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'''EF Education First''' (abbreviated as '''EF''') is an international education company that specializes in language training, educational travel, academic degree programs, and cultural exchange. The company was founded in 1965 by [[Bertil Hult]] in the [[Swedish]] university town of [[Lund]]. The company is privately held by the Hult family and is headquartered in [[Lucerne]], [[Switzerland]].
'''EF Education First''' (abbreviated as '''EF''') is an international education company that specializes in language training, educational travel, academic degree programs, and cultural exchange. The company was founded in 1965 by [[Bertil Hult]] in the [[Swedish]] university town of [[Lund]]. The company is privately held by the Hult family and is headquartered in [[Lucerne]], [[Switzerland]].


EF has approximately 37,000 staff and 500 offices and schools located in more than 50 countries.<ref name="Mass. team will help Brazil learn English for 2016 Olympics">{{cite news|title=Mass. team will help Brazil learn English for 2016 Olympics|url=http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2014/04/08/teaching-olympic-themed-english-million-brazilians/upEuSkCD7sXWzDpive9uCK/story.html|work=Boston Globe|date=April 09, 2014|ref=1}}</ref> EF will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2015.<ref name="EF Hello 50 Homepage">{{cite web|title=EF Hello 50 Homepage|url=http://www.efhello50.com/|publisher=EF Education First|ref=2}}</ref>
EF has approximately 37,000 staff and 500 offices and schools located in more than 50 countries.<ref name="Mass. team will help Brazil learn English for 2016 Olympics">{{cite news|title=Mass. team will help Brazil learn English for 2016 Olympics|url=http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2014/04/08/teaching-olympic-themed-english-million-brazilians/upEuSkCD7sXWzDpive9uCK/story.html|work=The Boston Globe|date=April 09, 2014|ref=1}}</ref> EF will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2015.<ref name="EF Hello 50 Homepage">{{cite web|title=EF Hello 50 Homepage|url=http://www.efhello50.com/|publisher=EF Education First|ref=2}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==


Bertil Hult launched EF in 1965 from the basement of his university dormitory.<ref name="Education First aims to bridge barriers with exchange">{{cite news|title=Education First aims to bridge barriers with exchange|url=http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/02/03/founder-bertil-hult-sees-education-first-breaking-down-global-barriers/KK6hpFwDqvocR73w0Xf9jO/story.html|work=Boston Globe|date=February 03, 2014|ref=2}}</ref> Bertil’s childhood struggles with dyslexia served as his inspiration for EF.<ref name="Education First aims to bridge barriers with exchange">{{cite news|title=Education First aims to bridge barriers with exchange|url=http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/02/03/founder-bertil-hult-sees-education-first-breaking-down-global-barriers/KK6hpFwDqvocR73w0Xf9jO/story.html|work=Boston Globe|date=February 03, 2014|ref=2}}</ref> After dropping out of school, due in part to his inability to learn English, Bertil took a job as an errand boy for a Swedish bank.<ref name="Education First aims to bridge barriers with exchange">{{cite news|title=Education First aims to bridge barriers with exchange|url=http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/02/03/founder-bertil-hult-sees-education-first-breaking-down-global-barriers/KK6hpFwDqvocR73w0Xf9jO/story.html|work=Boston Globe|date=February 03, 2014|ref=2}}</ref> His supervisors quickly recognized his work ethic and sent him to London on work exchange as a reward.<ref name="Education First aims to bridge barriers with exchange">{{cite news|title=Education First aims to bridge barriers with exchange|url=http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/02/03/founder-bertil-hult-sees-education-first-breaking-down-global-barriers/KK6hpFwDqvocR73w0Xf9jO/story.html|work=Boston Globe|date=February 03, 2014|ref=2}}</ref> Only a few months after relocating, Bertil could speak English. His time in the U.K. taught Bertil that “learning by doing” could have an equal, if not greater, impact on educational outcomes as traditional classroom methods. <ref name="Education First aims to bridge barriers with exchange">{{cite news|title=Education First aims to bridge barriers with exchange|url=http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/02/03/founder-bertil-hult-sees-education-first-breaking-down-global-barriers/KK6hpFwDqvocR73w0Xf9jO/story.html|work=Boston Globe|date=February 03, 2014|ref=2}}</ref>
Bertil Hult launched EF in 1965 from the basement of his university dormitory.<ref name="Education First aims to bridge barriers with exchange">{{cite news|title=Education First aims to bridge barriers with exchange|url=http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/02/03/founder-bertil-hult-sees-education-first-breaking-down-global-barriers/KK6hpFwDqvocR73w0Xf9jO/story.html|work=The Boston Globe|date=February 03, 2014|ref=2}}</ref> Bertil’s childhood struggles with dyslexia served as his inspiration for EF.<ref name="Education First aims to bridge barriers with exchange">{{cite news|title=Education First aims to bridge barriers with exchange|url=http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/02/03/founder-bertil-hult-sees-education-first-breaking-down-global-barriers/KK6hpFwDqvocR73w0Xf9jO/story.html|work=The Boston Globe|date=February 03, 2014|ref=2}}</ref> After dropping out of school, due in part to his inability to learn English, Bertil took a job as an errand boy for a Swedish bank.<ref name="Education First aims to bridge barriers with exchange">{{cite news|title=Education First aims to bridge barriers with exchange|url=http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/02/03/founder-bertil-hult-sees-education-first-breaking-down-global-barriers/KK6hpFwDqvocR73w0Xf9jO/story.html|work=The Boston Globe|date=February 03, 2014|ref=2}}</ref> His supervisors quickly recognized his work ethic and sent him to London on work exchange as a reward.<ref name="Education First aims to bridge barriers with exchange">{{cite news|title=Education First aims to bridge barriers with exchange|url=http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/02/03/founder-bertil-hult-sees-education-first-breaking-down-global-barriers/KK6hpFwDqvocR73w0Xf9jO/story.html|work=The Boston Globe|date=February 03, 2014|ref=2}}</ref> Only a few months after relocating, Bertil could speak English. His time in the U.K. taught Bertil that “learning by doing” could have an equal, if not greater, impact on educational outcomes as traditional classroom methods. <ref name="Education First aims to bridge barriers with exchange">{{cite news|title=Education First aims to bridge barriers with exchange|url=http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/02/03/founder-bertil-hult-sees-education-first-breaking-down-global-barriers/KK6hpFwDqvocR73w0Xf9jO/story.html|work=The Boston Globe|date=February 03, 2014|ref=2}}</ref>


