Program Reviews

I came to Spain for a year before college to play football (soccer) at a level higher than that availible in the US for 18 year olds. In order to obtain a Student Visa and stay in the country I had to take 20 hours of classes a week and chose to do this at Education First Barcelona. Being on a team of only Spanish speakers, the obvious choice was to study Spanish. At the same time to stay in touch with my future major, I took two online classes from MIT in physics and calculus. On top of that to keep me even more busy, I worked as a model in Barcelona through a local agency. A normal day for me included waking up at 7:30 am and essentially being on the move doing something until 12:30 am. That was my goal, to be busy and through it I believe I have gotten a ton out of my experiences. I have gotten better at soccer, depending on your definition, become fluent in Spanish, and above all else lived on my own as an 18 year old far far away from just about everything I know. All the pieces lined up exteremely well and I am sure that I have developed more individually over this year than any of my previous years and I highly recommend challengeing yourself as I have.

I came to China 3 days before start my course that's why I was thinking of leave the first week, but when I came to EF Beijing I met awesome people and realized that the place its really great to be here in china, first is the friends that you met in the first day and then is the different things that you can do outside of the school like go to eat in different places, discover the culture and got to have fun at night, I was impressed with the cheap things that you can buy in china, such as clothes and electronic devices, honestly I'm having a good time here in EF Beijing and I'm satisfied with it.

I stayed 6 months at EFRome and I'm now in my last week here. I came to have a gap year to decide if I would change my university major or not, and at the same time to learn a new language. It was much more than I expected, I really have nothing negative to say. First, the staff is amazing and very welcoming. I also had the best luck with my host family, and even though the house is 40 minutes away from school, I didn't mind doing this everyday since both the school and my home are great places. I also made a lot of amazing friends I wasn't expecting to meet and that I'll never forget. I came without knowing anything of Italian and now I can talk to any Italian, read many books in the language and understand music and TV, thanks to the teachers. Rome is also a beautiful city and even after all this time there's so much I haven't seen yet. I really enjoyed my time here and would love to came back!

When I graduated my high school me and my family were looking for a place for me to spend my gap year. My mom remembered me saying: "Wouldn't it be cool to speak Chinese." and half a year later I was in Beijing! China is a whole new experience. I had no clue what to expect, but it turned out to be one of my greatest decisions i have ever made. Very soon after I was on the plane to Beijing. One of the best decisions I have ever made! these past six months flew by, I had the time of my life there with all the other students and staff.

The EF staff in Beijing is really nice and friendly and help you with every problem you have. Just recently I past my HSK 3 and i couldn't have done with help of my teachers. They teach in a way that Chinese looks easy, I never thought that was possible!

The location of the school really good. It is relatively close to everything you need. The place where you spend your Friday and Saturday nights is only a few subway stops away.

Beijing is also really cheap, for a few Yuan you have a whole meal in front of you. Cooked and well!

Needless to say my time in Beijing was amazing, that's the reason i am going back for another three months!

Beijing is a strange place and unlike anything I've ever encountered before. The people can seem rash and brawly, the traffic chaotic and the food... Well, weird. Not a wonderland at first glance. Despite these differences I'm so happy I went here. When you learn to know the ins and outs of this city it truly is wonderful - a diamond in the rough, that will surely rival that of London or New York in the coming decades.

While the school itself is small (occupying only the top floor of a skyscraper), it feels cozy and friendly. The classes are solid, with experienced teachers always there to help. You'll improve in no time - this coming from someone who was a complete beginner at arrival. Every week there's also a lot of activities where you can either practice your Chinese or just hang out with your classmates.

Thanks to EF the preparation for this AY was a breeze. No worrying about everyday problems either! The on-site staff are always willing to help when you're in a pinch. Changing living space, getting a Chinese SIM card, informing me where the best bars and restaurants are located - everything done in a flash and with a big smile. Thank you EF, for this opportunity!

