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A blog that looks behind the scenes at how we bring our mission to life, every day

Brooke Parker ‹ We are EF Blog | Careers

Microaggressions are common in the workplace. They are the everyday, subtle, and often unintentional interactions or behaviors that communicate bias toward historically marginalized groups. Microaggressions can impact a person’s ability to do their job, sense of safety, and overall happiness. 
The difference between microaggressions and overt discrimination (or “macroaggressions”) is that people who commit microaggressions might not even be aware they are doing something wrong. Learning how to recognize microaggressions and change language accordingly can have an enormous impact on the happiness, productivity, and retention of our colleagues.  
At <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Education First</a>, we continually seek to educate ourselves and use language as a tool for building understanding, so we’ve compiled a list of common microaggression examples and alternatives for a more inclusive environment.  
 
Scenario: “Where’s your family from/where were you born?”  
Alternative: “I’m from this place, where are you from?”  
Why: Asking where someone is from may imply that you assume that person is not from the same country as you, which pressures them to defend their identity. Instead, share where you grew up and ask where that person is from, without suggesting that it may not be the same place.  
 
Scenario: “Wow, you are so articulate!”  
Alternative: “Thank you! That presentation was informative.”  
Why: Mentioning someone’s ability to articulate implies that you’re surprised by someone’s ability to do so. Empower others based on their talents and celebrate their wins.  
 
Scenario: Giving someone a nickname that is easier for you to pronounce. 
Alternative: Ask them, “How do you pronounce your name?”  
Why: Give people the respect of calling them by their preferred name regardless of how different it may seem to you. Work on your pronunciation over time; even if it’s a work in progress, your efforts will be appreciated. 
 
Scenario: “You’re in a senior role?” 
Alternative: “What is your role?”  
Why: Questioning if someone is in a senior role implies you are surprised by someone’s success. Never make assumptions about who might be the most senior person in the room.  
 
Scenario: “I support you. I have friends like you!”  
Alternative: “I’m an ally.”  
Why: Explaining that you are not racist or discriminating because you have friends in a marginalized group ignores the individual experience of the person you’re talking to. Establish yourself as an ally and convey that you are willing to listen and learn from someone’s experience.  
 
Scenario: “Racism isn’t something that exists at our company.”  
Alternative: “What has been your experience at our company?”  
Why: If you make assumptions based on your own experience or dismiss a peer’s concerns about race, ethnicity, or culture at work, you establish that there is no room for open dialogue or differences in the workplace. Understanding individuals’ experiences can help us become more educated and better ourselves and those around us. 
 
Scenario: “I didn’t mean to sound racist.”  
Alternative: “Can we have a conversation about why what I said was racist? I want to learn.”
Why: Validation is critical. Even if your intention was not to say something offensive, you still might have offended someone. Have a conversation to avoid language that could be offensive or misinterpreted in the future.  
 
Scenario: “Can I touch your hair?”  
Alternative: “What is your morning routine?”  
Why: It’s ok to be curious about someone’s experiences, but this question both infringes on the person’s space and implies that the person you’re talking to doesn’t fit a societal standard. Learning about and understanding someone’s personal experience creates a space for listening and learning.  
 
When it comes to educating ourselves and changing how we engage with others, we need to overcome our fear of being wrong. The best way to do that is never to underestimate someone based on assumptions and always ask considerate questions. At EF we believe that the world is better when people try to understand one another. By educating ourselves and others on important topics like this, we aim to do a better job of opening the world for everyone.

Microaggressions are common in the workplace. They are the everyday, subtle, and often unintentional interactions or behaviors that communicate bias.

Understanding microaggressions: 8 common examples in the workplace and inclusive alternatives - We are EF

Understanding microaggressions: 8 common examples in the workplace and inclusive alternatives ‹ We are EF

Understanding microaggressions: 8 common examples in the workplace and inclusive alternatives

Understanding microaggressions in the workplace

Microaggressions can happen anywhere — even in the classroom. These interactions can have long term negative impacts that may cause students to feel alienated and even disengage from learning. Creating an open learning environment where diverse voices are welcome and heard can help students understand the power of words and develop respect for others — the foundation future leaders will need.
Learning how to recognize microaggressions and changing classroom language accordingly is critical for teachers. What are microaggressions? They are the everyday, subtle, and often unintentional interactions or behaviors that communicate bias toward historically marginalized groups. Whether a classroom is online or in-person, they need to be inclusive settings free of microaggressions to educate students effectively.
At <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Education First</a>, we see language as a tool for building understanding, so we’ve compiled a list of common examples of microaggressions and alternatives for a more inclusive classroom environment.
 
