Frequently asked questions
There are so many English schools in China. Why should I choose to study with EF English First?
There are so many English schools in China. Why should I choose to study with EF English First?
Where are your foreign teachers from?
We are single largest recruiter of native speaking foreign teachers in China. EF English First has four teacher recruitment centers in: London, Manchester, Boston and Sydney. Our teachers are from English speaking countries like: the United Kingdom, USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand.
What sort of qualifications do EF English First teachers have?
EF English First employs native fluent English teachers who hold recognized international TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) qualifications. Teachers are specially selected for their friendly, dynamic and warm personalities
How do I determine which class is right for me?
Depending on your learning goals you will discuss a suitable English training course choice with one of our course consultants in the school. When you have decided which course is most suitable for you, we will give you a diagnostic English test at our school to place you in the correct language level. This test takes approximately 30 minutes and tests your English reading, English writing and English listening and English speaking.
Our students age 4-10 years old are placed in a class based on the age and language level of each child. The language level is determined based on an oral exam with a teacher.
The entry English level of adult students in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen is also based on an online test and oral exam with a foreign teacher. Students choose the right course according to their language level.
How many students will be in my class?
Adult courses in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen include: workshops, face-to-face classes, Life Club and career services. These are small classes that are flexible in student capacity.
For other cities, the maximum size varies. Normally, class sizes average from 10-12 students.
How long is each EF English First course?
We recommend for children that they study by the year. This matches the school semester system and allows them to progress in a familiar way while at the same time learning at a much faster pace than the traditional school system alone, however you don't need to wait for a new semester, we open new classes all the time, and then fit them to the semester system.
Our Adult courses (outside SH, BJ, GZ & SZ) are different school by school and by individuals needs. We recommend you talk to our course consults and your local school to understand what's right for you.
What is the EF English First learning English guarantee?
As part of our learning guarantee you can quit the class within the first 6 class hours of the course. All you have to do is to submit a written application together with the original invoice. The school will however take out the attended class tuition without discount, the money for textbook and an administration charge.
If a student is not satisfied for any reason with his/her money-no questions asked. And if you follow a student follows his/her study plan and does not reach her/her target, we will refund 100% of his/her money.
What is Efekta™ System?
The Efekta™ System is EF English First's exclusive learning method, combining teacher-led classes, online training in our iLab and weekly Life Club activities. The Efekta method helps you learn all areas of language from reading, writing, listening with a special emphasis on speaking.
Does Efekta mean that I have less time in class with a teacher?
No, in fact, Efekta means you have MORE time with native-speaking teachers. A native speaking instructor helps you in class as well as in your iLAB sessons at school.
How can I bring iLAB home?
When you sign up for a Real English or Englishtown™ course, we give you a special password to login to our iLAB from any Internet-based computer. That means you can do your homework and check your progress on line, anytime, anywhere.
What if I have to miss a class?
If you miss a class your teacher will let you attend another group to catch up if such group is available. If not your teacher will help set home assignment for your child to make up for the missed classroom time.
For adult course in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, students can book course at any time according to their own schedule, but if they couldn¡¯t attend class which has been booked, they have to cancel it before 9:30pm the day before.
Will there be homework?
Yes homework is assigned every lesson. The teacher will also review your/your child's progress on a regular basis.
How much is it for the course?
The price of your course depends on how long you decide to study. Please consult the school nearest to you or contact us through this website, or call 800 820 3015 for more information if you are in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
Do you offer one to one tutoring for students?
Yes, we do offer special one-on-one tutoring for students who seek extra help and attention from native-teachers. Scheduling and price vary per school, please contact the school nearest you to find out more details.
Is extra after-class help available?
Yes, we offer extra after-class help, called "EF Extra!" to students who miss two classes or who do not understand a particular concept. All you have to do is book a time with a teacher who will spend one academic hour (40 minutes) with you to make sure you understand your lessons. This EF Extra help us offered completely free of charge, for up to two times during your course.
Study advisor of each adult center in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen could also provide instructions about designing study plan and recommend suitable course during English learning.