If you're buying a product, a higher price normally indicates higher quality, and vice versa. "Prices are not a reliable indicator of quality, especially for franchising and technology-based schools, because of high marketing expenses and royalties." Pricing and cost are obviously a part of your decision process, and without a clear understanding of the differences between the schools, it might seem the easiest way to choose. Let's look at 3 of the most important differences - prices, geographical coverage, and teacher quality – as well as the role of reviews and some key questions to ask. The table above generalises the main differences of course, but by drawing out common themes we can understand more clearly the main advantages (and disadvantages) of each type of school. The following table is a description of the typical characteristics and priorities of the schools in each category, focussing on the positives so the comparison is more objective: This guide will help you understand the main differences, including differences in prices, teachers and quality. make a better choice by avoiding unnecessary trade-offs caused by a shortlist stretching across different categoriesĪlso, if you're changing the language school you work with or looking for a new supplier, you will avoid other similar schools that will probably give you the same unsatisfactory service.be able to create a shortlist more easily and quickly.avoid wasting time with schools that don't align well with your priorities.If you understand what these are, you can cut through the marketing fog, ask the right questions, and find the best school for you and your company's needs more quickly. In Italy there are 1,722 language schools, of which 1,318 are franchisees of 11 different franchiser brands, 44 are technology-based, and 359 are agencies or independent schools. Why is this important?Įach category of school has a set of common characteristics – all the schools in each category share the same advantages and disadvantages. They use outsourcing or freelancers who are loosely coordinated and receive little-to-no training, so there is not a stable core of teachers. ** An agency is focussed on sales and their margins.
Not to be confused with the British Institutes, the British Schools, or the British Institute of Florence, all of which sometimes just use the first word. * The British Council is actually a government-backed organisation, but shares more characteristics with this category of school than any other. Some examples from Italy, and specifically around Milan: Independent schools In reality, however, there are 4 different types of school, and each type has distinct characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.
When it seems that there are 100s of language schools, it is difficult to understand the differences and make the right choice.