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2012 “exceeded expectations” for Spanish language schools

Spanish schools in Spain saw an increase in student weeks and revenue in 2012 according to a survey by the Federacion de Escuelas de Español como Lengua Extranjera (FEDELE) – a peak language school association. Small and medium sized schools saw the most growth.
April 23 2013
2 Min Read

Spanish schools in Spain saw an increase in student weeks and revenue in 2012 according to a survey by the Federación de Escuelas de Español como Lengua Extranjera (FEDELE) – a peak language school association. Small and medium sized schools saw the most growth, driven mainly by student markets in Germany, the UK and Italy.

In the same survey from last year centres expected to maintain their level of operations. However taking into account reported student numbers and invoices, 2012 “slightly exceeded centres’ expectations” the report states.

“Results from the schools are very positive compared to the current economic situation of other sectors”

“In general we were surprised by the results,” Ana Cózar, director of FEDELE told The PIE News. “In Spain right now the social and economic climates are sometimes very pessimistic which can be transferred to schools but in terms of the survey, results from the schools are very positive compared to the current economic situation of other sectors in the country.”

FEDELE’s 88 members cater to around half of the overseas Spanish learners in Spain, and 50 schools responded to the survey. According to the figures, 48% of schools grew by at least 15%. Those in Andalucia saw the largest growth at 53,250 student weeks, up from 48,100 last year; followed by schools in Madrid, with 31,500 up from 25,200.

Almost half of the respondents (48%) classified themselves as “small schools” with between 0-1,500 student weeks per year, while 30% said they were medium sized with 1,500-3,000 weeks. “The schools that grew the most were small and medium sized schools while the large schools that responded to the survey have shown an overall trend of degrowth,” the report states.

The top five markets remained the same compared to last year led by Germany, then the UK, Italy, the USA and France. Schools also reported a boost in interest from Russia and a decrease from Denmark.

“No growth in certain markets has been compensated by growth in other markets like Russia and China,” said Cózar. “This year we’re focused on doing more to attract business from Russia, because its economy is allowing more students to act on an interest that was already there to come to Spain to study Spanish.”

“No growth in certain markets has been compensated by growth in other markets like Russia and China”

Schools said Spain’s image abroad was the external factor impacting their business most, above crises in source countries, visa processing and competition from non FEDELE members.

The report adds, “The image of instability and insecurity provokes uncertainty in parents and people with influence that they eventually decide not to send their children or students to our country.”

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