I can reschedule to next year. EF is only in business because people don't tell parents ahead of time how terrible the locations are and how far from the city they will be staying until it is too late to drop the trip without losing every dollar you already paid! But the idiotic folks at EF Tours says since this was "unforeseen", we are not covered. We will incorporate new procedures where appropriate as part of the comprehensive safety measures that are standard on every EF tour. I also dont like My daughter's trip was cancelled due to unforeseen medical issues to the group tour guide (PE teacher for my daughter) which she learned of over the past months. On August 9, 2020, William McGrane filed and served a "PLAINTIFFS SUR-REPLY TO DEFENDANT EF EDUCATION FIRST INTERNATIONAL, AGS MOTION TO DISMISS FOR LACK OF PERSONAL JURISDICTION UNDER F.R.C.P. They know they are being dishonest and scamming these kids and their families. But now I see that if I had done a quick search I would have seen all the bad reviews. Just don't use them. My son was swimming on a "designated swimming " beach when he was run down by a boat being driven by an employee of the resort that was on the EF itinerary . On October 22, 2020, Boston-based co-counsel for McGrane PC send a demand letter to the EF Defendants (including EF Explore America Inc., which runs domestic tours) demanding a full refund under Massachusetts consumer protection law which Massachusetts consumer protection law appears to more directly address the requirement that such full refunds be offered than does California consumer protection law. The first thing to keep in mind is that there are alcohol restrictions with these tours. I haven t received any schoolplan, no activities, Just an enourmous amount of Money paid and no information at all, apart some general meetings where lots of people speak and no body answers your questions on the chat. Anyways, we were told the new trip was "similar/almost identical" to the one we had signed up for, but there would be no extension to Paris and it would be 2 days shorter. I don't even know how it is legal to have these moron bastards do business. Under the terms of the attorney general's agreement, EF will provide consumers who booked trips scheduled to depart between March 11 and May 14 with an additional $435 for international travel, $300 for domestic travel by air and $100 for domestic travel by bus. She signed up October 1 and we had to cancel Oct 14 due to conflicts with my work schedule. Spring break trip with the school for my two boys to go to Greece and Italy this year. The non-insurance Cancel for Any Reason waiver benefit provided by EF Educational Tours provides a cash refund for trip costs paid to EF Educational Tours for cancellation prior to departure. There were no medical facilities available on this resort, and it was necessary to have my son medically evacuated back to the states to receive treatment. Careers at EF. This is the biggest scam ever. I booked a trip with our homeschool "trip club" to do EF's Great Britain tour with a 2 day extension to Paris. Out of that $550, $95 is the none refundable deposit but come on, the rest if ridiculous, especially when the cancellation request is made OVER A YEAR in advance. I struggled to pay for this trip and now after paying for travel insurance also they are denying full refund. I could honestly go on for 10 pages about the terrible food and the fact that you will only be given warm milk, cereal, coffee and last night's rolls for breakfast every day! RIP OFF!! Claim it and get a lot of features. It took me to every floor and A) the offices are gorgeous! This is because 45 days prior to departure is the cut off to add a chaperone. I was told that they only charge whats been deposited. If so, I'd like to know.". I want all of my money refunded as it is the right thing to do. A situation completely out of the control of myself and other families. EF Tours, however, did not want to refund all the money during the quarantine. ef tours is a rip-off! In addition to our standard Peace of Mind program, EF provides an exclusive COVID-19 Peace of Mind program for tours scheduled to depart between October 1, 2020 and September 30, 2022, to account for situations related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Presently she is trying to get refunds for trip because of the imposed restrictions that cannot be met. ?we were then offered a tour of a castle which was supposedly a make up gift from ef tours for the bus situation however, once we got there we only had about 45 mins- an hour to tour the entire castle. Not only did I make a complaint to the Better Business Bureau but I also requested that a manager call me and I have yet to hear from anyone. EFs unmatched global presence EF's Emergency Service & Support Team is available 24/7 to resolve any issue, from a missed flight to a lost passport to more serious on-tour incidents. HOW CAN THIS BE LEGAL??? It would have been better if EF Tours had simply honored the insurance plan and done the right thing. Why am I being charged a total of $550 in cancellation fees? However, we are no longer traveling. Southwest canceled my son's flight to DC over Christmas vacation he was supposed to be there for New Year's. My son was scheduled to go to Peru on 8/3/2022, today is 7/28/22. After only 3 days on tour Israel kicked everyone out because of Covid. Never again. For plans issued in New York, customers can purchase the non-insurance Cancel for Any Reason waiver separately from the rest of the travel protection plan. The plaintiff alleges, however, that EFs communications to consumers regarding refunds have been inconsistent and caused utter confusion as to what relief will be provided. Nonrefundable fees are outlined in EFs Booking Conditions. Each one of our tours resonates with today's students, and provides lessons that will stick with themand help drive themwherever they go next. Pursuant to California Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 7.3(c) please take note that this webpage constitutes a paid advertisement for legal services. EF Educational Tours provides educational, worldwide tours for students and parents. as the premier companies. However, we had already paid and were still excited to be spending 2 weeks in Europe