How 12 EF employees spent their sabbaticals

One of the ways we recognize long-term contributions at EF is through our sabbatical program. After ten years with the company, employees are eligible for three weeks of paid time away from work to do something that matters most to them.

Some use the time to explore a new country. Others look to spend time with family, or focus on wellbeing or personal goals. There's no single way to use the time. Here are just a few examples of how EFers spent their sabbaticals this year.

Seeing the world through my children's eyes

Bridget, Senior Customer Success Manager, Denver

"My sabbatical gave me the chance to spend four weeks traveling through Iceland, Sweden, and France with my family of five. Watching my children embrace new foods, cultures, and traditions was incredibly rewarding. More than anything, it was a rare opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and see the world through their eyes."

Family and adventure in Colombia

Lorena, Procurement Manager, Zurich

"I spent three weeks in Colombia with my sister, reconnecting with family and exploring a country that means so much to me. The best part was the time with relatives I rarely get to see, but there was plenty of adventure too, including a four-day trek to Ciudad Perdida. Three weeks of family, nature, adventure, and coffee was a pretty perfect way to celebrate ten years at EF."

Cheering from the stands

Jenny, Regional Manager, Beijing

"I spent my sabbatical accompanying my daughter to the National U-Series Swimming Competition in Yangzhou. Being able to focus on supporting her, exploring the city together, and spending uninterrupted time as a family created memories I'll always treasure. The experience recharged me and helped me return to work with renewed focus and enthusiasm."

Trading Colorado for coastal Georgia

Durban, Director of Sales, Denver

"We did a house swap with friends in St. Simons Island, Georgia, and completely swapped lives for three weeks, from homes and cars to bikes and beach towels. My kids even joined local day camps and had experiences we'd never find back home. It was an amazing opportunity to spend quality time with my growing children, completely reset, and return to work with more entrepreneurial spirit and mental capacity than I'd felt in years."

Spain, song, and slow days at home

Rikki, Senior Government Relations Manager, Boston

"My partner and I went to Spain for two weeks, eating our way through Barcelona, Granada, and Sevilla, where my little sister was studying abroad. Then I spent a couple weeks at home preparing to sing the Back Bay Chorale's 50th Anniversary Concert. I took some lovely walks in the Middlesex Fells Reservation, and spent extra time with my cat."

Choosing presence Over travel

Christiane, School Director, Munich

"When I thought about how to spend my sabbatical, I realized what I needed wasn't distance—it was presence. Instead of traveling far from home, I focused on family, books, gallery visits, and enjoying everyday moments that are often rushed. In many ways, it wasn't a break from life, but a return to it."

A long-time dream in Peru

Amy, Vice President of Sales, Denver

"My EF sabbatical gave me the opportunity to finally make a long-time dream happen: a trip to Peru. Visiting Machu Picchu with my sister and friends was unforgettable, but what made the experience truly different was that I left my laptop at home. For the first time in a long time, I was fully unplugged, fully present, and able to enjoy every moment."

Preparing for a new chapter

Diana, International Communications & Enablement Manager, Zurich

"My sabbatical came just before my family's move from Boston to Switzerland. Between preparing for the relocation, spending time with friends and family, taking dance classes, and visiting places that meant a lot to us, it gave me something I didn't know I needed: time. It was the perfect opportunity to slow down, savor meaningful moments, and start our next adventure feeling ready."

Meaningful time through travel

Ninh, Director of Student Services, Santa Barbara

"I spent my sabbatical traveling to Korea with my mother and then through Vietnam with my husband and son. The time allowed us to slow down, reconnect, experience new places together, and create memories as a family. Stepping away from daily routines left me feeling re-energized, grounded, and grateful."

Family time, far and near

Victoria, Senior Director, Customer Engagement & Loyalty, Denver

"I had THE best time and am still so grateful for the opportunity! I visited my aging father for a week in Illinois, traveled with my family of four to Paris, Barcelona, and Mallorca for two weeks, and then spent a week to myself reading books, cuddling my dog, and cooking. This was the first time my husband and my son had ever been to Europe, so it was very special!"

Rediscovering the joy of travel

Lori, Director of Employee Development, Boston

"I spent part of my sabbatical exploring Japan with my partner. Planning my own trip again reminded me why I fell in love with travel in the first place. We explored temples and shrines, experienced a traditional tea ceremony, visited the Studio Ghibli Museum, and enjoyed some incredible food. I came back refreshed, energized, and excited for what was next."

A cross-country reunion in America

Caesey, Director of Payroll, Shanghai

"I am grateful to EF for providing sabbatical leave, which gave me the opportunity to truly relax after a busy period of work. I traveled to the United States to visit my daughter, who works there. We visited New York, Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and Pittsburgh together, sharing many wonderful and unforgettable moments. We enjoyed classic Broadway musicals and the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Grand Canyon. This was more than just a trip—it was a warm and treasured memory."