ESL teacher testimonials

Here are some testimonials from teachers who have benefited from our services.

What a fantastic company! Claire, thank you so much for all your help. 5months on and I am still loving it here in South Korea. Looking for a job during an economic slump added extra challenges to most other recruiters but not ESLStarter; Claire seemed always on top of things, always ready to help and quick to respond. I always got the impression from other recruiters that they were just going through the mill to ‘beef’ up their profiles, only with ESLStarter did I actually feel like I was actively being helped pursuing a dream important to me. Thank you Claire! I really sincerely mean that. When my contract’s up and if I feel like I change of scenery I know which company’s services I’ll be hoping to make use of again.

Lisa Daniel, Hagwon, Daegu

When I first started applying to teach English in Korea, there were so many recruiters! One recruiter put us (my fiancee and I) on hold for four months, and another promised an interview and stopped answering us. As a Korean adoptee, many recruiters turned me down because I was not Caucasian. I sent information to almost fifty people, and I did not have good luck for nine months. I began to wonder about who I could really trust online. Then, by chance, I met Claire online at ESLStarter, and she made it so easy! She told me everything that I needed in simple language, and I felt well prepared to come to Korea. She emailed quickly, and answered questions all the time on Skype -- instant message and Skype phone calls. I'm not sure how much influence ESLStarter had on my placement in Korea, but it is ironic that I now teach in my birth city, and I teach the level of students that I requested as my first choice.

My fiancee, Nick, is also teaching his preferred choice of students, and his co-workers are awesome! Also, I was told not to expect to live near my fiancee, because we are not married and Korea can be quite conservative. I'm not sure how everything worked out, but my vice principal asked me if I wanted to live in an apartment with my fiancee. It is a small area and we do not have all the furniture we were promised, but I am still very happy with my two schools, co-teachers, and my location. It is a small town, but that's what I really wanted. It is helping me learn Korean language faster! As a first time teacher with very little ability to speak Korean, I am adjusting to life pretty well. Of course, my students can be noisy at times, but talking about different classroom situations with co-workers helps make our relationship better and I learn a lot about Korean culture from them. I know my experiences may be tough at times, but I will remember and cherish these memories for the rest of my life. Thank you, Claire, for helping me to make a memory and change mine and my fiancee's lives. :)

Nicole Ritchie and Nicholas Lindeberg, EPIK, Gyeongbuk

I am curious as to when Claire and Phil have time to sleep since it seems as though they spent 20 hours a day promptly answering my many, many emails during the application process. New to overseas teaching, I have to wonder how anyone starts an ESL career without Claire's guidance each and every step of the way. I never once felt as though I was working with an "agency" - every communication seemed simply like advice from an enthusiastic, knowledgeable friend. I am now a few weeks into teaching at a wonderful elementary school in Busan and I still receive check-in emails from Claire!

Anne Kerkian, EPIK, Busan

ESL Starter was an invaluable resource in starting my journey into ESL. My recruiter Claire was incredibly helpful and friendly and always provided thorough information in a very timely fashion. If you want the best information about the best jobs in Korea, this is the place to go. I am 7 months into my contract now with the public schools in Seoul and I'm having the time of my life! Thanks ESL Starter!

Jesse Germinario, SMOE, Seoul

ESLstarter helped me immensely throughout the application and placement procedure for my South Korean teaching adventure. Always available to answer my questions and so incredibly patient with me, they were just fantastic. Highly efficient and very thorough in their explanations and instructions they made the confusing application process seem simple. I really cannot recommend this company highly enough and would encourage anyone looking to take part in this once in a lifetime adventure to look no further than ESLstarter.

Nick Key, EPIK, Gyeongnam

ESLstarter is a great recruiting agency to use for the EPIK program in Korea! Claire was so helpful with not only answering all of my questions, but also with keeping me up to date on all of the developments with the program. I can't imagine having gone through the application process without her... she even met me at the airport when I first arrived in Korea! I highly recommend using ESLstarter if you are looking for a job abroad.

