Editor, Scholastic UK
I have almost two years of editorial experience as writer and editor of bimonthly magazine CLUB, one of the five English language teaching magazines produced by Mary Glasgow Magazines, a subsidiary of Scholastic UK.
CLUB magazine is aimed at higher-intermediate learners of English (CEF level B2) around the world. I write and produce two studio-recorded audio CDs per year that accompany the September and March issues of the magazines, and also write teacher’s notes, available with each issue, that help teachers to get the best out of CLUB magazine as a language-learning tool.
I am also web editor of the English language version of the Mary Glasgow website. This involves the production of online content, including weekly news stories graded at five language levels, audio and video production (including off-site filming and interviews), the designing of online activities, and interacting with both students and teachers, particularly through the ‘chatter’ functionality of the site.
ELT Teacher, Japan and South Korea
Before working in publishing I spent three wonderful years teaching English in East Asia, two in rural Okayama Prefecture in western Japan, and one in Seoul, South Korea. Living abroad and adapting to the cultural, social and linguistic differences of both countries was a life-changing and immensely rewarding experience. In Japan, I taught in two state-run high schools while on the government-run Japan Exchange & Teaching (JET) Program(me).
In Korea I taught in a private boys’ high school, and had additionally responsibilities, including teaching revision classes for the national university exams, and organising and running a summer school for students. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenges of teaching in both countries, and would recommend teaching abroad to anyone – it can be challenging and stressful, but also extremely satisfying!
I graduated Nottingham University with a first class honours degree in modern history in 2006. After three years spent teaching English in Asia, I returned to London to study on a postgraduate MA in Japanese Studies at the School of Oriental & African Studies (SOAS), University of London, specialising in East Asian international relations and Japanese domestic politics.
Other bits and bobs
I have a passion for travel and photography, and have spent time in over 30 countries on 4 continents. I enjoy reading and writing, and review films for an East London listings website. I am an SSI Open Water Diver. I support Birmingham City Football Club and the Hanshin Tigers Japanese baseball team. I speak business level Japanese (JLPT N2), as well as basic French, Korean and Italian.
The Blog
This blog was initially set up in 2006 as a travelogue of my year (then to become two years) living in Okayama Prefecture, Japan. Since then it has changed many times, both in terms of content and design. Posts on life in Japan gradually gave way to more photography, then a change of destination as I moved from Japan to Seoul. Since returning to the UK, the blog has drifted along, incorporating more film reviews, and a waxing (and then waning) fascination with the Hanshin Tigers baseball team. As of March 2011 I decided to retain the blog, having strongly considered deleting the whole thing.
Contact Me
