EF Education First (EF) is a global education company that specializes in language training and cultural exchange. It was founded in 1965 by Bertil Hult, a Swedish entrepreneur who started the company to improve language learning for students. Today, EF’s mission is “to open the world through education”. The company operates worldwide; as of 2021 it had 654 schools/offices in 50 countries (with a presence in 114 countries). EF offers language courses, study-abroad programs, and travel learning experiences for students of all ages.
EF Reviews and Testimonials
EF’s reviews are mixed. On EF’s own site, learners say they enjoy 24/7 access to classes and friendly teachers. On independent sites, feedback varies. EF English Live has a 5.0/5 rating on G2 (with only a few reviews); one student said they “love it” and can “study when you want” with useful private lessons. But others gave lower scores: a 1-star review complained that EF promised unlimited classes but only allowed 52 group lessons, and then refused a refund.
Employee reviews (Glassdoor/Indeed) also note pros and cons. Some EF teachers praise the mission and flexible scheduling, noting “students are wonderful!”. But others cite low pay and management issues. In summary, EF has many happy students and staff, but also notable complaints on price, policies, and technology.
EF Pricing
EF’s course pricing is not listed upfront; customers must sign up or call to get a quote. One analysis found that EF’s 12-month English course plans ranged from about $1,068 to $1,668 total. That works out to roughly $89–$139 per month for plans that include 30 group classes plus 2–8 private lessons each month. (EF always bundles a fixed number of group lessons.) EF also offers shorter subscriptions but at higher monthly rates.
There is typically a free trial period (for example, EF’s Hello app offers 7 days free). However, students report that you must cancel at least a day before the trial ends, or you will be charged for a full term. In practice, some students found cancelling difficult: one reviewer said they could not cancel within 7 days and ended up paying for unwanted courses. EF’s refund policy appears strict. As one user wrote, EF responded “we don’t provide refunds… good luck with your studies” when they tried to cancel. In short, EF courses tend to be expensive and binding; always check the fine print on trials and cancellations.
EF Alternatives
- My Engineering Buddy: An online STEM tutoring service. It matches students with expert tutors in engineering and related subjects. Pros: personalized 1:1 sessions in complex subjects; affordable rates (starting ~ $20/hr). Cons: only online (no in-person); focused on academic STEM subjects only.
- Chegg: A popular study-help platform (US-based) with subscription plans. Chegg Study (about $15.95/mo) lets students ask up to 20 expert questions and view step-by-step solutions; Chegg Study Pack (~$19.95/mo) adds unlimited Q&A and writing tools. Pros: 24/7 expert help, huge library of homework solutions. Cons: many students report billing issues and inaccurate answers.
- Khan Academy: A free, nonprofit education site. It offers video lessons and practice in math, science, history and more (mostly K-12 level). Pros: high-quality lessons at no cost. Cons: it’s self-study videos (no live tutor).
- Preply: A global tutoring marketplace focused on languages (English, Spanish, French, etc.). Students book private language lessons via the platform. Pros: flexible scheduling, many language options. Cons: the platform charges a high commission (8–33%) and has no formal free trial.
- Wyzant: A US tutoring marketplace for 300+ subjects. Students pick a tutor by hourly rate and reviews; pay-as-you-go (no subscription). Pros: offers both in-person and online tutoring, wide subject range. Cons: Wyzant takes ~25% of each tutor fee, and some users report issues with payments or refunds.
How EF Works (for Students and Tutors)
Students at EF often study via live video classes. They start with a placement test, and then EF creates a personalized study plan. Students can attend 1:1 classes with native-speaking teachers anytime, plus interactive group lessons and self-study exercises. The platform is available 24/7, letting learners study at their own pace and schedule.
EF also recruits qualified tutors worldwide. Requirements typically include a college degree and TEFL certification. EF claims it has over 3,000 trained “Efekta™” teachers who teach its courses. These instructors lead the live classes and guide students through EF’s curriculum using the online classroom tools.
Company Information
EF Education First is privately owned by its founder’s family. It opened in Lund, Sweden in 1965 and grew into a global company. EF’s founder, Bertil Hult, had dyslexia and started EF to revolutionize language learning. EF’s stated goal is to “open the world through education”. Today it is based in Switzerland with programs worldwide. By 2021, EF had 654 schools/offices in 50 countries. EF’s services span both online and in-person education, including language courses, high-school exchanges, study tours and exam prep programs.
EF USP
- 24/7 Live Classes: EF provides round-the-clock live lessons with certified teachers. This lets students in any time zone or busy schedule find classes conveniently.
- Advanced Teaching Method: EF uses its “Efekta™” method and Hyperclass™ technology, which combine real-life video scenarios and interactive practice. For example, EF’s Hyperclass simulates conversation-based scenarios so students can practice in context.
- Global Reach: With offices in many countries, EF offers classes with diverse teachers and classmates. Its Hello app even provides English, French and Spanish courses depending on the user’s region. This international network helps support cultural exchange.
- Comprehensive Programs: EF does more than just tutoring. It offers complete programs that blend study and travel. In addition to online learning, EF runs boarding schools (EF Academy), study-abroad tours, language camps, and test preparation courses.
- Personalized Plans: Each student gets a custom learning plan, with placement tests and progress tracking. EF’s online system sets clear targets and lets students see their improvement. Learners often report that EF’s private lessons helped them gain confidence in speaking.
EF Drawbacks
- High Cost: EF’s programs are expensive. Yearly courses often run over $1,000, which is much higher than simple tutoring fees. Many students feel the price is steep for the amount of private instruction included.