together. ", Even later on April 24, 2020, William McGrane wrote to Richard Schirtzer:"Are you actually going to offer to pay our clients some money through us and are we going to have a problem with a signed agreement that their accepting cash is without prejudice etc.? It seemed cool at the time however most countries either had the shops and food places shut down early or be completely closed due to the big games. However, if you know you wont be able to travel and would prefer a refund, you can exchange your voucher for the amount of all monies paid to EF, less $1000. Here's my EFTours experience: 1.I have been on 3 EFTours and have another planned for next summer. Seems a little steep for cancelling a trip that is still almost 2 years away. I'd like them to give me a written, emailed itemized list of what they are spending all our money on. We wanted to go to Israel and 2 other countries. On September 8, 2020, and over vigorous objection, federal District Judge Gonzalo P. Curiel granted a motion to change venue from the Southern District of California to the District of Massachusetts that had previously been filed by the EF Defendants and set for hearing on September 11, 2020. We also had the unfortunate luck of awful traffic. View Opportunities; Resources. To be eligible, the traveler must enroll on a tour at least 110 days prior to the scheduled departure date. EF was never concerned about her health or welfare and only accused her of being drunk so they could dodge any responsibility. Of course our trip was rescheduled for another year due to COVID. I just felt like it should have been planned better. McGrane PC. Customer service is the WORST! What a waste of time and money. This plan includes Trip Interruption coverage. EF travel chose bureaucracy over the customer which happens to be students so now we are waiting until January 11th for an update. They claim the $700.00 is money that was already spent to secure travel details. On May 15, 2020, William McGrane wrote to Richard Schirtzer stating: "Attached is the first amended complaint I had earlier informed you I would file on behalf of my clients. The day before trip, we were told cancelled due to civil unrest. I was told we should have paid extra if we wanted to be IN Sorrento. She is welcome to call traveler support for more clarification! however, in the 2 weeks that we were enrolled we had made payments amounted to $800. When I called about a refund for the extension being taken off I was told by customer service "They make the cost even out." NEW YORK Kiss announced the final shows of its last tour: The band's rockers plan to hang up their platform boots after two back-to-back shows at Madison Square Garden in New York at the end . Live, unedited & independent traveler reviews. Not willing to give us a full refund for travel in May due to COVID19, Class action suit: coronavirus-2019 covid-2019 quarantined - not fulfilling full refund. I have requested my money back. 2. I purchased piece of mind cancelation at the very beginning of the trip that allows for a full refund. Hands-on experiences and collaborations with experts in the field. I trusted my kid's school to pick a good company. Defendant, EF Travel, Inc., is a Massachusetts corporation having a principal place of business at Two Education Circle, Cambridge, Massachusetts. The company told me I can sell my voucher. "Russia is at war with Ukraine, the UK is prioritizing Ukraine visas over every other VISA on humanitarian grounds. I don't understand how they can keep any of our money, let a lone $500 each. My family and I scheduled a tour with ef educational tours. On June 20th we called them to verify and were told our claim was denied and we wouldn't be receiving anything back from them. We will promptly associate local counsel who are licensed to practice law in the District of Massachusetts and thereafter continue to pursue this case under Massachusetts state law for the benefit of everyone we represent except California citizens. Background checks take place through a secure process that is meant to specifically identify individuals who could present a risk to student travelers while on tour. But its also about the smaller moments on the road. Their solution is to book another tour to avoid losing money. Coverage for baggage in cases of theft or delay. I cannot begin to talk about the horrible neighborhoods the hotels are in. Also out of all four excursions throughout the trip, THREE OF THEM WERE CANCELLED! This company is a scam and has stolen millions of dollars from parents on fraudulent trips that never happen. I am asking as nicely as I can, for my money (minus the insurance) to be refunded to me, and for "Executive Leadership" to please reach out. This is a class action lawsuit for monetary and equitable relief arising out of Defendants' . They are in trouble financially and that is ok with me!!! Many are not able to meet those restrictions and need to cancel. Account #6297341 Plaintiffs seek class certification, an injunction against EF Tours and an order requiring EF Tours to offer each class member the options required under 940 C.M.R. Protection for your belongings EF Tours is holding back $500 of the total $1,960 I have already paid towards the trip. Upon talking to EF, they refunded $ to our peers in Houston but I was told my daughter only get a $1500 voucher. We bottled some of this events magic in our student Summit video recap. Said she would pay for it herself as the total cost for her to go alone would be enough to take my entire family on a nice vacation. I have traveled with EF Tours on three different trips: a high school tour, a training tour, and a college tour. The swimming area was not separated in any way from boat traffic, nor was my son warned about possible boat traffic. Was told that in total I will lose the $749 each person as we also will lose the Global Travel Protection Plan amount as well. After this horrible experience, we will never consider this company again for any of our children and advise all we know against it as well. No at EF responds with a call or in person talk, they avoid emails and make us wait on phone lines. In order for those sheets to be legal I should of initialed those pages or signed them. B)there are about 1,000 people in the building and I have yet to see anyone that wasn't white as the driven snow. Looking ahead. And just think, are our kids safe with this company? WE never want to travel with EF again and this is not acceptable. UPDATE ON EF CASES AS OF 2:00 PM PDST FEBRUARY 5, 2021. Company is stealing 500.00 saying that is the cancelation policy. Trip delay coverage We need to cancel due to medical and we were told we loose close to $800. 