The International Association of Language Centres has 109 members, all of which are independent language schools that pass an accreditation process in order to be admitted to the association. Its annual workshop – held in Toronto this year – enables its members to conduct business meetings with education agents from around the world.

This year, 33 countries were represented by agent delegates, and delegates praised a highly professional, yet social, event. Four new school members also attended for the first time. Olga Bashkirova from People’s Friendship University in Russia was one of the first time agent attendees. She said, “This year I decided to try a different workshop and I liked it very much indeed.”

During an AGM held directly before the Workshop, in a ballot reminiscent of an Olympics bid, members voted for the 2014 location of the workshop (following next year’s location of Lisbon). With video presentations and three members clamouring for the right to host the workshop in their home city, Brisbane, Australia was victorious.

Tamwood Idol proved to be a popular diversion for delegates!

The 2012 event was hosted by Tamwood International, which has schools in Toronto, Vancouver and Whistler. The host school at IALC traditionally promotes its destination during the workshop, and Tamwood impressed delegates with a Canadian-themed evening that showcased Canadian exports maple syrup, ice hockey stars and frivolity – with a Tamwood Idol show being staged featuring delegates as the contestants in various global teams.

“The choice of venues, events and performances gave a snapshot of the diverse nature of this truly cosmopolitan, outgoing and welcoming Canadian city,” said a spokesperson for IALC, who promised more news was on its way, following a discussion on membership rules during the AGM. Watch this space.