THE FELCA GAELA GUIDELINES

SCHOOLS AND AGENTS TOGETHER FOR BENEFITS OF STUDENTS

FELCA the Federation of Education and Language Consultant Education, and GAELA, the Global Alliance of Education and Language Associations are pleased to announce the launch of a joint project, the FELCA GAELA Guidelines – Trust the Study Abroad Professionals intended for schools and agents who are members of the two federations.

The aim of these Guidelines is to safeguard student wellbeing, enhance the overall study abroad experience and foster collaboration between the two associations: FELCA, GAELA and their members.

These guidelines are for the benefit of students and parents, so that they know the quality and detail of the services they will be receiving from schools and their agencies. They should be placed on a student-facing page on your website.

The Guidelines bring together practical measures covering:

• written agreements and careful partner selection
• student preparation, welfare and protection whilst abroad
• emergency contacts, transfers and safe accommodation
• academic quality, qualified teachers and extracurricular activities
• regular satisfaction surveys, feedback and complaints procedures​

The Guidelines are designed to be comprehensive, practical and proportionate, the Guidelines take into account student’s age, destinations, programmes and national regulations. They provide a common framework to enhance transparency, trust and student protection in our sector.​

“The FELCA GAELA Guidelines have the potential to become an effective marketing tool based on a simple truth: the care that quality agencies and schools devote to advising and supporting their students’ journey” says Paolo Barilari, President of Felca. “The world of language courses abroad and international education has been built on a deep sense of mutual respect and trust between schools and agencies with the aim of providing the best possible experience and support for students”.

The FELCA GAELA Guidelines are a common commitment for schools and agencies accredited by their respective national and international associations, which offers students a clear picture of how they will be supported, consistently, throughout their entire experience, from the moment they leave until they return home.

“The relationship between quality schools and professional agents is one of the most powerful forces in international education. When it works well, students thrive” say Ilse Liebenberg and Lorcan O’Connor Lloyd, Gaela Co-ordinators. “The FELCA GAELA Guidelines are the product of that partnership, a shared commitment across schools and agencies, across countries and continents, to putting students first  at every stage of their journey. These guidelines set out what good practice looks like and give, students the confidence that quality-accredited providers are working in their interest. They are a signal to the world that our sector means what it says about quality”.

To adhere to the FELCA–GAELA Guidelines schools affiliated with the GAELA National associations and agents member of the FELCA National Association can apply by visiting the webpage: https://www.felca.org/felca-gaela-guidelines/

All schools and agents adhering to the Guidelines, will receive the logo that can be displayed on all print and online marketing materials, along with information on its use. The logo can be linked to the text of the Guidelines in various languages, depending on the target market.

 For more information please contact:

 FELCA:

• Paolo Barilari paolo.barilari@felca.org | Mariglan Gabarra felca@felca.org
• Karin Florez karin.florez@felca.org