What really sets EF apart is the autonomy and trust you’re given early on. If you're proactive, curious, and not afraid to take initiative, you'll find endless opportunities to own meaningful projects. Leadership is approachable and accessible, but they set a high bar and expect strong performance. What’s admirable is that they lead by example — they’re not just managing from a distance, but actively involved in the work alongside their teams.
There’s also a very human side to EF. People care. Whether it’s managers checking in with you, a colleague offering help unprompted, or company-wide events that actually feel fun — there’s a strong sense of community.
Other highlights:
- Gorgeous, central office spaces (Budapest is especially stunning)
- Absolutely amazing colleagues from all over the world
- Real focus on mobility — if you want to work abroad or try something new, it’s genuinely encouraged (once you've earned your dues)
- Fast pace, but rarely dull
Cons
Things move quickly, and not everything is neatly structured. If you need a rigid framework and predictable routines, EF might feel overwhelming. But if you’re entrepreneurial, this is a feature, not a bug.
EF (Education First) Response
10mo
Wow, after working here for over 10 years, you have captured EF's culture so well. The autonomy and trust, high expectations and initiative to find opportunities, and a community of people who care about the work they do are all great parts of working here. You raise a great point on better clarifying internal growth paths, which is something we are working on. Thanks for taking time to write this as it will help other jobs seekers understand if working here would be as great a fit for them as it has been for you.
- Opportunity for quick advancement
- Trainings for new managers
- Culture of innovation and entrepreneurship
- Global connections; opportunities to travel
- Fast-paced work environment
- Friendly, supportive teams
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re glad to hear you’ve found opportunities for early career development, leadership training, and global connection during your time at EF. Creating a vibrant culture where colleagues can learn from one another and grow quickly is something we care deeply about.
We also appreciate your perspective on compensation and workload during busy seasons. Supporting our colleagues’ limitless potential while helping them make a real impact through their work is important to us, and feedback like yours helps us continue to reflect on how we support our teams.
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.