EF Educational Tours
Read all reviews for EF Educational Tours →
Disappointing Experience at EF Rome
I recently attended an Italian language course at EF in Rome, and while I was excited to learn, the overall experience left me deeply disappointed—except for one saving grace: my teacher, Roberta. The Positive: Roberta’s Teaching Roberta was exceptional. Her calm, patient, and intentional teaching style stood out. She genuinely cared about her students and made learning a pleasant experience, offering a sense of grounding in an otherwise difficult environment. The Negative: Hostile Atmosphere Unfortunately, the rest of my time there was overshadowed by an atmosphere of hostility and exclusion. From day one, I felt like I was being watched and treated with suspicion. It wasn’t about “fitting in”—it was about prejudice. I noticed a clear difference in how I was treated compared to others. It felt as if a narrative had already been written about me, and this tension tainted the whole atmosphere. Specific Incidents: One instructor mocked my attempt to speak Italian instead of offering constructive feedback. Another instructor refused to let me into class for being late, despite another student arriving even later and being allowed in. I requested a small refund for a canceled activity and was flatly denied. The school also failed to inform us of metro line closures during a beach excursion, which caused unnecessary confusion. At no point did anyone check in or try to address my concerns. I felt completely ignored. A Lack of Respect The isolation, hushed tones, and general discomfort were not only noticeable—they were dehumanizing. The way I was treated, as if I wasn’t worth the basic respect any student deserves, was insulting. Final Thoughts: For a program costing over $3000, I expected basic respect and fairness. While Roberta’s teaching was a bright spot, the overall experience left me disillusioned. EF needs to seriously reconsider how they treat students, especially those who may face prejudices. Inclusivity and respect should go beyond just offering classes—it should be a core part of the experience. Until then, I cannot recommend this program.