When you choose EF, you’re choosing to go with the global leader in educational travel—and you’re giving your child way more than just a seat on a plane. Not only will we take care of booking everything (yes, everything) for you, but you’ll also gain access to our extensive worldwide presence, culturally rich activities, integrated learning opportunities, and more.
)
)
Learning that makes an impact
The EF Method
Our educational philosophy (woven into every itinerary) that helps students unlock personal growth and build cross-cultural understanding.
Full-time professional Tour Director
A Tour Director who’s full of cultural insights only a local could know and provides 24/7 on-the-ground support.
Expert local guides
Topic- and location-specific guides who share their deep knowledge of cultural and historical touchstones with students.
Guided tours, activities, and tickets
Educational, insightful, and hands-on learning experiences that enhance students’ curricula and highlight everything a destination has to offer.
High school and college credit opportunities
Credit-earning opportunities for transcripts and guidance on turning your child’s life-changing trip into a college essay.
Optional excursions
Additional immersive group activities (options vary by itinerary) that your child’s teacher can add to the tour.
Industry-leading safety & support
24-hour emergency assistance
Our Emergency Service & Support Team that’s available around the clock.
Peace of Mind Program
An automatic benefit that provides flexibility for groups to change travel dates, destination, or itinerary up to 60 days before departure.
Traveler support and resources
Our Traveler Support Team that walks you through any questions you may have.
Safety precautions and procedures
24/7 response teams all over the world, adult background checks, on-site quality control, and more.
Tour fundraising page
Easy-to-share page that makes it simple for friends and family to contribute funds automatically applied to the tour balance.
The on-tour experience
Airfare and on-tour transportation
Round-trip flights on major carriers (like Delta and United Airlines) and all on-tour transportation, including buses, flights, trains, and ferries.
Hotel accommodations
Comfortable hotels that meet our high standards for quality, safety, and cleanliness.
Regional-style meals
Local cuisine at daily meals for a more immersive cultural experience. (Included meals vary slightly by destination and itinerary!)
Travel gear
A complimentary EF backpack (unless your child’s teacher chooses to opt the group out), and an EF wristband with important emergency numbers.
Let's cover what's not covered in your price
Transparency is important. While everything listed above is applicable to every EF tour, there are some flexible pricing factors that can vary by destination, family circumstance, and itinerary. Explore your options, and connect with a Traveler Support Specialist below if you have any questions.
While EF reserves all the hotel rooms for travelers, your child’s teacher will organize rooming assignments throughout the tour. Students usually will room in triples or quads with others of the same gender and in some cases, share double beds. For additional fees, travelers can request a hotel room with two single beds, or if traveling with family, can request a family room to accommodate three people. After you enroll your child on their tour, you can submit rooming upgrades up to 110 days prior to departure.
It is customary for travelers to tip their Tour Director, bus driver(s) and any local guides as a token of appreciation for all their hard work. Unless otherwise specified, tips are appreciated in cash, in the local currency. The teacher who is leading your child’s tour will likely manage tips for the entire group and collect them before the tour even departs. Please follow these guides when tipping:
Tour Director: $8 per person, per day
Bus drivers: $3 per person, per day
Local guides: $2 per person
Most teachers leading EF tours automatically require every traveler to enroll in an individual coverage plan, which is then included in your tour price (find this out on your teacher’s tour page!).
Please note that EF will not cover any fees for obtaining passports, visas, ETAs (Electronic Travel Authorizations), or any other fees associated with entry to or exit from a specific destination.
Usually, lunch time on an EF tour is an amazing opportunity for students to venture out and try local cuisine. Most EF trips do not provide daily lunches—but some do! So check your itinerary upon enrollment to see how many meals are included in your price each day. And if students wish to drink something other than bottled water during an included group meal, they can purchase a different beverage.
Your tour price will usually include one small carry-on suitcase and personal item (like your child’s EF backpack!) for flights. This does not include a checked bag or luggage that is over airline weight limits.