Special Report: Language School Associations

One of the most significant advantages of association membership is collective advocacy. In Ireland, English Education Ireland (EEI) (formerly known as MEI) https://mei.ie plays a crucial role in addressing regulatory challenges. Aidan O’Shea, owner of The Linguaviva Centre in Dublin (EEI member for over 30 years), and Board Member of EEI, highlights the association’s impact: “There are currently numerous major policies and challenges facing the industry. EEI has played a key role in advocating for members, shaping policy, and representing the sector at a governmental level.”

Advocacy extends beyond individual associations. For example, Almir Krupic, Marketing Director at did deutsch-institut , which has been a member of German association FDSV since 2019, emphasizes their collaborative efforts. He explains, “Recently, we joined forces with other German associations that share similar interests, allowing us to present a united front. This collaboration has not only amplified our mission but has also led to meaningful conversations with key decision-makers.”

For schools in New Zealand, immigration policy has been a particular focus. Dr Josephine Do, Managing Director of Worldwide School of English , cites immigration policy as the most important way that the association English New Zealand (English NZ) ‘s lobbying and advocacy work directly impacted her school. The Auckland-based school has been a member of English New Zealand for over 20 years.

Networking opportunities are another important pillar of association membership. Barbara Jaeschke, Founder and Owner of GLS German Language School / IH Berlin , emphasizes the value of exchanging ideas: “Thanks to our membership of IALC, the exchange with other schools in Germany is much closer and more personal, and we exchange ideas with each other.” GLS has been a member of IALC – International Association of Language Centres (IALC) for over 30 years.

Staying connected and building communities of language schools plays a key role in being an association member.

GAELA meeting, ST Alphe UK 2024

James Stakenburg, Executive Director of the English Language Institute, Pace University, which has been a member of EnglishUSA for 10+ years says, “Through conferences, casual online Zoom meetups, board opportunities, etc., [being a member] has provided multiple opportunities to connect with other professionals in our field. We often pose issues on the discussion board and get responses from other schools; engaged people at our school use the conferences and professional opportunities to establish and strengthen relationships with other people in our industry.”

Professional development is another critical aspect of collaboration. Eleri Maitland, spokesperson for Groupement FLE , highlights the association’s approach: “Groupement FLE offers a rich and varied ongoing professional training program.” With events tailored for teachers and school directors, the association ensures members stay informed on key issues such as legislation and visas.

For other Groupement FLE members, training and collaboration are the things that really stand out about being part of the association. Manuela Guillem, Head of Studies at ALIP cites, “continuous improvement through highly constructive exchanges and regular training based on the needs of member schools, team sharing and support” as a main advantage, while Delphine Crevelle-Busson, Centre Manager of Bayswater Paris references staff CPD training and networking opportunities; Gilles Cappadoro, Co-Director of CMEF and Groupement FLE Président, is grateful for information, marketing, and knowledge; and Florence Gaudry, Training Coordinator at Accent Francais recognizes benefits such as “access to professional training, promotion of member centers, institutional partnerships, and the sharing of valuable resources”.

GAELA meeting, ST Alphe UK 2024

In New Zealand, Terry Leotta, Head of the English Language Centre at Auckland Institute of Studies, adds that networking, market intelligence, and market access have been the main ways in which English New Zealand membership has helped enhance the school’s global reach.

For many schools, association membership boosts visibility and credibility. Malika Bezzou, CEO of French in Normandy IH Rouen, highlights how associations provide critical support during challenging times: “For a school being a member of an association means that you can have more recognition of your activity, that you can benefit from different trainings for your staff, that you can have some help if needed.” French in Normandy IH Rouen is a member of Groupement FLE, International House World Organisation, and IALC.

Barbara also emphasizes the importance of quality assurance in associations. “The contacts to carefully selected agencies provided by IALC are particularly valuable. In addition, there is the exchange of experience with other schools and market companions.”

Despite their successes, associations face ongoing challenges. Many members highlight the need for greater recognition and expanded initiatives. Aidan notes, “Like all membership associations, we strive for more recognition nationally in convincing state bodies as to the importance and positive impact of our industry.”

Others comment on the need for innovation and expanded resources. Begoña Llovet, Director of TANDEM, Escuela Internacional in Madrid suggests that the future of language associations will likely focus on “more institutional contacts, more commercial activities, more networking, innovation in AI, and sustainability”. TANDEM has been a member of the Spanish language school association FEDELE – Español en España for 25 years.

Looking ahead, associations are setting ambitious goals to address the evolving needs of their members. For EEI, Aidan highlights a key initiative: “The TrustED mark and its associated fees and PEL costs are the main area to work on in the coming 12 months. This is a mark the industry has been waiting for a long time.” Meanwhile, for Begoña, certification and visa processes remain a top priority.

Language school associations are more than just support networks – they are advocates, collaborators, and quality guardians. Whether lobbying for policy changes, fostering global partnerships, or providing marketing opportunities, their work strengthens the industry and helps schools around the world navigate an increasingly complex environment.

Trend and Achievements

The post-pandemic landscape has seen a renewed appreciation for association membership and organizations continue to grow their membership numbers. Aidan notes an increase in membership: “With issues surrounding national quality marks, minimum rates of pay, and VAT, schools are realizing the importance of being an association member. This has definitely influenced numbers in the post-Covid period.”

Eleri also comments on membership growth in France. She says, “Groupement FLE continues to grow and welcome new members. Groupement FLE is not only the largest association of schools in France but also the most active in voicing the issues and concerns of language schools with the appropriate authorities.”

In Spain, associations have worked directly with government ministries. Begoña says that a recent achievement of Spanish language school associations has been getting more study visas through concrete actions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Education in the country.