Annie Mansfield, EPIK, Busan

Without Claire's help we never would have made from Denver to Daegu.

Thanks eslstarter for
all the help!

Lena and Christian Brown, EPIK, Daegu

When I first contacted ESL Starter in 2008 I was looking for guidance as the E2 visa process had recently changed. I found Claire and Phil to be very knowledgeable, reassuring and were always very fast to reply to my emails. They were friendly and professional throughout and eventually found me a placement on the outskirts of Seoul. I greatly enjoyed my time in Korea and am very grateful for the help they gave me. I would recommend ESL Starter very highly to anyone looking for ESL work in Korea.

Chris Harley, Hagwon, Anyang

In 2009, I was unemployed for a year and working on voluntary basis. I was really becoming impatient after applying with all the recruitment agencies. While surfing through the Internet, I saw ‘ESL Starter’ recruitment agency. They had great teaching job opportunities abroad. I started applying through them. I could not believe the quick and timely response I got from Phil. He was always available to assist me through the entire application process, even when I got to South Korea at the airport. I am now happy and doing well in South Korea and it is all because of ESL Starter. I have made friends from all around the world and I am enjoying exploring South Korea. Thanks to Phil and Claire for all their hard work and great services. I definitely recommend them to anyone looking into teaching abroad.

Buyiswa Mokhosi, EPIK, Gyeongbuk

Dealing with a foreign bureaucratic system can be intimidating. So can the prospect of living in a foreign country for an extended period of time. Phil and Claire at ESL starter understand this very well and are extremely adept at aiding applicants through this overwhelming process. In other words, they make it easy! After I arrived in Korea and heard the horror stories of other’s experiences with recruiters, I felt grateful for Phil and Claire at ESL Starter. I would recommend their warm and competent services to anyone.

Heather Dobbin, EPIK, Busan

Having spent the best part of a year backpacking around the world, following uni, I was at something of a cross roads between pursuing a career in journalism and heading overseas again. On the recommendation of a good friend I began exploring the possibility of teaching overseas as a way of doing more travelling while immersing myself in an exciting new culture.

After sending my C.V and covering letter to a number of agencies it was EFLStarter who responded first, helpful, friendly and diligent, Claire and Phil were just brilliant during the otherwise tricky process of securing an EFL Teaching position. Any questions, doubts or concerns I raised during the whole process were met with patience and sound advice.

Given a range of jobs to choose from, I never once felt pressured into taking a particular position and always felt that I had their full support in any decision I made. The turn around was also very quick, taking only a few weeks to find me a good position in a city of my choosing.

I was particularly impressed with the speed in which they responded to my emails, on the run up to my flight out to Korea I had some natural worries about relocating to a part of the world I knew so little about, Claire emailed me almost immediately with reassuring and kind words which instantly made me feel much better prior to flying out from London.

I doubt that I would have taken this opportunity were it not for the professionalism and personable approach of ESLStarter. Three weeks into my teaching contract I'm having an amazing time in South Korea, much of which I owe to to the guys who got me here.

Claire and Phil-Thank you so much for all your help in opening up the opportunity for me to realise something of a dream in working and living overseas. This experience is turning into everything I hoped it would be, and more. Tomorrow I'm heading to Busan for a weekend of hiking and partying with some new friends I met on a snowboarding trip last week. Everyday is an adventure here, and to that end I wish everyone thinking of getting on board all the very best!

Jon Tamlyn, Hagwon, Daegu

ESL Starter really supported me through my application for my 1st job teaching abroad.
There was no end of help throughout what seemed like an endless process to apply fora position in South Korea. But together, we got there in the end! Now I'm finally here, and I love it!

Charlotte Murphy, Hagwon, Gwangju

Eslstarter has made my move to Korea very easy and they answered any questions I had very quickly. I love my school, my co workers, the area I live in and most of all South Korea. I would like to thank eslstarter for making my experience in Korea a positive one.

