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 Benesse Corporation (hereafter referred to as Benesse; head office: Okayama), Japan Travel Bureau, Inc. (hereafter referred to as JTB; head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) and Berlitz Japan, Inc. (hereafter referred to as Berlitz; head office: Minato-ku, Tokyo) have agreed to form an alliance in the field of support services for junior and senior high schools.

The new educational curriculum due to be introduced in junior high schools from April 2002 and in senior high schools from April 2003 is intended to revolutionize quality in English language education by developing practical communication skills. Furthermore, against a backdrop of falling birth rates, competition for survival among schools is intensifying as schools strive to develop distinctive features. At the same time, schools are being increasingly called upon to step up their response to internationalization, mainly through foreign language education.

The three parties to this alliance intend to offer schools the necessary products and services to respond to an international age by fusing content and know-how drawn from their respective fields of expertise. In doing so, they will jointly develop comprehensive language study programs featuring English conversation lessons and study materials that offer students both instruction and feedback.

As the first step, the three companies will launch an international education support business in spring 2001, with operations focusing on a combination of study materials, English proficiency tests, native teacher placement services, overseas school trips and language courses, and "home stay " programs.


[Business Activities Under the Alliance]

- Joint development of a new brand in the field of products and services supporting the internationalization and language education in schools

- Integrated management support services for junior and senior high schools

1) Consulting on issues such as school management and curriculum design as relates to education for the promotion of international understanding
2) Development and supply of English language study and assessment materials
3) Placement of native-speaking English teachers and teacher training
4) Development and provision of unique programs such as overseas school trips, overseas language courses, "home stay " programs and longer-term study abroad programs

[Respective Roles of Benesse, JTB and Berlitz]

- Benesse
Consulting and the development and provision of study and test materials based on the company's experience in the educational support business.

- JTB
Development and provision of travel and study programs based on the company's track record in the field of school trips and language courses.

- Berlitz
Placement of English teachers and teacher training based on the company's track record in the placement of native-speaking teachers and the establishment of language courses.

[Planned Timetable for Alliance Operations]

- November 2000
Agreement to form business alliance

- January 2001
Announcement of the new brand, products and services, and the start of marketing activities

- April 2001 (start of new school term)
Provision of new products and services