Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[AbFab]

I am in the process of setting up an English language program, predominantly for the Japanese market.

I am an experienced EFL teacher, with good Japanese (graduate) and a strong command of the language in my 'adopted' country, France.

Can you advise me as to whether you think that Japanese adult students (and maybe their student children) would enjoy a holiday in a well-featured holiday destination?

Their days would be split between sightseeing and English classes, the mornings in class and the afternoon relaxing and seeing the sites of the region, trying the cuisine and wine-tasting.

The courses would be aimed at a specific level, each for a one week holiday and classes would consist of no more than 6 students.

Any suggestions? Hints? Constructive comments? Marketing ideas?

What would be your budget for this type of holiday? (in Euro's/Yen please)

I am about to contact all my old contacts in Japan for more marketing ideas. The start date will be in early June and will run each year until mid-September.

Thanks!

AbFab
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Ab Fab

[Bob S.]

You might want to compare what you are offering to what is offered by existing EFL programs such as Kaplan (http://www.kaptest.com/intl_home.jhtml). They charge $200-300 per week for 4-5 hours of class per day with homestay. Material is extra, as is food (except what is covered by your homestay family), entertainment, transportation, and so on. And the classes can be large. If you offer smaller classes with more personal instruction, you can probably charge a bit more.

I know from my own experience that Japanese traveling abroad typically like to have a well thought out itinerary that spells out what they will do day-by-day that they can rely on. If you plan extra-curricular activites, have them scheduled beforehand and include the cost in the overall package price offered.

I see one big hurdle for you though: if a person wants to go surfing, they don't typically book a vacation to Montana. I can't see a large interest in ESL students wanting to go to France to learn English. They typically go to Canada, New Zealand, Australia, G.B., U.S., etc. If you could base your program across the Channel in England, you might get a better response. Or have an intensive study program in London followed by a several-day tour of London and Paris, that might be fun. Just something to think about.