A look behind the scenes at inlingua Ostschweiz, Switzerland with licensee Sabrina Bösch

For the second installment of our multi part series, Sabrina Bösch 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?

Thanks to my many years of experience at the former inlingua St. Gallen, I was already familiar with inlingua and was impressed by the company. My passion for languages, education, and entrepreneurship motivated me to open my own inlingua center. I wanted to create a place where people could not only learn languages but also develop intercultural skills and self-confidence.

How did you hear about inlingua?

Through my work at the former inlingua St. Gallen.

Why did you decide to get an inlingua licensee?

I chose an inlingua license because it offers the ideal combination of entrepreneurial independence and a strong international network. The proven methodology, professional support, and high-quality standards gave me the confidence that I could successfully build my own language school. It was also important to me that inlingua offers the freedom to take local needs into account.

What were your expectations of the partnership at the beginning?

At the beginning of the partnership, my main expectation was to have competent support – both in setting up my center and in its day-to-day operations. This is exactly what I received, and the collegial exchange remains valuable.

Your Experience as an inlingua Licensee

What were the biggest challenges in the initial phase?

The biggest challenges in the initial phase were establishing the center and building a solid customer base. In addition, organizing internal processes as well as selecting and training staff were demanding tasks. There was a steep learning curve. I developed new skills, from business management to leading a team.

How would you describe your journey with inlingua so far in three words?

Informative, collaborative, challenging.

Were there any decisions that were particularly difficult for you?

Yes, there were definitely decisions that were difficult for me, especially in the early stages. Finding the right time to invest, especially in marketing and infrastructure, was and still is particularly challenging. Maintaining the balance between growth and financial stability was and still is a real balancing act. Building a team that shares the inlingua philosophy also requires careful consideration.

What motivated you to keep going during difficult moments?

In difficult moments, I was motivated above all by my belief in my goal: to create a high-quality language training program in eastern Switzerland that really helps people get ahead. The positive feedback from our customers has shown me time and again that I am on the right track. My team, family and friends are also very important. The exchange and support from the inlingua network show me that I am not alone – and that together, we can always find a way.

The Network and Support

How do you feel about working with the inlingua network and HQ?

Working with the inlingua network and HQ is very enriching. I appreciate that I can always rely on the expertise of other inlingua centers in Switzerland and inlingua International. Whether it’s strategic questions, technical developments, or methodological and didactic issues, I feel well supported.

When did you feel particularly well supported?

I felt particularly well supported during the founding and initial phase. inlingua International was there to offer good advice, and I was able to talk to my colleagues at inlingua Switzerland at any time—and still can today.

What advantages do you see in belonging to an international network?

There are numerous advantages. It lets us share best practices and experiences worldwide that can lead to innovative ideas. Plus, the benefit from a strong, globally recognized brand that builds trust with our customers. The cooperation with inlingua International helps us overcome challenges and learn from each other. I also appreciate the access to training and continuing education opportunities that keep me and my team up to date. Another big advantage is the marketing support we receive through joint campaigns and advertising materials, which help us increase our visibility and reach.

Review and Outlook

Have you ever regretted your decision to become an inlingua licensee?

No, I have never regretted my decision to become an inlingua licensee. On the contrary, it was the right decision, and I am happy to be part of this network.

What are your biggest successes or milestones to date?

I started with inlingua Ostschweiz in January 2023, and on May 1, 2025, we were able to move into larger premises. The fact that we were able to do this after only two years is a huge success for me and shows that we are on the right track.

What experiences or customer moments have been particularly memorable for you?

Every encounter with our customers is special. I greet all participants at the beginning of each course. This creates a trusting, warm atmosphere. These encounters are valuable – they strengthen trust, deepen connections and make our school a place where people feel welcome and noticed. This personal connection is at the heart of my work – and the best part of my job.

What are your plans or goals for the next few years?

I have exciting plans! My main goal is to continue expanding inlingua Ostschweiz. I would like to forge closer partnerships with regional companies and institutions and offer tailor-made language solutions for our local customers. It is also important for me to develop our range of courses and expand our digital offering to provide learners with a flexible and future-oriented learning environment.

