Meet the EF Boston office: The top things you should know about living and working in Boston
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Hear ye, hear ye! Calling all history fans, sports enthusiasts, and adventurers alike to the historic east coast U.S. city of Boston, Massachusetts. Paul Revere may have ridden through these cobblestoned streets to warn that the British army, dressed in red, was coming, but pink now dominates the city landscape. A sign of summer is the return of sailboats gliding across the Charles River, boasting EF Education First’s Hello Pink.
Alongside its prominence in American history, Boston is known for its beloved sports teams. While the Red Sox play baseball at Fenway Park, the Bruins hockey and Celtics basketball teams draw crowds at TD Garden — a large entertainment arena adjacent to The Hub on Causeway, a popular food and shopping destination, which are both directly across the river from EF’s North American headquarters in Cambridge.
EF’s newest Boston office opened its doors in 2014, although we’ve had a presence in the area since the 1990s when EF shared a building with Hult International Business School. In the past 40 years, the campus has expanded to include EF’s new 10-story office building and a school residency hall, Hult House. Hult International Business School remains in its original location, where the entrance features a piece of the Berlin Wall. The piece was given to Bertil Hult, the founder of EF, for his 50th birthday from EFers at the Boston office. The shared campus offers amenities like a gym, rock wall, and multiple Lingo Cafe locations, including a full-service bar, coffee bar, and two restaurants on the banks of the Charles River. Lingo is a favorite spot for team members to meet up for drinks or split a bowl of delicious tater tots.
Recognizable for its iconic glass waterfall cascading down the facade, EF’s Boston office is home to approximately 1,000 team members working in various roles to help open the world through education. The EF businesses and associated organizations at this office focus on international and domestic tours, exchange programs, marketing, technology, and sales… to name a few!
As New England’s biggest city, Boston provides visitors and residents with an array of entertainment. From buttery lobster rolls at Faneuil Hall, world-class art museums in Back Bay, and luxury shopping on Newbury Street — there’s so much to do that it’s hard to know where to begin. So, we asked EFers in Boston to share what they love about their city and their best advice for living and working here!
Neighborhood recommendations: I have lived in four neighborhoods: Union Square (Somerville), East Somerville, North End, and East Boston. Somerville is great for meeting friendly people and is an easy commute into the office. When I moved from Florida, I found a good community living there. East Boston is an up-and-coming neighborhood where you can get spacious apartments near the city. What is the commute like? From Union Square and East Somerville, you can take the T, the nickname for Boston’s public transportation train system, and walk from the nearest station. East Boston is about a 45-minute commute, but once you get used to the city life here, you’ll realize that 45-minutes is how much time it takes to get anywhere using public transportation. Favorite things about Boston? Every season offers you something new to do so you never get bored. As a Floridian, where we only have summer, this is what I enjoy the most! From checking out the different neighborhoods on a weekend bike ride to kayaking on the Charles River or visiting the National Seashore in Cape Cod, there is something here for everyone. What do you love about your EF office? Honestly, I feel like a sunflower because I am energized by the amount of natural light we get in the office. The energy of the people around me and the energy that comes into the building is my favorite! Neighborhood recommendations: I just moved to Boston recently, and I love the entire Cambridge area. To find roommates, I’ve successfully used Facebook groups, Instagram, Twitter, and even Craigslist. What is the commute like? I currently commute to & from Sharon (near Foxborough), roughly a 45–75-minute drive. The Boston traffic can be unpredictable, but I am fortunate enough to commute to work with my partner, who works for EF Ultimate Break. Favorite things about Boston? I absolutely love Faneuil Hall and watching Celtics games at TD Garden. I also like getting restaurant recommendations from those who consider themselves “locals” to Massachusetts! What do you love about your EF office? I love everything about the EF Boston office, so it’s hard to pick just one thing! But, I love the central location and, of course –– Lingo. Everything they make is incredible, and they put a lot of thought into the ingredients and dishes. Neighborhood recommendations: I was looking in the South Boston area (also called “Southie”) and found an open room in a five-bedroom apartment. It