With Voices of Language, inlingua introduces a new podcast format focused on the people behind language learning. Through conversations with trainers, authors and experts from the inlingua network, the series offers insights into how language learning works in practice.
The first episode, Behind NewGen, takes a closer look at the development of inlingua’s new generation of learning materials and the people behind them. It explores what defines effective language learning today, how NewGen was developed and the role of communication in modern learning.
Who’s Featured?
The premiere episode brings together contributors from across the inlingua network:
Julia Silvère – Head of Learning and Development, inlingua International
Siân Hanson – Freelance Author, Oxford
Michael Langhans – Director of Studies, inlingua Munich
David Montañés – Director of Studies, inlingua Castellón
They share their perspectives on how modern language learning is developed, delivered and experienced.
Opening a language center is a dream for many people. There are different paths to this goal, but the questions are the same. Where do I start? How do I ensure quality? How do I reach learners? How do I maintain my independence?
This is exactly where inlingua comes in. As an international licensing network, we support language centers worldwide in all phases of development. With our years of experience, we can help with a successful start and assist with sustainable growth. Our motto is:
You run your business – we support your success.
A Network that Supports – and Leaves Room to Evolve
inlingua is an international network of independent language centers, united by shared values, high quality standards, and a clear pedagogical approach. Each inlingua center is independent, makes its own business decisions, and designs its offerings individually – tailored to the local market, target groups, and its own vision.
inlingua licensees benefit from the strength of a globally established brand, proven structures, and a network in which exchange, support, and cooperation are actively practiced.
In other words: You are never alone – but always independent.
Support from Day One
Opening a language school can be daunting, especially for people who have limited experience with running a business. Even established centers often face difficult decisions when joining a network. inlingua assists you with the complex issues that arise.
We provide new licensees with structured and personal support in the following areas:
joining the network
choosing a location
organizational and pedagogical questions
developing a range of courses
marketing and communication
The goal is clear: when starting your venture, you should feel confident.
my.inlingua – the Digital Center from the Very Beginning
A key advantage for new licensees is our learning platform my.inlingua. It is much more than an additional digital tool – it is the digital center.
This powerful platform provides everything your language center needs. Whether you teach online, offline, or hybrid, it gives you full flexibility from day one.
With my.inlingua you can:
manage learners and courses
access digital learning content
organize face-to-face, online, or hybrid lessons
provide a uniform learning environment for all participants
access all marketing templates
Accounting is the only resource not included. my.inlingua combines everything you need for administration and teaching in one system.
The inlingua Method – and the People who Live it
Quality in language teaching comes not only from materials or technology, but above all from people. That’s why the inlingua method is a central component of our licensing system – and at the same time the starting point for comprehensive training and continuing education.
All inlingua centers teach according to the inlingua method, which is based on communicative, practical learning. Trainers are specifically trained by inlingua and are regularly provided with opportunities to update and refresh their knowledge and technique.
This means
structured training for new trainers
continuing education for further training
confidence and competence in the inlingua method
consistent high quality – worldwide
The result is teaching that is professional but not standardized. The method provides the framework, while the trainers contribute their personality, experience, and cultural diversity.
Our own Teaching Materials – Tried and Tested Worldwide, Applied Locally
Another pillar of the network is the inlingua teaching materials, which have been developed and continuously refined over decades. They are practical, modular in design, and created for real-life situations.
Licensees receive:
materials for immediate use
clear pedagogical structure
consistency across all levels
flexibility for different teaching formats
The teaching materials are seamlessly integrated into my.inlingua and, together with the method, form the pedagogical foundation of every inlingua center.
Freedom in Implementation – Clarity in the Framework
inlingua works with a licensing system. Centers are independent, licensees run their own businesses and are free to decide on their teaching model – online, offline, or hybrid.
There are only a few clearly defined rules that ensure the cohesion and quality of the network:
respect for license areas (e.g., in advertising and orders)
compliance with the corporate design in communication
use of inlingua teaching materials
teaching according to the inlingua method
This framework creates trust – among learners, partners, and within the network – while leaving plenty of room for individuality.
Who is the inlingua Network Intended for?
The inlingua licensing model is aimed at:
people who want to open their own language centers
entrepreneurs with an interest in education
existing language center owners who want to become part of an international network
education experts who want to combine quality, freedom, and structure
Those who come to inlingua are not looking for rigid guidelines – but rather a strong foundation on which to develop their own ideas.
