A guide to understanding language school accreditations

Accreditations for language schools act as quality seals, ensuring the language course offered meets certain standards. By choosing an accredited language school, you're guaranteed that the institution adheres to the criteria established by the accrediting body. These bodies evaluate various aspects, including the qualifications of instructors and the curriculum's quality, as well as facilities and the school's organizational compliance with required standards. Accreditation organizations consistently monitor the quality of the language schools they endorse. 

Enrolling in a course at an accredited school means you're ensured that the institution upholds the requisite quality standards. It's crucial to understand that not all non-accredited language schools lack quality. A school's decision to seek accreditation leads to its assessment by an accreditation institute. Some language schools may forego accreditation due to the associated costs and time required. 

Selecting an accredited language school assures you that its quality has undergone independent verification. The specific accrediting institute and the type of accreditation depend on the language and destination. This guide details the various accreditations available.

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Key points: 

• Accreditations verify the quality of the language course. 
• Accredited language schools conform to the educational standards set by accrediting bodies. 
• Accreditation organizations routinely assess the quality of the schools affiliated with them. 
• The availability of accreditations varies with the language you plan to learn. 
• A lack of accreditation does not necessarily mean a language school is inferior in quality. 

How accreditation bodies ensure quality 

Accreditation bodies conduct regular inspections of affiliated language schools, examining elements such as the curriculum, faculty qualifications, administration, facilities, and student satisfaction. They also set guidelines and standards that language schools must meet. Failure to comply with these standards can result in the revocation of accreditation.

General accreditations 

Each country has specific institutions that accredit language schools. In addition, there are accreditations that are valid worldwide or throughout Europe, not limited to a single specific language. 

EAQUALS 

EAQUALS is an internationally recognized accreditation organization for language schools around the globe. Language schools awarded the EAQUALS accreditation meet quality standards in education, management, and facilities. EAQUALS conducts regular audits to ensure these schools continue adhering to the set standards. The EAQUALS accreditation is a valuable mark for students in search of high-quality language education. 

WYSE 

WYSE is a global student organization focused on the interests of international students. It has an accreditation program for language schools, aiming at the quality of language education and the support of international students. Language schools that achieve WYSE accreditation meet stringent requirements in educational standards, facilities, and student support, making it a hallmark for students seeking quality language education and a positive experience. 

IALC 

IALC, an international association of language schools, is dedicated to the quality of language education. Member schools of IALC must adhere to strict quality standards in education, teacher qualifications, and facilities. IALC regularly inspects its member schools to ensure they maintain these standards, guaranteeing high-quality language education. 

Bildungsurlaub 

Bildungsurlaub is a German program that grants employees paid leave for self-improvement, including language courses. Language schools that receive Bildungsurlaub accreditation meet the criteria for providing language education to employees utilizing their Bildungsurlaub rights, making this accreditation particularly relevant for employees seeking to attend language courses in Germany.

Accreditations for language schools in Spain 

Spain boasts a variety of accreditations that guarantee the quality of language schools. 

Instituto Cervantes 

The Instituto Cervantes, a Spanish government entity responsible for promoting and disseminating Spanish language and culture, accredits schools that meet strict quality requirements in language education, teacher qualifications, and facilities. This accreditation is a significant endorsement for language schools offering Spanish courses. 

FEDELE 

FEDELE, the Spanish Federation of Associations of Schools for Spanish as a Foreign Language, ensures its member schools meet quality standards for teaching Spanish as a foreign language, making its accreditation a valuable mark of quality. 

SIELE 

SIELE, an internationally recognized Spanish language proficiency exam, is endorsed by various entities, including the Instituto Cervantes. Language schools that prepare students for the SIELE exam and are accredited demonstrate their capability to provide high-quality preparation. 

CCSE 

The CCSE (Constitución Española y Conocimientos Socioculturales de España), a Spanish nationality test, offers accreditation to language schools preparing students for the test. This accreditation signifies a school's effectiveness in teaching about the Spanish constitution and sociocultural aspects of Spain. 

