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. This shows EF Tours has no regard for the emotional and physical well-being of children and only has their own financial self interest in mind. I booked a trip with our homeschool "trip club" to do EF's Great Britain tour with a 2 day extension to Paris. Unable to travel? A situation completely out of the control of myself and other families. In order for those sheets to be legal I should of initialed those pages or signed them. With respect to California citizens it is our intent to file a California class only class action against the EF Defendants in a California state court after first giving the EF Defendants an additional opportunity to comply with the particular California consumer protection state law which we continue to believe governs the impropriety of the EF Defendants misconduct insofar as California citizens are concerned. They won't tell you which airline or which hotel you will be staying at. . I can supply all correspondence that my group coordinator had. Coverage for baggage in cases of theft or delay. My son and I were scheduled to go to Berlin, Budapest, Krakow and Prague July 2020. If a traveler needs to cancel a trip due to reasons specified in the plan, this reimburses non-refundable pre-paid payments. COVID-19 required everybody to be quarantined. their futures. I am writing to complain about the lack of information regarding a language campus to Dublin I have paid for My 17 Years old son. However, EF Tours will override the plan and refuse your refund. 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. On May 1st I lost my job and we immediately contacted Ef Tours to cancel. With Genesis and Atomic blocks, you can build beautiful, powerful websites in minutes with our robust theme framework and professionally-designed sections and layouts. If any location(s) included in the groups itinerary is newly designated as a Travel Advisory Level 4 by the U.S. Department of State; or a U.S. federal or state governmental authority has newly imposed a travel ban to your destination, or newly issued an order requiring a self-quarantine for travelers in your group upon arrival to a location on your itinerary or upon return home from a location on your groups itinerary; your Group Leader or the individual traveler will have the same Peace of Mind options set forth above. opens a world of possibilities. . Look at the complaints and the fact that there is a class action lawsuit against them for not refunding money. This is morally and ethically wrong. If not for her, 30 of your kids would be sleeping in the airport for two nights in a row since their new flight to London has a huge 13 hour layover. I was told we should have paid extra if we wanted to be IN Sorrento. ComplaintsBoard.com is a leading complaint resolution website on the Internet. This is meant to help provide a safer tour experience for all travelers, and is a similar process to what many school districts implement for adults who volunteer in schools or chaperone school activities. 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. Please read on for additional coverage details, as well as deadlines to purchase each Global Travel Protection plan. UPDATE ON EF CASES AS OF 1:30 PM PDST April 21, 2020. I cancelled my daughters trip to Greece. I was so angry but nothing was done about it. Future Travel Vouchers are transferrable at the face value of the voucher to members of the travelers immediate family or school community. Trip delay coverage This is ridiculous and really wrong. If I can get any student considering this company to stop, I will. There was no due diligence conducted by EF tours as to the hazards associated with this location. 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. This program was created to provide the safest possible tour experience for our customers. Due to traffic and bad timing we traveled. Payments made should be made to McGrane PC as trustee. We bottled some of this events magic in our student Summit video recap. We get that it is overpriced because they want to make a profit and the teacher wants their trip paid for. I want my 500 that was stolen from me. Your Group Leader may choose from the following options: Terms & Conditions I am outraged and helpless. Unfortunately, I had to cancel his trip because my son switched schools and his old school district could not take a non student out of the country. EFs 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. ?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. They informed me that my type of service is not recognized and I would not be covered. In response to the public health emergency declared by the World Health Organization on January 30, 2020, EF canceled all tours that were scheduled to leave on or after that date, according to the suit. I agreed to be a chaperone for our students, and it's incredibly disappointing that EF honestly thinks that this policy is honest and fair. WE had been assured our trip would go on before we left California, so we trusted EF. 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. EF will make every effort to accommodate revised tour requests. I won't go into detail about our trip except to say our tour guide left half the group on several occasions, got us lost, left us in a hotel that's fire alarm system was going off in (our group leader also left us behind. Trip to Israel was cancelled because of covid but not by me, release my refund and return $500 cancelation fee. I registered my son and I to go on a tour in June 2017. They insist on keeping $500 per person! I ended up booking our own flights home to the US for $1500. Liability Coverage. This, of course, was never brought up until it was too late to change the reservation. We already had a group of 30 which was a lot, however once the other groups got added we had a total of 55 people and only one tour guide. while including the problematic unconscionable clauses that made sure the bankruptcy insurance being sold if EF Defendants did not perform would never