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EF (Education First)

Engaged employer

Good Place to Work while Living Abroad - Academic Advisor EF (Education First) Employee Review

4.0
6 Apr 2010
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

They give you enough support to get set up and live in a foreign country. There are lots of expats working for them there, so it's easier to make friends and be social. They also offer Chinese lessons to all their employees. The job itself isn't difficult, as long as you have a decent grasp on English and how to teach it. The salary is enough to live quite comfortably in Shanghai, go out in the evenings, shop a little and travel too. You likely won't save much over the course of a year, but that's by foreign standards, and is due more so to the exchange rate than the salary.

Cons

You're going to be mostly on your own to find housing. They gave me 2 weeks in a hotel before I was forced to find my own place, which can be a bit expensive if you haven't made a friend to search for an apartment with yet.

Explore other reviews about EF (Education First)

5.0
20 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Fun place to work at. Lots of opportunities especially early on in a career.

Cons

Sometimes salary is not as competitive as other places in Boston area.

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EF (Education First) Response
1mo
Well this is what it's all about! Early career opportunities while having fun along the way is a big part of what we hope people experience working at EF, and we are happy to hear this in your reflection. Thank you for sharing your note on compensation as well. We review our compensation packages regularly to make sure they align with our industry standards, and we appreciate your perspective on that.
4.0
2 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

You get to choose your tour and recruit the students you want to bring. The paid chaperone ratio is 6:1, so it is very manageable. The tours are great and the local experts are wonderful.

Cons

Company support is variable. There is high turnover and new consultants are very sales motivated and don't always get the nuances of your school or community group. I have had some WONDERFUL concusltants, but they have always been promoted before I get to work with them again.

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