About ESLstarter | Former TEFL Teachers Helping You Teach Abroad Since 2007
Get to know the team
About ESLstarter
We're a UK team of former English teachers. We've lived the adventure ourselves, and since 2007 we've helped thousands of people find teaching jobs and internships around the world.
Our story
ESLstarter was founded by Phil and Claire, two English teachers who spent years teaching in Thailand, Taiwan and South Korea. They knew first-hand how exciting teaching abroad is, and how confusing it can be to get there: finding a trustworthy employer, sorting out a visa, and knowing what to expect when you land.
So they set up ESLstarter to be the support they wished they'd had. Today, we're an official recruitment partner for EPIK, Korea's public school programme, and we recruit teachers for schools and government programmes across Asia, Europe and Latin America.
We're a sister company of TEFL UK, an Ofqual-regulated TEFL provider that has certified over 60,000 teachers in more than 60 countries. That means we can take you all the way from your first TEFL lesson to your first day in the classroom.
Meet the founders
Managing Director
Phil Negus
Phil spent several years teaching English in Thailand, including at California International School in Bangkok, as well as in Taiwan and South Korea, delivering grammar lessons in a broad Yorkshire accent. He holds an education qualification from Liverpool John Moores University and also leads TEFL UK, ESLstarter's sister company.
Co-founder
Claire Negus
Before co-founding ESLstarter, Claire taught English in Thailand, Taiwan and South Korea. She's still addicted to fiery Thai food and Bangkok's famous Chatuchak weekend market, and her experience shapes the care we give every teacher we place.
Meet the team
Our advisors have taught English abroad themselves, so they know exactly what you're going through.
Taught in China, Japan and South Korea
Russ
Russ brings a wealth of TEFL experience to the team. When he isn't talking teaching, he can often be spotted on a surfboard, braving the freezing North Sea.
Korea specialist
Lauren
Lauren is a big fan of sashimi and an even bigger fan of the intricacies of the Korean language. Her favourite Korean experience is an autumn walk through Seoraksan National Park, followed by karaoke.
Taught in Korea for over 3 years
Hayley
Hayley loves to travel and has visited all 7 continents, including a 10-day trip to Antarctica!
Veteran teacher in Korea
Mindy
Mindy's favourite destinations are Korea, Cambodia and Croatia, in that order. As a veteran English teacher in Korea, she's a fountain of useful advice on teaching in Asia.
Based in South Africa
Sally
Once a long-time resident of Scotland, Sally now calls sunny South Africa home. One of her favourite things to do is spot the “Big 5” in Kruger National Park with her two sons.
Who we work with
We recruit for some of the world's most respected English teaching programmes, as well as trusted private schools and language centres.
Official EPIK recruiter
An official recruitment partner for EPIK, placing teachers in Korean public schools.
NET Scheme
Recruiting qualified teachers for Hong Kong's Native-speaking English Teacher Scheme.
Long-standing partners
Schools, kindergartens, universities and government programmes across China.
Government programme
Recruiting teachers for the Ministry of Preschool and School Education.
Jobs and internships
Teaching roles in Japan, Taiwan, Thailand and beyond, plus internships in Peru and India.
Training
Online TEFL courses from £63, including an Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL.
How we help teachers
Find the right role
Honest advice on the destinations and jobs that suit you.
Get qualified
A TEFL course with TEFL UK, if you need one.
Apply with confidence
Help with your application, interviews and documents.
Visa and travel
Guidance through your visa and preparing to fly.
Aftercare
Support once you arrive in your new country.
For schools and employers
Looking for qualified English teachers? We handle every step of recruitment, from sourcing and screening to visas and arrival, for schools, education groups and government programmes.
Get in touch
Email us at info@eslstarter.com. We're in the office Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm UK time.
ESLstarter Limited, Winnington Hall Business Center, Winnington, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 4DU, United Kingdom.
Ready to start your adventure?
Find your teaching job, get qualified, and let us help you get there.
