EF Education First stronger than ever...

Japan, October 7, 2008 - In light of the recent bankruptcy of Study Abroad Agent Gateway 21, EF Education First Japan stresses that the organization and its long time partners offer strong financial stability and provide a secure alternative for students who want to go abroad.

EF Education First, the world's largest privately-owned education company specializing in language schools, educational travel, cultural exchange, and degree programs, issued a statement from the company's Swiss headquarters to disclose the company’s strong financial standing. "EF enjoys a healthy and robust balance sheet. We are fortunate to be in a very strong position as EF has just had one of our best-ever year in sales and profitability, and we forecast continued growth.  We are committed to deliver excellence in education through our programs worldwide." states EF's CFO, Åsa Blendow.

EF, experts with over 40 years experience in study abroad

Today some 6 ,000 EF staff  and 23,000 teachers and volunteers work in 400 EF offices or schools in over 50 countries including 5 offices in Japan. Established in 1965, EF has been resilient to global change and challenges in the financial markets as well as other industries’ impact on the study abroad business. EF Education First has however always stood strong and stays committed to our mission of breaking down barriers of language, culture and geography through our study abroad programs for students from more than 100 nations worldwide.

“EF Education First Japan and our long term partners in Japan guarantee reliability and stability," says Sange Lee, President of EF Education First Japan. He continues, “We have been in Japan since 1973 and have seen the business climate in Japan change over time. Through careful planning and strategic growth, we have built a stable and safe organization that students and partners trust."

EF, resilient to the current instability within the study abroad industry

Since its foundation in Sweden in 1965, EF Education First has sent millions of students to home stay programs at the EF Schools in the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many other non-English speaking countries.  “We want to reassure Japanese students who have planned to go abroad, but who are worried of the financial stability of the companies in the study abroad industry. We want to make sure that they know that the EF group of schools and support offices across Japan as well as our partners in Japan stand by our commitment of stability, safety, customer service, and academic excellence.” says Nenad Djokic, Regional Manager Asia.

“To go abroad to study and to learn a new language and experience a new culture is a dream come true for many of our students. It would be a shame if thousands of students are not able to realize their dreams this year due to the circumstances in the market. At EF Education First Japan, we are committed to do everything we can to help any student realize their dreams and ambitions,” he says.

Opportunities to study abroad: it is time now

"In moments such as these, ambitious students have a unique chance to go abroad, reinforcing language skills and improving their academic standards. This is one of the soundest long term investments someone could make. By studying with us, students come back stronger and more competitive." says Sange Lee, President of EF Education First Japan.

More information to EF programs can be found on: http://www.efjapan.co.jp/

Press Contact

*Regarding EF's study abroad programs
Sange Lee, President EF Education First Japan Ltd.
27F Shibuya Cross Tower
2-15-1 Shibuya
Shibuya-ku
Tokyo 150-0002, Japan
Emai: sange.lee@ef.com
Phone: (+81)80 3242 712