== Leadership ==
== Leadership ==
Line 28: Line 28:
=== Divisions and Business Units ===
=== Divisions and Business Units ===


EF Education First is organized in two separate divisions: EF Language and Schools and EF Educational Travel.<ref name="Education First aims to bridge barriers with exchange">{{cite news|title=Education First aims to bridge barriers with exchange|url=http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/02/03/founder-bertil-hult-sees-education-first-breaking-down-global-barriers/KK6hpFwDqvocR73w0Xf9jO/story.html|work=Boston Globe|date=February 03, 2014|ref=2}}</ref> Specific business units within these two main divisions include:
EF Education First is organized in two separate divisions: EF Language and Schools and EF Educational Travel.<ref name="Education First aims to bridge barriers with exchange">{{cite news|title=Education First aims to bridge barriers with exchange|url=http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/02/03/founder-bertil-hult-sees-education-first-breaking-down-global-barriers/KK6hpFwDqvocR73w0Xf9jO/story.html|work=The Boston Globe|date=February 03, 2014|ref=2}}</ref> Specific business units within these two main divisions include:


==== EF Language and Schools ====
==== EF Language and Schools ====
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Each year, the United Nations Alliance on Civilizations partners with EF to host the UNAOC-EF Summer School, which brings together 100 youth leaders from all over the world to work on youth engagement in decision-making processes in their home countries.<ref name="Five Tips for Twentysomethings Who Want To Make a Difference">{{cite news|title=Five Tips for Twentysomethings Who Want To Make a Difference|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ashley-lohmann/five-tips-for-twentysomet_b_3908710.html|work=Huffington Post|date=September 11, 2013|ref=10}}</ref>
Each year, the United Nations Alliance on Civilizations partners with EF to host the UNAOC-EF Summer School, which brings together 100 youth leaders from all over the world to work on youth engagement in decision-making processes in their home countries.<ref name="Five Tips for Twentysomethings Who Want To Make a Difference">{{cite news|title=Five Tips for Twentysomethings Who Want To Make a Difference|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ashley-lohmann/five-tips-for-twentysomet_b_3908710.html|work=Huffington Post|date=September 11, 2013|ref=10}}</ref>


