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.

Sources:

https://www.inlingua.com/licensee/

https://www.inlingua.com/centers/

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

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.

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

Sources:

https://www.inlingua.com/licensee/

https://www.inlingua.com/centers/

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):

[us_html]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[/us_html]

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.

Sources:

The CEFR Levels – Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

Ten tips for learning a language successfully – Career – SZ.de

Reimagined for Real-World Communication

For over five decades, the inlingua method has been at the heart of our language training — focused, direct, and above all, communicative. Now, we are proud to introduce the rewritten inlingua method, a fresh, research-informed, practice-oriented take that preserves our legacy while evolving to meet the demands of today’s learners. This new method will be launched together with our NextGeneration materials, a suite of resources designed to bring the new approach to life with engaging, real-world content.

A Modern Take on a Time-Tested Approach

Language learning isn’t just about acquiring vocabulary by repetition of words and phrases. It’s about meaningful communication—being able to connect, collaborate, and express yourself with confidence. The redesigned inlingua method focuses on this principle through a five-phase structure that guides learners from discovery of language to deep integration.

We call this structure DICES – an acronym that stands for Discover – Interact – Communicate – Evaluate – Solidify. The word dices also bears its own meaning: in Latin, it means “you will speak” – which is exactly what we want our learners to do from their very first lesson.

Let’s take a closer look at each phase:

Discover

Learning begins with relevance. In this phase, learners are introduced to key vocabulary and grammar in a way that’s both digestible and anchored in authentic use. By grounding new content in real-life situations, we reduce cognitive load (Sweller, 1988) and support long-term retention.

Interact

Learners actively engage with the language across all skills—speaking, listening, reading, writing, and mediation. The focus is on building fluency through accuracy with repeating communicative practice that reflects how language is actually used.

The activities in this phase are designed to support varying levels of proficiency, enabling differentiation, encouraging risk-taking and reducing the fear of “getting it wrong”—a key factor in learner motivation (Dörnyei, 2009).

Communicate

This is where things get real. Learners move beyond controlled practice into activities designed to promote authentic interaction. Whether it’s role-plays, collaborative tasks, or information-gap activities, the goal is the same: develop spontaneous, confident communication in personally relevant contexts.

Evaluate

Feedback and reflection are built into the learning journey. Regular self-checks and formative assessments help learners monitor their progress and identify areas for improvement. Trainers are also equipped with tools to offer targeted, constructive feedback, promoting a growth mindset and continuous development.

Solidify

This final phase is where consolidation happens. Through game-based repetition and a collaborative project, learners reinforce what they have learnt in a fun, low-stress environment. aligning with task-based learning principles, where “learning emerges from the use of language in meaningful tasks” (Ellis, 2003).

Why This Matters

In short, the new inlingua method combines the best of our pedagogical tradition with modern learning science. It’s designed not only to help learners know the language—but to use it, with confidence and clarity, in the moments that matter most to them.

By bringing together the new method, the NextGeneration materials, and powerful digital learning ecosystem with integrated AI learning features, inlingua is setting a new standard in personalised, effective language training. We’d love to hear your thoughts. How do you see these changes aligning with your own teaching experience or expectations? Let’s start a conversation in the comments.

Sources:

Cognitive load during problem solving: Effects on learning – ScienceDirect

https://archive.org/details/taskbasedlanguag0000elli/mode/2up

(PDF)

[Zoltan_Dörnyei]

_Motivational_Strategies_in_the_L.pdf

“In order to progress, one needs to reassess their stance towards mistakes, especially in learning.” – Miriam Mircea

Miria Mircea is a language teacher at inlingua Dessau and Halle as well as founder of Fort Knox PR. She has been giving motivational speeches and coaching people since many years. Today, she shares her personal experience about failure with you.

Tackling the Topic of Failure

This is a tough one. How does one tackle the topic without dwelling into negativity and even depression? I will try to answer my own questions but I cannot promise a Happy End…

Can we truly see failure as an engine to push us forward and to make us learn a valuable life lesson?

