Valerie has been Director of Academic Programmes at Chaucer College since 1994. She has a PhD from University of Kent and an MA in TEFL from the University of Readin. However, her first degree was in Geography from the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. She has always loved travelling and spent nearly five years in Japan between 1976 and 1981. In addition to four years’ Business English teaching in the U.K. on her return from Japan, her other experience has been working on educational aid projects in Africa, and she co-teaches Development Studies at Chaucer College. Her hobbies in Canterbury are walking, gardening, music and cricket.
Valerie says
"I feel very proud of Chaucer College and what we have achieved here since I arrived in 1993. Over this period we have developed a very stimulating and balanced programme for the Shumei University students as well as achieving considerable success with the Foundation Course and University of Kent Certificate Programme. We have a very talented and interesting team of teachers who each offer something of their own experience. I am always sad to see students leave, but really enjoy it when they come back to visit Chaucer College later and say how much they enjoyed it."

Chris Madeley has taught at Chaucer College Canterbury since April 1998. In addition to teaching, he has been administrator of the IELTS Test Centre at the College since 2001. The IELTS Test is an English language test for people who want to work or study in an English speaking country, for example as a student at a British university, and around 800 people take the IELTS Test each year at Chaucer College Canterbury. Chris has a Masters degree in teaching English as a foreign language from the University of Reading, and a Masters degree in Japanese modern history, society and language from the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies. He has given presentations and written a number of papers about the history of Anglo-Japanese business relations during the twentieth century, with particular reference to the motor vehicle industry. These have been published in English and Japanese, notably in Nichi Ei Koryushi 4: Keizai, published by the University of Tokyo Press (2001). Chris has lived in France for two years and in Japan for eleven years, and in addition to writing and research he enjoys swimming, gardening and travel in his spare time.
Chris says
"I hope our students will take full advantage of living and studying in another country, and return to Japan with a fresh and wider view of the world."

Madeline has been teaching at Chaucer College since 1996. She teaches Sociology on the Foundation Course and is responsible for the Homestay programme. Together with Tony she is involved in cooking Japanese food for the famous Chaucer Open Evening. She has a degree in Russian Studies from the University of Sussex and a Diploma in English Language Teaching. Madeline has spent long periods living abroad, as a student in Zagreb, Croatia and five years as a teacher and traveller in Brazil. Back in London she taught a wide range of students, particularly business people and lawyers. She has a son - Gregory, two dogs - Ron and Stan and a cat - Tigger . Her interests are walking by the sea and in the countryside with her dogs, gardening and this year she hopes to learn to sail.
Madeline says
"Running the homestay programme is very satisfying. It helps students to get to know English families, and is a valuable opportunity to practise their English and to see how we live here in England. Many of our students make strong friendships with their families, keep in touch, and even come back to visit them long after their return to Japan".

Claire has been teaching at Chaucer College since 1999 and is presently Co-ordinator of the Management and Governance Programme. She has an MA in Applied Linguistics from the University of Surrey. Claire previously spent 15 years in Africa where she was involved in science education and the provision of English language support to Japanese personnel working with JICA and JOCV. At Chaucer College, Claire teaches General English and Development Studies. Her recreational interests include golf, horse riding and bird watching.

Tony has been teaching at Chaucer College since 1997. Before that he lived and worked in Japan for 11 years, teaching at a number of Japanese universities in and around Tokyo including Nihon University and Keio University. He also spent time teaching English to trainee diplomats at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Gaimshyo). He has a BA in Geography from Lancaster University and a Diploma in TEFL which he obtained whilst working in Japan. At Chaucer College he teaches Regional Studies on the Foundation Course and is the sports coordinator, responsible for organising the annual Chaucer College sports day. During the open evenings he puts on his chef’s hat and organises the food preparation for all the guests. His hobbies are cycling, swimming, photography and he is also very keen on travelling abroad whenever he can. He is married with two daughters called Helen Naomi and Rosie Hana.
Tony says
"I spent 11 wonderful years living in Japan and have fond memories of my experience. I love Japanese food especially sushi (Uni and Chu Toro) and Udon, and cook it at home whenever I can."

After graduating in English and History of Art, I left to work at the American College in Athens, Greece where I specialized in teaching Cambridge Examinations. While I was there I began to teach at the British Council, where I was an examiner for the Proficiency and First Certificate. I moved to Cairo, Egypt where I taught at the American University.My next job was at the British Council Dhaka Bangladesh where I taught post graduates who were hoping to study in Great Britain and I was also an IELTS examiner. I also did the same work in my next job at the British Council in Dar es Salaam Tanzania. Since returning to Great Britain I have worked at Chaucer College. I have also taught at the University of Kent.
Angela says
"Chaucer College is a positive experience for our students and I enjoy seeing their development over the year. They grow in maturity and confidence when they return to Japan. I think their experience at Chaucer College helps them to develop both academically and personally".

