The TEFL world just keeps giving to me today. Well actually, Alex’s blog is really the one that keeps giving if truth be told.

I stumbled upon this article which Alex had linked, and which is quite simply amazing in its detailing of the latest forays of English teaching in Japan.

The article details the efforts of a man, who runs a chain of Maid cafes, the quintessential otaku attraction, to set up a school which combines two very simple things: English teaching and cosplay (or cross-dressing using costumes from Anime and Manga). The fact that these two things really have nothing in common doesn’t seem to stop his incredible logic, which is pretty flawless when you consider his argument for such a mind boggling link-up:

Otaku are known for their incredible customer loyalty, while schools are known for their trouble in getting customers to keep on coming back, so I figured a school for cosplayers would achieve the perfect blend

And if all this wasn’t enough, the school’s English focus is also something to behold, deciding to go for that much avoided market of ‘Broken English’… you couldn’t make this up if you tried. Hell, look up the school’s site and its extensive ‘Maximal Broken English’ online lessons!

Still the best is kept for the end, as the article is wrapped up with a quote that I believe could well and truly transform the world of TEFL as it’s known. And if it doesn’t do that, it should at least provide for what could possibly be the most entertaining English lesson to watch or partake in ever.

“I want to start classes for kids some time in the future. And I’ll make the teachers get dressed up in Pikachu suits.”

Somebody give this man an award right now, please.

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written by Laurent \\ tags: geeking, Japan, Random, school, Teaching, TEFL

I’m going back to the world of Teaching English as a Foreign Language for a moment with shocking news of some dodgy dealings in said world. And yes the shocking bit is ironic to say the least.

I got an email from Alex Case recently warning about the head of a UK based language school who was being scummy to say the least. To make the whole thing even funnier, about a week after I got the email, said scummy school owner found a comment by Alex on this here blog and spouted some nonsense about Alex’s evil doings in trying to out him.

Anyways, apologies to Alex for leaving this a little late but continue reading for a warning regarding said school, namely Windsor School. For anyone thinking about a move into TEFL, or anyone who knows someone thinking about such a move, be warned about them, and while you’re at it I can only recommend that you do plenty of research before embarking on a TEFL ‘career’, especially one in Japan or any foreign country. While it would be great for the world to be an ideal place, the cold truth is that even when it comes to teaching the world is full of people that are only after money.

See my own posts on this blog (under the Teaching category) for more regarding my experience about teaching in Japan and especially working for Shane English Schools, who themselves have a bit of a reputation. And now it’s over to Alex.

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written by Laurent \\ tags: dodgy, Japan, ripoff, Teaching, TEFL