During the ten years I have been teaching in Fuse, I had the lovely chance to welcome many senior English learners. I enjoy the conversation with the elder Japanese very much because they have so much knowledge and experience. They are also ready to share their experience in the conversation school. For example, one of the senior learners told us his memories of the second Muroto typhoon in 1961. He shared his story just after the strong 21st typhoon in 2018. This is an amazing chance to hear a real experience of a historic moment in time.
Senior English students as beginners
This senior English student is very good at English and can tell a historic story with no problems. He also kept studying at the Smith’s school of English in Fuse for nearly 20 years. That is a great accomplishment. Other senior students are very much beginners. We go their pace, so they also enjoy their lessons. One was already more than 80 years old when she started! She always wanted to try learning English, and finally she came to the Fuse school! She loves cats and told me a lot about her cats.
Senior English learners and talking about music
Still other senior English learners join the school to remember their time in English speaking countries. Some went studying abroad in the 70ties! I enjoy hearing a story about the USA of the 70ties very much. Also, I love classic rock, so often we can talk about our favorite music. Some even went to concerts of famous rock bands! How about a story of an Elvis concert? The early Beatles or Rolling Stones?
Why do older student start at our schools?
Many were to busy when they were still working, so they have always been looking forward to start studying English again. While most of the senior English students here in Fuse join just to enjoy learning and speaking English, some want to improve their English for traveling or for volunteer work helping foreigners. Others to keep their memory in training (here a nice blog about that), or to challenge something new. Whatever their aim in English might be, I will support them and enjoy their conversation doing so!
That’s great Sven. I enjoy teaching senior students too. It’s never too late to start studying English!
Excellent, Sven. Looking forward to seeing more seniors in our future.
Never too late to start something new, including studying English.