was great because I could make new friends and didn’t have to furnish a new apartment! I recommend the following Facebook groups: “South Boston Housing, Rooms, Apartments, Sublets, Roommates” and “Boston Roommates.” What is the commute like? My commute from Southie is a four-minute bus ride to the T Station, a seven-minute ride on the Red Line, a switch to the Orange Line for about 10 minutes, and then an eight-minute walk to work. I like moving around, so I don’t mind the switches. My total commute can range from 30 minutes to 45 minutes. I recommend people look where the T can take you and what commute you will be comfortable with! Every part of the city has its own vibe. Ask around to see what would fit with your lifestyle. Favorite things about Boston? The beach in Southie! I also love visiting Castle Island, going to the Seaport for rooftop restaurants, and going to sports games. What do you love about your EF office? The windows! I know this might be a small thing, but I work well in daylight — it brightens everyone’s mood. Lingo is also GREAT for lunch and snacks whenever I need it. I also love the communal couches and seating areas on every floor when I need a quiet brain break. Neighborhood recommendations: I recommend Lynn, Allston, Somerville, and Cambridge. For LGBTQ+ friendly options, I recommend Queer Housing Boston & Trans Housing Boston. If you find a good apartment, move on it fast! Properties come and go very quickly. What is the commute like? I take the B train on the Green Line — it takes me just under an hour to get to the office from Allston. Alternatively, it is only a 20-minute bike ride! Favorite things about Boston? I love Fenway Park, the Esplanade, and the North End for its incredible Italian food. In addition, the Boston Public Library in Copley Square is an amazing spot to work and learn about the history of the city. What do you love about your EF office? The building is structurally beautiful, and I love the different atrium seating spaces. The locker rooms are great if you plan to work out at the gym or bike into the office. Lingo is also an amazing space for networking and getting to know your colleagues better. Neighborhood recommendations: Somerville is a wonderful, diverse community. There is a mixture of families and young people with plenty of activities, outdoor spaces, and community events. I recommend the community message board here at EF, as folks are always posting about rooms and spaces for rent. Once you have a spot, I recommend joining the various “Everything is Free” or “Buy/Sell” pages on Facebook to help decorate and fill out your space. What is the commute like? When I drive, the traffic can be heavy since I come from the city’s western side. But when I bike, it’s just beautiful! Favorite things about Boston? I feel at home every single time I drive back to Boston. It is gritty and hardworking, but it also has something for everyone. If you are willing to put yourself out there and join a new club or group –– you will meet people you share something with! Be open to new people and spaces, and you will find your groove. What do you love about your EF office? The people. I love the humans I work with and the mission of the company. Many professional development opportunities are provided to us, and there’s a great community environment. And, personally, the number of plants around is just “happifying”! Neighborhood recommendations: I live in Coolidge Corner in Brookline. I love the area! It’s very close to downtown, so I am just a quick T ride away from being in the city. What is the commute like? I take the T! Favorite things about Boston? I love the walkability, food, public transportation, and fun things to do within and outside the city. If you’re coming from a warm environment, bring lots of lotion. It’s my best friend in the winter. What do you love about your EF office? Everyone I work with is amazing, making coming into the office super fun. It’s nice having a community of people who understand what you are doing and can help answer any questions you have. Having Lingo for breakfast, lunch, and happy hour is fantastic. The views from the office are incredible. Neighborhood recommendations: I’d recommend Brighton or Allston –– especially for those relocating their families. What is the commute like? My commute is 20-30 minutes, and it’s a scenic drive along the Charles River. In addition, I get to see the rowing teams practice and pass the prestigious MIT campus. Favorite things about Boston? I love living in Brighton because it gives a quiet neighborhood feel while having the amenities of a city. Many daycares, restaurants, music venues, and parks are there. These things are important to me as a mom. What do you love about your EF office? I love that North Point Park is right outside of the office. We take my son there when I get off work sometimes. I also love the general location and walking proximity to the North End. And, of course, the non-stop views! 
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