Program Reviews

The time in which I did my program, I was between going from high school to college, and due to wanting to attend a university in Japan, I decided to do a study abroad program in order to better prepare myself, and EF provided a great opportunity. Since I was over 18 at the time I was applying for programs, and had a few days in the year that I had to work around, EF was the perfect fit. It allowed me to set my own schedule and work around my own program. Living in Tokyo provided a great opportunity for independence, exploration, and simply felt ecstatic. Already being from a large city (San Francisco, USA), it simply couldn't compare to the rush and feel of Tokyo.

My host family in which I stayed was a little bit outside of Toyko, but the family was extremely accommodating and nice. Some nights we would even speak at the table for hours on end, for the sole purpose of helping my get acclimated to Japanese and to enjoy each other's company. They were also very understanding, and allowing me the freedom to go come and go at my leisure was very helpful in terms of a social life.

One of the most enjoyable parts of the school life was just being able to meet new people, most of which were people who came from places halfway across the world. It's super easy to connect with others and make friends as well, if you find yourself without a way to break the ice, just start with "Where are you from?" and go from there. While you are learning Japanese at the school, he most frequently spoken language between students outside of class is English—at least among the beginner students.

Overal, I found the experience to be something that was a necessary and beneficial part to my career and it helped my grow as an individual and gain a sense of independence.

My EF experience has been nothing but amazing. Even before I came to Tokyo all my questions and concerns were taken care of immediately. EF is a very well put together program. The location is great, and the residence set ups are very convenient. The friends that I've made here say that home stay host families are great too! As well as very accommodating. The school itself is an amazing experience. The teachers are super friendly, fun, and each have a unique way of teaching. It really feels like they enjoy teaching. Which makes asking questions much easier. As they are more than willing to answer anything, and repeat if necessary. I definitely had some fears coming here, but now I'm stress free and having the time of my life. The only thing I fear is leaving! In short, I'm truly greatful for everything EF has done for me. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I hope to do it again, one day!

Living in Tokyo has been an eye-opening experience for me, as I've learned about myself and a different culture separate than mine. Being that this is the first time I have truly been on my own, I was incredibly nervous arriving in Japan, but the EF Tokyo staff and students were very supportive and helpful. I always knew that if I needed help I could go to someone and ask. Now that I have properly studied Japanese in a classroom, instead of at home online, I now know that I want to minor in it. This program has helped me understand myself and what I want to do in many ways, and I recommend it to anyone who is interested in Japanese culture and learning the language.

It seems like I couldn't have chosen a better place to study Spanish than the EF School in Málaga. The beautiful school with residence is located in the neighorhood of Pedregalejo, 5 minutes away from the beach and about 20 minutes away from Málagas city center, which is stunningly beautiful and exciting by the way. I had an amazing time there and would recommend this exact school to anyone who really wants to learn Spanish and have fun whilst doing that. The teachers at this school are the best, they really want you to learn the language, improve your skills and encourage you to speak Spanish outside of the classrooms as well.

The staff in general is really great.

The Residence Advisors and the other people taking care of the residence (if you choose to stay there like I did) are always around and help you with whatever problem you have.

The people that take care of the academics stuff always make sure you're in the right level and feel comfortable.
The extremely dedicated Activities Coordinator makes sure you're also having a good time outside of school with activities like visiting museums or going surfing but also helps you if you want to e.g. play the guitar or find a football team you can train with and keeps you updated about events in the city that you can go to.

They just know how hard it can be for someone to leave family and friends behind to study in a foreign country on their own so they try to make your experience as enjoyable and rewarding as it could be.

All together I can say that I really had the best time ever at EF Málaga, I improved my Spanish, met amazing and interesting people, made friends from all over the world and experience the southern Spanish way of living...

I started my course with EF towards the end of September 2016 at the A1.1 level. I practically knew no German whatsoever, apart from some phrases I had heard in movies. But now, after about 6 months, I find myself in the B2.1 level and feel very confident when communicating with others in German. Sometimes, I even find myself thinking in German instead of English. The staff in the school is friendly and has always helped me out when I asked for help.
I would totally recommend future participant to stay with a host family. I found that I was able to learn much faster simply by speaking with my host family every night at dinner time.
I also love that there is always something to do in Munich, from going to festivals and concerts, to just finding a new place to eat with friends. The city is beautiful, and so safe that you could go out walking in the middle of the night without being scared of something happening.
Overall, it has been a phenomenal experience so far!