[[Hult Prize]] is the world’s largest student competition for social good.<ref name="Hult Prize accelerator preps competitors for $1m">{{cite news|title=Hult Prize accelerator preps competitors for $1m|url=http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/08/14/hult-prize-accelerator-preps-competitors-for/n3H4ILPGRFtAeObwQZ4SAK/story.html|work=Boston Globe|date=August 15, 2013|ref=11}}</ref> Each year, President Clinton challenges MBA and undergraduate students from universities around the world to solve a pressing social challenge.<ref name="Hult Prize accelerator preps competitors for $1m">{{cite news|title=Hult Prize accelerator preps competitors for $1m|url=http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/08/14/hult-prize-accelerator-preps-competitors-for/n3H4ILPGRFtAeObwQZ4SAK/story.html|work=Boston Globe|date=August 15, 2013|ref=11}}</ref> The student teams compete in a series of regional challenges before five finalists are selected to present their ideas at the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting.<ref name="Hult Prize accelerator preps competitors for $1m">{{cite news|title=Hult Prize accelerator preps competitors for $1m|url=http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/08/14/hult-prize-accelerator-preps-competitors-for/n3H4ILPGRFtAeObwQZ4SAK/story.html|work=Boston Globe|date=August 15, 2013|ref=11}}</ref> EF’s founding family awards $1 million USD in seed funding to support the winning team as they launch their idea.<ref name="Hult Prize accelerator preps competitors for $1m">{{cite news|title=Hult Prize accelerator preps competitors for $1m|url=http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/08/14/hult-prize-accelerator-preps-competitors-for/n3H4ILPGRFtAeObwQZ4SAK/story.html|work=Boston Globe|date=August 15, 2013|ref=11}}</ref> Hult International Business School is the Prize’s lead sponsor.
[[Hult Prize]] is the world’s largest student competition for social good.<ref name="Hult Prize accelerator preps competitors for $1m">{{cite news|title=Hult Prize accelerator preps competitors for $1m|url=http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/08/14/hult-prize-accelerator-preps-competitors-for/n3H4ILPGRFtAeObwQZ4SAK/story.html|work=The Boston Globe|date=August 15, 2013|ref=11}}</ref> Each year, President Clinton challenges MBA and undergraduate students from universities around the world to solve a pressing social challenge.<ref name="Hult Prize accelerator preps competitors for $1m">{{cite news|title=Hult Prize accelerator preps competitors for $1m|url=http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/08/14/hult-prize-accelerator-preps-competitors-for/n3H4ILPGRFtAeObwQZ4SAK/story.html|work=The Boston Globe|date=August 15, 2013|ref=11}}</ref> The student teams compete in a series of regional challenges before five finalists are selected to present their ideas at the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting.<ref name="Hult Prize accelerator preps competitors for $1m">{{cite news|title=Hult Prize accelerator preps competitors for $1m|url=http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/08/14/hult-prize-accelerator-preps-competitors-for/n3H4ILPGRFtAeObwQZ4SAK/story.html|work=The Boston Globe|date=August 15, 2013|ref=11}}</ref> EF’s founding family awards $1 million USD in seed funding to support the winning team as they launch their idea.<ref name="Hult Prize accelerator preps competitors for $1m">{{cite news|title=Hult Prize accelerator preps competitors for $1m|url=http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/08/14/hult-prize-accelerator-preps-competitors-for/n3H4ILPGRFtAeObwQZ4SAK/story.html|work=The Boston Globe|date=August 15, 2013|ref=11}}</ref> Hult International Business School is the Prize’s lead sponsor.


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 21:21, 26 June 2014

EF Education First
Company typePrivate
IndustryEducation
Founded1965
FounderBertil Hult
HeadquartersSwitzerland
Number of employees
37,000
Websitewww.ef.edu
EF Education First headquarters in Lucerne, Switzerland

EF Education First (abbreviated as EF) is an international education company that specializes in language training, educational travel, academic degree programs, and cultural exchange. The company was founded in 1965 by Bertil Hult in the Swedish university town of Lund. The company is privately held by the Hult family and is headquartered in Lucerne, Switzerland.

