Welcome to our health & safety hub

Explore our entire health & safety hub or jump to a particular topic you're interested in.

Our approach to safety

Our travelers' safety is our number one priority. With over 55 years of experience and a global network that reaches over 50 countries, we lead the charge on student safety. In addition to a crew of people who work behind-the-scenes on every program, our Safety and Incident Response Team—comprised of industry experts, healthcare experts, and even former FBI personnel—is ready to spring into action 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. And when they aren’t directly helping EF travelers, they’re actively innovating on and shaping the new worldwide standards for cleanliness and safety.

Whether it’s a worldwide pandemic or a sprained ankle, a missed flight or confusing medical paperwork, we’ve seen it all. So, whatever happens, we’re ready and here for you.

Explore our approach to safety

Flexible travel policies

We’re constantly adapting, enhancing, and expanding our policies so that we can make planning for the future as flexible as possible. In addition to our $50 million liability policy, you can plan and enroll with confidence with these policies.

  • Peace of Mind Policies

    Plans can change due to unforeseen circumstances. EF automatically includes an exclusive Peace of Mind Program that allows groups to change travel dates or itineraries for any reason, including terrorism or other world events.

    More about this policy

  • Global Travel Protection Plans

    Travelers can enroll in one of the Global Travel Protection plans, which provide pre-departure and on-program benefits for circumstances that occur on an individualized basis, including cancellation for any reason.

    More about this policy

  • Worry-free flexible enrollment

    New travelers who enroll at least 120 days prior to departure can cancel for any reason up to 30 days after enrollment for a full refund of 100% of the money paid to EF. Read our full policy for eligibility details.

    More about this policy
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Health & safety abroad


We want all of our groups to travel confidently, which is why EF is taking the necessary steps to help keep travelers as healthy and safe as possible. Explore our COVID-19 travel guidelines, entry requirements, and what to know about illness abroad.

Learn more

What Group Leaders are saying

Every single one of our actions in response to COVID-19 has been made with students, teachers, parents, and administrators at the top of our minds. The true results of those decisions can only be measured through their reactions.

  • "The program was exhilarating and awesome. Our EF Field Director managed logistics and people extremely well, even with unforeseen challenging circumstances. The city tour guides were informative, knowledgeable and personable. Activities and events were well planned and information and cautions on personal safety were always included in briefing. I made several new friends. Thanks for a wonderful experience."

    – Sister, AK
  • "Great experience for a first time traveler. Children and husband had been abroad but I never had. I felt safe and secure among my peers and great support group of teachers and tour guides. Got to see a little of a lot. Can't decide what was favorite of the trip. Loved the theater in London. But, then there was the countryside and the friendliness of the local folk. Heidi, our main Field Director, was so knowledgeable in all areas. Lots of local input and personal anecdotes. She was just fantastic."

    – Momblod, MD
  • "Our twin daughters experienced their first trip abroad on the EF Study Abroad program. I must say that the trip was flawless. Not only did it combine the perfect mix of study and pleasure, but our girls felt safe and secure the whole trip. It was their first trip with EF but not their last. Because of the great time they had on this trip, we allowed them to go on another."

    – Momoftwins, NC