Garry Hannah, EPIK, Incheon

I was looking for a job in South Korea but was a bit overwhelmed by all the online sites and agencies offering work. It was difficult to know who to trust. Phil saw my CV online and contacted me about a public school job in Seoul. He was very helpful throughout the whole application process; answering questions and keeping me informed as to what was happening. I've been in Seoul six months now and I love my job and Seoul. I'm very glad ESL Starter found me and I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking to do TEFL work.

Orla Burke, SMOE, Seoul

I would have no hesitation in recommending ESLstarter's services to anyone. From my initial enquiry to my final placement, everything went without a hitch. Claire at ESLstarter performed her duties in a completely professional manner. It was a difficult decision for me to come and teach in South Korea but I'm glad i made that decision. I now live on a beautiful island and work at two great schools.

Aaron Jones, EPIK, Jeju

I couldn't have asked for a better start to my Korean adventure than the one I had with Claire and ESL Starter. Nothing was too much trouble and every question asked was answered swiftly and professionally. Claire made every stage of the process clear and understandable and was always on hand to make sure the various components of the visa application were on track. I would recommend that anyone who is thinking about teaching English in Asia make ESL starter their first port of call.

Craig Stuart, EPIK, Gangwon

ESL Starter is more than just a recruiting company, but two people who genuinely want to ease your transition to Korea as easy as possible. I've never lived in Korea before, but Claire gave me step by step instructions on how to get a VISA up to the point of getting into the airport. It took a few months but Claire was there from beginning to end. I arrived in Seoul near midnight, but Claire and Phil both met and helped me sign in with EPIK. They are beyond awesome.

Paolo Olanda, EPIK, Busan

Eslstarter made it really easy for me to get a job on the other side of the world. They kept me up to date with an and all developments and were professional and courteous throughout. I have already told my friends about eslstarter and would have no hesitation recommending them to anyone else.

Eoghan Quinn, EPIK, Gyeongbuk

This time a few months ago I was stuck in a warehouse in Ireland (I love Ireland but not warehouses), now I'm sitting in my classroom overlooking the sea on a sub - tropical island of the coast of Korea. Claire and eslstarter dealt with me in a proffesional, prompt and also personal manner which made everything very easy and reassuring for me. I always felt that things were moving forward and I would highly recommend anyone to avail of eslstarter and get things going for yourself

Eoin O’Sullivan, EPIK, Jeju

Choosing ESLstarter was the best decision I made when deciding to move to Korea! The process was quick and easy. ESLstarter is run by previous teachers and the advice and insight I was provided was simply priceless! All conceivable scenarios and questions were covered by ESLstarter's information pack, which also brought many issues (which I would not have known about) to my attention. Every question I asked was answered almost immediately, and my move to Korea had no hidden hick-ups - thanks to their service! I would strongly recommend ESLstarter to any person looking teach in Korea! Even if you are just interested in finding out more details about teaching in Korea, ESLstarter has first hand experience and complete knowledge of the teaching industry in Korea (along with a thorough insight of the Culture, and what to expect)!

Michael Durden, EPIK, Gwangju

I wanted to teach English abroad and didn't know where to begin. Once I received an introductory email from ESLstarter about opportunities in South Korea, my mind was made up. I would highly recommend ESLstarter because their friendly staff gave me step-by-step advice about how to apply for a EFL job and answered all my queries quickly and efficiently. If I ever want to teach abroad again, I would contact ESLstarter immediately.

David Menon, EPIK, Busan

My name is Eshenthree Padayachee and i am currently teaching in South Korea. It was a long process and journey getting here but having a reputable and reliable agency always helps ! Going through the Elstarter agency is a decision that I will not regret , Philip Negus and the team really do put in 100% of their time and effort in getting you the placement that you desire . During my application process i had loads of questions that i needed answers to and Phil was always available to help me . If you looking for an agent who as the patience to listen to your needs, willing to make the personal sacrifice to get you what you need and treat you with understanding and respect then look no further! Thus far living in Gangwon ,Chuncheon city has been a mind blowing experience...expect the unexpected

Eshenthree Padayachee, EPIK, Chuncheon

When I decided that I wanted to come to South Korea, I stumbled upon ESLstarter by accident and decided to e-mail them, along with a few other recruiters, to see who could offer me the help I needed. ESLstarter responded almost immediately and gave me all the necessary information quickly. They they answered all my questions within a day, sometimes within a few minutes! They ensured that the application process went smoothly. They helped me to apply to EPIK and because of their efficiency and fast responses I got placed exactly where I wanted and at the level I wanted. Thank you Phil and the ESLstarter team, I could have never done it without you!

