EF Explore America

EF Explore America: educational trips for students in the United States and Canada

EF Explore America is a company specializing in educational trips for school groups. Its offering focuses on itineraries across the United States and Canada, designed so that students learn outside the classroom through immersive experiences and human connections. The company presents itself as part of EF, an organization with more than 55 years of experience in the field of educational travel.

Types of trips and destinations

The company's catalog includes several collections of tours designed for different pedagogical objectives. Among the available categories are social studies and American history trips, STEM trips, performing arts trips, outdoor trips, service learning trips, and high school trips. It also offers a selection of popular tours and a cultural perspectives collection.

As for destinations, the company sells trips to Washington, D.C., New York City, Puerto Rico, Boston, California, and Florida, as well as international student tours. The offering is rounded out by the possibility for teachers to find a specific teacher's tour using a tour number.

Pedagogical approach and learning before, during, and after the trip

EF Explore America structures its trips as a learning process that begins before departure and continues after returning home. Before the trip, students can prepare their budget with the help of Till Financial, organize their luggage, and study the places they will visit; there is also the option to start an academic course to earn credit during the tour.

During the trip, the company combines several methodologies: living together with peers to develop interpersonal skills such as flexibility and adaptability; cultural, intellectual, and emotional immersion in new environments; professional guides who provide context; learning from local experts; team activities; multisensory hands-on experiences; and independent exploration to foster confidence and problem-solving.

After returning, students are encouraged to reflect on their growth and apply what they have learned in their communities.

Resources for teachers and group leaders

The company offers teachers tools to plan their first tour, information about pricing and inclusions, and materials on how the program works. It also provides teacher training, a global rewards program with credit and professional development, and specific benefits for teachers. Among the arguments the company highlights are safety, educational impact, and personalized support.

For parents and travelers, the website includes sections on booking conditions, payments, travel protection, identification, flights and transportation, packing list, rooming and meals, and adult travelers.

Safety and support

EF Explore America emphasizes its safety approach, with a program called the Peace of Mind Program and travel protection. The company states that every tour is designed with hands-on learning and that it has a team of educators, tour architects, operations specialists, and explorers. It also indicates that its tours are organized by EF Explore America and led by local experts.

Track record and mission

The company states that for more than 55 years it has been dedicated to a global mission: opening the world through education. Another section of the site mentions a track record of more than 60 years as a global leader in educational travel. The company also notes that it is accredited by respected organizations in the United States.