Overseas Study EF Supports the "First Step" in English Learning, Offering "3 Months of Free English Conversation Lessons" Starting July 11th!

EF Education First Japan Inc. (Headquarters: Switzerland, Japan Office Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director & President: Nanai Ito-Groening, hereinafter "Overseas Study EF"), an international education organization operating in 114 countries worldwide, will begin offering "Free In-Person English Conversation Lessons" that can be taken for up to 3 months at EF Tokyo Headquarters starting Saturday, July 11, 2026.

It is clear that 40% of working adults have not yet started reskilling, and 20% of students feel a barrier to studying abroad.

Many people are interested in English and studying abroad but hesitate to take the first step, thinking, "I don't know where to start" or "It's practically too difficult." In fact, surveys show that 40% of working adults are interested in reskilling but have not yet started, and 20% of students are interested in overseas opportunities but have not taken action. Based on this background, Overseas Study EF aims to support the initial step towards studying abroad and career advancement.

Current Situation for Working Adults: Interest in Reskilling is High, but "Not Knowing How to Start" is a Barrier

In recent years, reskilling has gained attention due to increased awareness of career development, but only a limited number of people are actually taking action. According to a survey*1, 40.0% of respondents answered that they are "interested but have not started" reskilling. While "difficulty securing study time" (32.2%) was the most common reason, confusion due to the abundance of choices, such as "not knowing where or how to start learning," is also a significant factor.

2. Current Situation for Students: 21.2% Find it "Practically Difficult" Despite Interest in Overseas Opportunities for Career Prospects

A similar trend of "interest but unable to take the first step" is seen among students. In a survey targeting high school and university students, 21.2% responded that they are "interested but it is practically difficult" regarding "interest in overseas opportunities," including studying abroad*2. This reveals the current situation of students who have an inclination towards overseas opportunities with future career prospects in mind but are unable to translate that into concrete action.

In today's world overflowing with choices and information, deciding "what to choose" and "where to start" from scratch can itself be a significant burden (choice fatigue). Overseas Study EF has planned in-person lessons as an approach to lower the hurdle of this first step, allowing learning to begin simply by "participating at a fixed place and time" rather than online. By placing oneself in a set environment, the burden of choice is reduced, and the transition to action is smoother. Furthermore, through real communication, we aim for participants to experience the "joy of language learning through human connection" that EF has emphasized since its founding, within Japan.

*1 kubell Inc. "Reskilling Actual Condition Questionnaire Survey" (October 2024, targeting 1,203 individuals aged 20-59 residing in Japan)

https://www.kubell.com/news/2024/10/bizx-reskilling-survey.html

*2 SHIBUYA109 ENTERTAINMENT LTD. "Z Generation Overseas Awareness Survey" (2023, targeting high school, university, junior college, and vocational school students)

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000223.000033586.html

【Free In-Person English Conversation Lessons Overview】

Lesson Location: Overseas Study EF Tokyo Headquarters (Shibuya)

36F, Shibuya Sakura Stage, SHIBUYA Tower, 1-1 Sakuragaoka-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Lesson Fee: Free

Lesson Format: In-person (80 minutes per session)

Implementation Period: Saturday, July 11, 2026 – Saturday, October 10, 2026

*Up to 3 months (The earlier you attend your first lesson, the longer you can attend)

*You can attend as many times as you like during the period.

Eligibility/Capacity: No age or English level restrictions, first 30 participants (registration closes once capacity is reached)

How to Participate: Add EF Official LINE Account as a friend, then select your first lesson date

*Detailed schedule will be provided separately.

URL: https://www.efjapan.co.jp/local-campaign/jp/2026/en-lesson/

【About EF Education First Japan Inc. (Overseas Study EF)】

EF Education First (hereinafter, Overseas Study EF) is an international education organization founded in Sweden in 1965. Since its founding, with the motto "Education First" and the mission "Opening the world through education," it has supported people in learning and connecting across borders through language education, study abroad, degree programs, and cultural exchange.

With offices in 114 countries worldwide and approximately 50,000 employees (about half of whom are instructors), EF operates over 50 directly managed language schools in more than 50 cities, providing a safe and secure study abroad environment under unified educational quality. In Japan, operations began in 1973, with study abroad support offered in Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka. EF provides comprehensive one-stop support, from counseling and pre-departure preparations to on-site stays and post-return career development.

Through its unique learning methodology, accredited by educational institutions and governments worldwide, and research collaboration with the University of Cambridge, Overseas Study EF achieves scientifically proven language acquisition. With over 60 years of experience, it continues to provide "life-changing study abroad experiences" to students around the world.

EF's official YouTube channel features testimonials from actual study abroad students and insights into learning abroad. Latest information is also available on the corporate website, official LINE, and Instagram.

EF Features

Founded in 1965: One of the world's largest private language education organizations

All Schools Directly Managed: Quality control through self-operation, not franchising

Global Network: Operations in 114 countries, approximately 50,000 employees

Research Collaboration with Cambridge University: Scientifically proven learning outcomes

Integrated Support: Reliable one-stop system from before departure to after return

【Awards】

EF's group company, Efekta Education, was selected as one of the "TIME100 Most Influential Companies" for 2026. As an educational institution with global influence, its evaluation by the international community has been further enhanced.

Details here: Efekta Education: 2026 TIME100 Most Influential Companies

Official Website: https://www.efjapan.co.jp/

EF Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@efjapan_ryugaku

Overseas Study EF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/efjapan

(Note) Business locations and number of language schools are as of July 2026.