Scenario: “Your family is from this place, can you tell us about it?”
Alternative: “Does anyone know anything about this place?”
Why: Assuming that someone represents a specific group of people is problematic because we all have our own individual experience. The assumption may not only be incorrect, but it might also imply that your student is not from the same place as you, which could confuse and alienate them. Instead, open the door for students to share their experience on a narrative level.
 
Scenario: “You must live in that neighborhood.”
Alternative: “Where do you live?”
Why: Instead of presuming your student’s living situation based on their appearance or background, allow for an open dialogue so they can tell you about where they live.
 
Scenario: “Are you supposed to be in this classroom?”
Alternative: “Welcome to this class!”
Why: Questioning someone’s presence in a classroom may imply that you do not expect them to be there for various reasons, including how they look, what they are wearing, or the color of their skin. Welcome all students into a classroom before making any assumptions.
 
Scenario: “Wow, you speak really good English.”
Alternative: Don’t say anything.
Why: Saying this can make someone feel like they don’t belong. We should never make assumptions about where someone is from, how they speak, or their first language. In this situation, it’s best to comment only on the content of what someone is saying, not how they said it. It’s also an opportunity for you to reflect internally about why you might instinctively make this observation.
 
Scenario: “I see that this project is due on this religious holiday, but no one here looks like they celebrate that holiday.”
Alternative: “Does anyone here celebrate this religious holiday? Please email me to let me know so I can adjust when this project is due.”
Why: Commenting that someone might not fit the part of a religious (or any) group based upon appearances may cause a student to feel embarrassed or uncertain. Creating space for open dialogue will help you get to know your students better and ensure that you do not make anyone feel like they can’t speak up about their personal experience or background.
 
Scenario: “That ‘problem’ isn’t something that exists.”
Alternative: “What has been your experience?”
Why: When navigating a conversation or lesson plan around history, institutions or the modern world, it’s likely that conversations of “isms” (<a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/we-are-ef/understanding-racism-dr-deborah-plummer/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">see our blog</a> on what Dr. Deborah Plummer qualifies as an “ism,” like racism, sexism, etc.) will arise. If you dismiss your student’s concerns about race, ethnicity, or culture, you convey that there is no room for open dialogue or differences in the classroom. It’s better to open up the conversation so everyone can consider other experiences and perspectives.
 
At EF, we believe that the world is better when people try to understand one another, and education is key to actualizing that belief. Working together, we want to create learning spaces for students where diversity is not only welcomed but celebrated. By educating ourselves and others on important topics like this, we seek to open the world for everyone.

Creating environments where diverse voices are welcome and heard can help students understand the power of words and develop respect for others.

Understanding microaggressions: 6 common examples in the classroom and inclusive alternatives - We are EF

Understanding microaggressions: 6 common examples in the classroom and inclusive alternatives ‹ We are EF

Understanding microaggressions: 6 common examples in the classroom and inclusive alternatives

