IALC is excited to announce that GoAcademy! has joined the Association this month.
We would like to give a warm welcome to our newly accredited learn German in Düsseldorf language school GoAcademy!
Established in 1990, GoAcademy! is a premier independent language school offering German courses online and in Düsseldorf and we spoke to Michael Rönitz, CEO and Founder of GoAcademy! to find out more:
Q. What does it mean to you to join IALC?
It means a lot! IALC purely focuses on quality language training and this is exactly what we believe in. It's great to be associated with the best language schools in the world where we believe to belong too as well. After the German FaDaF , ALTO and FDSV membership – We feel that it is an honour to be
welcomed by IALC.
Q. What is the GoAcademy! approach to language education?
We believe in a communicative approach and combine this with the latest innovation in language training/tuition. Which means the integration of advanced blended learning – the tutorised autonomic learning, life today excursions and a personal coach as a part of the training.
Q. The impact of COVID-19 has been felt around the world. How has GoAcademy! adapted to the current crisis?
We always offered Virtual (Classes) tuition especially within the company sector. The challenge was now to quickly offer this to all the classes we run. We did manage and are now we are moving some of those classes back to face-to-face tuition. The challenge is to combine now the two worlds of learning, because not all students are able to move back to school. That´s why we did developed the hybrid classes combining online and face-to-face training.
In addition, we have broadened our portfolio of intensive mini group classes and offer a lot more single tuition/classes than before. Never the less we suffered a financial loss like everyone else. Bottom line is that most our customers kept going with us which keeps us smiling
Q. Name 3 things that makes your school special for your students?
Our location in the heart of Düsseldorf which is one of the top spots worldwide in the life quality index.
Dedication to quality and over 30 years of experience in teaching combined with a constant development of teaching methods (hybrid training), materials (tutorised autonomic learning) and a very personal approach.
Great facilities – school as well as great accommodation choice and all very close to the school. Quality is assured since we manage all facilities our self.
And last but not least...
The commitment for international exchange, sustainability, cooperation and understanding which may lead us to a better life.
Q. How did you get started in the industry?
About 30 years ago, with a passion for languages and a lack of language school offering a communicative approach we decided to create a language school ourselves.
Q. What languages do you speak or would you like to speak?
As I worked in France as a teacher and in the us as a counsellor I get along fairly well. What I would like to improve is Spanish which is only on a base of bar orders and menus.
Q. What is your favourite travel destination?
Besides France which is a second home as my wife is French, we have been travelling around Europe, Asia and Australia in the last years and we met wonderful people, saw beautiful landscapes and enjoyed the sea and nature.
Q. What causes are you passionate about?
Sometimes I think that one life is far too short, because there are so many things in this world to discover, develop, and explore. To understand and to share. I love decent food from all regions of the world, good wine and moments to share with my family and friends.
But as well the time for meditation, yoga, qi gong, nature – hiking, mtb, jogging and travelling and…as I said so many interesting things so little time.
Q. Why is language learning particularly important during this period?
It is the tool for communication, understanding, sharing ideas and discussing differences which is for me the basis for a better understanding, for friendship and more peace in the world. And yes I am still idealistic even in difficult times.
IALC President Robin Adams said:
"GoAcademy is an extremely dynamic school which we feel not only represents the quality that agents and students expect from a IALC school, but has also demonstrated new and exciting initiatives which we feel will inspire our members. We look forward to working closely with the staff and management of GoAcademy."
We are delighted to welcome GoAcademy! to the IALC family and you can find out more about learning German at GoAcademy! here.