3:20-cv-00508-gpc-blm stating: "Dear Mr. Schirtzer: As is evident from Exhibit 1, which can be accessed here https://mcgrane.egnyte.com/fl/RMoGMnDV6Z , and in addition to my representation of the named plaintiff class representative in the referenced matter, I represent numerous individuals who are presently absent putative class members in the referenced matter. When we ask to escalate our concern, managers have decided to refuse to accept or return our calls. Liability Coverage. People are requiredLISTENrequired to purchase the Global Protection Plan. If a traveler needs to cancel a trip due to reasons specified in the plan, this reimburses non-refundable pre-paid payments. 8 weeks.It has been 8 weeks so my son contacted the insurance company and was told the money would be put back into our account between June 20 to 25th. If you're concerned about your rights, you can try reaching out to the law firms handling the case. We also were traveling to all the countries during the world cup. ", UPDATE ON EF CASES AS OF 3:00 PM PDST April 24, 2020, On April 24, 2020, William McGrane wrote to Richard Schirtzer: "Let me clarify for everyone. Weve experienced the transformative power of travel firsthandand we cant wait to explore the opportunities that are out there for you and your students. All Rights Reserved | Website Design by LunaGraphica, California Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 7.3(c). Please Never purchase anything from these scam artists. The 2020 trip was canceled due to Covid. 3:20-cv-00508-gpc-blm stating: Dear Mr. Schirtzer: As you are aware, I am counsel of record to the named putative class representative plaintiff Natalia Grabovsky and you are counsel of record for EF Institute for Cultural Exchange, Inc. (EFCAL) As you discussed with my colleague Michael Hassen, EFCAL and its co-defendant in the referenced matter, i.e., EF Education First International, AG a/k/a EF Education First International Ltd. (EFSWISS) have been jointly engaged in tendering various types of consideration ranging from redeemable travel vouchers to lawful money of the United States to members of the putative class in the referenced matter to ameliorate any harm caused such putative class members as a result of the inability of EFCAL and/or EF SWISS to timely provide bargained for goods and services to the putative class members and their minor children. We were told that other than the deposit and a small admin fee, all the rest of the money was refundable. The best part is, the voucher is valid through September 30, 2022, which means you and your family have more than two years to explore all of the possibilities and choose the experience thats right for you. That means that I will receive less than half that amount back! Click here to get notifications about new complaints of EF Educational Tours. Our 50,000+ staff and faculty members around the world provide a local presence and are able to react quickly and in person where necessary. I am seeking a full refund, not a partial one. It is a crime for a youth educational program to take $3800 dollars from a 15 year old after they endorse a trip, then fly us into civil unrest, only to tell us they have no ability to get us home. I called EF and they directed me to the insurance company-which is an absolute rip off. Avoid at all costs! Just don't do it. 3. On October 22, 2020, Boston-based co-counsel for McGrane PC send a demand letter to the EF Defendants (including EF Explore America Inc., which runs domestic tours) demanding a full refund under Massachusetts consumer protection law which Massachusetts consumer protection law appears to more directly address the requirement that such full refunds I suggest you urge your Swiss client to do the right thing here by giving people their money back, every single cent of it, before this situation gets any worse for them than it already is. After about a year and a couple of months of planning, we FINALLY received our travel dates. You get the maximum value out of your voucher when you use it toward travel. Desired outcome: What I can reiterate is anyone you are advising should understand that EF Institute For Cultural Exchange is currently offering multiple options to people whose trips were canceled, and none of those options require them to agree to any release of liability., Even later on March 29, 2020, William McGrane wrote back to Richard Schirtzer stating: Dear Richard: It's a bit confusing. The number of travelers in each group is capped at 14-38, and small group tours only . Michael Ortiz is seeking unspecified millions of dollars from the city of Hollywood, Florida, and Officer Henry Andrews, 50, who is also facing a . Yes, even though quarantine is a covered reason for a full refund, EF Tours CHARGED members $$ a significant amount of money thus negating a full refund. Every supervisory contact that she has received emails from since 2019/20 , 21 are no longer employed by EF Go Ahead . Look at all the one star reviews. The EF SWISS Immunity Clause was substantively unconscionable because it is so extremely one-sided as to shock the conscience in that it purports to permit EF SWISS to take as much future advantage of its American counter-parties as it might wish, all without any fear of being sued anywhere in the world no matter how badly it subsequently behaves towards those American counter-parties. When we called to cancel, they refuse to give us our full refund and claim to keep $500 despite their poor communication, COVID restrictions, and the paid insurance plan which has turned out to be a scam too. For additional details regarding the insurance components of this plan, underwritten by US Fire Insurance Company, including coverage limits and a full list of exclusions, please visit this page. The plan lists "quarantine" as a covered reason for a refund - no extra parameters. 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