Looking for quality

How can agents be assured of the quality of the language institution they represent?

More and more countries are setting up quality assurance schemes specifically to monitor the standards of the language schools.  For agents, it’s a question of keeping up with developments and knowing what quality criteria are used.   

On Quality

One by one, the major destinations for language travel – and some relatively new ones – are introducing quality control schemes to regulate their language schools.  Several have taken as their model the pioneering British Council (BC) recognition scheme in the U.K.  Others have introduced schemes adapted to local conditions.  Some have had to set up entirely self/regulatory bodies in the absence of government legislation and, indeed, government interest.  Although all the activity in the field of quality control is good news for the language travel industry, there are, never the less, differences in how quality is defined and guaranteed. 

The most credible form of quality control is by government or through a government/approved body.  However, not all countries have government backing. 

Marketing is not only the reason why schools’ associations seek government involvement.  They need a credible minimum quality standard for their country’s language school, especially in the face of tough international competition.

In order to market, one has to have quality.  Most other countries are far behind such an all encompassing scheme.

How can agents check the quality of schools?

The clear message from many agents is that accreditation (or other forms of quality monitoring) is a crucial factor in their choice of schools but the agent’s constant search for reliable partners doesn’t stop with the quality emblem on the school’s brochure.

There are times when agents have to test a school without the security of an independent quality guarantee.  This happens in countries with no accreditation scheme and often with new schools.

New schools are barred from joining an association because they have not been in operation long enough. 

Agents also have their own networks to share information.  Not every agency can afford the time and expense to visit every school, especially when distances are vast and requests for that particular destination infrequent. 

However, the acid test is undoubtedly the language students themselves.

Client satisfaction is the best way to monitor the quality of schools.