Aeon (eikaiwa): Difference between revisions
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Revision as of 22:47, 3 March 2008
AEON (イーオン, iion, from the Greek word for "eternity") is a chain of English conversation teaching companies[1], in and is considered one of the Big Four eikaiwa schools in Japan [2]. The company operates about 300 branch schools throughout Japan and recruits teachers from offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City, Toronto, and Sydney and conducts regular recruitment sessions in other major cities in The United States, Canada, Australia, and The United Kingdom [3]. Although it shares a nearly identical name, AEON is not affiliated with the Aeon Group, a major Japanese retail and financial services corporation.
History
In 1973, roommates Kiyoshi Aki and Tsuneo Kusunoki founded the company AMVIC, an acronym of the phrase, "for AMbition and VICtory." The company would focus on foreign language studies.
Later, AMVIC International would be split into two divisions. Aki became the head of AMVIC Gaigogakuin (AMVIC 外語学院), which provided foreign language training for students. Kusunoki would assume control of the AMVIC Eikaiwa (AMVIC 英会話), which specialized in English language education for non-native speakers. In 1989, Kusunoki's branch of AMVIC International entered negotiations with Warner Pacific College to assume control of 49% of its physical plant for $6 million, a 30-year lease on the schools facilities, and a seat as a regent of the school.[4]
Not long after, AMVIC International would split into two separate companies, as the former partners developed differing visions of the company's future. Aki went on to create AEON, focusing on language learning in Japan[citation needed]. Aki remains AEON's President as of 2008. Kusunoki created GEOS [citation needed], focusing on global language learning with focus on English language education. GEOS and AEON remain competitors.
Company structure
AEON's corporate headquarters are in Okayama, which is also home to the teacher training center for AEON West Japan.
AEON has three types of schools, known as types "A", "B", and "C". "A" schools accept only adult students, defined as people of high school age or older. "B" schools accept both adult and child students. "C" schools accept only child students. AEON operates its own dedicated children's schools under the name of "Amity".
See also
References
- ^ Seargeant, Philip (2005). "More English than England itself": the simulation of authenticity in foreign language practice in Japan. International Journal of Applied Linguistics. pp. 326–345. doi:10.1111/j.1473-4192.2005.00094.x.
- ^ "'Eikaiwa' vets look beyond Big Four". Japan Times. July 31, 2007. Retrieved 2007-08-12.
- ^ "AEONet Hompage". AEON. Aug 14, 2007. Retrieved 2007-08-12.
- ^
"Japan's Search for U.S. Colleges". Time Magazine. Jan. 23, 1989. Retrieved 2007-08-12.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help)
External links
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