I came to Beijing not knowing anyone in china and without being able to speak more than a few words, but quickly found not only people I consider to be my close friends but also people that have grown to become my family. If I have to say something that is incredibly good with ef in Beijing and ef over all, it is that it knows exactly how to organize people to quickly get to know each other and become friends which is something that I find very important and which has served to make the experience here in Beijing extraordinary.

Another thing that sets ef Beijing apart from the others is that it really allows you to get the result you want. If you want to come to Beijing and get a plentiful social life and do new things every day, then that is very possible. If you want to devote yourself to study and improve your Chinese quickly then that is equally possible. Ef becomes exactly what you want it to be, and I have seen people who have had the time of their lives here, and people who had left being able to speak Chinese almost fluently. Ef gives their students the freedom to do both, and in my eyes it is something that is extremely good, especially if you are like me and like to combine both having fun and meeting friends as well as studying. It can be something negative though, for the people who don't have the energy to study on their own or take responsibility for their own studies, and instead might blame the school for it. The teachers here also encourage you to pass exam and take hsk test which is also great for learning.
For me, my year here has been incredible. I have had a great host family and had a great roommate that I became close to, but if I have to say something negative it is that the people here come and go and that the host family (which I've heard are also mostly super nice) also depend a bit on the circumstances. Some have had amazing hosts and others not so much.

If you are considering going to Beijing to study Chinese and get to experience Chinese culture then my advice to you is this: do it. But make sure you come here with an open mind and a positive mindset, because whether you will get something amazing out of this experience is entirely up to you at the end of the day. :) For me it has been amazing, and I think coming here might just have been the greatest choice I've done yet.

I'm very happy to join EF Beijing , I have a lot of fun in my new experience with my new friends from around the world. There are so many things that I've never seen in my life , but I have an opportunity to see it especially foods , and people. They are so kind to me especially my host family , they help me to get used to Chinese culture , people , and even my studied. I'm very enjoy my life in china , and I still expect to see more in china

After I graduated high school, I decided to come to Beijing in China with EF. I really don't regret this decision. Beijing is the perfect place to spend a gap year. Life there is really cheap and the clubs are free for the foreigners so that's perfect for students.

The Chinese culture is really different from the European culture and it's great to change horizons. The people there are really polite and respectful.

The EF staff is always here for you if you need anything and they help you as much as they can.

The Chinese language is really important in the world today. I know that it looks really hard to learn but the EF teachers follow you at all times and respect your learning speed.

To conclude, I would say that this was the greatest experience of my life, and it would be a shame not to try.

We all know China is a big deal. It is so different from every other country, and the language is a challenge. The good thing about EF Beijing is that they will do whatever they can to make you feel like home. Thy often move things so you feel more comfortable. EF is a great experience, and you shouldn't hesitate to book the trip with them if you are looking for a gap year. Also, Beijing has a lot of fun. Go to night clubs and have some fun!

For the past 10 weeks I have been studying the Italian language course at EF Roma -- definitely one of the best decisions of my life! After graduating from university I wanted to do something different for a little while before starting in the big bad scary world of working life, and as the Italian language has always intrigued me doing a language course to me felt like the best option.

I signed up at EF after a recommendation of a friend, and it has most definitely been an truly unforgettable experience, one I wouldn't want to have missed for the world.

In only 10 short weeks I learned all the basics of the language, and was able to speak, listen, write and read at a decent level, pretty impressive since I didn't speak a word before coming to Italy. All of this is thanks to the amazing staff at EF who patiently and clearly explain everything and convince you that you're able to speak much more than you think.

But to me the school was more than just a place to learn and study: it was the epicentre of social activities organised by school, but also a great way to meet new friends from all over the world.

I for one have definitely made lots of memories I will never forget and friends I will always stay in touch with.

Perhaps it seems a little intense to leave your home for a place you're unfamiliar with, especially when it is for a longer period of time. But with EF Rome there's a warm, welcoming environment waiting for you on the other side. There's so many nice things to say that I can't even decide what to say except from just go there and see for yourself :)