possibly be called on [because the EF Defendants would never have to pay anyone any money anyway] speaks to the unconscionability of the relevant unconscionable clauses for everyone EF Defendants did business with, not just some arbitrary subclass of actual [travel] insurance buyers.Moreover, the CLRA speaks to $1000 fines per violation which IMNSHO, speaks to each of three arguably unconscionable clauses as a separate CLRA violation, making your clients' penal fines exposure $3k per consumer, not just $1k . Two straight hours of calling the ef tours emergency hotline and no still no answer. In good faith, my daughter and I, despite the 2020 cancellation of our purchased tour, took the "voucher" route in order to secure a tour for 2021 so that we would not loose our investment. With 600 schools and offices in 50 countries worldwide, including regional offices dedicated to on-tour support, our global presence is truly unmatched. EF representatives available to support the traveler and to coordinate with local authorities on their behalf where necessary, Assistance connecting with local health care providers, Communication between the traveler and the travelers family back home, EF-arranged flights home, based on existing itinerary, for the traveler once cleared to return, If the diagnosed traveler is a minor, flights for their parent or guardian to join them at the tour location, EF representatives available to support the traveler or group and to coordinate with local authorities on their behalf where necessary, Communication between the traveler or group and their family back home, EF-arranged flights home for the traveler or group once cleared to return. To purchase this plan, please call 800-665-5364 to speak with one of our Traveler Support Specialists. 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. EF Tours is demonstrating they have no regard for hard working families who cannot afford to donate almost $2,000 to their company. It was an extremely uncomfortable situation and I had to leave the tour. 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. 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. Desired outcome: 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. Call us: Teachers and Group Leaders 800-637-8222 Students and Parents 800-665-5364 Careers at EF View Opportunities However, the problem has wider implications for your clients. Desired outcome: We were quoted a price and told the insurance was a great thing to have because with it you could cancel up to 24 hrs before the trip for a full refund minus the cost of insurance. These assholes cancelled a trip that we had already paid in full for to Italy and Greece, then they cancelled the trip, and then they refused to give out any refunds, even if you had insurance. I also was being charged late fees even though I changed my payment plan. SCUMBAGS!!!!! (Just this year I found out our group leader got something for a refund, but she never mentioned it or even helped me get my money back in 2018.thanks for that.) I feel like everything was rushed. Travelers must pay in full or enroll in our Automatic Payment Plan at the time of program enrollment and must remain either paid in full or enrolled in our Automatic Payment Plan and in good financial standing at the time of cancellation to remain eligible. We did not have enough free time (which we were promised). First of all, you sign your student up because you are trusting the teacher who has arranged the trip. What a waste of time and money. Russia is at war with Ukraine. I have been to the offices in Boston (I work on the building from time to time) and it's a blizzard every time I go. use of a redeem voucher button is already something . I finally reached an emergency contact at EF and was told to stay on our flights. A response to this pleading has been ordered filed by Februray 5, 2021, by District Court Judge Denise Casper. After about a year and a couple of months of planning, we FINALLY received our travel dates. We have decided to not travel in the US. We need to cancel due to medical and we were told we loose close to $800. If EF cannot accommodate a revised tour request and/or the group decides not to travel on the original tour, then the group may opt for future travel vouchers. 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. Help Center: Coverage and policy flexibility. UPDATE ON EF CASES AS OF 3:00 PM PDST May 15, 2020. Please contact me immediately if there are any questions or comments by either EFCAL or EFSWISS about the contents of this letter. It is nothing but a money grab from unsuspecting parents! 16 years' experience in successful complaint resolution, Each complaint is handled individually by highly qualified experts, Last but not least, all our services are absolutely free. Its inexcusable and I would absolutely never use this this company again. Revised tours must depart within one year of the original tour. EF TOURS IS A COMPLETE FRAUD. This is supposed to be a reputable company and when we booked the trip (when the sales team comes to make their trips seem all shiny and new with Global Protection included) they do not tell you that the money you are paying will essentially possibly be tied up for years and they are NOT reputable, or honest, This is a cut and dry case, no tour= enact my travel protection and refund. They knew well in advance Southwest was having troubles other arrangements should have been made instead of having these kids waiting at the gate. UPDATE ON EF CASES AS OF 4:00 PM PDST SEPTEMBER 13, 2020. EF Tours was contacted today also and there response was they aren't responsible for the insurance company. But guess what? Want class action news sent to your inbox? Why would I need to do the work for them? Below are a range of policies and programs designed to flex to meet our travelers specific needsno matter where they are in the planning process. And just think, are our kids safe with this company? For further details, please contact Academic HealthPlans at 877-974-7462 ext. They have stolen from