English around the world (and behind the scenes) by David Newby

During my 47 years of language teaching I have had the privilege to work in 31 different countries. My professional experiences have constantly been accompanied by humorous and in some cases dramatic events.

My talk will consist entirely of anecdotes – humorous (toasting ceremonies), embarrassing (underwear), socio-political-historical (I was there as it happened!), problematic (toilets), alcoholic (rectors), dramatic (assassination attempt) etc. - and plenty of photos of nice places (Chile, Japan, Kuwait, Egypt etc.).

There will also be extensive name dropping (one king, one sheikh, one crown prince, one cardinal, a few ministers of education, loads of rectors).

There will be at least one anecdote from the following countries:

Albania, Armenia, Austria, Bosnia/Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lithuania, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, UK

Warning: people of a serious disposition who expect to learn something about developments in language teaching or improve their intercultural awareness will be disappointed, so don’t bother coming.