Minh and Alfie: EF Friends Forever

Racquet sports enthusiasts at Yale University in Connecticut, Minh and Alfie landed at different companies on opposite sides of the globe after graduation. Minh found himself in Los Angeles (where he grew up), while Alfie moved to Japan to work in legal.

Minh eventually made his way to EF Education First as an EF360 Global Management Trainee, and when he heard Alfie was looking for a career change, Minh immediately referred him to EF. After two years of working together at EF in Hong Kong, Alfie moved back to Tokyo to run the Ambassador Program for EF’s International Language Campuses in Japan—the rest is history.

Q: How did you know Alfie was the right fit for EF?
A: He’s the most fun guy I know! Alfie has always been the life of the party, so it was fitting that his first project at EF was to help us throw a year-long global party for our 50th anniversary. His current job as an Ambassador Coordinator also involves throwing lots of fun events for our former students who are now our ambassadors in Japan. Oh yeah, and he’s wicked smart and a terrific writer!

Q: What is your best EF memory with Alfie?
A: We became roommates when Alfie moved to Hong Kong, so walking with Alfie to and from work every day was pretty special.

Q: What EF core value does Alfie display most?
A: I’d say passion. Alfie puts his heart in everything that he does.

Q: How does Alfie make EF a better place to work?
A: Alfie is smart and strategic, so he’s a great thought partner. He’s fun and down to earth, so he keeps it real. He’s also very agile and fit, so he motivates us to keep up our physical regimens!

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working at EF?
A: The people, hands down. No question about it. I’ve never been in any other organization where people are so genuinely nice, decent, and fun to be with. Everyone is eager to support each other and celebrate each other’s success.

Q: What’s a key piece of advice you would give to a new EFer?
A: Go all in. Do everything and anything—there’s no such thing as “it’s not my job!” Get your hands dirty. Be critical but err on the side of action rather than perfection. And most of all, have fun!