Collaboration between Italian agent association and English Australia

English Australia, the association representing the leading English language colleges in Australia, and the Italian Association of Language Consultants and Agents, IALCA, are pleased to announce that they have concluded an important collaboration agreement.

Growth of 60% over the last two years in the number of Italians going to Australia to study English has seen Italy become the #1 source of students from Europe and the #8 source of students across all nationalities for Australia.

The agreement provides for the two groups to exchange information on best practices from both countries and both sectors, collaborate in the advocacy of advantageous policies, foster promotional activities, and uphold rigorous standards in their respective industries. These measures are a concrete example of how each association recognises the importance of maintaining the highest standards of quality in their work in order to protect students, promote education, and create stronger ties between Australia and Italy.

The signing ceremony was hosted at the Australian Embassy in Rome by the Australian Ambassador David Ritchie AO, who used the opportunity to emphasise the valuable contribution that educational and language exchange makes to the relationship between the two countries.

English Australia Executive Director Sue Blundell said "English Australia and IALCA are great examples of the important work that associations undertake in their own countries to support and promote quality and it was a natural step to recognise the mutual benefit that can be achieved from such associations working collaboratively to ensure students have the best possible experience when they are studying overseas.”

Lorenzo Agati, President of IALCA, said "This agreement is only a beginning. It has provisions that state that our two associations must now put together a working group to reach specific objectives, ensuring that our agreement leads to a strong and vibrant partnership".

Austrade’s Education Manager based in Milan, Sheralyn Derrick, who was also in attendance, said “The growth in the number of Italians studying English language programs in Australia is testament to the excellent opportunities Australia offers to those seeking to develop their language skills and contribute to their future.”

This signing ceremony was a follow up to a very successful visit to Australia by IALCA members in November 2012. Pina Foti, Honorary President of IALCA and the leader of the familiarisation visit to Australia, concluded “That visit was an important first step in the collaboration between our two associations. It was bigger than the ten participants themselves as they have become ambassadors for Australia and have shared their experience with their colleagues within the IALCA membership. We look forward to a productive ongoing relationship with English Australia and its member colleges”.

Click here for the feature in the Australian Embassy Rome Newsletter.