Understanding microaggressions in the classroom

What a year it’s been. While we didn’t explore the world like <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/we-are-ef/2019-ef-moments/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">we did in 2019</a>, we made the most of 2020. We celebrated our customers and staff, pivoted, innovated, reflected, educated ourselves, and managed to stay connected through it all. At <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Education First</a>, we’re feeling excited and optimistic as we head into the new year, and our global community has a lot to look forward to. As the year winds down, let’s take a look back at the moments that gave us goose bumps, made us laugh, brought us to tears, or got us on our feet dancing.
<h3><a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/we-are-ef/a-letter-from-our-ceo-of-north-america/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">1. Committing to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging</a></h3>
This year we made five important commitments to drive change at EF for our customers and our staff. As a global education organization, we pledged to educate ourselves to be better allies to our Black employees, students, educators, and friends. Read how we’re approaching change <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/we-are-ef/a-letter-from-our-ceo-of-north-america/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.
<h3><a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/we-are-ef/a-reflection-on-progress/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">2. Pride and reflecting on progress</a></h3>
Progress starts from listening to and learning from each other to create space for everyone — no matter who they are, where they live, who they love, their spirituality, or the color of their skin. In celebration of Pride 2020, we asked our LGBTQ+ staff to share their reflections on the meaning of progress. Read their responses <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/we-are-ef/a-reflection-on-progress/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.
<h3><a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/we-are-ef/7-surprising-things-about-ef/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">3. 7 surprising things about EF (that you might now know!)</a></h3>
Would you believe us if we told you that EF didn’t originally stand for EF Education First? Or that a man who couldn’t read properly founded what would become a giant in education? Check out these seven things you might not know about EF <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/we-are-ef/7-surprising-things-about-ef/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.
<h3><a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/we-are-ef/history-of-the-ef-hello-dance/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">4. Dancing around the world</a></h3>
Dancing is part of our DNA, and every year we create a dance for students, staff, and customers around the world. No matter the occasion, we probably have a dance for it! Learn this years’ dance and check out the history of this tradition <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/we-are-ef/history-of-the-ef-hello-dance/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.
<h3><a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/we-are-ef/meet-the-global-ef-deib-team/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">5. Introducing our global Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging team</a></h3>
We introduced a new global team as part of our efforts to prioritize Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in the major hubs where EF operates –– North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Meet the people around the world who are behind our commitment to driving lasting change at EF <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/we-are-ef/meet-the-global-ef-deib-team/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.
<h3><a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/we-are-ef/5-things-to-know-about-efs-commitment-to-animal-welfare/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">6. Focusing on animal welfare</a></h3>
Did you know we’ve been scaling up our animal-friendly commitments? We’re excited to help make the world a better place for everyone to explore, and that includes our animal friends. Check out five things to know about EF’s commitment to animal welfare <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/we-are-ef/5-things-to-know-about-efs-commitment-to-animal-welfare/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.
<h3><a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/we-are-ef/ef-rwandas-tourism-new-partnership/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">7. Launching a new partnership in Rwanda</a></h3>
Our partnership with the Rwanda Development Board and the Mastercard Foundation focuses on developing English language and hospitality skills, including training staff about Rwanda’s richness as a tourism destination and offering education on world-class hospitality service. Read more about how this partnership is impacting local communities in Rwanda <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/we-are-ef/ef-rwandas-tourism-new-partnership/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.
<h3><a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/we-are-ef/commemorating-united-nations-day/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">8. Commemorating United Nations Day</a></h3>
On United Nations Day we highlighted our partnership with the United Nations, which empowers students and teachers to participate in conversations and actions supporting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more about this initiative <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/we-are-ef/commemorating-united-nations-day/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.
<h3><a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/we-are-ef/efs-global-presence/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">9. Reflecting on our global presence</a></h3>
When you’ve sent millions of people around the globe for 55 years, you learn a thing or two about creating a dedicated support network. When help is needed, our global team’s size, location, and expertise set us apart. Learn more about our worldwide presence <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/we-are-ef/efs-global-presence/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.
<h3><a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/we-are-ef/efs-global-presence/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10. Committing to traveling responsibly</a></h3>
Our EF Responsible Travel initiative focuses on specific commitments to local communities, animal welfare, and the environment. Each commitment helps contribute to a more sustainable world so people can travel for years to come. Learn how you can join us in this movement <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/we-are-ef/efs-global-presence/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.

What a year it’s been. While we didn’t explore the world like we did in 2019, we made the most of 2020. We celebrated our customers and staff, pivoted, innovated, reflected, educated ourselves, and managed to stay connected through it all. At EF Education First, we’re feeling excited and optimistic as we head into the …

