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EF (Education First)

Engaged employer

You'd better like it fast and messy: proactivity and action are rewarded in a disorganized environment at EF - Project Manager EF (Education First) Employee Review

4.0
25 Feb 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I work in a creative department at EF. While I wouldn't say that good ideas are rewarded, taking ACTION is. This is the kind of place that acclaims doers, not thinkers; we're constantly working on big and small ticket items. It's the kind of place that keeps you busy. If you are self-motivated and have a positive attitude, it's a great place to thrive. People are not nasty or uber-competitive; most are generally supportive and easy-going. Material benefits are good; health and dental are covered, vacation days are generous, you get to travel, and if you're an expat, you get one trip home a year on the house.

Cons

The entrepreneurial, "get it done" mentality also means that sometimes structure and order fall to the wayside and come in #2 (or #4... or #14... or #99). Roles can go ambiguous or undefined, with the onus on the employee to figure out exactly what it is they're supposed to prioritize. Managers are cool and generally supportive, but don't offer too much direction on a day-to-day basis. Taking matters into your own hands sometimes means that you will have wasted time on something nobody is going to use—which is why networking and listening are key skills to develop within the company. If you're a newbie to EF, it'll take 1 or 2 years to get used to how things work and know intuitively who to ask for this-and-that. This kind of company might not work for those looking for something structured, with a familiar corporate hierarchy—one reason the turnover is so high. Corporate mentorships don't exist at all; it's on you to find your own mentor. My word of advice if you're looking to get hired by EF: make sure that you know someone WELL within the company before doing so. A friend at the beginning of your time here will help you get acquainted with all of this company's quirks double-time and cut down on the time you spend dazed and confused; he or she will be infinitely more helpful than a mentor will be.

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 Jun 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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