Posted by Benjamin G. (Switzerland)
on March 2011 - Switzerland
If you’re reading this review, it means that you’re considering spending some time abroad to learn a foreign language. I personally spent nine months in two different EF schools. I will get straight to the point: don’t choose EF. It’s a rip-off.
I’m not used to criticize, but EF kind of deserves it. Read the following if you want to be convinced.
Sure, they present well, their Internet site looks professional. Don’t be deceived. They are bad; for two main reasons: it’s one of the most expensive language schools, and, most important, you hardly learn.
Why? Well, I give you some examples of their way of teaching. Vocabulary: you would spend one whole hour drawing something reminding you a word of the vocab list. The next hour, you would do the same for another word. Then, they would give you the definition of one word (that you’ve never seen before), and you have to guess it. Three hours, three words. Thanks, EF.
Ok, that’s some of the worst examples. But overall, the lessons aren’t way more brilliant. You don’t feel like you learn.
You’d tell me, it’s only one teacher in one EF. Well, I went to EF Boston and EF Brisbane; I met some people transferring from EF Santa Barbara, Seattle, Sydney, Perth… Result: EF is bad, EF is bad, EF is bad. Really, I’m not exaggerating.
Another thing is the cost of the activities offered by EF: three days to NYC, 400$. You go by yourself, 150$; all included. Surfing? EF, 200$, yourself, 80$. I’m not going further, you see the point. They love your money.
Why didn’t I quit then? Yep, that’s what I wanted. And they would let you go; but not with your money. I paid like 6500$ for three months. They “made an exception” for me: instead of refunding me nothing, as it’s written in their contract, they were pleased to get me 2700$ back. I would give them only 3800$. Lovely.
Last point: I know some fellows who just didn’t improve at all. They came and left with the same level. We’ve got to teach English ourselves. EF’s contribution’s insignificant.
The only positive thing is that I got to know friends from all over the world. But for that, there are other languages schools, which are cheaper, and they would actually have to be gifted to do worse than EF.
I could’ve added more but it’s already too long. I got to understand why EF attracts so much criticism. Now you’re warned. Choose carefully!
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