A look behind the scenes at inlingua Hammamet, Tunisia with licensee Said Haif
For the third installment of our multi part series, Said Haif provides insight into her journey with inlingua, the successes, challenges, and special experiences.
About your Path to inlingua
What originally motivated you to open your own inlingua center?
The world is becoming increasingly interconnected and globalized, and I realized there was great potential in this market. Opening a language school made sense given that I speak five languages and know that each new language brings a new dimension to life.
How did you first hear about inlingua?
I heard about inlingua when I was in Germany taking German courses and I met people taking language courses with inlingua. The feedback was very positive.
What ultimately led you to become an inlingua licensee?
inlingua’s method and course materials, as well as inlingua’s image around the world. Today, joining an international network has become a necessity. There are always new issues in the field of language learning, and finding solutions to these challenges in a community makes more sense than going it alone.
What expectations did you have at the beginning of the partnership?
Achieving a standardized working model, i.e. helping teachers adapt to the new method and materials, in order to guarantee standardization for all languages and all levels.
Your Experience as an inlingua Licensee
What were the biggest challenges in the initial phase?
Acceptance of the new method and new materials by teachers and learners. And for us specifically to make people forget the bad experiences they had with inlingua in Tunisia in the past.
How would you describe your journey with inlingua so far in three words?
Exchange, support and a big family.
Were there any decisions that you found particularly difficult?
Yes, changing our name, which had brought us success for 10 years.
What kept you motivated during difficult times?
Always believing that there is potential and that we are on the right path, as long as we offer a quality service and manage the school in a good way and strive to develop and improve what we have.
The Network and Support
How do you feel about working with the inlingua network and HQ?
Very satisfied
In what situations did you feel especially well supported?
Always, when we need it.
What advantages do you see in belonging to an international network?
Being part of a big family and being able to solve problems and move forward as a team.
Review and Outlook
Have you ever regretted your decision to become an inlingua licensee?
Absolutely not.
What are your greatest successes or milestones so far?
Opening three additional schools in five years, thereby establishing the brand nationwide.
Are there any memorable customer experiences that stand out for you?
Yes, an Italian customer who came to learn Arabic at the age of 76 and was able to communicate after just 2 levels.
What are your plans or goals for the coming years?
Increasing digitalization and introducing artificial intelligence into the school’s courses and management processes. Gain more market share for language holidays and B2B training.
Finally
What advice would you give to someone considering becoming an inlingua licensee?
First, they need to know inlingua’s strengths and be aware of the usefulness of these strengths so that they can make the most of them.
What makes inlingua special to you – compared to other providers?
We are inlingua and inlingua is us, not the others.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
We need to know how to make the most of this technological revolution (specifically AI).