Richard has taught at Chaucer College since 1999. He has a BA in Literature and French and the RSA Diploma in Teaching English. Before coming to Chaucer, Richard taught in Shumei Kawagoe High School and was the Assistant Director of Studies in Shumei Eiko High School. As well as Japan, Richard has taught in France, Spain, Finland, Abu Dhabi and Oman. He has always enjoyed travelling and has visited many other countries. His other hobbies are swimming, walking, the theatre and visiting art galleries.
Richard says
"I enjoyed teaching in Japan and have enjoyed the five years I have been working in Chaucer College Canterbury. The students always find studying in a foreign country a little daunting, but they apply themselves well to the challenge and it is rewarding to see them maturing and coping with the demands of foreign study."

Sally has a BA in English Literature and Drama, a teaching certificate in English and TEFL, and an MEd in TEFL and Educational Technology. She has previously worked in Spain, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Turkey. She first worked at Chaucer College in 1994, and returned to the college after six years in a Hong Kong secondary school. Sally teaches reading skills and Computer Assisted Language Learning. Her hobbies are reading, writing and the Arts

Paul is the Network Administrator and IT Tutor at Chaucer College. He started at the college in January 2003 while still studying at the University of Kent and became full time in September 2004 when he took over the role of IT Tutor. He has a degree in Computing and Business Administration. As well as looking after the computer equipment at Chaucer, Paul also teaches the majority of the students the CLAIT computer course. At the end of the course the students take a UK recognised exam issued by the Oxford, Cambridge and Royal Society of Arts (OCR) Examination board. His hobbies are running, music and managing a local football team.
Paul says
"I really enjoy teaching the students at Chaucer College and working in the wonderful surroundings that we have here. Our computer facilities for the students are fantastic, with a large number of new college computers available and a wireless network covering the whole campus enabling them to access the Internet from their laptops in their bedrooms, the classrooms and other areas such as the library."

Ann has a degree in English and American Studies and a diploma in teaching English as a Foreign Language. She has taught English for many years, abroad in Sweden and Greece, and in private language schools in Canterbury and Rochester. Her hobbies are cooking (Ann teaches Cooking option at Chaucer College) gardening, travel, the cinema and rugby.
Ann says
" I have only been at Chaucer College since 2004 but I have really enjoyed it. I love the campus and the countryside around here and everyone is very friendly. Over the ten months you really get to know the students and it's lovely to see them get used to England and to enjoy life here. I like finding out more about Japan too and now I'm trying to learn Japanese."

Rachel has been a teacher at Chaucer College since 2003. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Canada and CELTA from St. Giles College, London. She is originally from Canada but has lived and worked in the UK, Africa, Central Asia and has travelled extensively in Europe, the former Soviet Union, Africa and South America. She teaches Regional Studies at Chaucer College. Her hobbies in Canterbury are running, cycling, walking and dancing.
Rachel says
" At Chaucer College, students will not only improve their English, but they will make new friends and visit new places. Living in a foreign country is not always easy but it is perhaps one of the most memorable experiences a student will have."

Carol-Ann has been with Chaucer College since 2003. She has a BA in Social Anthropology from the University of Kent and a CELTA from Embassy CES, Cambridge. During her time as an EFL teacher, Carol-Ann has worked in various schools and colleges in Cambridge and Canterbury and spent time as an English support and proof reader for the University of Kassel in Witzenhausen, Germany. Her interests are horticulture, foreign films and walking. She also enjoys travel and has ventured throughout Europe, North Africa and Southern India.
Carol-Ann says
" One of the most rewarding things about being at Chaucer is seeing the students develop their skills both academically and socially. It's an opportunity for students to totally immerse themselves in British culture and study in a supportive and enriching environment."

Julie started teaching at Chaucer College in spring 2004. After graduating from Lancaster University with a B.A in Humanities, her teaching work took her initially to Greece. Julie then settled in Japan where she lived for eleven years. During that time Julie worked in central Tokyo as a Director of a Language School. After gaining a Diploma in TEFL she then went on to work at various places teaching English; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Gaimshyo) and Sagami Ono Women’s University for example. Julie works mainly with the lowest level class at Chaucer. This is something finds very rewarding (hopefully the students do too!) She is a mother to two little girls and is also a fully qualified swimming instructor.Julie is also keen on sports. She introduced and runs the swimming option at Chaucer College which has been very successful. Last year she ran the London Marathon for charity.
Julie says
" I really believe students will do well at Chaucer College and enjoy their time in England. The teachers here are excellent and we are all committed to helping students get the most out of this course."

Stephen has recently joined the staff of Chaucer College as a language tutor, having spent the last six years in management and teaching at a language school in east Kent. He lived and worked in Tokyo for five years, from 1985 to 1990. On his return to England he studied for an MA in ELT at the University of Warwick. Stephen lives in Ramsgate and has two daughters. He plays the piano and enjoys cycling when the weather is fine.
Stephen says
" I am very happy to be working at Chaucer College. The five years I spent in Japan was an important period in my life, and the memories of the people, the culture and the country will always stay with me."

Richard obtained a BA Joint Honours in Spanish and Italian, a DELTA and a Post-Graduate Diploma in teaching English to speakers of other languages. He worked as an English teacher in Poland for four years before coming to Chaucer College.
Richard’s hobbies are cycling, playing football and going to the gym.