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The Group Leader works alongside the Tour Director to help provide a safe, enriching, and well-organized tour experience for your teen. While the Tour Director focuses on logistics, cultural immersion, and delivering safety briefings, the Group Leader is your teen’s trusted point of contact: providing supervision, communication, and an on-tour support system.
Whether they are your teen’s teacher or an EF Tours-approved Group Leader, they are your primary point of contact while your teen is on tour. They will keep you informed about important updates, such as changes to flight schedules, and can provide insights into the group’s experience.
Before departure, ensure you exchange contact information with the Group Leader to facilitate easy communication.
For additional support during the tour, our On Tour Support Team is available at 416-927-1911 or 1-800-263-2806.
Responsibilities before the tour
Understanding traveller needs
Group Leaders gather essential information about each traveller, including medical conditions, dietary requirements, and health or behavioural considerations. This information, recorded in the Health and Medical Profile form, helps ensure every traveller’s needs are met. Parents should complete and provide this form to the Group Leader as early as possible.
Establishing behaviour expectations
Clear guidelines for conduct—such as curfews, respectful interactions, and rules regarding alcohol consumption—are communicated to travellers before departure. These expectations create a safe and positive group dynamic. Disciplinary measures, including dismissal from the tour, may be applied if rules are broken.
Collaborating with chaperones and fellow leaders
To ensure the group is well-supported, Group Leaders meet with chaperones and other leaders to clarify roles and responsibilities. Regular discussions before and during the tour help align objectives and ensure smooth group management.
Responsibilities on tour
Supervising activities
The Group Leader is responsible for ensuring the group is supervised during all scheduled activities, including sightseeing, meals, and optional excursions. This responsibility complements the Tour Director’s role in managing tour logistics and leading cultural experiences.
Adapting rooming arrangements
Most student travellers are roomed 3-4 to a room based on gender markers listed on passports. Rooming configurations may vary between destinations, and the Group Leader works with the Tour Director to adjust arrangements as needed.
You can find more information in our Booking Conditions.
Ensuring accountability
To keep the group organized, Group Leaders oversee attendance using methods like headcounts or buddy systems to ensure everyone is accounted for during transitions and activities.
Handling emergencies
In the event of illness, injury, or another situation requiring a traveller to stay behind, the Group Leader remains with the traveller to provide support. The rest of the group will continue with another responsible adult or remain together if no additional adults are available.
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