A year for the books: Top moments of 2020

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 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.

1. Committing to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

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 here.

2. Pride and reflecting on progress

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 here.

3. 7 surprising things about EF (that you might now know!)

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 here.

4. Dancing around the world

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 here.

5. Introducing our global Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging team

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 here.

6. Focusing on animal welfare

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 here.

7. Launching a new partnership in Rwanda

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 here.

8. Commemorating United Nations Day

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 here.

9. Reflecting on our global presence

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 here.

10. Committing to traveling responsibly

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 here.