The world's first and largest online English school

20 million

Learners taught

59 years

Of teaching experience

2 million

Private classes per year

Teacher rating

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Read what our learners think about us

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A legacy of language learning innovation

EF English Live is a part of Efekta Education Group, a world leader and innovator of online language education and wholly owned by EF Education First. EF Education First has been pioneering experiential language learning since 1965 through their international language travel programs. In 1996, supported by Apple and Cambridge University, EF Education First developed EF English Live – the world’s first online English school. 

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Effective language learning for everyone

We strive to be the world leaders in language research and online learning technology. We make effective and motivating English courses available, no matter where in the world you are.

Find your voice in English. At work and in life.

Our mission is to empower working professionals and dedicated learners to communicate confidently in English through our Efekta Method™. Based on decades of scientific research, it combines experienced teachers and cutting-edge technology for a highly flexible online learning experience. 

Millions of people have successfully learned English with us because we do not just teach you words and phrases; we help you feel confident and be yourself in English (we will even help you tell your favorite joke).  

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Our Efekta Method™ – The most interactive way to learn

Learn by speaking: A conversation-based and interactive virtual learning environment 


Bespoke online learning technology: Combining teachers with AI technology and live-action video to simulate interactive real-life scenarios 


Complete flexibility: We are available when you are – anytime, anywhere 


We only hire the best: If you want to learn English fast, you need a good teacher 


Trusted by the world’s leading organizations

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Passionate about teaching. Serious about research.

We publish academic research about language learning, which is used by Cambridge University, University of Tokyo, and Harvard Graduate School of Education, to name a few.

The free online standard English test EF SET, which we created to accurately figure out your level of English, is internationally recognized and used by over 2 million students every year (that is 5,479 tests taken a day).

We have 132 researchers and academics on our team who make sure our teaching methods are innovative and effective.

“Research shows that people who speak English earn up to 30% more than those who do not.”

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Teaching English. For good.

As part of EF Education First, the world's largest privately held education company, we are committed to making a positive impact on the global community (like providing language education to the Olympic Games).


We are proud to sponsor Medecins Sans Frontieres and their humanitarian relief. Another brilliant partner of ours is WeForest, which focuses on sustainable restoration and supporting the well-being of local communities. And of course, our deepest passion – leading cutting-edge research to improve how people learn.

By partnering with language learning experts and academics, we have changed the nature of online language learning, for good.

Innovation in education is at our core

EF English Live has always been at the cutting edge of language learning, having been the first to pioneer 24-hour teacher-led online English courses.

"Students inspire everything we do."

"Nothing matters more than learning. At EF Education First, the learning we see in our students inspires us to do more, to push harder, to advance our understanding of how human beings learn, and how we can make the experience richer, better and more rewarding."

Dr Enio Ohmaye

Chief Experience Officer, EF Education First

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Award-winning classes are waiting

Just in case you missed something...

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about learning English online.

Our award-winning Efekta Method™ combines certified teachers, our one-of-a-kind Efekta Hyperclass™ and AI technology to create interactive real-life scenarios as close to learning in an English-speaking country as it gets.  

  • Learn by speaking: A conversation-based and interactive virtual learning environment 

  • Bespoke online learning technology: Our AI and virtual reality make faster progress possible 

  • Complete flexibility: We are available when you are – anytime, anywhere 

  • We only hire the best: If you want to learn English fast, you need a good teacher 

  • Highly motivating: Combine private live classes with Efekta Teachers™, interactive group classes and self-study exercises available 24/7, on any device. 

The Efekta Method™ is based on decades of experience and scientific research and is proven to work (because we have already taught English to over 20 million people). 

The EF English Live learning community is spread across the whole world! From people looking to take the next step in their career and students preparing for the TOEFL and TOEIC exams, to explorers wanting to connect with people during their adventures. Our course offers complete flexibility, with certified Efekta Teachers™ in every time zone, you can join classes 24/7. Whether you are a busy parent looking to improve your job prospects with our Business English Course, a recent graduate ready to take on the world with our General English Course, or just want to watch your favorite shows without subtitles – the one thing all our learners have in common, is that they are dedicated to master English! 

You can find our Headquarters in the mountainous Zurich, surrounded by the Alps. However, we have many offices, in many different countries. Our school and our classes are 100% online, you won’t have to come into an office to learn with the most interactive and motivating method. All you need is internet, a laptop or phone, and a will to learn! Because we are a global school, we have Efekta Teachers™ and local support teams available and working to help learners from all over the world.