I chose to study spanish in Málaga because it's a beautiful city and it's not that far from my country, Norway. Education First Málaga is a school where you learn spanish. The teachers care about you and want to help you learn the language and about the spanish culture. You can choose to live at the school or in a host family. I chose a host family because I wanted to see how they live in spain, and also try new food. The school is only 20 minutes on the bus from the city centre. A normal day strarts at 09:00-13:20 or 12:00-16:40. We learn spanish by playing games, group work and grammar. The teaching is always in spanish, so if we don't understand a word they explain it in spanish or show us a picture or we google it. In the afternoon you can do different activities like horse riding, sports at the beach, kayaking and more. It's different every week and in the weekends you can travel to Marocco, Portugal, Sevilla, Cadiz, Granada, or wherever you want. I recomend Education First Málaga if you want to learn spanish and like the beach and a city that's not to big. I've leared a lot and the malageños are very open and welcoming.

I arrived in Nice in the middle of september, and since a lot happened to me.
I met lot of nice people here and made friends.
Everyone is helpful, kind and full of joy; the activities are always fun and we never get bored!
There are beautiful towns and villages that we can visit each weekend, we can sunbathe on the beach or just have a delicious ice cream in the old town.
At the beginning I was a little afraid because I have never spent so much time away from my family and my country but you could become a part of EF community very easily.
Teachers are funny and cool, you can ask anything from them and all the Staff is also here if you need any help.
I will never regret coming here, that is a really good life experience and memory.
I would highly recommend it, no matter the age!!!

I started studying with the EF Education Program 6 months ago. Since the first day of class we were spoken to in German, and to this day I am in the B2.2 level. I can say proudly that I can communicate with people in German. The school has been very attentive as to my individual needs in order to improve with the language. One month ago I began with the Pre University program, and the teacher gives us courage and motivation to keep learning in order to enter a University here in Germany. There is nothing but motivation from the Staff.
I stay with a host family. I have had to move because my first host family was leaving the country, but I have a very good relationship with the owner of the house I live in right now. The house is clean, comfortable. I come from Venezuela, where we cant walk on the streets without feeling scared. Here in Munich I have not felt unsafe, not even once..

I've spent a semester in EF Tamarindo last year, and I must say it's the best decision I ever made.

I was welcomed in a host family which I eventually started to consider as my own, and I think it's the best accommodation you can chose since you have no other choice than to speak Spanish at all times, and it really is a plus for discovering the culture and the habits of the Costa Rican people.

The school and the teachers were also amazing and always very helpful, and always ready to do more exciting activités !

About the town and the country itself, it's nothing like what we may know in Europe or in the US, they clearly do not have all the equipments we have, but it only adds up to the beauty of the city.

I am currently 6 months into the 9-month program at EF Playa Tamarindo, and it has been extremely useful for the development of my Spanish language skills. I started in September, 2016 at the elementary level and am now (March 2017) at the level of advanced proficiency. By the time I leave, I will be able to communicate almost fluently. The teachers that I've had have been very helpful in explaining grammatical concepts and clearing up any questions I have.

As far as the living situation, I absolutely adore my host family. In fact, I don't think I could have had a better experience in this department. They are warm and welcoming, as are the majority of people in Costa Rica. It didn't take long for me to feel at home and become integrated into their lifestyle. Therefore, I would say the host family option is highly recommended. Not only does it accelerate your language development, but you also gain meaningful relationships.

Finally, there's the location itself. If you like to explore and experience rich cultural traditions, this is your place. There are endless opportunities to practice adventure sports, countless beaches to see, and several cultural activities in which to participate. Yes, Tamarindo itself is a very touristy area, but you can move around easily with buses and taxis. The school also schedules trips a few times per month on the weekends. I've personally crossed many items off of my bucket list.