Aeon

Aeon (株式会社イーオン, Kabushiki-gaisha 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^{[citation needed]} 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 in English, 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 was split into two divisions. Aki became the head of AMVIC Gaigogakuin (AMVIC　外語学院), which provided foreign language training for students. Kusunoki assumed 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 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

• Language education
• Eikaiwa
• GEOS
• ECC
• Nova
• Gaba Corporation

References

External links

• Aeon official site
• General Union - Aeon Branch

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