Aligning with an accreditation scheme has always been an effective way for language schools to attain prestige and attract discerning language and educational travellers. But now, in an economic downturn, how valuable is accreditation when organisations are attempting to manage costs?
“In these challenging times, quality is more important than ever,” states Johanne Lacombe, national executive director of Languages Canada. Perhaps as important as assuring student travellers that they will get the highest-calibre instruction, accreditation helps schools recruit well-placed agencies. “Agencies are assured that the product they are promoting is a quality product,” Lacombe explains.
“It is without doubt an advantage to be accredited,” says Jan Capper, executive director of the International Association of Language Centres (IALC), a network of independent language teaching schools, “not just because it inspires confidence in consumers and business partners, but because of the internal benefits for your company, such as a proud, motivated staff and a culture of continuous improvement.”
Lacombe adds, “Meeting stringent quality assurance standards ensures students that they can expect to receive excellent French or English language instruction and services in a well-run facility.”
Kevin Warham, marketing manager for Sydney English Language Centre, which is accredited by Australia’s (National ELT Accreditation Scheme)NEAS scheme, adds that in Australia, accreditation has provided value to schools that may be competing for the reduced number of students travelling abroad. “Agents who are looking to develop relationships with providers feel confident that NEAS-accredited schools will be of a higher standard. I would say that the largest benefit of this kind of profiling is its recognition by new agents.”
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