Name: 柯似海 (Chris)

Born: Manchester, UK. Don't ask me my star sign. Virgos don't believe in astrology.

Previous homes: Bath, UK; Berlin, Germany; Perth, Australia; San Diego, California

Education: BSc in Computer Science, for all the good it did.

Previous jobs: Painting Contractor (own business), Sales Trainer (telecommunications), Development Coordinator (fundraiser, hi-tech)

In Taiwan since: 2002. I came for a six-month visit and am still here!

Teaching experience: More than 6000 hours classroom experience in high schools and university/adult classes in Taiwan. Six years of IELTS & TOEFL preparation. Classes at over 50 companies teaching all aspects of general and business English.

Current jobs: Training Provider, Enspyre; Creative Director, Star Translations; Language Teacher, Elite Language School; Lecturer, National Taipei University; Lecturer, National Taiwan Normal University.

Specialities: Task-focused language teaching such as report writing, presentation skills, exam preparation; professional and life-skills such as sales training, problem-solving; motivational and team-building activities.

Hobbies: Work, Sailing, Taiji, Swimming, Reading

Other interests: Social issues, particularly the impact of technology

Home: I'm renovating an old house in Xindian, Taipei

Family: Single. One dog. No children.