Cultural Exchange & Global Learning
Bring global perspective into your classrooms through the J-1 exchange programme
We bring experienced, qualified teachers from our international network of 16 countries into US classrooms on the J-1 cultural exchange visa, including a growing pool of Spanish-speaking educators, offering specialized subject support in STEM, ESL, and Special Education.
Cultural Exchange & Global Learning
More than a placement
The J-1 visa exists for genuine cultural exchange. International educators bring global competencies, language immersion, and diverse perspectives into US classrooms, giving students direct exposure to different teaching styles and ways of thinking.
At the same time, districts gain specialized subject support and instructional continuity in the areas where it matters most: STEM, ESL, and Special Education.
Our Teacher Network
1,000 teachers, ready for the J-1 process
We've built a database of 1,000 certified, experienced teachers who want to teach in US public schools on a J-1 cultural exchange visa, recruited from 16 countries across four continents, including a growing pool of teachers who are also fluent in Spanish.
We focus on more experienced teachers, prioritising candidates who can offer specialized subject support in STEM, ESL, and Special Education.
Are you a teacher interested in the programme?1,000
Teachers in our network
16
Source countries, plus Spanish-speaking educators
STEM · ESL · Special Education
Subjects we support
How We Vet Every Teacher
Six checks, before anyone sees a resume
Every teacher in our network goes through the same process before we put them forward for any role.
Step 01
Global sourcing
We recruit experienced teachers from 16 countries across four continents, including a growing pool fluent in Spanish, building genuine cultural exchange between classrooms.
Step 02
Qualifications and experience
Every CV is reviewed to confirm the required qualifications and a minimum of two years of teaching experience.
Step 03
Degree and licence verification
We verify each teacher's bachelor's degree, teaching licence or certificate, and full employment history.
Step 04
Identity verification
We collect and verify a valid passport for every candidate before moving forward.
Step 05
Language proficiency
We review evidence of English proficiency, or where necessary Spanish proficiency, alongside other required assessments.
Step 06
J-1 visa documentation
We prepare every document the exchange visa requires: transcripts, employment verification, references, police clearance, and more.
Only teachers who complete every step are considered for placement with a US school district.
How It Works
From first call to a teacher in your classroom
Here's what actually happens once you reach out.
Tell us what you need
Subject, grade level, location, start date, and how many teachers you're looking for.
We search our network
We match candidates from our vetted pool who fit the role and the J-1 requirements.
You review shortlisted candidates
You receive profiles with the qualifications and experience that matter to your school.
You interview and decide
Your school runs its own interview and selection process. The hiring decision is always yours.
We coordinate the J-1 process
A J-1 sponsor organisation manages programme compliance and visa sponsorship. We work alongside them on sourcing, screening, and preparing the candidate.
Your teacher arrives ready to teach
Prepared and onboarded, ready to lead their own classroom from day one.
Why Partner With Us
Four reasons districts and agencies come to us first
A vetted teacher network
Because every teacher in the network is already vetted, we can respond quickly when you need specialized subject support.
Lower risk of a mismatch
We check a teacher's fit again for each specific role, ensuring high success and multi-year retention rates after placement.
Direct, candid relationships
We build deep, direct relationships with both our teachers and our partners, and we're upfront when something isn't a fit.
A sourcing team on two continents
Our teams in South Africa and the UK are actively sourcing and vetting teachers, including a growing pool fluent in Spanish.
Since 2020
How English Quest started
English Quest started in 2020, when the pandemic sent demand for online English tutors through the roof. We supplied ESL teachers to schools and tutoring agencies scrambling to keep up.
When classrooms reopened, we didn't stop. We moved into placing in-person teachers, first in ESL, then expanding into STEM and Special Education as demand grew. Since then, we've placed hundreds of experienced, vetted teachers in schools and tutoring centres around the world.
Who's Behind English Quest
Founders with government, classroom, and research credentials
Jamie Martin
Co-Founder
Former Chief of Staff to the UK Education Secretary, a BCG consultant in its global education practice, and a two-time education founder in South Africa and the UK.
Sandeep Mallareddy
Co-Founder
Former Teach For India teacher, senior executive at the world's largest school chain, and adviser to education projects across India, Africa, and the Middle East.
Adam Woodage
Co-Founder
Former learning consultant for UK public schools.
Alongside our founders, we have teams in South Africa and the UK who source, vet, and prepare every teacher in our network.
For Districts & Agencies
Questions you're probably asking
Who employs the teacher?
Your school or district does, under your standard employment terms. English Quest sources, vets, and prepares the teacher.
Who handles the J-1 visa sponsorship?
A J-1 sponsor organisation manages programme compliance and visa sponsorship. We coordinate with them throughout the process.
How much does this cost?
It depends on the role and placement. We'll walk you through pricing on a call once we understand what you're looking for.
Can we interview candidates ourselves?
Yes. Every district runs its own interview and makes the final hiring decision.
Can we request specific subjects or grade levels?
Yes. We match candidates to the subject, grade level, and location you specify.
What happens if a teacher isn't the right fit?
Tell us early. We re-check a teacher's fit for each specific role before placement, and we stay involved once they're in the classroom.
How early should we start for the next school year?
Timelines depend on sponsor processing, visa requirements, and your own hiring cycle. Reaching out early gives everyone more runway to work with.
Since
2020
Founded during the pandemic, placing teachers ever since.
Track Record
Hundreds of teachers placed
In schools and tutoring centres around the world, with the same rigour we bring to teacher preparation.
Approach
Same process, every placement
We use the same process for every district, agency and school we work with.
For Districts & Placement Partners
Ready to bring global perspective into your classrooms?
Whether you're a district or a placement and mobility organisation looking for a sourcing partner, tell us what you need and we'll walk you through how it would work.
Schedule a Free Call