Since coming to Japan, I’ve worked in almost every English teaching situation you can imagine. I’ve worked in English Conversation chain schools, I’ve been an ALT in Junior high schools, taught at kindergartens and elementary schools. I’ve done “baby” classes, private lessons in coffee shops, English by email, and even dabbled in video conferencing. The most rewarding form of English teaching for me though, would be Business English.
Mitsubishi, Toyota, Sony, Pfizer and Japan Steel are just a few of the companies I’ve had the privilege of teaching at. The single most important factor that makes Business English classes different from any other is that the students really want to learn. Actually, more than that, they have to learn. For these students, promotion and pay rises depend on them learning English, and we all know money is a terrific motivator.
Unlike a typical English course, Business English focuses on language needed in a business environment. This could simply be faxing, emailing, or answering the telephone in English, or it could involve more challenging tasks such as making a presentation, negotiating or chairing a meeting. More often than not, the individual’s needs will be quite unique and may require one-to-one tailored tuition.
Executive Language Training, ELT, is a company offering English classes for executives and professionals with basic, intermediate or advanced level Business English skills. They are the industry leader in providing Business English and foreign language training to fortune 500 companies and executives around the world. They offer a full range of communication skills including business and technical writing, oral communication in Business English, accent reduction, Business English vocabulary and presentation skills.
The content of a course is fully tailored to the students, and is determined by conducting a needs analysis. A teacher qualified to at least an MA degree level is assigned and progress is monitored regularly. The length of the course and number of class hours are custom designed to accommodate busy schedules, and lessons can be taken at the office, workplace, or at Executive Language Training facilities.
I remember taking on a small group of businessmen from Fujitsu. They each had to make a presentation based on their field of work, and it was my job to help them accomplish that. We covered everything from planning and writing the speeches to gestures, pronunciation, intonation and working with 3D models and Powerpoint sildes. With a dedicated teacher and motivated, hard-working students, you can accomplish anything. I’m sure the staff at Executive Language Training take as much pride in their work as I do, and like my students from Fujitsu, I’ve no doubt that their students accomplish their goals.
This post is sponsored by Executive Language Training.
If you like, you can find me on Twitter at @nick_ramsay. I'd love to hear from you!
hey,i bumped into your blog by accident and i’m kinda interested in teaching english here in japan. i tried applying online but most schools i applied to think i’m not qualified because of my skin color. i’m a filipino and i already have teaching experiences tutorial and university wise. i taught in a korean tutorial center in davao and i also have a 1 year university teaching experience teaching business english in ateneo de davao university,it’s like fordham or something in the u.s.,a university being run by jesuits. anyway,if you can give me a hand i’d be very happy since i find my current job not fit for me,i live in kani shi,imwatari.thank you.
I’m not sure how I can help you exactly. You would have a better chance of finding work in Nagoya than in a small city like Kani. I remember a Filipino working at ECC in Nagoya years ago, so maybe they don’t discriminate like most other schools do. Alternatively, try to work for yourself by teaching people privately. If you’re a good teacher, your students will recommend you to their friends and getting 30 students wouldn’t be impossible.
Hi there Nick,thanks for hitting me back.It’s been a long time huh?Anyhow I am an ALT here in Kani already,I work for Interac since April.I really appreciate the response.
Just one quick question,do you know of any ALT email group or something? I was thinking it will be a great idea to meet with other great and interesting people in the business.
Thanks..
dropping by here to look for any english business opportunity…mmmmmmmmm…well, got some idea then..
take care!
anyway, i got my blog..hope to visit it..