. Earn college credit, participate in an internship, and explore your dream destination abroad. Start any Monday and study from two weeks and up, or join us for a semester or year abroad. We also offer University Preparation courses for students looking to attend college in France or Germany.

Website
www.ef.edu
Founded
1965

Reviews

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Ren
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Worth the Experience

Compared to other French classes I have taken, this one has to be the best. The teachers are very nice and helpful and will work with you regardless of where you are in your proficiency. In my experience, the teachers were very supportive and understanding and took the time to ensure that everyone in the class had a full grasp of the material before moving on. They were always willing to stay behind and answer questions and were very kind. You receive discounts associated with EF from everything like food to boutiques, so you shouldn't have to worry about staying within a budget.

Pros
  • Friendly Staff
  • Good Academics
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Emily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

EF Costa Rica

I have finished one month of my 8 month stay in Costa Rica and I have nothing but good things to say about it. My host family is incredibly kind, the campus is incredible, and there are beautiful beaches with great surf lesson options everywhere. Tamarindo itself is lovely: however, it is quite expensive as the area is a hotspot for tourists. As for my Spanish, I have already noticed an improvement after only one month. Nightlife is very active and there are plenty of activities to join on the weekends. I recommend this course for everyone.

Pros
  • Excellent Spanish education
  • Activities everyday and adventures every weekend
  • Active night life
Cons
  • Expensive
  • At times intense rain storms
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Stella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fun times in France

I spent a month in Saint Raphael this summer with EF. I had so much fun and made connections around the world. Great if you’re just starting out! It got so hot in the classrooms though in south France. You have to get your own water bottle because we only got water at meal times but that was just me as an American ha. I loved going to places on the weekend like Monaco and Antibes. That’s probably my favorite part! I am an Ambassador for them and they treat me really well! Have fun traveling!!!!!

Pros
  • fun
Cons
  • hot in the summer
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Jule
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

EF Highschool Exchange Year

I went on a high school exchange year with EF a year ago, and it was the best year of my life! 
EF has always supported me throughout my Exchange Year. And even gives me a chance to inspire new exchange students after my exchange year as an ambassador. My exchange gave me the chance to learn about myself, other cultures, and to find a second family and friends from all over the world! Thank you for making me realize that I want to go to college there. Thank you to the whole EF-Family who made this year so special!

Default avatar
Carsten
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fun Program! Almost too much fun :)

I signed up for 3 weeks in Malaga, and I liked it so much I extended my stay to 4 weeks! The social scene is great, you meet plenty of fun people and learn so much about other cultures. But you're meeting them all in english. Most people leave the spanish at school and don't want to go through the effort of socializing in spanish. So, try as you might, you won't really get a ton of speaking practice outside of school. As long as you apply yourself during the classes though, you'll still learn a lot. Not as fast as you do in some more focused programs, but that's the price you pay for the great social/party scene. Speaking of the party scene, if you are under 18 you simply aren't going to have as fun a time unless you have a group of other under 18-year olds who don't like partying, which I didn't see once during my summer. If you are under 18 and do like clubs and partying, I will say that the law is more of a suggestion there.
Also: the host families are awful. You are guaranteed to have a max of 5 kids in your host family... Except that rule is often broken. I was fortunate enough to switch from an awful family with 8 kids to the literal "#1 Host Family Malaga," so I ended up being ok. But my advice: don't spend the extra money to stay with a host family. You won't end up interacting with them and actually practicing spanish a ton, and you almost certainly will get something uncomfortable and dirty. But I won't end on that bad note; overall I had an amazing time and would definitely recommend it!

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Tanya Villafuerte

Why did you choose this program?

I choose this program because I go to art school and I have always loved art. Rome, having being the home to multiple artists, not only allowed to me to get to learn a new language and meet new people, but also to dig closer into the fascinating pieces it holds in all the museums and national sites. It also has great food.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

I won this trip as a part of a giveaway, so EF practically arranged everything for me. The housing, the flights and the program itself was carefully taken care by the team, which made it super easy, stress-free and enjoyable overall. And Fiona was super sweet and easy to reach; she also gave me all the info I needed to chose a course and everything.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

I would say just go, even if you don't know anything about the language, the food, the metro or whatever is holding you. You will eventually find out - it is just way easier than expected, and you will find people around the path that will gladly show you and teach you all you may need to know. Also, I would recommend staying at a host family; this way you get more involved.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

An average day to me would have been going to class in the morning from 8am till like 2pm, and then I would probably grab lunch somewhere new, and then wander around the shops, the streets or the free museums. At night, I would maybe go out or hangout with my roommate. Gelate was always the way to end my day.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear was the homestay and getting around.

In my previous travels with EF, I always stayed at their residences, which made it super easy to get around, while this time I had to take the metro and the bus to get to the school, and having no knowledge on the language scared me because I thought I was going to be lost all the time.

What is close to Rome to visit on a Day trip?

Any weekend you can take a bus, a train or a flight to other cool cities like Venice, Florence, Naples, Milan, among other cool trips outside of Italy for a weekend getaway. It's easy to book and cheap, especially if you book with friends to keep you company.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Sara Björnermark

Job Title
School Director
Originally from Sweden, Sara has spent the last 10 years in France, Africa and Guadeloupe. Passionate about languages, culture and pilates!
Sara Björnermark

Interview

What is your favorite travel memory?

Me and my partner went on a roadtrip through his native France last spring. We visited picturesque villages, the tidals Island Mont St Michel, the castles of the Loire Valley and the olw town of Saint-Malo. During these ten days I felt like I visited a new country every day because all the regions were so different. I can only recommend!

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

It has opened my eyes to the world and I am reminded of this every day when I interact with our students from all over the world. Thanks to the many exciting professional opportunities at EF I have learned to manage a team of 5 sales coordinators to now being responsible for almost 60 people in summer at our beautiful campus in Nice.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

I have so many beautiful stories that will stay with me for the rest of my life so it is difficult to pick one. I do remember a student from Belgium who stayed with us for 5 months last year. Everyday I could just see how much he was growing as a person and at the end of his academic semester his parents reached out thanking us for making his son feel welcome and appreciated for the first time ever in a school environment. I was particularly proud because my team and myself work hard to create an atmosphere of acceptance and respect towards one and another, despite all of our differences.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

The academic year without a doubt. Having lived abroad myself for the majority of my adult life I know how eye opening a year in another country can be. Not only does our longterm students become fluent in a new language, the develop a cultural sensitivity, they become independent and make friends for life. I couldn't think of a better experience for young adults.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

The people I work with. The EF spirit is unique and whenever I meet my colleagues I always feel so inspired and passionate to share the importance of what we do with so many talented individuals. For me personally it has been my second family since my very first day back in 2017. I am always proud of my team because they take time to really focus on the individual needs of each student. Giving a student our time and full attention is what motivates us and why we love what we do.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Every since I started working for EF I have always identified myself with our vision to open the world through education. Having lived, studied and worked abroad I know how much it changed my life. So I believe that a company needs a clear vision with a purpose that will inspire people to go the extra mile. And then of course the people!

Professional Associations

The Forum on Education Abroad Logo
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