She has been teaching English at university level since 2007, and prior to that she worked within the private language school sector as an English teacher, teacher trainer and Director of Studies. Before settling in Japan, she designed and taught a range of English courses in Australia, England and Italy. She holds a Master of Education (TESOL) and is currently writing her dissertation for a Ph.D. at Charles Sturt University, Australia. Her dissertation examines Japanese studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; independent language learning practices, and explores the impact that introducing students to online tools in their formal education can have on what they do outside of class.