Mariam M. | Mar. 13, 2026
featuring: Holly L.
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Planning a student trip abroad can feel like a big undertaking at first. Between approvals, paperwork, and organizing the details, it’s natural to wonder how everything will come together.
For Holly, a teacher in Calgary, those early questions were part of the process. Over time, with support from colleagues, her school, and EF, leading tours became something she felt confident taking on.
We caught up with her to talk about how she got started, what the planning process looks like, and what keeps her coming back to travel with her students.
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Tell us a bit about yourself. What do you teach and where are you based?
Holly: I was born and raised in Nova Scotia and moved to Calgary in 2007. I have been teaching now for almost 20 years. Since moving to Calgary, I have started a family and have 2 girls who are currently in middle school. I work for the public board in Calgary and have worked at my current school since 2014. I love teaching, and Calgary, but I always miss the East Coast.
When did travelling with your students go from just an idea to an actuality?
Holly: I was lucky enough to come to a school that already offered trips through EF Tours. I went on one of the trips as a teacher supervisor and loved the experience. When the teacher that previously ran the trips retired, I was excited to take over and continue the experience.
What gave you pause before saying yes?
Holly: I guess the unknown. There are so many steps and things to think about when planning this trip and so I wasn't sure what it would really include. I knew there were meetings with the board that needed to happen, the paperwork, and organization. This was what scared me the most; not necessarily the trip itself.
What ultimately gave you the confidence to commit to your first tour?
Holly: I think just talking to people that had done it before. After conversations with colleagues, my principal, and EF Tours, I knew that it was something that I could take on.
Once you decided to move forward, what was the first step you took?
Holly: I just chatted with my principal who was very supportive and got in touch with EF Tours and they were very quick to reply.
What made EF feel like the right partner for you?
Holly: I was comfortable with them. We had such great experiences with them before that I knew what to expect.
How did EF help make the planning process feel clear and structured?
Holly: The quick reply in terms of quotes and itineraries. These come almost right away. And then the ease of asking questions for clarification. They are always quick to respond or set up a phone call.
What has the school board approval process looked like for you while planning with EF?
Holly: It's a lot, but there are also a lot of supports available. The website and the Off-Site department in general are very supportive.
When did you start to feel confident everything was coming together?
Holly: I think once parent payments were done and all the paperwork was submitted. That's a big weight off your shoulders. Then you can focus on the experience a bit more.
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What made EF feel like the right partner for you?
Holly: I was comfortable with them. We had such great experiences with them before that I knew what to expect.
How did EF help make the planning process feel clear and structured?
Holly: The quick reply in terms of quotes and itineraries. These come almost right away. And then the ease of asking questions for clarification. They are always quick to respond or set up a phone call.
What has the school board approval process looked like for you while planning with EF?
Holly: It's a lot, but there are also a lot of supports available. The website and the Off-Site department in general are very supportive.
When did you start to feel confident everything was coming together?
Holly: I think once parent payments were done and all the paperwork was submitted. That's a big weight off your shoulders. Then you can focus on the experience a bit more.
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What makes you feel confident planning future tours with EF?
Holly: I know what to expect. It's comfortable and we have always had an amazing time.
If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before your first tour, what would it be?
Holly: The first year is the hardest and it just gets easier from there. But it's worth it. To get to know your students in a different setting and offer them this experience? Completely worth it.
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