Founded in 1965 in Sweden, EF (Education First) is a global association of education companies that share a common mission of opening the world through education.
Some companies are in the business of banking. Others are in the business of shoes. Or sports. Or soft drinks. At EF, we're in a different kind of business. One that's a little less tangible, and a lot more important. Because our business, what we make, makes everything else possible. We're in the business of understanding. Between people. Between cultures.
For over half a century we’ve been the leader in international educational programs and experiences designed to foster such understanding. Through language, cultural exchange, academic studies, and educational travel, we create the kinds of immersive experiences that challenge biases, open minds, and pave the way for a more understanding world.
You’ll find our offices and schools located in some of the world’s greatest cities, and filled with smart, driven people (over 50,000 of us) who push each other to be better every day. But it’s what we do together - building greater understanding, breaking down barriers, and creating a better world - that makes all the difference.
Forbes 2025/2024 World’s Best Employers | Time100 Most Influential Companies 2026 | Fast Company 2025 Next Big Things In Tech | 2024 App Store Award winner in Cultural Impact
A notice on recruitment scams We are aware that recruitment scams are increasingly common worldwide and affect job seekers across many organizations. These may appear on various messaging platforms, e.g., text messaging, WhatsApp, etc. To support your safety, we recommend that you do not respond to such unsolicited offers of employment. If you believe you are the victim of any fraudulent activity, we advise you to contact your appropriate authorities. Only submit your application to jobs through our official job board, jobs.ef.com. We never ask our applicants to pay a fee for any service whatsoever.
Rating Reviews
Rating is calculated based on
39
reviews and is evolving.
Pros: I genuinely appreciate the inclusive company culture at EF. There's a strong sense of teamwork among Enrollment Specialists, and everyone is committed to helping students achieve their international education goals. The management in Honolulu is generally supportive, and there are many opportunities for professional development within the education industry. The vibrant Honolulu setting also makes it a unique and enjoyable place to work, fostering great connections.
Cons: Sometimes the workload for an Enrollment Specialist can feel intense, especially during peak enrollment periods, which impacts work-life balance slightly. While career growth opportunities exist within this global education company, clear paths for advancement could be more transparent for those looking to move up quickly.
Advice to Management: Continue fostering the strong team spirit and collaborative environment that makes EF in Honolulu so special. Investing more in clear career progression frameworks for roles like Enrollment Specialist would further motivate employees and support long-term retention within the education industry.
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Pros: The biggest strength is definitely the focus on professional development; there are so many training resources and mentorship programs available. Colleagues are super supportive and collaborative, which makes project delivery smoother. I appreciate the remote work option, offering good work flexibility and a decent work-life balance for project managers.
Cons: Sometimes the promotion process feels a bit slow, especially for junior roles, and it can be tough to get that next step up without a lot of self-advocacy. Also, internal communication could be clearer across different departments when managing complex projects, which can sometimes cause delays.
Advice to Management: Continue investing in formal career pathing and perhaps streamline the promotion review cycles. Enhancing cross-departmental communication would also greatly benefit project execution and team synergy across the consulting services teams.
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Pros: The biggest pro here is the chance for genuine career growth if you're willing to put in the effort. As a Facilities & IT Coordinator, I wasn't just stuck doing one thing; I got to learn about various systems and processes across both facilities management and basic IT support. The team in Brighton is pretty supportive, and there's a real sense of community. Being part of a global company like EF also means there are resources and potential pathways for advancement, especially if you show
Cons: While there are opportunities for career growth, sometimes the progression isn't always clearly defined, and you might need to actively push for internal promotions or new roles. During peak seasons in the education industry, the workload for Facilities & IT can get pretty intense, leading to some long days. Communication between different departments, especially regarding IT project rollouts, could sometimes be a bit smoother to avoid last-minute rushes.
Advice to Management: I'd advise management to create clearer career development paths for Facilities & IT Coordinators, outlining what skills are needed for progression. Also, improving inter-departmental communication, especially when planning for busy periods or new tech implementations, would greatly help manage workload and reduce stress for the team.
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What's the typical workload like at EF Education First in the education sector?
At EF, especially in roles like a teacher or program manager, the workload can be demanding, with busy periods, but it's manageable with good organization. The team is supportive, which really helps balance things, even during peak seasons in their global offices.
After interviewing for a software engineer role at a mid-sized tech company in Austin, how long does it typically take to receive feedback on my application?
For the software engineer position I applied to at this Austin tech company, I heard back about the next steps within a week of my final interview, which was helpful for planning my next career move.
Does EF offer tuition reimbursement for employees working in the education industry, like at their Chicago office?
Yes, EF has a great education assistance program that helped me pursue my master's degree while working in their administrative roles. It's a huge benefit for professional development at a large company like EF.
As an entry-level software engineer in San Francisco, am I eligible for the company's comprehensive health insurance plan right away?
Yes, I found out that as a full-time employee, even in an entry-level role like a junior developer, I was eligible for the full benefits package, including health insurance, from my first day at this large tech company.
What's the dress code like at a large, publicly traded tech company in San Francisco, especially during summer?
For roles in software engineering at this major tech firm in SF, it's very casual, mostly t-shirts and jeans, even in the summer heat. You'll see colleagues in shorts too, so comfort is key.
How does the performance review process work at a large tech company like EF in San Francisco?
At EF, a large tech company in San Francisco, performance reviews are conducted twice a year, focusing on both individual contributions and team collaboration for roles across engineering and marketing.
What kind of technical assessment can I expect for a software engineering role at EF Education First in the Boston tech hub?
For EF's software engineering roles in Boston, I encountered a challenging coding exercise focusing on algorithms and data structures, typical for mid-to-large tech companies aiming for high-quality engineering talent.
What's the typical promotion timeline for a software engineer at a large tech company in California?
At my previous large tech company in the Bay Area, it usually took about 2-3 years to get promoted from entry-level to mid-level software engineer, depending on individual performance and team needs.
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