About English 1

Our History: a story of success

In 1965, the entrepreneur Bertil Hult brought a group of Swedish students to Brighton, England. The idea was simple—students would learn English while travelling on holiday. After only a week, he saw how much the students’ English had improved—a feat he never thought possible. That inspired Bertil to launch EF Education First—a company built on language learning, cultural immersion, and travel.

Years later, in the 1990s, countries around the globe were opening up their economies. In this wave of globalisation, EF —now one of the world’s leading education brands— arrived in Asia. English First language centres were opened in Indonesia and China, putting down roots in local communities while opening doors to the wider world.

Today, there are over 300 centres in both countries, where students make rapid progress, thanks to our expert teachers and proven methodology. Our courses are specially designed to transform their lives by nurturing a love of the English language and helping each student build their own success story.

This is a legacy we’re proud of—millions of young minds who have learned a language, experienced new cultures, and seen the world. But we’re at our best when we embrace change, so it’s time for the next chapter.

As English 1, we’re looking forward to a whole new era. With the continued backing of EF and our new majority stakeholder Permira, we’re ready to take advantage of the unique opportunities of the future while strengthening bonds with our local markets.

One history. One family. One goal. English 1.

Empowering students for a bright future

For over 30 years, English 1 has been a driving force in education and development, with schools and offices in major cities across China and Indonesia. Our innovative learning system combines language acquisition with immersive experiences, ensuring students gain not only English proficiency but also critical skills for academic and life success. We go beyond standard curricula, fostering creativity, exploration, and personal growth.

More than a workplace

Everyone notices our company culture, which thrives on fun, adventure, and a shared commitment to teaching. Joining English 1 means becoming part of a global community - a family away from home. We share a love for fun, adventure, and teaching, and it’s our people who make English 1 such a dynamic and inspiring place to work. With us, you’ll form lifelong relationships with colleagues from around the world, united by a passion for making a difference.

Creating a place where everyone belongs

We're dedicated to building workplaces where every individual can succeed. We believe that in our differences, we can find our strength and capacity to learn and grow, and it’s this belief that shapes our commitment to creating a richer learning experience for everyone – teachers, students, and parents alike.

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