Good news in from English UK about the year ahead!

They were recently quoted in Language Travel Magazine as saying that the “English language centres in the UK are overwhelmingly positive about business prospects for early 2009, despite the economic downturn, reports English UK, based on a survey of its members. Of the 101 language schools asked about bookings for the first quarter of 2009,
8.9 per cent said they were significantly better, 29.7 per cent said they were better and 51.4 per cent said they were generally good and comparable to 2007 and 2008.

Ninety per cent of those schools surveyed expect business to remain good or improve during the first quarter of next year, and even among centres reporting lower bookings, a significant minority remain optimistic.

Most UK language centres experienced a dramatic upturn in business during 2008, reported Tony Millns, Chief Executive, and the sector expects to benefit further from the falling value of the pound which will make it particularly good value to learn English here. “Exchange rates have made the UK much more affordable as a study destination,”
he said. “Combined with our reputation for quality in education, this now makes the learning English in the UK unbeatable value for money.”

Other findings revealed that centres anticipating the biggest rises in business were more likely to be outside London, in locations including the Southwest and Scotland. Centres believe the profile of their students may change dramatically. Korean students for example may be badly affected by the falling value of their currency. However, more European students are expected to fill the gap as the pound’s near- parity with the euro makes it much better value to learn English in the UK.”

Source: Language Travel Magazine