A year for the books: Top moments of 2020 - We are EF

A year for the books: Top moments of 2020 ‹ We are EF

A year for the books: Top moments of 2020

Top moments of 2020

Luke got his first taste for sales working a paper route at 13 years old. He saw a demand in his community and set out to exceed that demand, iterating on traditional newspaper delivery and bringing his community together by hosting newspaper pick-ups with coffee and doughnuts. From there, he became an entrepreneur, moving from working in retail shops to helping start snowboard, wakeboard and mountain bike companies.
Now, Luke has grown multiple brands and managed many different teams, all with adventure, travel and community acting as the common threads through his professional experiences. Choosing to transition from being a business owner to working at <a href="https://ef.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">EF Education First</a> as a Director of Sales for <a href="https://www.eftours.com/?utm_source=weareef&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=EFBrand&utm_content=lukeefjourney" rel="noopener" target="_blank">EF Educational Tours</a> was easier than one might expect considering Luke feels like he’s running his own business within a larger business here at EF.
“We make our own independent decisions as directors,” he says. “We’re held to results ­– but how we get there is entirely up to us.”
We sat down with Luke to learn more about his day-to-day and what makes him passionate about sales.
Tell us about your role. 
I partner with talented tour consultants to help open the world through education. More specifically in the Director of Sales role I come to work every day to support the team, establish focus and execute to get results.
What has been your favorite EF moment since working here? 
It was in Normandy, France during the 75th anniversary of D-Day. I was kneeling in the light rain near Utah Beach holding the hand of a 93-year-old World War II veteran who’s in a wheelchair. I was listening to his stories when he stopped, looked me in the eyes and thanked me and EF for bringing students here. That was pretty powerful.
What’s the best part of your job? 
That is a tough one as I truly love so many aspects of the role. I enjoy and appreciate the amount of time and resources we’re able to dedicate to developing the leaders of the future through employee development. It’s also very rewarding to be able to provide the opportunity for educators, students and parents to travel outside the United States for the first time. Connecting with those individuals and listening to their stories is incredibly impactful for me and I love it.
How has working at EF changed you? 
Being at EF has expanded how much I feel we can influence through educational travel. The amount of potential that still exists to grow our business and change the world for the better drives me as an individual.
What does a typical day look for you? 
I think it varies seasonally. Most of our tours do run in the spring and summer, so in the fall it’s really a fun time – it’s just pure sales and employee development. There’s always a buzz on the floor in terms of the energy being created and how all these individual business owners (because that’s how we treat them as tour consultants) are finding strategies to reach their goals. Partnering with them on this journey is a really exciting time. There’s a lot of mentoring that goes into the role that I enjoy quite a bit.
What’s your take on the professional development opportunities here at EF? 
I feel that we spend more time and resources on that than any other company I’ve ever worked for. Whether it’s at the director level or the tour consultant level, we all have access to vast opportunities to improve ourselves professionally. And if there’s an opportunity I’m interested in that isn’t being offered, it’s a quick conversation to vet it and then pursue that opportunity. The amount of opportunities at our disposal to improve ourselves and our team is unmatched.
Tell us what a successful day looks like for you.
<div>It really comes down to those a-ha moments I have with our staff and our customers. With my team it’s having someone present an actionable break-through strategy they developed for their business. That’s super satisfying. Also, expanding our reach in the market is energizing for me as a salesperson. Being able to launch a travel program in a new school or growing our reach into existing schools through our product portfolio are both things that are very rewarding.</div>

From entrepreneur to Director of Sales for EF Educational Tours, Luke feels like he's running his own business within a business and helping create new opportunities for EF customers.

Running a business within a business: Luke’s EF journey - We are EF

Running a business within a business: Luke’s EF journey ‹ We are EF

Running a business within a business: Luke’s EF journey

Luke ef journey

At <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Education First</a>, we are a group of passionate and motivated change-makers. Across the globe, entrepreneurial EF staff have created EF Green Teams that seek to positively impact local EF schools, offices, communities, and ultimately the planet. We asked them for easy actions that we can all take to make a difference, even for just one day. From composting to saving energy, here are their helpful tips:  
<h3>Erica, EF Green Team Austin</h3>
What’s your best tip right now?  
At home, I try to use as many zero waste products as I can, especially for items that I use often. We’ve replaced our paper towels with rags, use reusable silicone bags, and have beeswax wrap instead of plastic wrap!
What could people do for one day?  
Either walk, or bike to work! Or, see if you can go the whole day without using any single-use plastic items.
 
<h3>Millie, EF Green Team Austin </h3>
What’s your best tip right now?  
It’s important to do what you’re good at. For me, I’m good at teaching others, I’m passionate about climate justice and food security, and plants and gardening bring me joy. So, I’m teaching my friends and colleagues about composting and regenerative gardening at home and also supporting frontline farmers in my community.  
 What could people do for one day?  
Draw your own climate action diagram. Everyone’s actions are going to be different based on their passions and strengths. And that’s important because we need lots of different climate solutions working together to make a real impact.  
 
<h3>Lauren, EF Green Team Boston</h3>
What’s your best tip right now?  
Instead of buying bottled water, use a reusable water bottle. In addition, I challenged myself not to buy or use paper towels for a month and substituted them with a washable cloth. A game changer!
What could people do for one day?  
Turn your lights/computer off when not home, in the office, or not using them fully.
 