CEELE 

CEELE, a Spanish accreditation body for schools teaching Spanish as a foreign language, awards accreditation to schools meeting high-quality standards in educational practices, teacher qualifications, and facilities. 

FIDESCU 

The International Federation of Spanish Language Teaching Centers (FIDESCU) includes language schools that meet specific quality requirements in language education. 

NACEM 

NACEM, a quality accreditation for Spanish language schools, sets standards for linguistic competence, educational quality, and infrastructure that accredited schools must meet.

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Accreditations for language schools in England 

England offers various accreditations for schools providing English language courses, including: 

British Council 

The British Council, a renowned non-profit organization in the UK focused on education and culture, accredits language schools meeting high standards in education, teacher qualifications, and facilities. Opting for a school with British Council accreditation ensures high-quality language courses and a professional learning environment. 

English UK 

English UK, representing over 300 English language schools in the UK, mandates member schools to comply with strict quality standards in language education. 

RELSA 

The Recognised English Language Schools Association (RELSA) in the UK accredits schools that fulfill rigorous quality criteria in curriculum development, teacher qualifications, and facilities. 

Quality English 

Quality English, an association of independent English language schools worldwide, requires member schools to meet stringent quality standards in educational practices, teacher qualifications, and facilities, ensuring a high-quality English language learning experience at reputable schools. 

Accreditations for language schools in Malta 

FELTOM 

FELTOM, the Federation of English Language Teaching Organizations in Malta, accredits language schools meeting high quality standards in education, teacher qualifications, and facilities.

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Accreditations for language schools in France 

In France, various accreditations are available for language schools that offer French language courses. Two notable accreditations are FLE and Campus France. 

FLE 

FLE stands for "Français langue étrangère," translating to "French as a foreign language." Language schools awarded the FLE accreditation adhere to high-quality standards in language education, teacher qualifications, and facilities. The FLE mark serves as a significant indicator of a language school's educational quality in France. 

Campus France 

Campus France is a French government agency dedicated to assisting foreign students in finding suitable French universities. Additionally, Campus France awards a quality label to language schools in France. Opting for a language school with either FLE accreditation or the Campus France quality label ensures you receive high-quality language education from recognized and reputable educational institutions in France.

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Accreditations for language schools in Italy 

The following are various accreditations found at language schools in Italy. 

ASILS 

ASILS (Associazione delle Scuole di Italiano come Lingua Straniera) is an Italian accreditation body for language schools. Language schools with ASILS accreditation have proven they meet rigorous quality standards in language education, teacher qualifications, and facilities. 

CILS 

CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera) is an internationally recognized language exam assessing Italian language proficiency. Developed by the University of Siena, CILS enjoys global recognition for its reliability and accuracy. Language schools that prepare students for the CILS exam demonstrate they employ qualified teachers and offer a high-quality, structured curriculum. 

MIUR 

MIUR (Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Università e della Ricerca), the Italian Ministry of Education, acknowledges language schools that comply with the necessary quality standards for providing Italian language courses. Eduitialia, an association of Italian language schools and educational institutions, includes schools that have shown they meet the association's quality requirements. 

AIL 

AIL (Accademia Italiana di Lingua) is an Italian organization specializing in teaching Italian. Language schools working with AIL adhere to quality standards for offering Italian language courses. 

Conclusion 

Selecting an accredited language school guarantees you access to high-quality education, qualified teachers, and an appropriate curriculum. Accreditation bodies, tailored to each country and language, continuously monitor the quality of language schools across different countries. 

An accredited language school meets stringent quality standards, providing a dependable educational experience. This does not imply that non-accredited language schools are of inferior quality. Schools are evaluated against accreditation standards only upon application. Some schools opt out of applying for accreditation due to the associated costs and time requirements. 

Nevertheless, by choosing an accredited language school, you can be confident you will be taught by qualified teachers, follow a structured curriculum, and enjoy suitable facilities. Accreditations act as a seal of quality, ensuring you embark on a high-quality language learning journey. 

Ultimately, opting for an accredited language school is a deliberate decision for anyone seeking top-tier language education. Accreditations offer reassurance and confidence in the educational quality on offer.

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