Finally

What advice would you give to someone considering becoming an inlingua licensee?

Be aware that you are joining a strong network – make active use of it. inlingua offers an established brand, access to proven concepts, high-quality teaching materials, and a great network of partners. At the same time, you need entrepreneurial spirit, passion, and the willingness to take on local responsibility and develop your center with your own vision.

What makes inlingua special for you – compared to other providers?

Quality and personality go hand in hand. Unlike anonymous online platforms or purely standardized course models, inlingua focuses on people. The method is practical, communicative, tried and tested. At the same time, the international network offers space for exchange, innovation, and further development. We benefit from a strong brand but remain locally anchored and flexible.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Have the courage to be independent! Be brave and go for it. Set clear goals, stay focused, and never lose sight of your goal. And above all: stay true to yourself—because that’s the only way to be successful and satisfied in the long run.

What does it actually mean to be part of the international inlingua network? Who better to answer this question than our licensees themselves?

In this series, partners from different regions of the world share their personal experiences with inlingua: why they decided to become licensees, what challenges they have overcome, what successes they have celebrated – and what moments have remained particularly memorable to them. Candid, inspiring, and relatable – their stories provide insight into the everyday lives of our partners and show what drives and inspires them.

The first interview is with Badr Larhzali from inlingua Rabat-Salé, Morocco.

About your Path to inlingua

What originally motivated you to open your own inlingua center?

As a well-known, high-quality German language school that already had a reputation in Morocco, I wanted to gain international recognition.

How did you hear about inlingua?

I know inlingua because I took English language courses at inlingua Munich.

Why did you decide to become an inlingua licensee?

To set myself apart as a language school in Morocco and gain international recognition.

What were your expectations of the partnership at the beginning?

Innovation, professionalism, and sustainability. Added value for language students through online solutions and the inlingua concept.

Your Experience as an inlingua Licensee

How would you describe your journey with inlingua so far in three words?

Innovation, partnership, international.

What were the biggest challenges in the initial phase?

The transition from the previous concept to the inlingua concept. It was important to convince existing customers and communicate the added value.

Were there any decisions that were particularly difficult for you?

The price increase for the language courses.

What motivated you to keep going during difficult moments?

The positive feedback from language students regarding the quality of learning and the e-books.

The Network and Support

How do you feel about working with the inlingua network and HQ?

The support from HQ is fast, flexible, and personal. You always feel supported. The exchange with the inlingua network has also been positive so far.

When did you feel particularly well supported?

Loyalty when faced with attacks from outsiders.

What advantages do you see in belonging to an international network?

Knowledge exchange and innovation, increased visibility and credibility.

Review and Outlook

Have you ever regretted your decision to become an inlingua licensee?

Not so far!

What are your biggest successes or milestones to date?

All students in the first B1 course completed the course and passed the exam.

What experiences or customer moments have been particularly positive for you?

When Moroccan language students manage to pronounce “inlingua” correctly.

What are your plans or goals for the next few years?

To introduce other languages to German, starting with English in the next few months. To make inlingua known throughout Morocco.

Finally

What advice would you give to someone considering becoming an inlingua licensee?

Don’t think about it for too long, just contact inlingua International.

What makes inlingua special for you – compared to other providers?

The inlingua method, which is focused on communication. In addition, digital learning offers students a great deal of flexibility.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Our students are proud to be learning at inlingua and to receive digital exam certificates from inlingua.

If you have been following our recent blog series, you will know we are about to launch a new series of EFL materials. With the release of the Next Generation materials, we are not simply updating our coursebooks, we are meeting the challenge to provide the material that is needed to learn English in a digital world.

Central to this new approach are two methodologies: blended learning and the flipped classroom. Together, these strategies reflect our belief that modern learners thrive best when given the flexibility, autonomy, and support to learn in ways that match their lives, while still benefiting from the human connection that defines inlingua training. 

