The Association of Language Travel Organisations (ALTO) provides a snapshot of the language travel industry via its quarterly report, ALTO Pulse. The latest report from Q4 2011 includes feedback from 219 language schools and 383 educational agencies around the world.
Things are looking up with 53% of the language schools taking part in the survey reporting growth from Q4 2010 to Q4 2011, and 64% feeling positive about forward enrolments. The participating agencies are more optimistic with 79% expecting a better quarter to come, although only 46% had better results in Q4 2011 compared to the same period in 2010.
Overall the global picture is a positive one for schools, with 53% reporting growth and 23% reporting stable numbers. France, the US and Ireland show the strongest level of growth, with Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Spain showing the strongest level of decline. Argentina, Germany and South Africa are the top 3 optimists, while Australia, Canada and New Zealand are the most pessimistic about forward enrolments.
Agents also felt quite positive in Q4 2011 compared to Q4 2010, with 46% reporting growth and 28% reporting stable numbers. Ukraine, Germany and Saudi Arabia are leading the way with strong level of growth, with Pakistan, Nepal and Thailand showing the strongest level of decline. Colombia and Ukraine show unprecedented optimism with Italy and Brazil closely behind, while Spanish, Saudi and Turkish agents are not too optimistic about student numbers, showing the top three negative projections.
Source: ALTO
In the South Asian student recruitment market is going through a gradual change. The shift is towards Australia & Canada as opposed to the previous demand for UK. The strict visa restrictions, and less work availability, has caused UK to lose a huge chunk of FE earnings. Within South Asia the up coming upper & upper middle class has made the option of foreign education at a younger age affordable. Thus, student recruitment for schools and summer camps is become a viable option. However, cost still matters a lot for the parents, to take a decision among options. Therefore, educators should keep competitive prices to provide attractive options.
We agree with Mr Kayani Comments and see India , Sri Lanka and Pakistan as major Student recruitment area.
Language schools are hugely important for pupils and students, because they help to check
their real knowledge of language and improve their communicative skills.
My students prefer special programmes. For example “Certificate for Business English”.
I have been working for Stafford House School of English for 3 years and all my students have already satisfied with this school because Stafford House School of English has very high standard of teaching for foreign students.
This just in – the results of the Q1 2012 ALTO Pulse are now available here http://www.altonet.org/?page=ALTOPulse
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