- Opaque Pricing: EF does not publish prices directly. Interested customers must register or wait for a sales call to learn costs. This lack of transparency can be frustrating to families comparing options.
- No Refunds: EF’s refund policy appears very strict. Multiple users reported that getting a refund was denied, even when a trial or guarantee seemed promised. For instance, one student said EF responded “we don’t provide refunds” after they canceled. EF requires canceling trials at least 24 hours before renewal to avoid charges, otherwise no refund is given.
- Mixed Reviews: Experiences vary widely. Some learners rave about EF’s system, while others say the teaching style or materials did not fit their needs. (Online reviews note occasional tech glitches or that EF’s fixed curriculum may not match every student.)
Comparison with My Engineering Buddy
EF and My Engineering Buddy (MEB) serve different needs. EF is a large language and education company, while MEB is a specialized STEM tutoring platform. MEB focuses on college-level engineering and science help (e.g. physics, math, computer science). It offers flexible one-on-one sessions and advertises “no hidden charges” and a money-back guarantee. In contrast, EF sells multi-month language course packages and does not offer the same flexibility or guarantees. MEB’s hourly rate is about $20/hr, whereas EF’s annual packages often exceed $1,000. In short, MEB is niche and budget-friendly, while EF is broad and more expensive. (One review even concluded “MEB is more reliable with its affordable pricing, quality tutors, and effective… support”.)
Customer Support and Policies
EF provides customer support through its global offices and website. For example, the US site lists a toll-free number (1-800-457-1300) and a general contact form. There is a specific form for membership or trial inquiries. EF’s official terms are not easy to find online, but the site advises contacting them in writing for cancellations or legal matters. Subscriptions auto-renew (e.g. EF Hello requires cancellation 24 hours before renewal). Users report that cancelling EF programs is difficult and refunds are rarely granted. In practice, EF’s policies are strict: for example, the company’s help pages stress that cancellations must be timely to avoid charges.
Global Reach and Localization
EF operates in countries around the world. It opened in the UK in 1965 and the USA in 1979, and later expanded to Asia and the Middle East. China is a major market: EF’s Asia-Pacific headquarters is in Shanghai, and it now focuses on online adult education there. EF tailors its content by region. For instance, the EF Hello app provides courses in English, French, and Spanish depending on the user’s country. In summary, EF’s offerings are localized for many languages and cultures across 114+ countries.
EF’s Future Plans (AI, etc.)
EF is investing in new technology and programs. It has created “EF Smart+,” an AI-driven English learning platform that personalizes content to each student’s needs. EF describes using data analysis and speech-recognition AI to adapt lessons and correct errors for individual users. The company also released EF Hello, an app with an AI tutor called Addi that helps learners practice conversation. According to press reports, EF plans more AI features like automated writing correction. However, EF emphasizes that these AI tools will assist teachers rather than replace them.
FAQs About EF
- How does EF compare to My Engineering Buddy?
EF and MEB are very different. EF (Education First) is an international language and education company, while My Engineering Buddy is an online STEM tutoring service. EF sells structured language courses and exchange programs, whereas MEB offers flexible one-on-one help in engineering subjects (with no hidden fees). MEB’s rates are lower (around $20/hr), while EF’s courses often cost over $1,000 per year. EF does not offer the pay-as-you-go pricing or money-back policies that MEB advertises. - Does EF Education First offer a free trial?
Some EF products have trial periods. For example, the EF Hello app offers a 7-day free trial before charging an annual fee. However, students report that canceling in time can be tricky. One user said they could not cancel within the trial and were still billed. Generally, EF does not provide a long free trial on all services, so you should check cancellation rules (often requiring 24-hour notice) carefully. - How much does EF Education First cost?
EF’s pricing varies by program. Online English courses (EF English Live) use monthly subscriptions. One report found yearly plans costing $1,068–$1,668 in total, which is about $89–$139 per month for group and private lessons. Since EF bundles many features (like 30 group classes per month), the cost can be high. EF does not publish all prices online; typically you must contact them for a quote. (Many users note that EF is relatively expensive.) - What does EF Education First offer?
EF offers a wide range of educational programs. This includes online language courses (e.g. EF English Live), immersive language study abroad programs, international study tours, and test-prep services. EF also runs boarding schools (EF Academy) and exchange programs. In short, EF provides language learning and related educational programs that often combine classroom study with travel. - How does EF English Live work?
EF English Live is EF’s online English school. Students begin with a placement test and receive a personalized plan. They can book live one-on-one lessons with certified EF teachers (at any time of day) and join interactive group classes. The platform also includes thousands of self-study exercises. EF claims to employ over 3,000 trained teachers (“Efekta™ Teachers”) to lead these classes. Learners use the web portal to track progress and interact in live sessions. - Is EF Education First legitimate?
Yes. EF is a well-established education company founded in 1965. It has served millions of students worldwide and operates real offices and schools in dozens of countries. EF is privately owned (with ties to Hult International Business School) and is known for decades of language programs. It is not a scam and is considered a reputable organization.
Conclusion
EF Education First is a major player in language and study programs. It offers broad, global courses with flexible schedules and advanced teaching methods. Many students like EF’s 24/7 classes and structured lessons, but others criticize the high cost and strict policies. When choosing a tutoring or learning platform, students and parents should weigh these pros and cons. For specialized STEM help, a tutor like My Engineering Buddy may be more fitting. For basic or supplemental learning, free resources (Khan Academy) or other platforms (Chegg, Wyzant) might suffice. The best choice depends on the student’s goals, budget, and learning style. Always check current pricing, reviews, and policies before signing up for any program.
