Visited 11 hours ago
David Ostrowski
Professional TeacherTeaches
English
Native
Speaks
German
Spanish
Other
Polish
Russian
Specialties
TechnologyBusinessBusiness English & Behavioural Interview Coach | Soft Skills in Tech | Ex-HR People Partner
Teaches
English
Native
Speaks
German
Spanish
Other
Polish
Russian
Specialties
TechnologyBusinessBusiness English & Behavioural Interview Coach | Soft Skills in Tech | Ex-HR People Partner
About Me
Resume & Certificates
From United KingdomLiving in Lodz, Poland (09:28 UTC+02:00)
About Me
italki teacher since Nov 27, 2017InterestsHistoryTechTravelWritingBusiness & Finance
I’m David - a native English-speaking Business English and Behavioural Interview Coach originally from London. I work primarily with developers, product designers/managers, and recruiters/HRBPs. Key focuses are building confidence in remote/in-office environments, prep for screening calls and behavioural interviews, leadership, fluency, grammar correction, and vocabulary building.
I’m an ex-HR People Partner, was a digital nomad for many years, and I’m working on my first novel. Since 2017, I have supported mainly Russian and Polish-speaking professionals in achieving their goals through my experience and an understanding of cultural, behavioural, and grammatical challenges.
I have a keen interest in the world of product development, from AI agents to UIUX design, in addition to keeping myself up to date with the world of HR.
I like to treat lessons like work calls - another appointment during your day! The environment I create is relaxed, allowing time for conversation before we settle into a discussion topic. I put together a Google Doc for each person, and we can develop a tailored plan based on your specific needs. This may include discussion topics and interview scripts. It’s a collaborative approach!
Many professionals have noticed significant growth in confidence when preparing for interviews and communicating more clearly with colleagues in international environments.
I have more details on my website and Telegram channel. Feel free to send me a message!My teaching material
- PDF file
- Text Documents
- Audio files
- Image files
- Video files
- Articles and news
- Quizzes
Certificates
Google UX Design - Google/Coursera - 2023I completed the Google UX Design course. Many of my students are specifically UX/UI Designers also who are focusing on job interview prep in international environments. My technical knowledge allows me to help them achieve their goals.
Certificate verified
120hr TEFL certificate - TEFL.ORG.UK - 2017120hr TEFL course including -
Grammar course
Teaching Methodology
Teaching Large Classes
Telephone Teaching
Video Observation
Certificate verified
Google UX Design - Google - 1998I worked for a large retailer in the UK for 18 years from 1998-2016 in various roles such as HR Business Partner. https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-barkham/
I have been teaching Business English and Interview Preparation since 2017 on both Italki and my private website with positive reviews.
https://davidostrowski.net/
Certificate verified
Teaching experience
2017 - 2024
Business English CoachI initially began teaching English to adults on Italki in general and business senses, before moving on to more of a business and job interview preparation focus as a result of my past career in HR. In 2020, I set up my own website as I wanted the opportunity to write supporting blog posts and so on. I studied UX/UI Design in 2023 and set up a portfolio. In addition to HR and Development (I mainly work with Russian IT guys), I love discussing UX and Design!
Education
2023 - 2023
Other - UX DesignI completed the Google UX Design course in 2023.
2017 - 2017
Other - Teaching English as a Foreign Language120hr TEFL course including
Grammar Course
Teaching Methodology
Video Observation
Teaching Large Classes
Telephone Teaching
1998 - 2000
Other - Business StudiesI achieved an A grade in Business Studies at A-Level (in the UK, this is the stage of education before university). I then chose to enter the workplace and develop my career as the cost of university in the UK was out of my reach!
1998 - 2000
Other - GermanI achieved an E grade in German at A-Level. In the UK, this is the stage prior to university
Work Experience
1998 - 2016
HR Business Partner and other roles - StoresFor many years I was a HR Business Partner with Tesco, a large retailer in the UK. Much of my role entailed the same attributes necessary as a teacher, including listening, supporting, motivating and coaching others in an empathetic manner. My role also had an emphasis on management interviews, coaching & development, recruitment, building capability and more!
2016 - 2022
Travel YouTuberI ran a Youtube channel called Tao of David, as well as a website and blog relating to travel, becoming a Digital Nomad and teaching online. I have also written ebooks and consulted new teachers.
