Tour Director

FREELANCE TOUR DIRECTOR Japan

Job type: Part-time (freelance), Temporary

Job overview:

We are now looking for Japanese speaking Freelance Tour Directors to join our Tour Directors pool reporting to the Kyoto Regional Office.

This is a freelance seasonal position, and work will be offered and compensated for on a tour-by-tour basis. We are now looking for Freelance Tour Directors to lead tours primarily in March, April, June and July in Japan to work with EF Educational Tours, EF Go Ahead Tours and EF Ultimate Break Tours:

EF Educational Tours (eftours.com): provides educational group travel to students from the USA and Canada all over the world

EF Go Ahead Tours (goaheadtours.com): offers guided group tours for adults to 175 destinations worldwide

EF Ultimate Break Tours (efultimatebreak.com): designed for travelers in their 20s and 30s seeking social, guided group travel experiences

As a Freelance Tour Director, you will lead tours of 7 to 31 days in length, with the majority being around 12 days, based through Japan (with some extending to South Korea). You will work alongside EF to create memorable experiences. From the day the group arrives until the moment of their departure, you will stay with the group, becoming their reference point and being responsible for the day-to-day tour organization.

Main objectives for this role:

·       Ensure a smooth tour flow

·       Work with EF to create memorable experiences

·       Engage with the travelers

·       Collaborate with EF to provide specific support to travelers when necessary

Please note that EF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our travelers. All successful applications will be subject to a Criminal Background Check and character reference check.

Next steps     

Following a successful initial application, you will be invited to a Video/Phone interview, followed by a group interview. Selected candidates must attend a 3-day in-Person introduction to EF before leading their first tour.

If you think you are a good fit for this role, fill out the following Application Form.

Still not sure if this job is right for you? Check out this video to see what it means to be a Tour Director with EF:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pW7bv1dWGfk

We look forward to hearing from you!

About EF Education First:

Founded in 1965, EF (Education First) is a global association of education companies that shares a common mission of opening the world through education, offering language, academic, cultural exchange and education travel programs.  

Some companies are in the business of technology.  

Others are in the business of finance, sports, or soft drinks. 

At EF, we’re in a different kind of business.  

One that’s a little less tangible, and a lot more important. We’re in the business of understanding.   

For 60 years we’ve been the leader in international educational programs and culturally rich travel experiences with the power to change how people think, feel and act. The programs we deliver open the world to students and travellers in ways that challenge biases, overcome barriers, and pave the way for a more understanding world.  You’ll find us working across more than 50 countries, with offices in some of the world’s greatest cities—each one filled with smart, driven people who push each other to be better every day.  And yes, we have technology, we have finance, we even have sports with our own professional cycling team.  But it’s what we do with it—building greater understanding, breaking down barriers, and creating a better world that makes all the difference.

Skills & Experience:

·       Fluent in English

·       Must be based in Japan

·       Have a valid passport and legal permission to work in Japan

·       Excellent leadership, communication & interpersonal skills

·       Organizational skills & good attention to detail

·       A passion for travel & education

·       Resilience & a ‘nothing is impossible' attitude

·       Remain calm under pressure & able to use your initiative

·       Flexible to adapt to ever-changing situations

·       Comfortable with modern communication tools & using a smartphone

Good to have:

·       International travel experience

·       Knowledge of North American culture

·       Knowledge of a second European language

·       Experience leading groups of young people or adults

Key responsibilities:

·       Manage tour logistics

·       Liaise with suppliers (hotels, restaurants, guides etc.)

·       Keep the tour paperwork up to date

·       Provide educational commentaries

·       Lead fun and experiential activities

·       Ensure the safety of all our travelers

·       Facilitate the inclusion of every person on your tour

·       Represent EF while on tour