Teaching in Tune with Today 

The traditional model of language teaching, where new content is introduced by the teacher in class, then practised independently at home, no longer matches the expectations of today’s learners. The flipped classroom turns this structure on its head: learners first engage with new content on their own, through digital materials, and class time is then dedicated to meaningful interaction and practice. Flipped learning has been found to have “a significant positive impact” on proficiency and research results “demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach over the traditional face-to-face approach.” 

Blended learning supports this model by combining in-person or virtual lessons with self-guided online activities, creating a seamlessly integrated learning experience. Learners benefit from flexibility and personalisation, while still being guided by experienced trainers who help bring the language to life.

At inlingua, this shift is not just theoretical. It is embedded into the very structure of our Next Generation courses. Our learners are introduced to vocabulary and grammar topics through my.lab and my.SmartLearning our AI-powered vocabulary trainer on our LMS my.inlingua. By the time they enter the classroom physically or virtually, they are ready to speak, interact, and apply what they’ve learnt. 

A Pedagogical Framework for the Future 

The new materials have been developed in line with our inlingua DICES Method: Discover, Interact, Communicate, Evaluate, and Solidify. This framework promotes learner engagement at every stage of the journey. The flipped learning model is flexible: learners can choose to explore new language in advance on my.inlingua if it suits their learning style, or they may prefer to complete the first two stages of the DICES Method – Discover and Interact – during their live sessions. 

Learners are encouraged to become active participants in their own progress, rather than passive recipients of knowledge. At the same time, it supports trainers by offering a clear, structured approach that allows them to focus on guiding, correcting, and encouraging spontaneous language use. 

A Smarter Ecosystem for Smarter Learning 

To make this approach work in practice, we have a whole ecosystem of digital tools that support both learners and trainers: 

my.inlingua, provides an intuitive platform for additional language practice, content assignment, and progress tracking. my.lab delivers targeted, interactive self-study activities aligned with each unit of the course. And my.SmartLearning offers a personalised vocabulary trainer that uses artificial intelligence to help learners retain what they’ve learned efficiently and effectively. 

All of these tools are fully integrated with our course materials, ensuring a coherent and consistent experience for learners across every modality. 

Transforming the Role of the Trainer 

Blended and flipped approaches do more than change the structure of lessons, they also redefine the role of the trainer. At inlingua, our trainers are facilitators and communicators. With learners arriving better prepared, trainers can focus on guiding conversations, correcting errors, and helping learners refine their fluency in real-time. 

This model leads to more dynamic sessions, higher engagement, and more visible progress. It is not about replacing the teacher with technology and AI, it is about elevating their role and ensuring their time is used where it matters most. 

Meeting the Needs of the Next Generation 

We understand that learners today are balancing busy lives, professional responsibilities, and diverse goals. They are digital natives who expect flexibility, relevance, and real-world application. Our Next Generation materials are designed to meet these expectations while staying true to our core values of quality, communication, and personalised learning. 

By combining sound pedagogy with smart technology, we are equipping learners not just to pass tests, but to use language confidently in real life. 

As we continue to roll out the Next Generation series across the inlingua network, we remain committed to leading the way in learner-centred, future-ready language training. 

How long does it really take to learn a language? Here you will find realistic time frames – and learn how you can effectively speed up the learning process.

You want to learn a new language – but how long does it really take to become fluent? The answer depends on several factors: your motivation, the target language, your learning method and, of course, the time you invest. In this article, we’ll show you realistic time frames based on the CEFR model (Common European Framework of Reference) and give you tips on how to speed up your learning journey.

Why Speaking Practice is the Key to Real Language Skills

Many learners spend too much time reading and listening – but the ultimate goal is usually to be able to communicate fluently. To achieve this, regular speaking practice is crucial. Only by actively using the language will vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation really be mastered.

Why speaking is so important:

  • It trains your ability to react in real conversations.
  • You learn to think and formulate spontaneously.
  • It helps to reduce inhibitions – especially in a new language.

