Category Archives: SSE Okamoto Corner

What is an International Language?

February 25, 2010 – 10:58 pm

Of course English is perhaps the most widely accepted international language. But actually any language, including Japanese, can be an international language. I personally experienced this about 15 years ago on a business trip to Taiwan for a design meeting with our Taiwan supplier who was to make a charger stand for our [...]

By Al Bartle | Also posted in English School Articles, Franchise Owners' Speak, english in japan, enjoyed this a lot, my passion: language, students keep coming, teaching: why i do it | Tagged | Comments (0)

TOEIC+ Listening Practice Videos

February 14, 2010 – 5:15 pm

I have been reading the posts here and I am so impressed with so many of them. We really have a great team at Smith’s School of English.
Recently John Coleman (See his post on the movie “Invictus“) and I are collaborating on some TOEIC listening practice videos for the Smithweb site. We have [...]

By Al Bartle | Also posted in English School Articles, Franchise Owners' Speak, Living in Japan, New start up or franchise?, SSE Kawanishi Corner, a look back, a reward in itself, english in japan, enjoyed this a lot, my passion: language, students keep coming, teaching: why i do it | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (1)

Teamwork Works!

January 23, 2010 – 6:41 pm

Smith’s School of English – Okamoto

Last week John of the Kawanishi school and I (Okamoto School) helped each other to distribute flyers. Though we started at 7:30 a.m. the time went so fast as we enjoyed chatting during the time. The funny thing is that I think just our talking while we worked [...]

By Al Bartle | Also posted in English School Articles, Franchise Owners' Speak, New start up or franchise?, english in japan, enjoyed this a lot, my passion: language, rewarding job change, teaching: why i do it | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments (2)

Blind Souls Video ビデオで英語を勉強する

January 17, 2010 – 4:52 am

If you have time and want to see what can be done if you invest some time, watch Blind Souls Parts 1 to 4. If you click on this link it will take you to part 1. You can then watch the other three parts.
This video is good for students’  listening practice. My friend made [...]

By Al Bartle | Also posted in English School Articles, Franchise Owners' Speak, Free Advice English Schools, Living in Japan, New start up or franchise?, english in japan, enjoyed this a lot, my passion: language, students keep coming, teaching: why i do it | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments (2)

Power of the Franchise Revealed!

January 7, 2010 – 8:06 pm

This week I had two students start who transferred from other Smith’s School (Otsu and Kotoen). This really brought home the meaning and the power of the franchise to me and it is something anyone thinking about starting an English school in Japan should consider carefully.
If I were out there on my own, I [...]

By Al Bartle | Also posted in English School Articles, Franchise Owners' Speak, Investor or school owner?, Living in Japan, New start up or franchise?, Seek to understand, a look back, a reward in itself, english in japan, enjoyed this a lot, my passion: language, students keep coming, teaching: why i do it | Tagged , , , , | Comments (1)

Smith’s School of English Tsukaguchi, Okamoto and Kawanishi’s 2009 Joint Christmas Party

December 21, 2009 – 8:38 pm

Smith’s School of English’s 2009 Christmas party was held on December 13th at Capall Uisce Irish Pub in Nishinomiya Kitaguchi. Tsukaguchi,Okamoto and Kawanishi schools joined the party. 26 people including students, teachers, family members and friends attended.
It was a lot of fun. When the party began to swing, we played a game named “White Elephant [...]

By Al Bartle | Also posted in English School Articles, Franchise Owners' Speak, enjoyed this a lot, rewarding job change, students keep coming, teaching: why i do it | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (2)

Okamoto News (Smith’s Okamoto School)

December 13, 2009 – 10:58 pm

We are now looking good! The street was just repainted green as is common for streets around schools in Japan. It looks great! But on top of that we have a new shop downstairs.
TAKO YAKI (Hot Octopus Balls) are now available including various tastes: SHOYU (Soy), SHIO (Salt), PONZU (Soy-vinegar), KARE [...]

By Al Bartle | Also posted in English School Articles, Franchise Owners' Speak, Living in Japan, a reward in itself, english in japan, enjoyed this a lot, students keep coming, teaching: why i do it | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (1)

スミス英会話BBQイベント2009年

November 29, 2009 – 6:00 pm

On September 27th we had a very nice BBQ Party attended by 29 students, teachers, family members and friends from Okamoto, Tsukaguchi and Kawanishi Schools.  We enjoyed some great barbecued beef, seafood, drinks and two great cakes and great Hawaiian coffee supplied and served by Derek of the Tsukaguchi School. Watch the Video here.
These events [...]

By Al Bartle | Also posted in English School Articles, Franchise Owners' Speak, Living in Japan, a reward in itself, english in japan, enjoyed this a lot, my passion: language, students keep coming, teaching: why i do it | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

TOEIC Expectations by Japanese Companies

September 22, 2009 – 6:49 pm

Of course this is Japan so, Japanese university students looking for jobs need excellent Japanese ability, but it seems that Japanese companies are expecting fairly good English ability also.  This became apparent earlier this year when I was looking through the SHUUKAN ST, a students’ weekly newspaper that I subscribe to for my students.  There [...]

By Al Bartle | Also posted in English School Articles, Franchise Owners' Speak, Living in Japan, english in japan, my high level students, rewarding job change | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

スミス英会話BBQ（塚口校、川西校、岡本校）Smith’s is more fun!

September 21, 2009 – 9:03 pm

Well we are preparing for the barbeque at my house next Sunday. It will be the last big bash for the Summer which officially already ended but not for me — not until we have this barbeque.  

By Al Bartle | Also posted in English School Articles, Franchise Owners' Speak, Living in Japan, New start up or franchise?, english in japan, teaching: why i do it | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (2)

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