This is the letter that was sent to EF after I cancelled
my trips. There are not many websites like this that post
reviews about this school. But i want to warn other
students that there are SO many different programs offered
that are better that EF's program. Don't get duped.
Dear EF,
I am an 18 year old student living in Alberta, Canada and
I wanted to see the world. I wanted to see every country
and learn every language. EF’s web-site attracted me
because of it’s fancy lay-out and interactive design, but
I have discovered that besides the smoke and mirrors, you
offer nothing substantial that would give me confidence in
travelling with this company.
Allowing myself plenty of time to save the $14 530.00 for
the 9 month term in Barcelona, I registered almost a year
before I would leave. With it still being 6 months away I
began to prepare for my departure. In this process EF
offered little to no support or assistance, in the most
important aspect of travel, the Visa. After being unable
to contact the embassy and get any substantial
information, other than their web site address, I
contacted my ‘program co-ordinator’ Krista, who
recommended that I attempt to take care of it myself as
best as I could, this was neither helpful or reassuring. I
understand that EF does not take care of Visa
arrangements, but it is very unnerving, when the people I
would look to for guidance while I am travelling in a
foreign country alone, offer little to no support to me
while I am still in Canada.
The difficulties I had and the compromises I was required
to make, in travel and accommodation arrangements, made me
reconsider travelling with EF. After reading many negative
reviews posted on websites of the tours and international
school programs, my concerns were confirmed. I cancelled
my travelling arrangements but was refused any refund on
the $390.00 I had already invested which included
a ‘cancellation insurance’. Krista, again offered the ‘not
my problem’ attitude, which added to the inconsistencies
of the program considering the strong impression I was
under when I registered with David that the remaining
$250.00 would be returned to me if I decided to cancel.
Krista assured me that if I decided to travel with EF in
the future I would not be required to pay this initial
fee, but I would like to assure you that I do not have any
intention of travelling with EF- ever.
Unwilling to abandon my dream of travelling, I am willing
to take the risks in travelling alone than to place any
confidence in the company that claims to be "A World
Leader in International Education". I could not be any
more disappointed in the casual approach that EF has taken
with something so important as my safety, college fund,
peace of mind, and desire to experience other countries
and languages.
I have regretted my experience with EF completely.
Sincerely,
Courtenay Dunphy
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