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EF (Education First)

Engaged Employer

Do not work here: toxic workplace with ever-increasing workload, not getting any better. - Operations Specialist EF (Education First) Employee Review

1.0
Nov 30, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Junior members of staff are very lovely and supportive of each other. They acknowledge that the company culture is declining and do their best to support one another. Travel opportunities are good, though you are expected to share a (oftentimes a very small) room with a coworker you have never met before.

Cons

The company has reduced 25% of its workforce over the past 18 months and is pushing its current employees to despair. There is no pay progression, and pay is EXTREMELY low in major cities. Management is incredibly toxic with no regard for their employees' mental health or wellbeing. Many people are signed off work with burnout, or stress. You are expected to do the work of many more people than you are, with no recognition or benefits. Overtime remuneration is not a thing (i.e., in payment or time in lieu). Managers and above get to be in these positions not because they're qualified, but because they have stuck it out long enough for them to be given these positions as there is no one else to do them. Many people fill roles that they are not qualified for and have no experience in - this is just the EF way of doing things. 'No plan is the plan' is what they say - and it shows with his tragic it is to work there. Do not do it to yourself.

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EF (Education First) Response
6mo
Hi, thank you for sharing your feedback. We have shared your comments with leadership. We take any claims of a toxic workplace very seriously, and the issues you’ve raised regarding compensation and management do not reflect the environment we strive to maintain at EF. We encourage you to connect with your Recruitment and Employee Development team, or reach out directly at hr@ef.com to share further details about your experience so we can ensure your feedback is properly reviewed. Thanks again for sharing.

Explore other reviews about EF (Education First)

5.0
May 20, 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
Jun 2, 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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