I've decided it's time for me to do what my Beyond English students have been doing - improve my foreign language skills. So I've got a new job where I need to speak Japanese with colleagues and customers. It's given me a renewed appreciation of the importance of practice and study when learning a new language. And a renewed respect for Beyond English students who come to lessons every week and do their homework every week, sometimes for years.

I want to thank you all - students and colleagues alike - for your diligence and enthusiasm. I am staying in Sapporo and I hope we will meet up again some day.