As I was writing down these thoughts, we were finding ourselves in the midst of the ancient Roman days of Saturnalia, what most of us know as the days before Christmas. As a history teacher, I cannot oversee how my Roman ancestors have interpreted this time in December. The days between the 17th to the 22nd of December were a symbol of celebrating mistakes, failures and lacks. As the rich were switching roles with the poor and the slaves, they would praise the value of what they didn’t have, even if temporarily. There is a lesson here that transcends time and place.

Well, I can say this: failure impacts everyone differently. It is such a variable that it becomes a defined notion and moreover a stable one in our lives. For who has not failed at least once?

Life is a continuous learning process. Those who wish to grow mentally, emotionally and even financially never stop educating themselves.

My Very Own Experience With Failure

Some 10 years ago, I took a life changing decision: to move to a foreign country, that I didn’t know much about and most certainly didn’t speak the language of. I was not crazy. Just brave enough to try my chance at a better life with a really good person next to me.

Fast forward: having known from the get-go the amazing life changing advantage that speaking a foreign language gives you, I had decided on my second day in Germany to take German lessons. So we went right away to the only school whose name I would see everywhere: inlingua.

Yes, that is right. I became a student at the very school I am working for. And that is precisely why I know exactly how our clients and participants feel as they sit down behind a desk to learn a language new to them.

I have never had issues with learning and – being a student over and over again – to me age is really nothing but a number. Thanks to my parents, I have learned to appreciate education and the elegance it offers. Taking part in private German classes, having come after 26 years of school and academic learning, I knew very well what I was looking for in a teacher. And I was not afraid to express my needs and wishes so that those hours spent in the classroom would be successful.

But little did I know that German, to me at least, was a tough nut to crack. I had stupidly underestimated its complexity and depth. Failure number one: not taking the first steps in learning it seriously.

How to Deal With Difficulties

Dwelling into learning German has been such an eye-opener, quite a humbling experience and most importantly, a self-discovery one.

Prior to moving here, I had become a self-didactic person, taking about 5 years to learn how to read, understand and speak Greek, for the sake of family. Even earlier in my timeline, I had loved studying grammar, some Latin and generally literature. So I can safely state that I was prone to developing a talent for foreign languages and it helped me on my self-discovery journey as well as disciplining myself to seriously learn German.

Notable failure as a student: I’m a procrastinator, for I work best under pressure and deadlines. The closer the deadline, the faster and better I perform. That’s my structure and it wasn’t about to change at the impeding approach of every German exam I had to take. By the way, I took and successfully passed 4 German language levels, currently sitting comfortably at C1, which is the academic level.

Going back in time a little bit, I have to give due credit to my parents for always encouraging me to move forward, do my best so that when I would look back, I would never say that I had not done enough. Hence, my stance towards any kind of learning or academic “stress”: I do not have it.

Now, ever since I have become a teacher here in Germany, I have always tried to install this mentality into my students’ minds: do not be a people-pleaser, because that is crippling. Everyone is so unique that there literally is no fixed ideal formula for learning something new.

As a teacher, an educator, a life coach, a motivator, one must be flexible and especially able to adapt fast to someone’s needs and goals. I know it all looks great on paper, but it does not always work like that, at least it did not for me.

I had to train myself first in order to become a trainer and that took a lot of experiments that have not functioned. I received really disappointing feedback that would have set people back but I chose to go home and “digest” it and see what I could learn from how others saw my teaching style.

Minor Failures Equal Great Lessons

Our minds need to readjust at how we see a small negative event.

On the daily, I meet and talk to people from all walks of life. Based on my almost 8- year experience, I had a chance to become a speaker at an online event („I love Failure“ series) and try to convey a message of positivity, in spite of what some see as downfalls. Learning is never a straight line. Good days are followed by bad days and then good days come again.