Since 2016, I have been travelling full-time. I have lived in countries such as Mexico, Serbia, Belarus, Japan, and Colombia for extended periods. I became a Polish citizen by descent in 2022, and plan to spend some of the future based in the EU, now that I'm an EU citizen once again!
2020 - Current
Private Online English TeacherIn addition to teaching on Italki, I also offer (mainly) Business English lessons via my website to students who I source from social media, my YouTube channel and by approaching Russian companies who express an interest in me supporting their employees.
2017 - Current
Online TeacherI have been teaching on Italki since 2017. It's a great platform which has allowed me to get to know so many people from around the world, and learn about new cultures. In addition, I thoroughly enjoy being part of students' progression. Most of my students on Italki are Business English focused and reside in Russian-speaking countries, although I have had students from all over the world!
2023 - 2024
UX/UI Designer/No-Code Web DesignerI worked on freelance no-code web design projects using Figma and Framer, for small businesses and those requiring personal websites. If you are UX Designer and want to improve your Business English, we could be a good match! (I'm an ex-HR Manager too!)
2025 - Current
NovelistI'm currently working on my first novel - a creative autobiography, psychological drama, and black comedy.
5.0
Rating
852
Students
4,962
Lessons
100%
Attendance rate
100%
Response rate
English Lessons
Trial Lesson
458 lessons completed
USD 14.00+
General Conversation & Confidence Building
A2 - C2Conversation1,459 lessons completed
USD 14.00+
Package with 5% off
Business English & Behavioural Interview Prep for Tech Professionals
A2 - C2Business975 lessons completed
USD 14.00+
Package with 5% off
Human Resources (Recruitment, People Partners, HR Business Partners etc)
A2 - C2Business97 lessons completed
USD 14.00+
Package with 5% off
UI/UX Designers, Product Managers
A2 - C2Technology230 lessons completed
USD 14.00+
Package with 5% off
Proofreading (including CVs, cover letters, academic writing, exam prep)
A1 - C2Language Essentials17 lessons completed
USD 14.00+
Package with 5% off
Instant Interview - Screening Calls, Behavioural Interviews for Tech Professionals
A2 - C2Business15 lessons completed
USD 14.00+
Creative Writing, Line Editing, and Developmental Editing
B2 - C2Language Essentials5 lessons completed
USD 28.00+
Package with 5% off
Availability
My creations
Vocabulary (3)
Quiz (44)
859 Reviews
Piotr Staszowski
19 English lessons
Teacher’s pick
This was my first lesson on italki and I’m very happy with how it went. Everything was clearly explained, the pace was just right, and the atmosphere was friendly and comfortable. I felt at ease throughout the lesson and I’m really looking forward to the next one!
Jul 31, 2025
Dima
56 English lessons
Teacher’s pick
The perfect lesson with the perfect teacher! It seemed to me that David and I have known each other for a long time, how easy going the lesson was! David corrected me during the whole lesson, however he did it in "the soft way", so to speak. He let me express myself, my point of view and after that suggested a bit more natural and accurate vocabulary and phrases to enrich my speech. That's super cool approach! Of course, David was super patient with my pronunciation and English and supported me during the whole lesson. The lesson went by in a blink of an eye. David, thanks a lot!
Jul 31, 2019
Viktoria
16 English lessons
I really enjoyed our first lesson. It gave me everything I expected and even more. I can feel David's experience, and I’m confident I’ll receive the support and guidance I need. I’m continuing my preparation for English interviews with David and I’m genuinely looking forward to seeing my progress.
Dec 2, 2025
Alexander Bozhkov
1 English lesson
Teacher’s pick
I would like to thank Dawid for the trial lesson. We discussed my goals and how we can reach them together. He shared his approaches during the lesson and brought a lot of examples.
I must also mention that he wrote everything down and sent me some examples later.
As a cherry on top, he has an authentic British accent, which was I was looking for.
Oct 1, 2024
LegrandChristian
6 English lessons
Très bon contact, bonne écoute. Je continue.
Apr 6, 2026
Sergio Toledo
2 English lessons
This lesson with David has given me valuable insights that I could tackle since the first moment he has gave me the confidence to talk with him. Supportive and empathic person.
Sep 1, 2025
Trial Lesson
USD 14.00
Your final payment will be made in USD