Hi Mike,

I'm studying German linguistics which means I deal with structure, history, grammar, usage and some other aspects esp. of German language but on a limited basis also in comparison with other (usually Germanic) languages.
The history of language and the comparison to other language are the most interesting topics for me because those are the ones which really open doors to you: To see how language developed and what the differences and similarities are there in other languages help you incredibly understanding this great complex.

What about you, Mike? Are you an English teacher in Japan? I'd like to hear from you.

Thanks that you enjoy my posts... hehe I hope I don't prattle too much boring stuff *gg*

Thanks Pemmican.
You hit the nail on the head! I am an English teacher in J land. Actually I have my own school here, Mike's English School. In Australia I worked as a photographer and graphic artist, so the change to teaching English means that I have to 'relearn' English so that I can explain it to non native speakers. This site is a really enjoyable way to help do that.
Between classes - 4-6 each day, I have a one hour break, so recently I have been checking this site and enjoying it a lot!
Cheers for now, dinner and beer are waiting for me at home.

Mike your life sounds really interesting! I hope you will tell us more about you.

That's interesting Mike. How long have you had it up and running? Are you an Aussie? What made you set up a school in Japan?

Mike, I bet you have some really nice pictures.

Yeah, Mike show us some pictures

"relearn" English? Wow... *hehe*
I think another thing that helps is that you've to regard a problem from the point of view the students have not your own one.
I think it's a great experience to teach English in Japan, isn't it?

Enjoy your meal ttyl

I came to Japan two years ago. I was asked by an acquaintance to come and manage his English school, but between having been asked to come and actually coming, my acquaintance and his partner had a terrible row and closed their school! I had already made all the necessary preparations to come - I had sold virtually everything I owned, found people to take over my business clients etc. etc., so there was no turning back in my mind. The acquaintance and I started a small new school.
After eighteen months or so, it became clear to me that my new partner was not putting any effort whatsoever into that school, so I bought him out, renamed the school Mike's, and relocated it to much larger premises. By Japanese standards the new premises are quite large. I'm growing the school slowly but steadily.
All Japanese must learn English during their six years at junior and senior high school. Unfortunately, for them, they have so little exposure to English in day to day life that very very few ever develop their Engrishu to a useable level, however most remember quite a lot of grammar. As a result, my job is primarily to coax them into losing their fear of using English. You see when using the Japanese language it is extremele important to use the correct honourifics, so that the listener will not be offended by any percieved lack of respect. Everyone is conscious of social status. This attitude causes them to be quite, if not extremely fearful of making mistakes, lest they offend!
I should also mention that in addition to Japanese born students, I also have students from Mongolia, Korea, China and Brazil. I often think that I probably learn as much about their cultures as they learn about using Engrishu.
To sum up, I reckon that as a teacher I have it pretty easy, because the emphasis here is not on grammar so much as it is on pronunciation, vocab and idioms, and also on encouraging my students to immerse themselves in the English language. Students are also very polite, courteous and very thoughtful and kind. It's quite enjoyable.
Wow, I could write so much more, but I'm sure it would be more interesting for everyone to hear more information from others.

Fascinating. I like people that take risks, that pack up their bags and take off to another country. And if things go bad, they hang in there and as you can see, new fruits can be reaped. Hang in there with your school, it's difficult at the beginning but when you give a good service, word gets around and that is the best way to do business.
The Japanese learning mentality is interesting, feel free to write more.
So where were you from originally?