WHAT IS AN ACCREDITED LANGUAGE SCHOOL?

An Accredited Language School is an institution officially recognized by a governing body for maintaining high standards in language education. In many cases, these schools adhere to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or similar, ensuring their curriculum meets international standards for language proficiency levels. This guarantees students, of any age, profile and objectives, receive a structured and effective learning experience, progressing from beginner to advanced levels.

The quality of education at accredited language schools is upheld by employing experienced, certified teachers who use proven teaching methods. These schools are providing an immersive environment conducive to language learning. The premises are well-equipped with modern facilities, fostering a comfortable and productive learning atmosphere.

In addition to education, accredited language schools often offer first-rate accommodation options, such as homestays, student residences, or apartments, ensuring a safe and supportive living experience. They also organise diverse cultural activities, allowing students to practice the language in real-world settings while experiencing local culture. Furthermore, these schools provide comprehensive assistance to students, from practical day-to-day information to academic counselling, ensuring a seamless and enriching educational journey.

Government Language School Accreditation bodies

Austria – Campus Austria

Campus Austria is an association of Austrian language schools fully endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Culture and the National Austrian Tourist Board.
Compliance with the quality criteria is audited every three years by two independent experts.

France – Qualité FLE (Francais Langue Etrangère)

This certification was initiated by the Ministry for Higher Education and Research, the Ministry for Culture, and the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. It aims to identify and recognize French language centres that meet established standards of excellence. This includes certified teachers and effective teaching methods, the school’s premises, selected accommodation, students support, and extracurricular activities.

Germany – FDSV (Fachverband Deutscher Sprachschulen und Sprachreise-Veranstalter e.V.)

The FDSV was established in 1977 as a consortium of German language tour operators with the goal of creating verifiable quality standards for consumers. All FDSV members pledge to adhere to these standards.

An independent Scientific Advisory Board regularly inspects the language schools, courses, and accommodations to ensure compliance with the FDSV Quality Guidelines and the requirements of the European standard for language-study tour providers (EN 14804). If all quality criteria are met, the seal “FDSV – Certified Quality according to EN 14804” is awarded.

Italy – A.S.I.L.S (association of Schools of Italian As a Second Language)

A.S.I.L.S. is Italy’s leading association of its kind. It unites numerous Italian language schools in Italy, all of which are proud to be inspected by independent certification agencies and to publish their statistical data. This association is a mark of quality and serves as a privileged representative for public and private institutions in Italy and abroad.

Portugal – DGERT (Directorate General for Emplyment and Industrial Relations)

The DGERT certification framework consists of a set of requirements and duties that define the quality of a training entity’s service provision. Achieving certification signifies external recognition of the quality of the entity’s training services, granted by an impartial organisation. This recognition entails a series of responsibilities and obligations toward trainees, trainers, clients, and other involved parties.

Spain –  Cervantes Institute Accreditation System for Institutions Teaching Spanish (SACIC)

This system allows a Spanish language centre to be recognized as an Instituto Cervantes Accredited Centre. To grant this certificate of recognition, Instituto Cervantes has established an assessment system for teaching centres, which includes a set of prerequisites that centres must prove they comply with.

The SACIC aims to promote centres’ commitment to good practices, enhance their programs, and foster the development of standards for teaching Spanish, along with the supplementary services and activities they provide.