Willemien Jansen, EPIK, Gangwon

Claire at ESL Starter was a complete star. She regularly emailed me and guided me through the whole recruitment process and was always quick to reply to my numerous questions. I would totally recommend ESL Starter to other people looking for teaching jobs in South Korea.

Ashley Gordon, Hagwon, Daegu

Claire at ESL Starter was so helpful! She set me up with so many opportunities and answered my burning questions, putting my soul at ease. She matched me up with an academy in Yeongtong, Suwon, I have been here 2 weeks and I love my apartment, short walk to my hagwon, my co-workers and my new friends in my town! :) Thanks ESL Starter!

Lisa Perosi, Hagwon, Suwon

I wanted to move to South Korea to teach English, but had no inside knowledge of the country or the schools. I found ESL starter online and contacted them. From then on they were in constant contact with me, working to get me a placement that suited me, and were always answering my questions quickly and giving me the reassurace I needed. Because I knew so little about the country, I put all my trust in ESL starter to recommend a city and a school. Now I have great placement in South Korea thanks to Claire and the team! - Thank you!

Francois Leopoldi, Hagwon, Daegu

I found out about ESLstarter through a friend who spoke very warmly of Claire and Phil. I emailed them and was given a welcoming response right away. From there everything was fantastic. The email response was quick, friendly and personal. Through the work of Claire at the site I had a job interview lined up within a week. The service I received was first class and I couldn't have hoped for any better results. A trustworthy, professional and excellent service provided by friendly, hardworking, genuine people. I would recommend this site to anyone wanting to find employment as an English teacher.

Stuart Robertson, Hagwon, Daegu

I found ESLstarter to be efficient and they provided me with great contact throughout the whole application process.

I’d recommend them to anybody looking to teach in Korea.

Kat Brooke, Hagwon, Busan

I could not have asked for a better agency to work with. ESLstarter did everything they promised to do, and so much more. I was undecided on what to do with my life after graduating, but ESLstarter not only put me on the right track, but found me the perfect job - just what I had requested. They were prompt in all their replies, something that really impressed me. They were also very professional and honest in their information. They saw to it that I arrived when it suited me and also stayed in contact after I arrived to check that I was settling in well. I would recommend ESLstarter in a heart-beat, to anyone who is interested in teaching in South Korea.

Jenna Riekert, EPIK, Gangwon

I am four months into my third contract in South Korea. I left the work of finding this contract in the hands of Claire at ESLstarter. Having completed two years, I had a full list and line-up of contract stipulations and expectations, which I assume, is not exactly a recruiter’s ideal. My initial email to ESLstarter was far from "please find me a job" but more along the lines of "please find me my dream job and apartment, in the city I want to live in, with this pay and at this time". Apparently, I was lucky. Claire seemed to take on the challenge with ease and sincerity. The negotiations were quick and painless. My Visa process was swift, in what can sometimes be a cluster of emails. Claire's professionalism and charm were most appreciated. To add, this contract has been, so far, the best yet. My experience this year has surpassed my wants and needs. I feel very lucky to have worked with ESLstarter and I am most sure you will too.

Margot Davidson, Hagwon, Busan

I could not be happier with my decision to become an ESL teacher in South Korea. Thanks to all of the advice and help I received from ESL Starter, with a special mention to Claire, I secured a great position, in a reputable school. Claire was on hand, at all times, to offer sound advice and answer my concerns. She found me an excellent position that was suited to my needs. I am now in the second month of my contract, and enjoying every minute of it!

