FDSV introduces a protection plan for its students in Germany
The Association of German Language Schools and Language Tour Operators (FDSV) launched a student protection plan covering students in the event of the closure of one of its 17 member schools.
Under the scheme, the language students aged 18 or older will be able to transfer to an alternative FDSV school should the chosen school close due to bankruptcy. This should provide safety and trust to students in booking their course.
Due to the pandemic, the bookings in 2020 were 60-70% down for FDSV member schools compare to the previous year.
The students can feel safe once they start the lessons and the plan gives them safety before committing to the course.
FDSV member schools priority is the protection of students once the students commence their course and they follow strictly the rules and advice given by the German government and the federal states.
The courses for young learners are more complex especially in terms of accommodation and supervision and guardianship meaning that the protection plan is only available to students over 18.
All member schools agreed to the plan of which the main goal is to ensure that the students are provided with a successful language travel experience or the closest alternative.
The director of the member school TREFFPUNKT Kristina Schimmeyer commented on the new scheme: “We are proud to be part of this unique project. There has never been a bailout for language travellers in Germany before. Now to set a strong signal for Germany as a business location with so many great partner schools is the perfect prelude to a hopefully better 2021.”
FDSV managing director Julia Richter stated that after the positive experiences which have been gathered over the summer months, the language schools and travel tour operators are feeling well-prepared for the Corona-based challenges in 2021.