<h3>Mary, EF Green Team Denver</h3>
What’s your best tip right now?  
Set aside time to research, investigate and support local resources within your community. For example, I recently learned that municipalities throughout the Denver area support a webinar series to educate locals about water use in this arid climate. I’ve attended two now — perennials and creating a veggie garden — and have learned so much about sustainable practices!  
What could people do for one day?  
Challenge yourself to do anything for one day and notice how it makes you more mindful. For one day, go zero waste. For one day eat vegetarian. For one day, take a quick five-minute shower to save water.  
When you experience how realistic and attainable these small behaviors are, you’re more likely to commit to them more often. Just find whatever suits you!  
 
<h3>Amit, EF Green Team Panama  </h3>
What’s your best tip right now?  
Two very easy ones! Keep the windows open for airflow instead of using air conditioning and make good use of natural light instead of keeping lights on to save energy.  
What could people do for one day?  
Ditch single–use plastics when you go for groceries for a day and observe the amount of plastic we use without needing to. And that is one person for one day — imagine if we all did that.  
 
<h3>Yuliia, EF Green Team Dubai</h3>
What’s your best tip right now?  
Before making any purchase, read the ingredients/content of the product and, especially for bigger purchases or services, consider familiarizing yourself with the company’s mission.
What could people do for one day? 
Try to go consciously vegan/vegetarian for one day. When doing it, choose seasonal fruits and vegetables, support local farmers, and be curious about the dish preparation. Make it an educational journey! I tried staying vegetarian for a week and loved it so much that it has now been almost three years. 
 
<h3>Nikita, EF Green Team Stockholm</h3>
What’s your best tip right now?  
My best tip for being green is reduce, reuse, recycle — in that order! The best thing you can do for the environment is simply LESS. If it’s possible to not print that extra batch of papers and instead send it digitally, do that. Always think an extra second about what you are about to do and evaluate if you can do it in a more environmentally friendly way.
What could people do for one day?  
I encourage people to shop secondhand. Fast fashion has a big impact on the environment and it’s really important for people to learn how to identify greenwashing by big corporations.
 
<h3>Stina, EF Green Team Lucern</h3>
What’s your best tip right now?  
Reduce food waste by storing food in new ways. And start composting if you can. If you have an outdoor area, explore the possibility of setting up your own vegetable garden.
What could people do for one day? 
<div class="fs--grid-row">
<div class="individual-submission-field-value fs--grid-9-12 fs--grid-md-1-1">
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<div class="field-type-long-container">Shop local and buy vegetables at a local market for the week.</div>
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<h3></h3>
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<h3>Katie, EF Green Team Zurich  </h3>
What’s your best tip right now?  
Compost! Especially during work from home, where you’re likely cooking all three meals yourself, you would be shocked how many items you mindlessly throw away which could be composted—everything from the last little piece of an onion to banana peels. Check out the recycling program in your building or neighborhood and see if they have certain pickup days. If not, many third-party companies offer this service.
What could people do for one day? 
Try Meatless Mondays, or take it one step further, and try vegan — Vegan Tuesdays, anyone? There are so many innovative recipes and replacement meat products out there; it’s much easier to eat vegetarian or vegan now than it was years ago. Start with one day per week and take it from there!  
 
<h3>Maria, EF Green Team Zurich  </h3>
What’s your best tip right now?  
Get informed! Watch documentaries, read online, learn how to compost, learn how to be more sustainable in the kitchen, and more. Information is the key to everything — this will allow you to learn and grow in so many different ways, and it will help you decide on your sustainable compromises and challenges.  
 What could people do for one day?  
Write to your supermarkets, establishments or governments that there must be a change in the way we consume, in the construction of buildings and cities or even how we receive products full of plastics and toxic substances — make yourself heard!  
 
<h3>Jake, EF Green Team London </h3>
What’s your best tip right now?  
If you have a garden, start a compost bin! It is easy, and you will be surprised how quickly your food waste is converted into soil. You can get technical or simply just put your food scraps and garden waste in a bin to get started. I’ve found the key is equal parts “green” (think food scraps) and “brown” (think soiled paper, cardboard, or leaves).  
 What could people do for one day?  
If you have a bike, using that to replace journeys by car is a fun, convenient, and eco-friendly way to get around. The more demand for cycling, the more our cities will need to plan and build infrastructure around it. It doesn’t matter if your journey is one or 100 miles; it all helps!

We asked the EF Green Teams for easy actions that we can all take to make a difference this Earth week, even for just one day.

