QE Talks is the podcast from Quality English, exploring trusted English language destinations through conversations with schools, agents and industry experts. From student experiences and local insights to hidden gems and destination advice, each episode helps agents and students discover what makes each location unique.
What does trust mean in international education today?
At a time when quality, reliability and strong partnerships matter more than ever, we're bringing together voices from both sides of the school-agent relationship for a special episode of QE Talks.
Hosted by Jonathan Swindell, Chief Executive of Quality English, this conversation features:
Neil Harris, Director of Academic Development and TeacherTraining at CELT – Centre for English Language Teaching
David Ganly, Managing Director at Future Learning
Paolo Barilari, President of FELCA and owner of Lingue nelMondo
Together, they explore what education agents need from their school partners, how schools can build and maintain trust, and the value of personal relationships, flexibility and reliability in international education.
🎧 Discover more QE Talks episodes: https://www.quality-english.com/about-us/qe-talks/
30 Sept 2026
QE Talks Programme Series | Mature & 40+ Learners
🎙️ Can you study English abroad at 40+? Absolutely.
After exploring seven of the world's leading English language destinations, QE Talks begins a new Programme Series, taking a closer look at the different courses, programmes and learning experiences available at Quality English schools.
In this episode, host Jonathan Swindell explores English language programmes for mature and 40+ learners with:
🇮🇪 Mauro Biondi, Director at Emerald Cultural Institute
🇬🇧 Andrew Hjort, Principal at Melton College
Together, they discuss what motivates mature learners to study English abroad, what they look for in a programme and how language learning can be combined with travel, culture, social activities and new friendships.
2 Sept 2026
QE Talks Episode 7 | USA
What makes the USA such a distinctive destination for learning English?
In the final episode of the QE Talks Destination Series, host Jonathan Swindell is joined by Bonita Vander, Founder of Manhattan Language, and Ashley Micklos, Director of WESLI – Wisconsin ESL Institute.
Together, they explore the international student experience in the USA, from different locations and lifestyles to student life, accommodation, local culture and hidden gems.
Hear directly from the people who know the destination best and discover what students can expect from studying English in the United States.
This episode completes our journey across seven leading English language destinations, but there's much more to come from QE Talks. Stay tuned as we begin exploring the programmes and learning experiences available at Quality English schools.
19 Aug 2026
QE Talks Episode 6 | New Zealand
What makes New Zealand such a special place to learn English?
In Episode 6 of QE Talks, host Jonathan Swindell is joined by Darren Conway, Managing Director at Languages International, and Mauro Ramirez, Marketing & Recruitment Manager at CCEL.
From Auckland and Christchurch to spectacular landscapes, student life, local culture and hidden gems, discover what international students can expect from studying English in New Zealand and what makes the destination different from anywhere else.
Hear directly from the people who know the New Zealand student experience best.
5 Aug 2026
QE Talks Episode 5 | Canada
Canada offers international students a unique combination of high-quality English language education, multicultural communities and unforgettable experiences.
In Episode 5 of QE Talks, host Jonathan Swindell is joined by Sarah Bowden from Access English and Gustavo Gandra from VGC International College to discuss student life, accommodation, local recommendations, hidden gems and what makes Canada such a distinctive destination for learning English.
Discover practical insights and authentic perspectives from two professionals who know the Canadian student experience inside out.
22 Jul 2026
QE Talks Episode 4 | The UK
Discover what makes the UK one of the world’s most popular destinations for learning English.
In this episode of QE Talks, host Jonathan Swindell is joined by Slavenka Vukovic-Bryan and Dan Bryan from Languages United, and Stacey McGee from LILA*.
Together, they explore the student experience in the UK, from studying in historic and vibrant cities to discovering local culture, hidden gems and memorable activities beyond the classroom. They also discuss accommodation, practical advice for international students and what makes the UK such a diverse and rewarding study destination.
8 Jul 2026
QE Talks Episode 3 | Malta
What makes Malta one of Europe's most popular destinations for learning English?In Episode 3 of QE Talks, host Jonathan Swindell is joined by Anna Portelli Norris, Marketing Development Manager at ESE Malta, and Rebecca Bonnici, CEO at BELS Malta, to explore everything that makes Malta a unique place to study English.From its Mediterranean lifestyle and welcoming international community to hidden gems, student experiences and local recommendations, discover why Malta continues to attract students from around the world.🌊 Student experiences☀️ Mediterranean lifestyle🏛️ Hidden gems and local recommendations🏠 Accommodation options🌍 What makes Malta different from other English-speaking destination
24 Jun 2026
QE Talks Episode 2 | South Africa
What makes South Africa such a unique destination for learning English?
In Episode 2 of QE Talks, host Jonathan Swindell is joined by Vivi Van Ketel (Avenue English), Gavin Eyre (International House Cape Town), and special guest Kiran Harilal from English Zone One, a trusted Quality Agent, to explore student life, local culture, hidden gems and the experiences that make South Africa unforgettable.
8 Jun 2026
QE Talks Episode 1 | Ireland
In the first episode of QE Talks, host Jonathan Swindell is joined by Marc Cullen, Managing Director at Cork English College, and Aidan O'Shea, Director of Operations at The Linguaviva Centre, for a conversation about what makes Ireland one of the world's most popular destinations for learning English.
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