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  • Before the tour
  • Getting there
  • Safety
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Safety

At EF, we’re committed to your child’s safety. Backed by nearly half a century of experience, EF has hundreds of offices in more than 50 countries around the world that are in constant contact with our North American headquarters in Boston and Denver. There’s always local EF staff available for support wherever your child travels in the world.

Your child’s safety is supported by the following EF policies and programs:

• Sound travel policies: EF’s policies surpass the recommendations of the U.S. Department of State, Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board. EF maintains contact with these agencies and shares information with teachers and their schools in order to make appropriate decisions for our travelers.
• 6:1 student-to-chaperone ratio: Thanks to EF’s industry-leading student-to-chaperone ratio, you can count on increased on-tour supervision of your child and his or her fellow travelers.
• Peace of Mind Program: We allow our groups the flexibility to change their tour and/or departure date up to 35 days prior to departure should the teacher or school administration not allow them to travel for safety reasons.
• All-Inclusive Insurance: EF offers an exclusive All-Inclusive Insurance Plan specifically designed to meet the needs of students traveling with EF. This insurance covers your child in the event of on-tour medical expenses, baggage delays and emergency tour interruption, if a student must leave a tour prematurely.

Prepare your child for a safe experience abroad
As at home, being safe is a matter of using common sense. To help parents and their children prepare for a safe and enjoyable travel experience, we’ve developed the EF Safety & Travel Guide. We encourage parents to review this guide with their children prior to departure. Here are some general tips you also might like to cover with your child:

 

• Don't wear expensive-looking clothes or jewelry.
• Don't walk around alone; stay with your group or several friends.
• Stick to the main thoroughfares.
• Be aware of your purse/wallet and keep it in a safe place, especially in areas with a lot of tourists.
• Keep your money in a safe place at all times. Travel pouches that you wear under your clothes are recommended.
• Keep important phone numbers with you, including the hotel's and the EF emergency number.