Therefore, integrate speaking training into your daily learning routine as early as possible. Even short conversations are very useful!

What Influences Learning Progress?

Not everyone starts from the same point. These factors play a decisive role in how quickly you make progress:

The target language: It’s easier for German speakers to learn English or Spanish than Chinese or Arabic.

Prior knowledge: Those who have already learned foreign languages often make faster progress.

Learning environment: Do you live in a country where the target language is spoken? Or do you only learn using apps?

Time and commitment: Daily practice is much more effective than occasional cramming.

Start Speaking a New Language Right Away!

Why wait to start a dialog with a native speaker, because you never feel truly ready and one hundred percent prepared anyway. But be sure to speak with a “real person,” because neither an app, podcast, or a textbook can respond to what is said, let alone correct and motivate you like a person can. Suitable conversation partners can be found in libraries and universities by looking for tandem partners. Language meetings are also organized via online platforms such as localhost/inlingua/. Speaking face to face is of course best, but a live video conversation is also good practice.

With these strategies for clever learning and faster fluency, you can actually get started right away.

Study daily, even if only for a short time

Consistency is more important than duration. Even 15–20 minutes a day is more effective than one long session per week. The brain learns better in small, repeated steps.

Start speaking early

Don’t wait until you’re “ready”. Take every opportunity to speak – with friends, in pairs, or with yourself. This promotes pronunciation, self-confidence and quick thinking.

Focus on active learning

Listening and reading are important, but not enough. Speaking and writing activate other areas of the brain – and promote sustainable learning.

Define specific goals

“I want to become fluent” is too imprecise. Set yourself milestones:

  • In 4 weeks: “I can reserve a hotel room.”
  • In 3 months: “I can hold a 5-minute conversation.”

Learn in meaningful context

Instead of cramming isolated vocabulary, learn whole sentences and situations. This way you can apply what you have learned immediately – in a café, in a conversation, when traveling.

Common mistakes that cost time

Many learners unconsciously slow themselves down. Typical pitfalls:

  • Only passive consumption (e.g. Netflix, but never speaking)
  • Learning breaks of several weeks
  • Being too much of a perfectionist (I don’t want to make any mistakes)
  • False expectations (Fluent in 30 days)

Realistic Time Frames According to Language Level (CEFR)

Here is a rough guide to how many hours of learning are needed on average to reach certain language levels (Common European Framework of References):

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Depending on the intensity of learning, this can mean:

  • 2–3 hours per week: 2–3 years to B2
  • Daily learning (1h/day): 1 year to B2
  • Intensive course with immersion: 6 months to B2

Practical Learning with my.conversations

If you want to focus on improving your speaking skills, my.conversations offers a simple solution:

You can flexibly book lessons to have real conversations with qualified language trainers – tailored to your language level and your interests.

  • Personal & interactive
  • Individual choice of topics
  • Ideal for preparing for trips, exams or professional situations

Whether you want to improve your pronunciation, practice small talk or learn technical language, my.conversations will help you achieve your goals. Select an inlingua center near you and discover my.conversations.

Conclusion

Speaking fluently is not a dream — it’s an achievable goal. Those who study regularly, speak actively and have realistic expectations will be rewarded with visible progress. Whether you are just starting out or already in the middle of your learning process, with the right strategy you will reach your goal faster than you think. Use tools like my.conversations to work on the most important part of your language skills: speaking freely and spontaneously.

Every conversation brings you closer to your goal. Start today.

Are you looking for an effective way to achieve your language goals? Discover flexible language programs worldwide at localhost/inlingua/ – tailored to your time, level and learning pace.

What it takes to write a textbook for language learners

Ever wondered what goes into making language learning materials? It is not just about throwing together a few grammar exercises and calling it a day. The process is a blend of creativity, pedagogy, and a touch of technological magic. Whether it’s for the classroom or for online learning courses, the aim is always the same – to make language learning engaging, effective, and accessible. Let’s take a behind-the-scenes look at how all of this comes together at inlingua. 