EF has approximately 37,000 staff and 500 offices and schools located in more than 50 countries.[1] EF will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2015.[2]

History

Bertil Hult launched EF in 1965 from the basement of his university dormitory.[3] Bertil’s childhood struggles with dyslexia served as his inspiration for EF.[3] After dropping out of school, due in part to his inability to learn English, Bertil took a job as an errand boy for a Swedish bank.[3] His supervisors quickly recognized his work ethic and sent him to London on work exchange as a reward.[3] Only a few months after relocating, Bertil could speak English. His time in the U.K. taught Bertil that “learning by doing” could have an equal, if not greater, impact on educational outcomes as traditional classroom methods. [3]

Leadership

Philip Hult and Alex Hult are the company’s co-chairmen overseeing EF’s day-to-day operation as well as its language and academic businesses.[4] Dr. Edward Hult is CEO, North America, overseeing EF’s educational travel and cultural exchange divisions.[5]

Company Overview

Divisions and Business Units

EF Education First is organized in two separate divisions: EF Language and Schools and EF Educational Travel.[3] Specific business units within these two main divisions include:

EF Language and Schools

  • EF International Language Centers
  • EF Local English Language Centers for Adults
  • EF Local English Language Centers for Kids and Teens
  • EF Englishtown
  • EF Corporate Language Learning Solutions
  • EF Learning Labs
  • EF International Academy

EF Educational Travel

  • EF Explore America
  • EF Educational Tours
  • EF College Study Tours
  • Go Ahead Tours

Affiliated Organizations

EF is also affiliated with an independent, not-for-profit business school, Hult International Business School, and two independent, not-for-profit exchange programs, EF High School Exchange Year and Cultural Care Au Pair. EF is also affiliated with an insurance company, Erika Insurance.

Hult International Business School

  • Hult International Business School, Graduate School
  • Hult International Business School, Undergraduate School

Cultural Exchange Programs

  • EF High School Exchange Year
  • Cultural Care Au Pair

Hult Prize

Notable Projects and Partnerships

EF is the official supplier of language training services to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in Brazil.[1] EF served in the same capacity for the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, and the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea.[1] In the years leading up to the 2016 Olympics, EF will be working to provide English language training to an estimated 1 million Brazilians, including Olympics volunteers and 550,000 school children across the country. [1]

EF Learning Labs publishes the annual EF English Proficiency Index, the world’s first and largest ranking of English skills by country.[6] The latest report was released in November, 2013.[7] The EF EPI shows a link between a country’s adult English proficiency and its competitiveness. [8]

Each year, the United Nations Alliance on Civilizations partners with EF to host the UNAOC-EF Summer School, which brings together 100 youth leaders from all over the world to work on youth engagement in decision-making processes in their home countries.[9]

Hult Prize is the world’s largest student competition for social good.[10] Each year, President Clinton challenges MBA and undergraduate students from universities around the world to solve a pressing social challenge.[10] The student teams compete in a series of regional challenges before five finalists are selected to present their ideas at the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting.[10] EF’s founding family awards $1 million USD in seed funding to support the winning team as they launch their idea.[10] Hult International Business School is the Prize’s lead sponsor.

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Mass. team will help Brazil learn English for 2016 Olympics". The Boston Globe. April 09, 2014. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help) Cite error: The named reference "Mass. team will help Brazil learn English for 2016 Olympics" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  2. ^ "EF Hello 50 Homepage". EF Education First.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "Education First aims to bridge barriers with exchange". The Boston Globe. February 03, 2014. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. ^ "Bring in People Who Are Better Than You". The New York Times. December 09, 2013. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. ^ "BBJ names 2013's 40 under 40 honorees". Boston Business Journal. September 09, 2013. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  6. ^ "English where she is spoke". The Economist. October 24, 2012.
  7. ^ "English Proficiency Falters Among the French". The New York Times. November 10, 2013.
  8. ^ "Countries with Better English Have Better Economies". Harvard Business Review. November 15, 2013.
  9. ^ "Five Tips for Twentysomethings Who Want To Make a Difference". Huffington Post. September 11, 2013.
  10. ^ a b c d "Hult Prize accelerator preps competitors for $1m". The Boston Globe. August 15, 2013.
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