The captain of a safe & enriching travel experience
Tour planning
Your teen's Tour Director
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One of the most important parts of your teen’s experience is their Tour Director—a dedicated professional who works behind the scenes and on the ground to ensure a smooth, enriching, and well-managed journey.
How the Tour Director supports your teen
Tour Directors are the heart of EF tours, combining local expertise, cultural insights, and a commitment to safety to give parents peace of mind while creating meaningful experiences for students.
Local knowledge and cultural immersion
Tour Directors live in or near the regions they guide and are deeply connected to the local culture, history, and traditions. This means your teen won’t just see the sights—they’ll experience the heart of each destination. From sharing fascinating stories to offering insider tips, the Tour Director makes every moment meaningful.
Guidance and support throughout the tour
While your teen is enjoying free time with their chaperones or exploring on a walking tour led by an expert local guide, your Tour Director is behind the scenes ensuring every detail of the trip runs seamlessly. They might be reconfirming evening dinner reservations, arranging rooming at the next hotel, or coordinating pick-up times with the coach driver. Though there are moments—such as free time or nighttime—when they aren’t directly with the group, the Tour Director is always nearby, ready to assist and provide expert guidance. Their logistical expertise ensures everyone can travel worry-free, focusing on the incredible experiences ahead.
Emergency assistance
Should any emergency arise, the Tour Director is trained to respond quickly and effectively—providing care, communication, and direction as needed. They also have 24-hour access to EF’s local offices and global headquarters for additional support.
How the Tour Director partners with the Group Leader (teacher)
Tour Directors are a crucial resource for Group Leaders, managing the logistics of the tour so teachers can focus on inspiring and supporting their students.
Planning and coordination
Tour Directors handle everything from transportation and accommodations to meals and excursions, working closely with the Group Leader to ensure the itinerary stays on track and runs smoothly.
Proactive communication before departure
A few days before the tour, the Tour Director contacts the Group Leader or teacher to introduce themselves and discuss important details like group preferences, medical needs, and any special requests. This collaboration helps create a safe and tailored experience for every student.
Support during the tour
Throughout the journey, the Tour Director works behind the scenes to resolve logistical issues, coordinate with local partners, and address any unforeseen challenges. They are a reliable copilot for the Group Leader, helping to deliver an exceptional experience for every student.
Why parents trust them
Our tour directors are:
Culturally connected
With local roots and a deep understanding of the places they guide, Tour Directors make destinations feel personal, meaningful, and accessible.
Highly skilled
Rigorous training and annual updates ensure they are prepared to manage safety, logistics, and student needs with confidence and care.
Educators at heart
Tour Directors bring every moment to life through storytelling, cultural insights, and hands-on learning, making the experience as educational as it is inspiring.
Safety at the core of every tour
Our tours are designed with safety as their foundation. Tour Directors undergo extensive hands-on training before they lead their first group, focusing on safety protocols, emergency management, and student care. This isn’t a one-time effort—Tour Directors participate in annual training to stay current with best practices, ensuring they are always prepared to support students and Group Leaders with confidence and care.
These measures are supported by EF’s global network, which provides real-time monitoring of travel conditions and immediate access to resources in any situation. With this foundation, you can trust that your teen’s travel experience will be both enriching and safe.