Simon Goodwin – Chine Academy
September 30th, 2009
Simon Goodwin is the Director of Studies at Chine Academy, an English language school for professionals on the south coast of England.
Chine Academy Profile & Contact Details
Your name and your role in the business?
Simon Goodwin. I’m the Director of Studies and I am responsible for all academic matters. I’m also a DELTA-qualified teacher so I still teach, something which I enjoy immensely.
Simon Goodwin
Simon, tell me a bit about your background?
I had my first taste of teaching English at a lycée in France, where I worked as an English assistant. After graduating, and a brief foray into wine sales, I took my CELTA and I have now been teaching for 12 years. My career has taken me to Bournemouth, Japan, Australia, the Czech Republic and back to Bournemouth again.
Where are you based?
Bournemouth is on the south coast of England, approximately two hours from London Waterloo by train. Our school is just yards away from Boscombe Pier and Europe’s first artificial surf reef which makes it a particularly nice place to be in summer.
Tell me about your business
We offer bespoke intensive courses for people who need English for professional purposes. Whether you need to chair meetings, attend conferences overseas or you just want to be able to socialise with English-speaking colleagues and clients, we can help you develop your skills.
What is unique about your business?
Every course is designed with the student in mind. No two courses are ever the same and we’re not tied to a curriculum. We spend a lot of time getting to know our clients before they arrive which results in lessons which are actually relevant to their needs.
We can create unique courses which combine studying with leisure activities. If you want to spend the morning studying and the afternoon learning to surf, that’s not a problem. Or if you fancy practising your English over a round of golf, we can arrange that too.
We also have lunch with our student, which gives them a chance to practice their English in a more informal setting. We want our students to immerse themselves fully in the language during their stay.
Tell me about what you offer…
Our fees include airport transfers, executive accommodation in a wonderful hotel with direct access to the beach, 26 contact hours per week, full use of our Leisure Club and Spa and activities (subject to availability).
What other services do you offer?
We offer guided weekend activities which are a great way to get to know the area and practice your English. The stunning Jurassic Coast and the beautiful New Forest are on our doorstep.
What is there to do where you live?
Bournemouth is an exciting, cosmopolitan town of roughly 160,000 people and according to a recent survey, it’s the happiest place in the UK! It is blessed with 10km of beautiful sandy beaches which make it a very popular tourist destination in summer.
Where are the nearest airports and which companies fly from them?
Bournemouth International Airport is currently being expanded but you can get here without too much difficulty from Heathrow or Gatwick.
What languages do you speak?
Our staff members speak French, German, Japanese, Arabic but we’re always trying to add a few more to the list!
Would you encourage others to take up a language and if yes, why?
Absolutely! Being able to communicate with people in another language is a way to build bridges and bring the world a little closer.
When, in your opinion, is the best time to learn a language?
The youngest student I’ve ever taught was 2 and the oldest, 82! Age is irrelevant, it’s all about your attitude. Be positive, try your best and don’t let the fear of making mistakes stop you.
Name some of the best things that have happened to you, because of learning a language?
I’ve made friends, seen things and learned more than I would ever have done without languages. The strangest things? Going to a sumo wrestler’s wedding and meeting the Danish Prime Minister would probably be up there!
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