In May I finally had the chance to visit Adrian’s school in Hirakata City, east Osaka. Adrian visited our school in Otsu a few months ago and I was looking forward to enjoying his hospitality. Hirakata Station has a beautiful new plaza which Adrian tells me was recently build, complete with trees, planters, benches, live performers and lots of green space! Two minutes walk and we were standing in front of Smith’s School of English Hirakata. All I can say about the school is ‘WOW’. Three classrooms, all of which are large and comfortable, decorated with students’ travel pictures and Adrian’s own fantastic photography. The entry and waiting area friendly and welcoming, comfortable sofa and coffee table, all very professionally organized. I felt comfortable as soon as I stepped through the door, and I knew I was in a Smith’s English School.
Adrian gave me a brief tour and then we settled in to a nice cup of tea and a chat. We discussed school layout, curriculum, local promotion and life in general, and I was happy that he had invited me. Personally, I love being able to visit my fellow franchise owners’ schools and discuss curriculum and business plans. It’s also a great chanc eto see how other people teach the same curriculum and I came back to my English school full of fresh ideas and I am happy to be able to offer EVEN BETTER lessons to my students, thanks to Adrian’s ideas.
Recently, I have sat down for coffee with Al in Okamoto, Derek in Tsukaguchi, Carol & Yuichi in Kamishinjo and Matt in Nagaoka. I frequently have tea with my ‘Smith’s’ neighbour Peter in Yamashina and attend regular seminars at head office. As such, I am never want for ideas on how to improve my school ,my lessons, and myself. Community? Yes.
Community in Japan? Click HERE for more!
Edward, SSE Ohtsu
Kind words…thank you sir…glad you enjoyed the trip down. One of the best things about working at Smith’s is the ability to talk to and learn from other people’s experiences (OPE).
Adrian
Yes, I second that comment! All of the folks with Smith’s that I have met have been great. We have a shared interest and can really help each other.