Job Discussion Forums

formulaic · Joined: 03 May 2010 Posts: 7 Location: UK

Hi,

I taught in Korea for the past three years and almost bought a half share of a small language institute at the end of my time there. I decided against it in the end and have since left Korea with no plan to return there. However I am very keen to start my own language school and as such am considering which country would be a good place to commit to in this way. The countries I am currently considering taking my next job in are China, Japan, Vietnam and Indonesia. Wherever I go I will be taking a University or language school job and keeping an eye out for good opportunities to open a language school either independently or with a like minded local.

Any suggestions of which of the above countries (or others) would be best for my endeavour would be most appreciated.

Thanks
Ben

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

formulaic · Joined: 03 May 2010 Posts: 7 Location: UK

I am qualified to teach in Universities in some countries and not in others - I have a BA and a CELTA. Japan is probably not somewhere I would think of opening a language school, due to high real estate costs/rent (but perhaps a foreign language school owner in Japan could suggest otherwise?)

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2010 12:39 pm Post subject:

Having run (not owned) a language school for a number of years, I have to say that the idea of setting up and owning my own school, to me, would be around Dante's seventh circle of Hell.

I also have a colleague who, having been a very successful teacher and teacher trainer for a number of years, started his own institute. And lost his shirt in less than 15 months.

I'm really not throwing stones at you- just pointing out: Small private language schools are very common in many countries, and usually they don't last. It can be an easy business to open, and an easy business for the market to kill.

I might suggest that you look for ADOS kinds of positions; get some admin experience. Get to know school owners who you like and trust, and get their advice.

THe skill set needed to run a school is a LOT different than that needed to be a successful teacher.

Be sure you're well prepared for what you're getting into. And think about why. Do you really have a desire to own a school? Or is it economic? (If it's the $$, know that a teacher can earn as much or more than many owners, playing the right cards.)

Best of luck, whatever you decide.

Justin

Serious_Fun · Joined: 28 Jun 2005 Posts: 1171 Location: terra incognita

Make sure that you always have some extra cash on hand for bribes if you open a school in Vietnam or Indo. Very Happy

tttompatz · Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2010 2:37 am Post subject:

Due to visa and foreign investment restrictions the best choice for opening an ESL/EFL school would be in your country of origin.

markcmc · Joined: 18 Jan 2010 Posts: 262 Location: Taiwan

I owned and ran a language school with partners for 8 years before selling my share. It's hard work, and remember that in some countries - like China - you are only allowed to own 49%. You would need a Chinese partner, and this partner controls everything.

So check the legal situation, and choose partners carefully - as I did.

markcmc · Joined: 18 Jan 2010 Posts: 262 Location: Taiwan

markcmc · Joined: 18 Jan 2010 Posts: 262 Location: Taiwan

scooby doo · Joined: 30 Oct 2009 Posts: 48

Listen to Justin, he has good advice...

markcmc · Joined: 18 Jan 2010 Posts: 262 Location: Taiwan

Scooby Doo - Where is your school? Are you still working at it?

scooby doo · Joined: 30 Oct 2009 Posts: 48

Indonesia. Still working; it's a bottomless pit. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining. In the long run it can be pretty rewarding professionally especially if you enjoy a steep learning curve.

formulaic · Joined: 03 May 2010 Posts: 7 Location: UK

Thanks for your thoughts.

Yes, it is not something to be considered lightly. The business I almost bought into was being run fairly successfully, but one partner wanted to return home, so it is this type of business that I would probably be on the look-out for in the near future.

For those who have taken the plunge thanks for your advice and I hope it continues to go well.

TwinCentre · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 273 Location: Mokotow

Hi there

I think bricks and mortar language schools are old hat and in today's saturated market, can be financial suicide.

I think it is better and more progressive to think more in terms of a 'training service' than a 'school'.

You don't need a large premises, but you can send teachers out to companies etc. They can be far more profitable.

I wrote this article a while ago about how to work towards setting up your own language training service, might help:

http://www.articlealley.com/article_1421977_63.html

gaijinalways · Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 2279

I seem to remember reading this before. The biggest problem is retaining students, so if you can manage that, then it should be 'easy' to slowly add more students and 'grow' your business. I did it in Hong Kong for a while, but when my local partner pulled out, my visa went with it.