Laura White, Hagwon, Daegu

With the help from Phil looking for a job in Korea to teach English was the easiest thing for me to do. From the day I sent in my resume to the day of my arrival in Korea everything went smoothly and that is all thanks to ESLstarter. They were more than helpful; they were brilliant throughout the whole process, they were informative, honest and reliable. They guided me every step of the way and I am extremely grateful to them for making my journey and experience a wonderful one.

Ayanda Ginya, EPIK, Gyeongbuk

Claire at ESLstarter helped me every step of the way - I never felt pressured to make a decision in a hurry and it was obvious from day one that she had experience and understood my concerns. The responses that I got to my questions over the phone and through email were concise and made the whole process of getting a visa and moving abroad so much easier. I really felt like I was corresponding with a friend. The follow-up emails that I received after I arrived in Korea were reassuring and made me feel like I could get help if I needed it! I've recommended ESLstarter to all my friends who are thinking about teaching abroad.

Alex Taylor, EPIK, Gangwon

When I first started looking for teaching positions in South Korea, I had heard some horror stories of recruiters. But from the very beginning I felt very comfortable and confident with Phil and Claire from ESLstarter. Their service is very prompt and professional; they would always respond to my emails quickly and answer any questions I had. I felt they were completely open about the whole process and were looking out for my best interests. This was my first time teaching English abroad and they made it easy for me to navigate the tricky waters of finding a good position. In fact after telling other foreign teachers here about my experience with ESLstarter, everyone agrees that I was lucky to have found a reliable and honest recruiter. Thank you ESLstarter!

Fiona Cassell, EPIK, Gangwon

I just wanted to pass on my sincere thanks for your assistance in getting me onto the EPIK program here in Korea. Your communication far surpassed any other recruiter I have dealt with yet, and your honesty and candid approach in our initial discussions was very much appreciated. I am already two months into my journey, and I have not looked back once – choosing Korea was without a doubt the best decision I’ve made in a long time. Thank you again for your hard work (and at times your perseverance!) - you are undoubtedly a credit to your company. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend ESLstarter to anybody wishing to venture into teaching.

Diana Watts, EPIK, Daegu

The Esl world is a minefield for new English teachers. My first experience with Recruitment Agency in Turkey was an unpleasant one and almost deterred me from using a recruiter altogether. Phil and Claire are very professional at their job. They were quick to answer all my questions and put me in contact with my present employer before I arrived in South Korea. They ensured I arrived safely at my new destination by arranging a pick-up service and providing me with directions. I even met an old friend in Samcheok placed by Claire and Phil. I definitely recommend Eslstarter to new teachers and language schools.

Vincent Tse, EPIK, Gangwon

I have utilized other recruiting agents and they lacked the knowledge honesty and kindness of Claire at ESLstarter. Clare was extremely helpful and thorough. The task of applying for teaching abroad can be intimidating and ESLstarter for me helped alleviate any pressures. Stress is a killer so why bother going with stressful agencies, ESLstarter really has a Hakuna Matata philosophy!

Jean-Paul Morselli, EPIK, Gangwon

Moving from my home country to the other side of the world was no easy task, but I felt very assured and supported with ESL Starter. From the very beginning I had direct communication with the ever helpful Claire who told me everything I needed to know and exactly what I had to do to secure my place in Korea. Not only that we spoke on Skype, and if I needed to ask any questions about the visa process she was right there to help. After getting all my documents sent off, my future in Korea was confirmed within a matter of weeks. It really was the smoothest transitional period. I would like to thank ESLstarter for making my life a lot easier and for helping me start a new adventure in Korea!