Green for one day: 11 tips from EF Green Teams - We are EF

Green for one day: 11 tips from EF Green Teams ‹ We are EF

Green for one day: 11 tips from EF Green Teams

Green for one day 11 tips from ef green teams

Beth is the perfect example of how one person can have multiple careers during their time at <a href="https://ef.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">EF Education First</a>. In her eight-plus years with the company, she’s gone from mentee to mentor, taking on a variety roles, first as a language coordinator and then pivoting to sales after her first year. Her competitive nature, positive attitude and willingness to take on new projects quickly grabbed the attention of senior leadership at EF.
“I had awesome mentors here in the first year,” says Beth. “[I trusted that if they saw me in sales], this is going to pan out.”
And pan out it did. Now, as a Director of Sales, she’s been managing a team for almost four years and a lot of her time is spent advising her team members.
“I’m very passionate about coaching, development and mentorship,” she says.
We sat down with Beth to learn more about her time at EF.
Describe your current role. 
As a Director of Sales for <a href="https://www.eftours.com/?utm_source=weareef&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=EFBrand&utm_content=bethefjourney" rel="noopener" target="_blank">EF Educational Tours</a>, my role is to develop top sales talent within the organization, coach and mentor tour consultants to be the best versions of themselves and help as many students as possible experience the world. Our team works together to help middle and high school students gain new perspectives and develop critical skills for life through their own personal travel journeys.
What is the best part of your job? 
Working with the most caring, competitive, energetic people to help students explore the world! I laugh every day and genuinely love what I do.
How did you know EF was the right fit for you? 
I knew EF was the right fit within my first two years working here. I was finding success in my role and earning new opportunities before that, but when I was about two years in I realized I worked with the absolute best people who became more than just co-workers–they were my best friends. The people and friendships are priceless and I recognize how incredibly unique and lucky I am to have found that in a work culture. We truly care about our customers and their experiences, which makes it easy to know EF is the right fit.
What is the most rewarding aspect of leading a team? 
People are stoked to come high five me and tell me their stories. Sales is a combination of mindset, tone and how you make people feel, and I want to help my team have fun putting those skills to work every day. Our customers will hear that energy over the phone, and they’ll want to continue to work with us.
What does your ideal EF day look like? 
I think my favorite days are the ones I get to spend with my team. I get to be a part of their wins every day.
What is the biggest thing you’ve learned from working at EF? 
EF has made me a far more adaptable and flexible person. At the end of the day what we’re really trying to do is inspire students and teachers to expand their knowledge of the world and themselves in that world. That’s a really fun thing to say that I do every day. Even when things get stressful and there are deadlines and targets that we need to be hitting, I’ve gotten a lot better over the years about taking a step back and remembering why we do what we do.
What is the key difference between EF and other places you’ve worked? 
The culture and environment. I know I need flexibility. Luckily being in sales, you can get that. If you’re hitting your goals and you’re hitting your numbers no one is really micromanaging you. I thrive when I have complete autonomy over when I’m getting things done and knowing I’m not ever going to miss a deadline. The second thing is probably the development I’ve received. I’ve taken on a lot of responsibility. We’re a flat company without a lot of layers, which means all the jobs at EF are big jobs and they’re not one sided – they’re super dynamic. The third thing has to be the people. It’s what everyone says, but it’s true. It’s fun to come into work genuinely excited to see people. The energy here is contagious.
What do you like to do in your spare time? 
Travel. Classic answer. I’m also a runner. Working out is really important to me and my mental health. It’s also my outlet where I can be competitive.

As a Director of Sales for EF Educational Tours, Beth's role is to develop top sales talent, coach and mentor her team and help students experience the world.

From mentee to mentor: Beth’s EF journey - We are EF

From mentee to mentor: Beth’s EF journey ‹ We are EF

From mentee to mentor: Beth’s EF journey

Beth ef journey

Moments of cultural understanding can happen when you least expect it, whether it’s through a conversation with a new friend, at a dinner table full of familiar faces, or even around a campfire under a star-spattered sky.  
At <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/">EF Education First</a>, we help people get outside their comfort zones through immersive cultural experiences. Every year we send students and travelers all around the world to help them learn something new, and food is a major part of that. When spending time in the U.S., there’s one treat in particular that should be on everyone’s ‘must-try’ list.  
Chocolate, a perfectly toasted marshmallow, and a graham cracker – s’mores have long been an American classic and a staple around a crackling campfire. Originally called the ‘Graham Cracker Sandwich,’ s’mores were quickly renamed because, as anyone who’s eaten one knows, you have to indulge in “some more.” As countless EF students and travelers have learned over the years, it’s impossible not to come back for seconds. 
 
