IALC is 40 Years Old!

31 Januar 2023

IALC is 40 Years Old!

2023 is the year that IALC, the International Association of Language Centres turns 40 years old! It’s amazing to see how this organisation has grown over the years from just 8 language schools to around 140 year-round schools and summer centres today.

Back in 1983, the first IALC meeting was held by 8 language schools, of which CIAL is still a member today. 8 intrepid language schools agreeing to pool their resources and experience to create a greater presence within the study travel language industry. Since then, the association has gone from strength to strength, evolving from humble beginnings to become an industry leader and innovator.

The current owner of CIAL, Alexandra Borges de Sousa, and IALC Treasurer has this to say about IALC.

“IALC is much more than an affiliation or a marketing organization.
It is a true community where schools, agents and other stakeholders willingly share knowledge, expertise and set best practices across the industry. This is the secret behind IALC’s 40 years-long success.
On a business level, being a member of IALC from the beginning has helped CIAL grow and proudly stand side by side with the best language schools in the world. For me, personally, it has been one of the great experiences of my life, learning from peers, forging friendships, some going back for decades, and always challenging me to do more and better.”

IALC has championed quality standards of both schools and agents from the start and it continues to do so through its school inspections as well as its IALC Approved Agency scheme. Behind every decision made is the best interests of the student and their learning experience.

IALC President and President of CES North America Robin Adams says 

“The legacy and understanding of the spirit of IALC continue to guide both the Board and the Secretariat of IALC. We can be proud to state that despite the difficulties of the pandemic, IALC has made strides in the main pillars of Marketing, Membership, and Quality Assurance.”

This focus on quality and student welfare has brought well deserved success and recognition. A StudyTravel Superstar since 2018, the Association now boasts approximately 140 year-round schools and summer centres teaching a total of 10 languages in 20 countries around the world. Collectively our members offer 1000s of courses ranging from general language courses to language plus, pathways, exam preparation, vocational, volunteer, cultural programmes and many more.

For David Sampere, of France langue, it seems that IALC has been with him his whole life!

“IALC has been part of my entire life, even before knowing what it really was. IALC was part of my education with the language programs in Canada, the UK and the USA.
The language learning industry is based on the sharing of culture and learning experiences and empathy between people from all over the world. This was the founding ethos of IALC and remains at the heart of the association. The only difference now is that the advances in technology has changed the channels of communication.”

Our Mission

· To be a dynamic community of language centres delivering high-quality learning experiences worldwide

Our Vision

· To be the leading association for the learning of languages abroad to enhance global communication and understanding

Our Values

· Learning: this is our service to students and our own philosophy

· Dynamism: we are responsive, competitive and open to change

· Trust: we aim to instil and inspire trust through our service and ethics

· Quality: this is the hallmark of IALC language schools

· Global community: we foster international understanding and collaborate and share across the world

Our mission, vision and values reflect the commitment of all members to language education and international understanding.

It’s been a fantastic 40 years, though not without its challenges, and we are looking forward to many more! Celebrate with us at the 2023 IALC Workshop in Dublin this year!

Visit www.ialc.org/dublin/ to find out more, watch videos of past events, read our agent testimonials and to apply for the 2023 IALC Workshop in Dublin!

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