Sarah Greenland, EPIK, Gangwon

The decision to come to Korea to teach is a difficult one. The process can be even more difficult. ESL Starter helps with both! Their experience, expertise and relaxed guidance are invaluable when trying to get work in Korea. I'm so glad we used their services - they made everything so easy! (For a taste of life in South Korea and the EPIK program, check out www.spicyfishy.com)

Katherine Korroch and Chad Jewsbury, EPIK, Gangwon

I found ESLstarter.com more than helpful when looking for a job in Korea to teach English. From the first email I sent, to my arrival in South Korea they were informative, punctual and supportive. They found me a position which I am more than pleased with and I have been at the school 6 months now and everything is great. I would recommend ESLstarter.com to anybody looking for a job in Korea or anywhere in the world, for that matter!

Alex Farnish, Hagwon, Suwon

Claire and Phil placed me at a wonderful little school in Korea. Throughout the contract negotiations, they were attentive to all of my concerns. They responded quickly to every question I had, making sure that I would be comfortable at the school, and well compensated. Although they placed me at my current job many months ago, I still feel that I could go to them with any problem that might arise. They are a kind, experienced, and professional team, and I am wholeheartedly grateful for their guidance into the otherwise tricky Korean job market.

Katy Benedetto, Hagwon, Pyeongcheon

Like many travelling to Korea to teach I was apprehensive about what awaited me, both in terms of the job and general lifestyle. However, following conversations and emails with Claire and Phil, my fears were allayed and I came here confident and excited. It was also reassuring to know that they had first hand experience of Korea. My time here has been fulfilling and enjoyable, and this is in no small part due to their help and advice.

Dan Steel, Hagwon, Pyeongcheon

The service provided by this company I found very knowledgeable, and accurate. Furthermore, I found that all my expectations were reached and surpassed, as pertinent information was passed on accurately and in a timely matter, that made me feel reassured and confident with my decision from start to finish.

Bradley Vickers, Suwon, Korea

Phil at ESL Starter was brilliant throughout the recruitment process. He found me a job, put me in touch with the school, and helped me through all the stages of getting a teaching visa sorted for South Korea. More than that, he was supportive and professional and friendly, and kept in touch long after my employment started. Four months ago I was stuck in a county council office in (cold and wet) England, and now I'm teaching kids in (hot and wet) South Korea! If I can do it, you can too!

Craig Chanter, Hagwon, Sungnam City

After trying numerous recruiters to find teaching positions in Korea, we were very fortunate to come across ESLstarter. Besides being extremely prompt at responding to our emails (sometimes responding to us at 10pm at night!), they were also very attentive to our needs. They did not push us into signing a contract until we are 100% happy (unlike other recruiters) and they were happy to negotiate with the school regarding working hours, accommodation arrangements, contract amendments, etc. The operation went very smoothly and we cannot recommend them highly enough.

Hayley and Rich, Hagwon, Gwangyang

Being totally new to the world of TEFL and wishing to work in South Korea, I was initially apprehensive when starting to inquire and apply. However, Phil at www.ESLstarter.com was always helpful and friendly during the whole process and on arrival the job lived up to my expectations.

Chris Dodson, Hagwon, Daegu

Phil listened to my requirements and delivered. I specified what hours I wanted to work and in what region of Korea. He didn't try to fob me off, like some agents do, with some dodgy hagwon simply to get a commission. I felt my welfare was a priority with him, and he did his best to suggest places which would be a good match for what I wanted. If your requirements are likely to take five minutes longer, he'll tell you so. I trust him and have passed his email address on to several of my friends here in Korea who are unhappy with their present positions, but are looking to stay for a second year. This is a recruiter I will use again.

Roger Suchy, Changwon

Most people find the starting process in finding a job in Korea a very daunting one, especially when it comes to dealing with agents, and how efficient and reliable they are. I don't think that I could ever have made a better choice than with the service I received from Claire at ESLstarter.com. She made me feel comfortable with my decision and her prompt responses and help made my time in Korea one to remember. I would definitely recommend using this agency. You will not regret your decision.

Nicole Nel,Hagwon, Seoul

This is my second go-around with teaching English Overseas. The first time was a difficult experience. Fortunately on my second one, I found this agency. I wish I found it for the first time. They found everything I was hoping for from my first unfortunate experience. Once again Claire thanks a lot. All the best, Thomas

Tom Goulakos, Suwon