Owning a language center means more than just organizing lessons. It means connecting people, facilitating communication, and creating space for learning. That’s exactly what inlingua stands for – worldwide, for almost 60 years.
As part of the inlingua network, you are independent and at the same time part of a strong community. You benefit from experience, technology, methodology, and support – while retaining full control over your own business.
And that’s what makes the difference – from day one.
A Test that’s Fun – and Leads You to the Right Course
Many people ask themselves: How good is my English if I really need to communicate? Or: Will I be able to hold a conversation in Spanish on my holiday – or will it only be enough to order in a restaurant?
This is exactly when our free placement test on the inlingua homepage is just what you need. It’s quick, easy and even fun. There are no grades or exam stress, just a matter of discovering your language level.
The great thing is that you don’t actually have to be interested in a course to take the test. It also works to satisfy your curiosity – almost like a language quiz.
Why a Placement Test is so Important
You may be wondering: Why do I need a test like this if I want to take a language course anyway?
The answer is simple: so that you start at the right level.
Too easy: If you end up in a course that is below your level, you will get bored. Your motivation will drop.
Too difficult: If the course is too challenging, you will feel overwhelmed – and quickly lose interest.
An accurate placement test ensures that you start exactly where you need to be. This is crucial for staying motivated and making real progress.
Scientific Findings: Motivation Depends on the Right Level
Learning research has long proven that motivation is closely related to the fit between challenge and competence. Psychologists call this the ‘flow state’ (Csíkszentmihályi, 1990): people are particularly motivated when a task is neither too easy nor too difficult.
Applied to language learning, this means that those who start at the right course level experience success, remain focused and learn more effectively. This is exactly where the placement test helps – it reveals where your optimal ‘zone of proximal development’ (Wygotski, 1978) lies.
Placement Tests Are Used in Many Areas
Language tests are just one example of the benefits of such assessments. Other disciplines also rely on examination before training:
Sport: Before starting a fitness programme, a fitness test is often carried out in order to tailor the training plan to the individual.
School and university: Placement tests in math or science show whether the basics are in place before moving on to more complex content.
Professional development: In IT or management courses, prior knowledge is tested in order to precisely tailor the content.
The principle is always the same: only those who know where they stand can make meaningful progress.
How Does the Placement Test Work?
Online, available anytime: You can take it from the comfort of your own home.
Free and non-binding: No costs, no obligations.
Available in five languages: English, German, French, Italian and Spanish.
Direct evaluation: At the end, you will receive a clear assessment of your language level (according to the international CEFR system, A1 to C2).
The test is adaptive – it adjusts dynamically to your answers and is made to challenge you.
It usually takes the amount of time to brew and enjoy a cup of tea, so you should allow around 20–30 minutes.
The placement test covers the skills Reading, Language Use, Writing and Listening. Speaking is not tested.
This assessment provides an immediate and reliable overview of your language skills.
What Are the Benefits of the Placement Test?
Self-assessment: You find out where you stand – whether you’re a beginner or a pro or something in between.
Clear goals: You can determine the right level for your next challenge.
Motivation: It’s often surprising to see how much you already know – or where there is still potential.
Better learning results: Thanks to the test results, inlingua can give you specific advice and recommend the right course for you.
Typical situations in which the test is perfect:
You are considering starting a language course but don’t know which level to choose.
You are already learning a language and want to check how much you really know.
You are curious and feel like taking a language quiz.
You are an expat, student or frequent traveller and want to assess how well your language skills support you in everyday situations.
The inlingua Focus on Assessment
At inlingua, individual learning success is our priority. Our courses are structured so that each participant starts at their own personal level. This is the only way to achieve lasting progress.
The placement test is a key tool for us:
We avoid false starts, which often lead to demotivation.
We ensure that you learn in a group with a similar language level.
We help you achieve your goal faster – whether it’s confident small talk at work, fluent communication when travelling or an official language certificate.
Take the test now – you’ll be able to finish it during a coffee or tea break.
Your language journey begins with a click. Our placement test is:
Find out what your language level is – and discover today that you have more potential than you think.
👉 Try our free placement test now and find out your exact language level. It’s the first step to a successful language course – and maybe even the start of your next big journey.
