What stands out is the love the instructors have for the students and for teaching. Similarly the coordinators of activities loved us and their jobs. Being in such an environment naturally made us... See more
While we don't verify specific claims because reviewers' opinions are their own, we may label reviews as "Verified" when we can confirm a business interaction took place. Read more
To protect platform integrity, every review on our platform—verified or not—is screened by our 24/7 automated software. This technology is designed to identify and remove content that breaches our guidelines, including reviews that are not based on a genuine experience. We recognise we may not catch everything, and you can flag anything you think we may have missed. Read more
Review summary
Created with AI, based on recent reviews
What people talk about most
Reviews shaping this summary
I had a great experience learning and living with people committed to learning the French language and the local culture. My host family was generous and enriched my overall experience of Nice and it... See more
The teachers are great, well educated and kind. The atmosphere is energetic and exciting. Going to EF has been one of my greatest adventures in life!
Really loved the experience cause it helps not only learn a new language but also a culture, the city, meet new people and really got along well with all members of staff as well as the students from... See more
Company details
About EF
Written by the company
Today, students from over 100 countries learn one of 10 languages at EF's 50 International Language Campuses in 20 countries around the world.
Language Course Abroad
High School Exchange
ABOUT EF
Since 1965, we've helped millions of students discover new places, embrace diverse cultures, and gain fresh perspectives. We believe that the world is better when people try to understand one another, and we're dedicated to our mission of opening the world through education harnessing the power of language to deepen the connection between people across the globe.
Contact info
Selnaustrasse 30, 8001, Zurich, Switzerland
- tellef@ef.com
- ef.com
4.6
Excellent
24K reviews
At Trustpilot, it's all about human content. This business can also access our AI-assisted response tool which helps them draft replies.
How this company uses Trustpilot
See how their reviews and ratings are sourced, scored, and moderated.
EF Santa Barbara is a beautiful school
EF Santa Barbara is a beautiful school; the staff are welcoming and attentive. The school regularly offers activities that allow you to get to know the other students!
7 May 2026
May use AI-assist with repliesRead more
At Trustpilot, it's all about human content. This business can also access our AI-assisted response tool which helps them draft replies.
Compensation is very low
Our compensation is very low...groceries nowadays are so high expensive...pls...give us the right rate
Thank you
30 April 2026
Reply from EF
Hi Yolanda, thank you for your feedback and for the important role you play in welcoming students into your home. We understand that costs of living have increased, and we value your input as we continue to review and improve how we support our host families. I've shared your comments with the school. Thanks, Simon @ EF
My host family is the best
19 June 2025
The location and locals were the best
1 January 2026
My experience was very good
My experience was very good; I can tell my English has improved with the help of my classmates and teachers. I hope they continue to improve and can be stricter with the rules in class. (Mainly with respect to other students in class)
7 May 2026
Santa Barbara trip
What made my experience great is the helpful staff. Indeed, I can count on them if I need help or any support.
7 May 2026
Reply from EF
Hi Clemence, I'm sorry to read that you feel there is a lot of false information. I've shared your comments with the team at your school so we can better understand specifics. Thanks, Simon @ EF
The experience inside the school is…
The experience inside the school is complicated some teachers are not enough trained to be able to teach.
I wanna give a special mention to Catherine Moody who is the best teacher there, she care about us, you really improve your english with her.
The activities organized by Dana are super nice.
The experience outside of the school is way more better. I encourage you to make friends outside of the school and hangout with them, this is how you’re gonna improve.
6 May 2026
Reply from EF
Hi Salomé, happy to hear of both the friends you've made at school as well as some of the great team! I've shared your comments about the teachers with your school so they can understand who you mean. All of our teachers have a minimum qualification so good for us to understand your concerns. Thanks, Simon @ EF
I’m having such a great time at EF…
I’m having such a great time at EF Santa Barbara. The teachers are incredibly helpful and the staff is super accommodating. They really make you feel welcome from day one. Highly recommend!"
7 May 2026
Really good
Really good staff, they care so much about your experience.
The location and the school are amazing.
You’ll sure have a good time here
7 May 2026
I’ve had a great experience so far but…
I’ve had a great experience so far but I’m still gonna be here for a little while but I think it’s going to be great
7 May 2026
I could meet so many countries people…
I could meet so many countries people here. So nice experience
7 May 2026
Great organization and good activities.
7 May 2026
Reply from EF
Hi Raffaela, great to hear that you like the staff. I agree, the team at your school are great! Thanks, Simon @ EF
Ef staff is really friendly
7 May 2026
Ef in santabarbar is really cool
Ef in santabarbar is really cool. Cool staffs and teachers
7 May 2026
The Trustpilot Experience
Anyone can write a Trustpilot review. People who write reviews have ownership to edit or delete them at any time, and they’ll be displayed as long as an account is active.
Companies can ask for reviews via automatic invitations. Labeled Verified, they’re about genuine experiences.
Learn more about other kinds of reviews.
We use dedicated people and clever technology to safeguard our platform. Find out how we combat fake reviews.
Learn about Trustpilot’s review process.
Here are 8 tips for writing great reviews.
Verification can help ensure real people are writing the reviews you read on Trustpilot.
Offering incentives for reviews or asking for them selectively can bias the TrustScore, which goes against our guidelines.