Questions, questions, questions! 

Before anything is written, wehave todo a deepdive into research. Through surveys and interviews, classroom visits and observations we try to understand our learners’ exact needs. Who are they? What challenges do they face? What keeps them motivated? What are their goals? Why do they want to learn a language? Once we have a clear picture of our learners, we start planning:How should we structure the material?Which techniquesshould we follow? A communicative approach, task-based learning, or a mix? (You’ll learn more about the unique inlingua method in next month’s blog.)What are the different components of our learning materials? What is the most sensible use of technology to go with them? What should the teachers’ resources look like? And what feels like a million more questions emergeto be answered! 

The fun part— content writing and the magic of design! 

Content writing usually happens in three stages. For the first – as ever – we start with our learners. What do we want them to learn while working through our materials? This means we have to write very clear goals for each unit and each key point of every unit. Next, we search for topics that will match the objectives and will be interesting, engaging, and relevant for the learners. Finally, catchy dialogues, real-world reading passages, and digestible grammar explanations are created to keep students interested. Exercises need to provide structured practice while also encouraging real, authentic communication. Matching audio and video materials bring language to life, making learning feel relevant. 

A greattextbookisn’tjust about words, it’s also about the design. A clear, intuitive layout makes it easier for students to navigate. Thoughtfully chosen visuals, like illustrations, infographics, and icons, support understanding without overwhelming the page. Digital elements add interactivity, from exercises with instant feedback, to quizzes that make learning more dynamic, and gamification features that motivate learners. 

The second most important people – the trainers! 

Trainer resources and training play a crucial roles in the process of writing learning materials. No matter how well-designed they are, their impact solely depends on how effectively teachers can use them in the classroom. That’s why we provide comprehensive trainertraining courses, guides, lesson plans, and additional support materials to help them bring the content to life. We support them with suggestedadditional classroom activities, differentiation strategies, as well as background information on the unit topics. These resources ensure that inlingua trainers have the confidence and flexibility to adapt lessons to their students’ needs. Our digital platformmy.inlingua offers all training courses and interactive tools that enabletrainers to have the same experience with our digital tools as our learners, so they can make the most of the resources available to them. 

Ready for publication! 

Once everything is polished, it’s time for publication. That means meticulous editing and proofreading to eliminate errors, followed by the final production process—whether that’s printing books or launching digital content. But even after release, the work isn’t done. Through a thorough feedback process, we monitor how learners and teachers interact with the materials, making regular updates to keep things fresh, relevant, and in line with new educational trends.Language learning evolves, and so must our resources. Whether it’s incorporating new research in linguistics, updating cultural references, or leveraging the latest educational technology, we are always refining and improving. This continuous development ensures that learners get the most out of their experience and stay motivated on their language-learning journey. 

Creating student books and digital learning materials is not just about assembling exercises, it is about crafting an immersive, effective learning experience. It takes research, creativity, and a lot of time to get it right, but when learners engage with the content and make progress, it is all worth it! 

Written by: Julia Silvère

 

How AI Authoring Tools are becoming the ultimate time-saver for language trainers

In the ever-evolving landscape of language learning, technology continues to reshape the way we teach, learn, and most recently also how we create our teaching content. The newest innovation, AI Authoring Tools based onLarge Language Models (LLMs), is set to fundamentally transform how educators and learners approach language acquisition. This blog delves deep into the features, benefits, and practical applications of the cutting-edge inlingua AI AuthoringTool – a prime example of utilising AI to the learners’ and trainers’ benefit. 

The Challenge of Increasing Learners’ Active Vocabulary 

Vocabulary acquisition is fundamental to language learning but creating meaningful and pedagogically sound vocabulary tasks that foster active use in language learners can be time-consuming and immensely difficult. If you are a teacher, you know how you or your colleagues often spend hours curating words, writing relevant definitions, ensuring contextual relevance, and balancing difficulty levels. Furthermore, poorly constructed lists will hinder progress, leading to frustration and disengagement in learners. A prime example of a lose-lose situation! 

