IALC 25th Anniversary Workshop

Munich, 24-27 April, 2008
Hosted by BWS Germanlingua

Agents join IALC in Munich for 25th Anniversary Workshop with musical theme

Some 148 invited agents from 33 countries joined IALC for a special XXV Anniversary Workshop in Munich from 24 - 27 April 2008, hosted by German language school and IALC member BWS Germanlingua. The Workshop buzzed with activity throughout the two days, as agents and schools discussed new language programmes and trends, and formed and cemented partnerships in what looks set to be another good year for study travel. The evening parties, which captured the essence of the host city, reflected the passion for music of BWS Director Florian Meierhofer.

The Welcome Reception in the Hofbräukeller was informal and fun - a lively Bavarian Bierfest with singing, dancing and hearty German food and beer. For the Host Party, BWS Germanlingua provided a wonderful international buffet with entertainment by a jazz singer in the school's historic building and courtyard. The 25th Anniversary IALC Gala Dinner at Fürstenfeld Monastery began with a classical choral performance conducted by Martin Zöbeley in an awe-inspiring baroque church and ended with a disco that lasted long into the night. But the musical highlight for many was the unexpected a cappella birthday song for IALC, composed and performed by the host and friends.

During the gala dinner, new IALC President Walter Denz paid tribute to Renato Borges de Sousa, co-founder of IALC, who was elected Honorary Life President of IALC at the association's AGM on 24 April. Other VIPS invited to share the 25-year celebrations in Fürstenfeld were Mary Towers (Language Centre of Ireland), Klaus Vetter (Studiosus) and James Swift (LAL). Over €5050 was raised for the charity Children In Need, consisting of individual donations by gala dinner guests and a matching cheque from James Swift.

Attending her first IALC Workshop as a member, Sarah Greatorex of Colchester English Study Centre said: "A superb workshop, where everything ran very smoothly. Both the arrangements for the working day and the entertainment were of the highest quality. Munich is a most beautiful city, which I did not know before. I have thoroughly enjoyed my first workshop, and I am sure it will be professionally useful to me."

Florian Meierhofer adds: "I am proud having had the occasion to do this for IALC, as these are just wonderful people. The IALC personal atmosphere also fits very well with the personal atmosphere we want to create in our schools."