Julie Boyle, Copywriter | January 13, 2025
One of the things we love about travel is how it introduces us to something new every time we pack our bags—new places, new cultures, new experiences, and of course, new people. You never know who you’ll meet on an EF tour, or how those new relationships might blossom into lifelong friendships that continue to have an impact long after you return home. That’s exactly what happened when Mitch met Melodie, an on-tour-hello-turned-friendship in Rome that led to a booming travel community, enabling hundreds more students to see the world.
In the spring of 2018, Melodie G., a passionate and experienced EF Group Leader and teacher from North Carolina, was leading her eighth graders on a tour through Europe. Her students were paired with travelers from another school in Georgia, a group that included assistant superintendent Mitch S. When in Rome (literally), Melodie did as outgoing, travel-loving teachers do and introduced herself to Mitch. It didn’t take long for Melodie and Mitch to connect on their love of travel and their roles as educators, with Mitch mentioning his eagerness to provide more travel opportunities to his students.
“I distinctly remember Mitch and I sitting in a small cafe discussing all things EF—about becoming a Group Leader, and what being a Group Leader entailed,” Melodie recalls. “I shared how amazing EF was from beginning to end, and how their tours not only changed the lives of my students, but also how they changed my life.” To give Melodie’s passion some perspective, she has traveled with over 148 students on eight tours and counting—and she has two more student tours on the books!
—Melodie G.
After exchanging goodbyes (and contact info) at the end of the trip, Melodie headed home and reached out to her Tour Consultant almost immediately to share the potential she saw in Mitch as a Group Leader. Mitch’s name made its way to a Tour Consultant who works with schools in Georgia, and shortly after connecting, he was in the planning stages for his first tour. Mitch’s EF experience was so positive that becoming a Group Leader was a no-brainer. “The level of service and accommodations provided to students proved this was a company I wanted to partner with,” Mitch explained. He was especially impressed with the Tour Director and the EF team, who ensured a smooth trip and a quality experience for everyone.
—Mitch S.
Mitch booked his first tour to London and Paris in 2019 and brought a whopping 165 students with him. Now, six years later, Mitch is a seasoned EF Group Leader who’s helped over 300 new students experience the world. He’s led and co-led fourteen tours, including trips to Spain, Greece, Costa Rica, Japan, and more—but the impact doesn’t stop there.
Mitch took a few cues from Melodie and continued to successfully refer teachers from his network, implementing an EF travel program in his district that continues to grow. Whether it’s inspiring new travelers or passing the torch to new Group Leaders, the program has developed a life of its own, allowing Mitch to let others lead students on tour and pay it forward. “It’s just a positive, kinetic chain of [leading students on tour] and passing it on, and giving other people the confidence to do it.”
—Mitch S.
Not only are students’ dreams able to come to life through meaningful experiences abroad, but EF’s Global Rewards program has enabled more personal travel for both teachers, allowing them to check off a few bucket list destinations. Melodie redeemed her referral bonus for a tour to Salzburg and has since booked a future VIP Rewards Tour with EF (it’s a trip designed specifically for Group Leaders and their guests), while Mitch redeemed his Global Rewards Points for a flight to South Africa. Melodie and Mitch also serendipitously reconnected on a recent VIP Rewards Tour to Iceland, where they met in person for the first time since 2018!
1/7 Melodie enjoys gelato in Italy with her students.
2/7 Mitch and students in Japan.
3/7 Melodie with students in Europe.
4/7 Melodie and Mitch reunite on a recent EF VIP Rewards Tour in Iceland!
5/7 Mitch with students in Paris.
6/7 Melodie and Mitch in Iceland, 2024.
7/7 Mitch with students in Rio de Janeiro.
1/7 Melodie enjoys gelato in Italy with her students.
2/7 Mitch and students in Japan.
3/7 Melodie with students in Europe.
4/7 Melodie and Mitch reunite on a recent EF VIP Rewards Tour in Iceland!
5/7 Mitch with students in Paris.
6/7 Melodie and Mitch in Iceland, 2024.
7/7 Mitch with students in Rio de Janeiro.
A connection like Melodie and Mitch’s might seem like kismet—two like-minded educators with a shared passion who met abroad and became lifelong friends. But Melodie’s nomination of Mitch is a true testament to the exponential power referrals can have. Who would have thought that a friendly conversation with a fellow traveler could lead to the referral of a lifetime, opening doors and changing the lives of countless students?
Do you know an awesome teacher who would love to get a travel program going at their school? Introduce us! You might just have the referral of a lifetime.
Refer a friend