Universal English Academy Kailua-Kona Hawaii
Culture * Nature * Communication * Education * Adventure
The Big Island of Hawaii's Vacation-Study Program
Universal English Academy
75-167 Kalani St Suite 203 Kailua-Kona, Hi 96740
808-325-0227
Staff Introductions
Noriko Carter handles all of the communications with our Japanese students and makes lunches, drives and participates in the overall smooth operation of our programs.
She was born in Saitama, Japan and met Matt in Honolulu in 1995. She is an active Hula dancer, a great cook, and a professionally trained artist.
Even though she enjoys her life in Hawaii she is always interested to hear "what's new" in Japan and to follow the various TV Dramas that are popular.
Makiko Alspach came to Hawaii on a cultural visa many years ago and fell in love in Hawaii. She does marketing work and other support projects as well as offering the guesthouse.
She is an avid Lau Hala weaver, a Kona coffee Farmer, a Taiko Drummer,,,and has many interests and hobbies as well as a wide collection of friends.
Last year (2007) she won the Kona Coffee cooking contest (desert category) for her Kona Coffee pudding. She also works part time at the Ucihda coffee farm.
Owner / Teacher, Matt Carter, brings over 20 years of teaching experience to the classroom, with a unique slant. Born and raised in California, Matt spent many years overseas, teaching, working, travelling, and understanding the human mind and the process of learning.
Matt spent many years living and teaching in Japan. His love of Japan continues to this day but it was in Hawaii that he found his voice. Matt says that all of the pieces came together here in Hawaii and that his ability to become a bridge between cultures was nothing short of a calling.
Now Matt and his wife Noriko raise their 3 children in Kona and are dedicated to a positive and uplifting policy of personal growth, expanded consciousness, and life-long learning.
Matt enjoys in his free-time music (Piano, guitar, ukulele) Cooking, and spending time with his family.
Read Matt's Aloha letter here.