employer cover photo
employer logo
employer logo

EF (Education First)

Engaged Employer

EF Xuzhou - Teacher EF (Education First) Employee Review

5.0
Jan 28, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

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.

Cons

I have none to speak of

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.

avatar
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.
1.0
Jul 7, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Well structured, comprehensive formal training. Perks and benefits

Cons

Once training is done, you’re pretty much on your own to figure things out. The weekly meetings with your manager end. You spend all day on the phones and there’s not a whole lot of interaction or collaboration going on in the office or across your team. At the end of the day it is a job and the perks and benefits are nice (travel). It just seemed social interaction of any kind, even to ask questions, was discouraged and in fact was viewed as distracting. The cold calling just gets to be tiring after a while, making it hard to stay at the job for longer than 1-2 years. Good entry level sales job, though.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All