Barry, Oxfordshire, England

Your teacher

Barry taught English as second language for 15 years in Japan. For 12 of those he ran his own popular language school which taught pupils from aged 4 to 80 years old. Since his return to the UK in 2012 he has been working in schools teaching computing as well as regularly hosting students. He has taught learners from zero to advanced. His experience covers a wide range of language skills from general conversation to TOEIC and up to high level business. He makes bespoke lessons relevant for each learner, and takes time to understand their needs and uses technology effectively to deliver engaging lessons, which focus on the learner speaking. Barry lives with his wife Yoko and their two children Cailan and Ewan.

Your Hosts

Barry and Yoko met and married in Japan. Both Ewan and Cailan were born in Japan and have a keen interest in all things Japanese. Both Barry and Yoko enjoy healthy cooking and regularly eat Japanese, Asian foods and of course traditional English dishes.

Barry used to be a chef many years ago and enjoys cooking and has recently started baking bread. We regularly makes gluten-free and dairy-free meals. Barry is an active member of local business networking groups which offers a great opportunity for students to come along and see what the amazing business world of Oxford looks like. He also hosts a monthly philosophy group which you would be more than welcome to pop along and try your hand at.

Cailan
He attends a Science and Computing college and has a part time job. He likes Manga comics and animation as well as reading.

Yoko
She works in accounting and her hobbies include exercise and learning languages. Yoko also hosts a a bi-monthly group where people from many nationalities attend and share interests.

Ewan
He attends a secondary school and enjoys sports and playing FIFA.

The home

A typical red brick semi-detached house with 4 bedrooms. We live on a working farm and our home is surrounded by fields with lovely views of the countryside with some spectacular sunrises & sunsets. The student’s room is on the ground floor. We do not have a TV in the house, but at weekends we roll out the projector and watch films together.

Location

We live within 10 minutes of the centre of Oxford. The city is known worldwide as the home of the University of Oxford, the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Buildings in Oxford demonstrate notable examples of every English architectural period since the late Saxon period. It is a beautiful city steeped in art, science and history. The city has several museums as well as the oldest established museum in the world. Due to the beautiful surroundings Oxford has been used in films and TV series most notability Harry Potter and many tours are available depending on your interest.

Many stately homes are a short drive. Nearby is Blenheim palace, which is one of England’s largest houses, was built between 1705 and 1722, and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. On Oxford’s door step are the Cotswolds, this quintessential British country side is world famous people come from all over the world to visit the lovely little villages and beautiful gardens. You can also get some wonderful arts and crafts in some of the villages. London is less than an hour away by bus which run every 20 minutes and have free WiFi. We can highly recommend the London Bus Tours which is great value for money and takes in all of the sites of London. There are many walking trails in and around our home which take in some stunning landscape and some glorious views. There are many rural pubs most of which serve delicious meals and the menus are varied.

Other details

Wifi available, smokers not accepted, garden.

Local amenities

Golf, Tennis, Swimming, Horse Riding, Water Sports, Sports Centre, Museums, University Campus, Palaces.