<img alt="EF High School Exchange Year student roasting smores" class="aligncenter wp-image-17392 size-full" height="847" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://a.storyblok.com/f/204637/570x850/06e7d668a7/smores-roger-resized.jpg" srcset="https://a.storyblok.com/f/204637/570x850/06e7d668a7/smores-roger-resized.jpg 568w, https://a.storyblok.com/f/204637/570x850/06e7d668a7/smores-roger-resized.jpg 201w" width="568">
Roger, an <a href="https://www.efexchangeyear.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-align: center; font-size: 16px;" target="_blank">EF High School Exchange Year</a> student, sits around a campfire with his host brothers, making sure his marshmallow is toasted to perfection.
<img alt="Firewood closeup" class="aligncenter wp-image-17393 size-full" height="361" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://a.storyblok.com/f/204637/600x381/9421231ff1/smore-firewoodwood-resized.jpg" srcset="https://a.storyblok.com/f/204637/600x381/9421231ff1/smore-firewoodwood-resized.jpg 568w, https://a.storyblok.com/f/204637/600x381/9421231ff1/smore-firewoodwood-resized.jpg 300w" width="568">

Firewood, often chopped by hand or sold in a bundle, is a campfire’s foundation and brings light and warmth to this social gathering.
<img alt="Campfire closeup" class="aligncenter wp-image-17394 size-full" height="360" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://a.storyblok.com/f/204637/600x380/5c3237c837/smores-fire-resized.jpg" srcset="https://a.storyblok.com/f/204637/600x380/5c3237c837/smores-fire-resized.jpg 568w, https://a.storyblok.com/f/204637/600x380/5c3237c837/smores-fire-resized.jpg 300w" width="568">
The best fire for making s’mores is a low-burning flame with glowing embers that lets you get close enough to roast your marshmallow perfectly.
 

<img alt="Smores ingredients" class="aligncenter wp-image-17395 size-full" height="361" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/smores-anatomy-resized.jpg" srcset="https://a.storyblok.com/f/204637/600x381/13a444b836/smores-anatomy-resized.jpg 568w, https://a.storyblok.com/f/204637/600x381/13a444b836/smores-anatomy-resized.jpg-300x191.jpg 300w" width="568">
The anatomy of a s’more consists of graham crackers, marshmallows and milk chocolate, but there are many variations on this classic recipe.
 

<img alt="Roasting a marshmallow" class="aligncenter wp-image-17396 size-full" height="358" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/smore-toasting-resized.jpg" srcset="https://a.storyblok.com/f/204637/573x361/8ddac2e4a1/smore-toasting-resized.jpg 568w, https://a.storyblok.com/f/204637/573x361/8ddac2e4a1/smore-toasting-resized.jpg 300w" width="568">
Everyone has their marshmallow roasting preferences, whether it’s lightly toasted or smoky and gooey.
 

<img alt="EF students roasting marshmallows around the fire" class="aligncenter wp-image-17400 size-full" height="568" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/smores-group-shot-resized.jpg" srcset="https://a.storyblok.com/f/204637/569x569/e4818dcbe1/smores-group-shot-resized.jpg 568w, https://a.storyblok.com/f/204637/569x569/e4818dcbe1/smores-group-shot-resized.jpg-150x150.jpg 150w, https://a.storyblok.com/f/204637/569x569/e4818dcbe1/smores-group-shot-resized.jpg 300w" width="568">
EF friends gather around a campfire to share stories and try new treats.
 

<img alt="EF New York students roasting smores on a grill" class="aligncenter wp-image-17401 size-full" height="710" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://a.storyblok.com/f/204637/937x1171/28f8f4b721/smores-grouppic.jpg" srcset="https://a.storyblok.com/f/204637/937x1171/28f8f4b721/smores-grouppic.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/smores-grouppic-240x300.jpg 240w" width="568">
Sometimes <a href="https://www.ef.edu/academy/campuses/new-york/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF New York </a>students get creative with where they’re getting their fire, but the outcome is still the same.

Moments of cultural understanding can happen when you least expect it, even around a campfire under a star-spattered sky.

Brooke Parker

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