This is exactly where AI Authoring Tools come into play. With only a few well-written prompts, the AI will create hundreds of vocabulary items, level-appropriate definitions, and set them into the right context, ready for learners to use in multiple languages. Additionally, it will create matching images for relevant vocabulary, as well as create authentic audios for listening and pronunciation practice. 

Let’s have a look at this, shall we? 

What can the inlingua AI Authoring Tool do?

  • Analyse Context: The tool can analyse text from any source—articles, dialogues, or learning materials—to extract contextually relevant vocabulary. 
  • Create Glossaries: Based on a trainer’s prompts, the tool will create relevant glossaries for any context in English, German, Spanish, Catalan, French, Italian, and Portuguese. 
  • Assess Difficulty Levels: By evaluating word frequency and linguistic complexity, the tool ensures that the vocabulary is appropriately challenging for learners at different proficiency levels. 
  • Provide Keywords, Definitions and Examples: The tool automatically generates concise keywords, definitions and example sentences tailored to the learner’s language level. 
  • Create Images: Depending on the vocabulary item, especially at a lower level, it is easier for a learner to understand its meaning through an image. The AI Authoring Tool will create it for you. 
  • Incorporate Customisation: Educators can fine-tune the lists by adding or removing words, adjusting definitions, or changing example sentences to align with specific teaching objectives. 

Key Benefits

  • Time Efficiency: Trainers can create high-quality vocabulary lists in minutes, freeing up time for lesson planning and other critical tasks.
  • Learner-Centric: The tool adapts to different proficiency levels, ensuring learners receive vocabulary that is both useful and achievable.
  • Enhanced Engagement: By incorporating words from authentic and engaging texts, the tool makes vocabulary learning more relevant and enjoyable.
  • Consistency and Accuracy: AI-driven suggestions ensure that vocabulary lists are pedagogically sound and linguistically accurate. 

This all sounds great, but what happens with the content once it’s created, I hear you ask. Well, have a look at the next paragraph: 

Great! But what now? 

As is the case with the inlingua AI Authoring Tool, most tools will be integrated or directly connected to your Learning Management System (LMS). Therefore, learners are able to access your AI-generated content from their accounts, usually in the form of engaging and fun activities. inlingua’s interactive LMS, my.inlingua, offers the following features to its users. 

  • Personalised Learning Paths: Activities and Tasks are continuously created based on the individual learner’s previous performance. 
  • Personalised Learning Context: Your student is super interested in a niche topic, and you have found out that talking about it is the quickest way for them to learn the target language? Trainers can create glossaries using the context of interest and assign it directly to individual learners. 
  • Speech-recognition: Learners can improve their pronunciation by using the integrated speech-recognition tool which gives them instant feedback. 
  • Self-Directed Learning: Learners can practise their vocabulary wherever and whenever they like. my.inlingua is available on a phone, tablet, and computer.
  • Assessment Preparation: They can use targeted AI-generated vocabulary lists to help them prepare for exams or specific language tasks. 
  • Additional post-lesson practice: During a speaking or writing lesson, there is usually a lot of new vocabulary that needs clarification. Trainers can simply create a glossary and let the AI do its magic, generating definitions and examples ready for learners to practise with. 
  • Pre-teach vocabulary: Learners can prepare for a lesson by practising the vocabulary before coming to class. 

Turning the focus on what truly matters 

AI Authoring Tools represent a significant leap forward in language learning technology. By simplifying the process of creating effective vocabulary exercises, we empower educators and learners alike. 

AI makes language learning more accessible, engaging, and effective for everyone. This tool is about revolutionising how languages are taught and learned. By providing educators with reliable, adaptable tools and enabling learners to take charge of their own progress, they can focus on what truly matters: mastering the language! 

The inlingua AI Authoring Tool is exclusively available to licensees and learners of official inlingua centres. If you would like more information on this, contact service@inlingua.com. 

Share your thoughts in the comments section below. We would love to hear from you!  Written by: Julia Silvère