EF Education First — Local services in Cambridge

The way this company does business is appalling. I have had a long and positive relationship with EF spanning over 10 years. I have organized girl scout groups to travel with EF tours, I have worked teaching English online with Englishtown, I have worked as an exchange coordinator for the EF high school exchange year and I have successfully hosted and supported several students from all over the world over the years. Recently, I learned of a student needing a family from a facebook post from the local coordinator and I applied to host again. The coordinator pressured me to get the room ready which for me, included rearranging family members bedrooms, cleaning out a room, purchasing a new bed, dresser and nightstand and setting it all up. After I got all of that done, I sent a picture to the local coordinator. No response. I sent it again after a few days. No response. This week my 16 yr. old daughter asked what the update was on the student so I texted the coordinator again. No response. Then yesterday I received a text from her saying that Matt from Boston had been trying to call me and to call him back. I checked my voicemail and tried to call him. It was a non working number. So I asked her for a direct number. No response. Next thing, Matt was calling me again. The call was to inform me that we have now been denied the opportunity to host because a call came into their office saying that I aided and abetted a former co worker to violate his probation. Now, I have not worked at that establishment for over 3 months and neither has the employee in question for whom Matt had a full name and personal details about. Nor am I in contact with that person because he was sent to prison for 2.5 years for the probation violation. I asked where and how Matt could have got this kind of information and while he refused to say specifically, the details he provided could have only come from someone who knows me and my past, which would be my ex husband, with whom I am in the middle of a contentious divorce and hold an order of protection against for his violence against me. I asked if Matt even tried to verify his facts and he said it didn't matter, they would not be moving forward with us ever again because of my relationship with the former co worker. I called the local coordinator, Dawn, and she said they take all calls about children seriously. The fact is that the call wasn't about children. It was about a bitter and spiteful ex trying to cause problems. So, my complaint is this: This company takes random phone calls about host families, doesn't question the source or verify complaints. Believes lies about people without checking anything. Does not take into consideration that my back ground check is and always has been clean, not to mention my long history of positive interaction and support for EF and its various programs. Nor, did they consider that it was not my fault that I was employed by an establishment that also hired someone with a criminal background. Yes, I knew about the background, eventually, but was I supposed to quit my job? Do all law abiding citizens quit jobs or avoid establishments that employ people with criminal pasts? Why am I at fault and how would my future student be in danger because of the fact that in the past I WORKED at a place that also employed someone who committed a crime? Not to mention the fact that the information Matt and Dawn were telling me was inaccurate and all public record so they could have easily looked it up online when the complaint came into their office.

Never will I do business with EF again in any capacity, nor will my 3 teenagers participate in any programs...

UPDATE: My feedback was heard (via email) and they reached out to me to take care of my paperwork via computer, AND, have indicated that they will make that an option in the future as well. With some personalized treatment, I am feeling much better about my experience and look forward to my trip. I've left my prior review (it was 3 stars) for your reference.

So far I feel a bit lost. They were very eager to take my money, but I haven't heard much from them since. I finally had some time to download the app (I'd really rather use my computer than my mobile phone - searches and attempts to login to Campus Connect connected me with a learning program, now in Spanish (I speak english, want to LEARN spanish)) with no options to deal with paperwork, profile, etc. using a full keyboard instead of a smartphone. Now I see now that a lot of my paperwork is past due. Apparently I now need to contact customer service to rectify this - why wasn't I sent a reminder email? Why isn't there a link to login right on the homepage? Why is it so difficult to take care of this?

Add to that I did manage to enter my trip information. However, when trying to enter the name of my arrival and departing airport required searching for the airport via an internet search for the "Full honorary name" of the airport instead of the international airport code (LIR for Liberia in Costa Rica). I couldn't even enter "Costa Rica" (no results found) to narrow the search.

This is a bit clunky and now I'm concerned that I've been mislead. Why the disconnect, clunky websites and no way to deal with the information/applications/etc. via a web browser on my computer instead of just...

I recently had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in South Korea with EF Language Schools, and it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and supported by the EF staff. They were always available to help with any questions or concerns, making the transition to a new country smooth and stress-free.

The language classes were engaging and tailored to different skill levels, which allowed me to progress at my own pace. The teachers were knowledgeable and passionate about helping us learn Korean, and they used a variety of teaching methods to keep the lessons interesting.

Outside of the classroom, EF organized numerous cultural activities and excursions that allowed us to explore South Korea's rich history and vibrant culture. From visiting ancient palaces to trying traditional Korean cuisine, each experience was thoughtfully planned and provided a deeper understanding of the country.

One of the highlights of my trip was the opportunity to meet and interact with fellow students from around the world. We formed close friendships and shared many memorable moments together, both in and out of class.

Overall, my experience with EF Language Schools in South Korea was phenomenal. It not only improved my language skills but also broadened my cultural horizons and created lasting memories. I highly recommend EF to anyone considering...