EF (Education First) reviews

The people -- coworkers and the educators we work with The culture -- bar downstairs, amazing parties The travel -- two to three domestic/int'l trips per year

I cannot express how much I've enjoyed working for EF Xuzhou over the last year. As soon as my train pulled in to the station, I was in contact with a representative who helped me move in to my new apartment (which was very nice - spacious and clean), set me up with basic comforts until I was able to buy them for myself (towels, bedding and food) and basically ensured that my arrival was asI cannot express how much I've enjoyed working for EF Xuzhou over the last year. As soon as my train pulled in to the station, I was in contact with a representative who helped me move in to my new apartment (which was very nice - spacious and clean), set me up with basic comforts until I was able to buy them for myself (towels, bedding and food) and basically ensured that my arrival was as comfortable as possible. Even prior to arriving in Xuzhou, EF ensured that all of my Visa's were handled correctly and processed all of my documentation as smoothly as possible which was a huge reassurance from the outset. I was, of course, fairly apprehensive during my first week (as is to be expected when starting a new job in a new country), but can say that the training with which I was provided immediately put me at ease. I was given an introduction to the various age groups I would teach and learned a lot about the approaches to take when teaching them. The trainers are fully aware that the first week or so can be a daunting experience for a new teacher, and try to give a gradual induction so as not to overwhelm them with too much information all at once. Training is ongoing, with meetings held each week covering a wide range of different aspects related to teaching. This means that the employees are always developing, being introduced to new material and becoming better teachers. During my first few weeks at EF Xuzhou, I was provided with a personal mentor (an experienced member of the teaching faculty) who instructed me in all areas of my new job (from lesson planning to navigating the computer system) and who was able to answer any general questions I may have had. The atmosphere in the office is friendly and supportive and the staff; sociable. Annual trips are usually provided by the company and are great opportunities for team bonding as well as a well deserved break for the staff. I have worked at EF Xuzhou for just under a year and am more than happy to stay here. I can wholeheartedly recommend EF Xuzhou to anybody with a serious interest in pursuing a career in ESL in an authentic Chinese city which manages to incorporate elements of both modern China and the more traditional way of life. comfortable as possible. Even prior to arriving in Xuzhou, EF ensured that all of my Visa's were handled correctly and processed all of my documentation as smoothly as possible which was a huge reassurance from the outset. I was, of course, fairly apprehensive during my first week (as is to be expected when starting a new job in a new country), but can say that the training with which I was provided immediately put me at ease. I was given an introduction to the various age groups I would teach and learned a lot about the approaches to take when teaching them. The trainers are fully aware that the first week or so can be a daunting experience for a new teacher, and try to give a gradual induction so as not to overwhelm them with too much information all at once. Training is ongoing, with meetings held each week covering a wide range of different aspects related to teaching. This means that the employees are always developing, being introduced to new material and becoming better teachers. During my first few weeks at EF Xuzhou, I was provided with a personal mentor (an experienced member of the teaching faculty) who instructed me in all areas of my new job (from lesson planning to navigating the computer system) and who was able to answer any general questions I may have had. The atmosphere in the office is friendly and supportive and the staff; sociable. Annual trips are usually provided by the company and are great opportunities for team bonding as well as a well deserved break for the staff. I have worked at EF Xuzhou for just under a year and am more than happy to stay here. I can wholeheartedly recommend EF Xuzhou to anybody with a serious interest in pursuing a career in ESL in an authentic Chinese city which manages to incorporate elements of both modern China and the more traditional way of life.