many people, including seniors and students some of whom are in high school or younger. v. EF Institute for Cultural Exchange, Inc., et. So, no refund. . According to the complaint, the defendants have made no effort to explain why the $1,000 penalty is at all reasonable, regardless of how much each customer paid. All Rights Reserved | Website Design by LunaGraphica, California Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 7.3(c). Earn benefits like one spot on tour for every six travelers you bring. I can't believe they can demand reasons for dismissal even with all the Hippa Laws. Thats why we prioritize safety, value, Our school will be traveling with three other schools from different parts of the country. With our EF Parent Ambassador Program, we'll connect you with a fellow parent who has "been there, done that" and can help answer any questions you may have about your traveler's upcoming tour. Once 30 days has passed and absent capitulation by the EF Defendants, the now-transferred case of Rochfort et. According to the case, the defendants sold tours to public and private high school groups pursuant to a written contract of adhesion that contained what the complaint refers to as the No Public Health Emergency Cash Refund Clause. Under the clause, if an EF tour is canceled for public health issues or quarantine or threats of public health issues, the defendants will issue travel vouchers for the value of the money paid, excluding certain non-refundable fees, instead of providing cash refunds, the suit explains. The defendants knew it would not be realistically possible for students to reschedule their tours in light of a public health emergency and they would likely lose some or all of their pre-paid deposit. Same restrictions. Why is no one investigating them for fraudulent business practices, deceptive practices, false advertisement, etc, etc, etc?? As we enhance and innovate on our own health and safety protocols, we'll continue to monitor guidance from local and federal authorities in the U.S. and internationally. This will not work for many reasons, first I we are most likely moving. v. EF Institute for Cultural Exchange, Inc., et. Protection for your belongings Tour # 2130465UX - London, Paris, and The Alps 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. Camp Lejeune residents now have the opportunity to claim compensation for harm suffered from contaminated water. I wouldve never signed up for any trip with the Covid restrictions that are now imposed. The Education First Tour Class Action Lawsuit is Grabovsky v. EF Institute for Cultural Exchange Inc., et al., Case No. And, this hotel was a truck stop on the M1. Especially during a pandemic where these things change constantly. I will be escalating the complaint throughout our school and to the district so that these types of trips are no longer allowed through the school where EF Tours has access to millions of kids and their families giving the pitch of a once in a lifetime experience of travel only to cheat us out of our money. Meet Carlos, an expert local guide There are several hidden fees which totaled $1,300! 15.06 and a full or partial refund pursuant to 940 C.M.R. We were also mostly stuck eating gas station food because we either arrived too late for dinner at the restaurants, or we were unable to eat in restaurants because of the big games going on. Please help us receive refund for this experience. Other EF tour brands. So, without even knowing the age of your kids, they expect your kids to travel alone internationally and go through passport, immigration, customs on their own. We will advise as to what the outcome of this and other motions made by EF SWISS and the other defendants to avoid liability for making full cash refunds are as soon as we are advised by the District Court as to its decisions. Or they can redeem it for any other EF travel product. We heard nothing from this company even after covid-19 hit usa and threatened travel. So whether youre searching for first-time tour prep tips or stories of experienced travelers, were here to help you plan for all those future momentsboth big and small. Pursuant toCalifornia Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 7.3(c)please take note that this webpage constitutes a paid advertisement for legal services. He refers to the folks who bought travel insurance as a subclass, which they may well be. Dear Sirs They have tarnished their reputation and people are not as comfortable traveling with them anymore. She is welcome to call traveler support for more clarification! New cases and investigations, settlement deadlines, and news straight to your inbox. While not happy with that amount I understood. I was told that they only charge whats been deposited. Share your photos and videos with others to prove the truth of your words. I also felt like the city tours were a complete waste of money and time and I would have much rather not have paid them because the tour guides for the cities sucked and I feel like I would have learned more on my own. We are a community of hard working families who were willing to make the financial sacrifice to allow our children a great opportunity. When I called about a refund for the extension being taken off I was told by customer service "They make the cost even out." . He could no get us on flights home. Emergency evacuation coverages If so, I'd like to know.". al. Filed: March 17, 2020 3:20-cv-00508-GPC-BLM. ", On April 23, 2020, Mr. McGrane responded to Mr. Schirtzer, stating: "I stand by my 'worthless' remark. They claim the $700.00 is money that was already spent to secure travel details. There is a class action lawsuit is Grabovsky v. EF Institute for Cultural Exchange Inc., et al. case..., as well as deadlines to purchase this plan, this hotel was a truck stop on Internet. To claim compensation for harm suffered from contaminated water being charged late fees even though I my! Whom are in high school or younger truly unmatched speak with one our! 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