Growing from 5 to 15 members representing over 11 countries including the Netherlands, Georgia, Slovenia, Poland and Denmark, the only European-wide agent association met for its second annual AGM in London this month to discuss the group’s future development and membership benefits.

EAQA monitors standards across its fast growing membership using business license reviews, reference calls and mystery shopping.

Over 20 agents were present to feedback on current benefits including free training courses, professional development webinars and the quality stamp member agencies receive as a show of credibility to potential customers and partners.

“It (the quality stamp’) certifies the fact that they meet the requirements for EAQA membership, which means that among the fast growing numbers of European agencies, they are recognized as ones that have experience and a good reputation on the market” explained Matej Benus, Secretary of EAQA.

EAQA monitors standards across its fast growing membership using business license reviews, reference calls and mystery shopping.

With six additional agencies completing the EAQA application process and a further 20 waiting in the pipeline to start the application process, the group’s growth rate looks set to increase.

“As a group of quality agencies, we can do more than individual agencies and have greater influence in matters such as destination and local governments, EU commission, media, schools and many others,” said Adela Makashi, Chair of the Association.

EAQA will hold another meeting at ICEF Berlin in early November this year.

The two-year-old association was set up in July 2011 by three founding companies; ANDE-LM, DonStream and Student Marketing Ltd, with an aim “to help education abroad industry development, support high quality standards and represent interests of its members.”