I believe that the failure mentality and approach are both cemented in the collective consciousness for years, if not centuries. Perfection has always been sought after, even if not openly expressed. In order to progress, one needs to reassess their stance towards mistakes, especially in learning.

The feeling of making mistakes is crippling for some. I witness it regularly and its effects on the human mind: it is paralyzing and it robes people of their moments of joy. When we decide that we want or need to dive into learning a new language, we should be ready to accept the apparition of mistakes.

Shedding a new light on errors brings more self acceptance and it is in a way therapeutical.

Tips on How to Learn From Failure

My colleagues and I always say that teachers are part-time therapists, of course, on a half-jokingly note.

I would not want the readers to be left with a negative impression, therefore I would conclude by including a few tips that my colleague, Muhammad Ali, and I have put together to motivate and shed some light on learning.

Trying has no price, to paraphrase a Romanian saying. As in, test the language that seems interesting or sexy sounding enough to make you want to take some classes or purchase a book, e-book and so on. Remember that if you must learn a language out of purely private interest, you can switch to another one anytime, no pressure there. Find out which glove suits you best.

If you have to learn a new language for professional reasons, do not see it as a burden, but as an unforeseen chance to develop and grow. If your company or employer covers the costs of learning, even better. As teachers, we are aware that breaking the ice when it comes to a different language can be cumbersome, especially if you don’t have many good memories or experiences related to school or learning by heart, under pressure.

A new foreign language is a passport and a key to unlocking fresh opportunities. At times, it does mean more cash flow, a better reach, more networking and all the good stuff that these generations are chasing, particularly during these strange and somewhat confusing times of the newly- adored `Home office”.

When learning a language which is a very memory-intensive task, using visualizations helps develop a much better understanding of words. We, as human beings, take our majority of information visually and using this mean of data gathering isn’t easily forgotten. When the next time you see that thing the words will simply pop in your head.

Find something that you absolutely love to do, be it a sport or a hobby and try to find info about that using the language you want to learn. Because you’ll be able to pick vocabulary faster this way knowing something about that hobby already and the more you practice the stronger the connections between the two get.

Given the blessing that is the internet today, we can find communities of people around the world who speak the language of interest natively and asking them for help, picking up tips and quips will not only give you a faster mean of picking up the language but boost your confidence in speaking the language.

By Miriam Mircea

Would you like to read more about the topic? Read our most recent blog about setting goals here. We also have a series of blog articles on motivation. You can find them here.

“You can either experience the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The choice is yours.” – Unknown

Even the most committed language learners find it difficult to concentrate on revising new vocabulary or grammar rules at some point. There are a few things you can do to keep you motivated, however.

Be Aware of Your Goals

Ask yourself why you started learning another language. Did you have any particular goals? Were there personal reasons for learning a language? In all cases, it is important to recall your interest and define your ‘ultimate goal’.

SMART goals set you up for success by making goals specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely. The SMART method gives you a sense of direction and helps you reach your goals. The ‘ultimate goal’ can be broken down into milestones to make it more achievable and realistic. Remind yourself regularly of your goals and why you chose to learn another language. This will help to motivate you to study.

Create a Study Schedule

Putting time aside for studying can help maintain a positive language learning routine. You will thus feel more committed to reaching your goals and have a positive outcome. Learning languages is different to your daily work tasks. It can be a timeslot to enjoy yourself. Join a language course at a set time every week. Try to slot study blocks into your calendar and try to schedule your study blocks for the same day and time every week so it becomes a habit.

Stay positive

A positive attitude helps you to stay motivated even when challenges occur. Remind yourself regularly why you are learning another language. Acknowledge your milestones and reward yourself. This helps to focus your mind on your achievements and increases your chances of feeling a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. That again eases your mind so that you can better remember new vocabulary and grammar rules. Staying positive isn’t only beneficial for learning other languages but increases your well-being in general.

…

Do you need help creating your personal learning path? inlingua has 50+ years’ experience in teaching languages in over 200 regions around the world. Get in touch here!