Language schools in Germany that cater to international students have the chance to have their courses reviewed in line with European Standard for Language-Study Tour Providers criteria for the first time, according to FDSV, the Association of German Language Travel.
“Germany’s strong economy is attracting many language learners”
As members, schools also have a new platform where they can cooperate with colleagues and discuss business strategy, thanks to the association opening up its membership to include “Incoming” language providers earlier this year.
“So far, language schools in Germany, which bring international students to Germany, had virtually no opportunity to have the courses and programs reviewed according to the criteria of the European Standard for Language-Study Tour Providers (DIN EN 14804),” reported Peter Schuto, first chairman of the association.
“Now, anyone from around the world, whether students or professionals, can count on the quality pledge that our members make through our standards.”
The association’s website has been available in English and German since October.
“The more members we are, [the] more attention we get in the industry,” FDSV managing director Julia Richter said, as the membership grew by four, to a total of 33 – the highest number since FDSV was founded.
The new schools include BWS Germanlingua with schools in Munich, Cologne and Berlin, did deutsch-institut, with centres in Frankfurt, Berlin, Hamburg and Munich, F + U Academy of Languages with schools in Heidelberg and Berlin as well as the language institute TREFFPUNKT in Bamberg.
“There is a great demand for students seeking German language tuition,” Richter continued. “Germany’s strong economy is attracting many language learners, as you need good language knowledge for job opportunities.”
It was a natural progression to admit “Incoming” providers into FDSV, she added.
“There was no existing association for the inbound market. The numbers of students studying German in Germany is growing constantly and language providers would like to have a platform to exchange ideas, to extend the business, to have quality proof and to cooperate closer together.
“FDSV was already comprised of several members engaged in outbound and inbound business, it was a logical step to extend the activities of the association.”
Customers booking through FDSV members are guaranteed quality through the association’s Quality Seal, as well as the “Language-Stay-Finder” that FDSV offers on its website.
Booking a language trip through a FDSV member also provides practical tips on financial support, recognition of educational leave and other aspects, according to FDSV.
