Who we are
At EF (Education First), we believe that the world is better when people try to understand one another. Since 1965, EF has helped millions of people see new places, experience new cultures, and learn new things about the world and about themselves.
Opening the world through education
Our experiential learning programs—focused on language, travel, cultural exchange, and academics—help turn dreams into opportunities for people of all ages and nationalities.
Interested in finding more about our programs?
Academic study
Earn a degree, certificate, or credential.
We offer degree programs at secondary, university, and post-graduate levels. Students who attend our schools go on to study at the world’s best universities. We are also associated with Hult International Business School, renowned for its top-ranked graduate and undergraduate programs.
Educational travel
Turn the world into your classroom
EF leads expertly guided tours to the world’s greatest sights and landscapes. Itineraries are tailored to the needs of teachers and students at all levels. We also develop adventures and travel experiences for people of all ages and interests.
Learn a language
Communicate with the world in 10+ languages
An EF language course can help you talk to the world, in English and other widely spoken languages. We have fully accredited schools in 50 of the world’s most exciting cities, as well as EF English Live – the world’s largest online English school.
Cultural exchange
Experience life as a local
Our exchange programs give young adults the chance to experience America as a local. Host families provide safe and secure homes in US communities for our high school students choosing to study for a year abroad.
A heritage of industry firsts
In 1965 Bertil Hult brought a group of Swedish students to Brighton, England. The idea was simple — students would learn English while traveling on holiday. Over 60 years later, millions of people have created opportunities for themselves through EF.
1965
Bertil Hult invents the concept of English language travel1970’s
Government deregulation of air travel makes mass tourism possible. EF opens in many new markets with programs such as cultural exchange for high school students1980’s
EF launches educational tours in the US and provides education services to the Olympic Games for the first time at the Seoul 1988 Summer Olympics1990's
The internet becomes publicly available and EF starts what is today the world's largest online language school2000's
EF opens higher education programs and international boarding schools2010's
EF and the University of Cambridge collaborate to research language learning, and EF and the UN work together to create a joint global summer school program2020's
EF forges into the future by rapidly scaling up innovations in hybrid learning while also making a historic carbon neutrality commitment2023
We are proud to be the Official Language Training Services Supplier for Rugby World Cup France 2023.
EF Impact
At EF, everything we do ripples outwards, transforming people, communities, and ultimately, the planet. Our impact defines who we are as a company and how we contribute to a better world.
Working at EF
A career with EF combines the support and opportunity of a large organization with the spirit and energy of a small business. We look for thinkers and doers - creative, collaborative, and motivated people who are excited by education, communication, and travel.
Highlights
Updates from the world of EF