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EF (Education First)

Engaged employer

Great place to start your career, but move on after 2-3 years. - Marketing EF (Education First) Employee Review

2.0
9 July 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The company is great for people right out of college and that have an interest in education and travel. Their new office is stunning, with a fantastic open-layout and beautiful park outside. The office culture is fast-paced, where people work hard and play hard. EF is great for taking care of its employees, as there are often free meals served and plenty of opportunities for travel. 80% of the Cambridge office is sales staff, who are a little cliquey, so you need to find your niche. EF also offers a great benefits package (medical, dental, vision) and will match your 401k up to 25% over 5 years (which is just okay).

Cons

Management is slow to make decisions, and at times very weak. There also isn't a lot of help with career development, and although they preach about innovating educational travel, it is clear that their main mission is to make as much money as possible, as their trips still skimp travelers as much as possible. They use curriculum development and their "innovation" products as tools to sell their bread-and-butter European trips. If you start as a Sales Associate it is extremely difficult to move up, even if you have fantastic sales numbers. When you hit your sales goals you get bonuses, but be careful because if you make too many bonuses the company may 1) not promote you to a new position because they want to keep you in sales, or 2) let you go because they can always find a cheaper alternative. This job is all about selling trips and it can be extremely cutthroat at times. Bonuses are very difficult to hit and the pay is low, so there is high turnover. If you work in marketing be prepared to fit your creative ideas into the "EF voice". EF has a proven, time-tested way of doing things and they are very slow to adopt new ideas and methodologies. Also, if you have a good idea (even a very small one), you seemingly need to get it approved by 3-5 different Directors, which slows the momentum of a project.

Explore other reviews about EF (Education First)

5.0
27 Feb 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- Opportunity for quick advancement - Trainings for new managers - Culture of innovation and entrepreneurship - Global connections; opportunities to travel - Fast-paced work environment - Friendly, supportive teams

Cons

- Low pay (industry) - Burnout / overworked during peak seasons

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EF (Education First) Response
3mo
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re glad to hear you’ve found opportunities for early career development, leadership training, and global connection during your time at EF. Creating a vibrant culture where colleagues can learn from one another and grow quickly is something we care deeply about. We also appreciate your perspective on compensation and workload during busy seasons. Supporting our colleagues’ limitless potential while helping them make a real impact through their work is important to us, and feedback like yours helps us continue to reflect on how we support our teams.
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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