Q1. What is your name?

A. ''Sam'' Swearingen.

Q2. Where are you originally from?

A. San Diego, California.

Q3. How long have you been in Japan?

A. 6 years.


Q4. Tell me about your business in Japan.

A. When I started this business I wanted it to be a little different than the usual ''Eikaiwa''. What makes Serpentine Fire different than most English Conversation Schools is 1. The way we treat our students, 2. The staff and 3. Most importantly the STUDENTS themselves. We teach adults as well as children. We have over 265students. Our students aren't just students they are also our friends. We know every student and in many cases we know their families too. It's like one big happy family here. We not only study together, we travel together, we party together, we often times eat together. Every year we sponsor a trip abroad. Last year we went to Alaska and this year we are going to Australia. We think birthdays are important so we celebrate EVERY students birthday and quite often the staff and students get together and go out eating and drinking. I think it's important for the students to have the opportunity to use what they learn in the classroom, in a real life social setting.

Our adult students look forward to their lessons, because they know that when they come here they can truly relax and feel at home because of the atmosphere we have created. They are allowed to smoke and we serve many types of complementary refreshments from tea and coffee to soft drinks to beer, wine and many other types of drinks and if we don't have what you like just let us know and we will get it for you.

We teach children of all ages. I feel that it's never too early to start learning a new language in fact, research suggests that children who speak a second language may be better prepared for future education challenges. Serpentine Fire Cool Kids, uses our years of instructional experience and applies them to the unique needs of younger students. The programs use a variety of songs, games, and crafts to keep the child engaged.

Q5. Why did you start your own business in Japan?

A. I originally came to Japan for a three month holiday by myself and I feel in love with this country. After three months I went back home and informed my husband, family and friends that I would be returning to Japan. They all thought I was crazy. I came back 10 days later without my husband. In order to stay in this country I had to get a job or start my own school so I did both. My husband quit his job and joined me 10 months later and we love teaching and meeting new people. We love our life here.

Q6. Any funny stories about your business in Japan?

A. Living in a country other than your own, there is always something that happens that when you look back on it is pretty funny. But I can't think of anything at the moment.

Q7. Good part or bad part about doing business in Japan?

A. The good part I think is obvious, I get to meet sooooooooo many cool people. The bad part about doing business is my own fault, because I don't speak Japanese well. I think that it’s very important that any foreign business owner in this country should be able to speak the language. I'm studying Japanese and it's really difficult but I do enjoy my lessons. We’ve overcome many challenges as a foreigner in this country but they were all worth it.

Q8. Any advice for people who want to start a business in Japan?

A. GO FOR IT! Learn the language. Don't be afraid to ask for help and no matter how frustrating things get
just shake it off and don't give up. I'd like to take this time and thank two of the kindest people I know because if it had not been for their help, I probably would not be in Japan today. They also own one of the largest English schools in this Country. Thank you Mark and Yuka Smith for all your help, patience and understanding.

Q9. What are your goals for your business for 2006?

A. Well, we are working on a big project involving kids, but I really can't discuss it ET.

Q10. Message to WhyNot!? users!

A. WhyNot sponsors lots of events, GO to all of them. It's a great way to meet different people from different backgrounds and cultures. Always keep and open mind, treat everyone with respect and most of all don't be afraid to follow your dreams.