QE Talks

QE Talks is the podcast from Quality English, bringing together schools, agents and industry experts to explore English language destinations, specialist programmes, student experience, quality and trust through a range of themed series.

QE Talks Special Edition

Quality&Trust

Quality and trust have always been at the heart of international education. But what do they mean in today’s changing landscape?

Following recent school closures across the international education sector, students, agents and partners are asking important questions about quality, reliability and the relationships that underpin successful international education experiences.

Hosted by Jonathan Swindell, Chief Executive of Quality English

Featured guests:

  • Neil Harris, Director of Academic Development and Teacher Training at CELT
  • David Ganly, Managing Director at Future Learning
  • Paolo Barilari, President of FELCA and owner of Lingue nel Mondo

Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

QE Talks Programme Series

After exploring seven of the world’s leading English language destinations, QE Talks is moving beyond destinations with our new Programme Series, taking a closer look at the courses, programmes and learning experiences available at Quality English schools.

Junior Programmes

What makes a great English language programme for young learners?

In this episode of QE Talks Programme Series, host Jonathan Swindell is joined by:

Danny Kenward, Director at Bede’s Summer School

Noel Doyle, Founder and Managing Director at Equinox Education Services

Together, they explore what makes studying English abroad such a rewarding experience for younger students, from choosing the right programme to ensuring their safety, wellbeing and personal development.

Whether you’re a parent considering a study-abroad experience for your child or an education agent advising families, this episode offers practical insights from two experienced Quality English schools.

Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Mature & 40+ Learners

Hosted by Jonathan Swindell, Chief Officer at Quality English.

Featured Guests:

Mauro Biondi, Director at Emerald Cultural Institute

Andrew Hjort, Principal at Melton College

Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.


QE Talks – Destination series

Trusted destination insights for education agents and international students.

Episode 7 | USA

Discover what makes the USA such a diverse and exciting destination for learning English.

From studying in different parts of the country to student life, local culture, accommodation and experiences beyond the classroom, our guests share first-hand insights into what students can expect when choosing the USA as their English language study destination.

Hosted by Jonathan Swindell, Chief Officer at Quality English.

Featured Guests:

Bonita Vander, Founder of Manhattan Language

Ashley Micklos, Director of WESLI – Wisconsin ESL Institute.

Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Thinking about studying English in the USA?

Read our guide:

👉 How to Choose the Right English Language School in the USA (2026 Guide)


Episode 6 | New Zealand

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.

Hosted by Jonathan Swindell, Chief Officer at Quality English.

Featured Guests:

Darren Conway, Managing Director at Languages International

Mauro Ramirez, Marketing & Recruitment Manager at CCEL

Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Thinking about studying English in New Zealand?

Read our guide:

👉 How to Choose the Right English Language School in New Zealand (2026 Guide)


Episode 5 | Canada

Canada offers international students a unique combination of high-quality English language education, multicultural communities and unforgettable experiences.

Hosted by Jonathan Swindell, Chief Officer at Quality English.

Featured Guests:

Sarah Bowden, Partner Director, Global Agency Relations at Access English

Gustavo Gandra, Marketing & Recruitment at VGC International College

Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Thinking about studying English in Canada?

Read our guide:

👉 How to Choose the Right English Language School in Canada (2026 Guide)


Episode 4 | The UK

Discover what makes the UK one of the world’s most popular destinations for learning English.

Hosted by Jonathan Swindell, Chief Officer at Quality English.

Featured Guests:

Slavenka Vukovic-Bryan and Dan Bryan from Languages United

Stacey McGee from LILA*

Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Thinking about studying English in the UK?

Read our guide:

👉 How to Choose the Right English Language School in the UK (2026 Guide)


Episode 3 | Malta

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.

In Episode 3 of QE Talks, we head to Malta to explore one of the world’s most unique destinations for learning English.

Hosted by Jonathan Swindell, Chief Officer at Quality English.

Featured Guests:

Rebecca Bonnici, CEO at BELS

Anna Portelli Norris, Marketing Development Manager at ESE Malta

Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Thinking about studying English in Malta?

Read our guide:

👉 How to Choose the Right English Language School in Malta (2026 Guide)


Episode 2 | South Africa

South Africa continues to grow in popularity as a destination for learning English, offering students the opportunity to improve their language skills while experiencing one of the world’s most diverse and fascinating countries.

In Episode 2 of QE Talks, we head to South Africa to explore one of the world’s most unique destinations for learning English.

Hosted by Jonathan Swindell, Chief Officer at Quality English.

Featured Guests:

Vivi Van Ketel, Director at Avenue English

Gavin Eyre, Managing Director at International House Cape Town

Kiran Harilal, Chief Operating Officer at English Zone One (Quality Agent)

Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Thinking about studying English in South Africa?

Read our guide:

👉 How to Choose the Right English Language School in South Africa (2026 Guide)


Episode 1 | Ireland

What makes Ireland such a special destination for learning English?

In the first episode of QE Talks, we explore student life, local culture, hidden gems, favourite places, accommodation options, and the experiences students remember long after they return home.

Hosted by Jonathan Swindell, Chief Officer at Quality English.

Featured Guests:

Marc Cullen, Managing Director at Cork English College

Aidan O’Shea, Director of Operations at The Linguaviva Centre

Also available on Apple Podcast and Spotify.

Thinking about studying in Ireland?

Read our guide:

👉 How to Choose the Right English School in Ireland

Stay tuned for more episodes!!

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