History, Mission, and Vision of AIL Español
Welcome to AIL Español
My name is Chris Haworth, and I am the director and founder of AIL Español. I’d like to take a moment to tell you a little bit about our Spanish language school, its history, quality, and why so many students choose AIL Español for their Spanish studies, encompassing Spanish schools in Barcelona, Madrid, Málaga and Valencia.
Chris Haworth
Director & Founder
Our History
2000: Where it all begins
The story begins in 2000 when I first arrived in Madrid. The city’s language, nightlife, vibrancy, and history captivated me instantly. Each opportunity to introduce visitors to my new home filled me with excitement. I knew Madrid would play a long-term role in my life.
2006: Opening of the first school in Madrid
Inspired by years as a language student and a spark ignited during a French course in Montpellier, I took the leap and opened AIL Madrid. The school was designed to set a new standard in Spanish language education, with passionate native teachers and a central location to immerse students in the city’s heart.
2010: AIL Madrid collaborates with the Madrid Chamber of Commerce
AIL Madrid partnered with the Madrid Chamber of Commerce, providing students access to specialized training programs, seminars, and business-related events.
2011: Cervantes Institute Accreditation for AIL Madrid
AIL Madrid became an Accredited Center by the Cervantes Institute, meeting rigorous academic quality standards, innovative teaching methods, and resource requirements.
2012: AIL Madrid joins FEDELE
AIL Madrid proudly joined FEDELE (Federation of Spanish Schools for Foreigners), showcasing its commitment to excellence in Spanish language education and the promotion of Spanish language and culture.
2015: AIL Madrid becomes an Official CCSE and SIELE Examination Center
AIL Madrid became an Official Examination Center for the CCSE exam, helping students meet the requirements for Spanish citizenship, and for the SIELE exam, offering internationally recognized certification of Spanish proficiency.
2016: Expansion to Málaga: Opening of AIL Málaga
Building on its success, AIL Málaga opened its doors, bringing immersive Spanish education to the vibrant Costa del Sol. Located in the city center, the school offers students a dynamic learning environment and cultural immersion.
2017: AIL Málaga joins Andalucía TRADE
In 2017, AIL Málaga joined Andalucía TRADE, an Andalusian Government initiative aimed at boosting economic growth through internationalization and business development.
2020: AIL Málaga becomes an official SIELE Examination Center
AIL Málaga achieved certification as a SIELE Examination Center, empowering students with internationally recognized Spanish proficiency accreditation.
2021: Cervantes Institute Accreditation for AIL Málaga
AIL Málaga earned Cervantes Institute Accreditation, reaffirming its dedication to academic excellence.
2021: AIL Madrid Earns Socially Responsible School Accreditation by FEDELE
AIL Madrid proudly earned the Accreditation as a Socially Responsible School by FEDELE. This prestigious recognition underscores our dedication to ethical practices, community involvement, and environmental sustainability.
2021: AIL Málaga joins FEDELE
AIL Málaga became a member of FEDELE, further enhancing its commitment to delivering high-quality Spanish language education and collaborating with top schools across Spain.
2021: AIL Málaga joins NACEM and Español en Andalucía
AIL Málaga became a member of NACEM and Español en Andalucía (EEA), two prominent associations promoting Spanish language education in Málaga and across Andalusia.
2022: New facilities Open in Málaga
AIL Málaga expanded its presence with a new school near La Misericordia Beach. The state-of-the-art facility features six classrooms and provides a welcoming, modern environment for students.
2022: AIL Málaga becomes an Official CCSE Examination Center
AIL Málaga began offering the CCSE Exam, aiding students on their journey to Spanish citizenship.
2022: AIL Málaga earns Socially Responsible School Accreditation by FEDELE
AIL Málaga proudly received the Accreditation as a Socially Responsible School by FEDELE, joining AIL Madrid in achieving this distinction. This recognition highlights our commitment to ethical practices, community engagement, and environmental sustainability.
2022: AIL Madrid wins FEDELE’s Best Marketing Campaign Award
AIL Madrid was recognized with the Best Marketing and Promotion Campaign Award by FEDELE, celebrating its innovative efforts in promoting Spanish language education.
2023: AIL Madrid finalist in the Star Awards
AIL Madrid was nominated and subsequent selected as a finalist for the prestigious Star Awards 2023 in the ST Star Spanish Language School.
2023: Expansion to Barcelona: Co-branding with AIL Barcelona
AIL expanded its presence to Barcelona through the acquisition of Olé Barcelona, a renowned Spanish language school. Co-branded as AIL Barcelona, the school is located in the city center and welcomes over 1,000 students annually. It offers a rich, immersive experience that blends Spanish and Catalan cultures, providing students with a dynamic and vibrant learning environment.
2023: AIL Barcelona earns Socially Responsible School Accreditation by FEDELE
AIL Barcelona was accredited as a Socially Responsible School by FEDELE, joining AIL Madrid and AIL Málaga in achieving this distinction.
2023: AIL Madrid wins Best Academic Project Award
AIL Madrid received recognition at the II Semana del Español by FEDELE for its pioneering free online Spanish learning materials, accessible to a global audience.
2024: AIL Barcelona Becomes an Official SIELE Examination Center
AIL Barcelona became an authorized SIELE Examination Center, providing students with international certification for Spanish proficiency.
2024: Association with BLC Spain: innovation and excellence in education
AIL Español expanded its educational offerings through its association with BLC Spain, an innovative program combining international business management with Spanish language proficiency. In collaboration with the Universidad Europea del Atlántico, BLC Spain provides students with a unique, immersive educational experience. This initiative fosters cultural exchange, prepares students for global careers, and reinforces AIL Español’s commitment to excellence in education.
2024: Expansion to Valencia: Co-branding with AIL Valencia
AIL expanded its presence to Valencia through the acquisition of 2Day Languages, an Instituto Cervantes-accredited Spanish language school. Co-branded as AIL Valencia, the school is located in the heart of the city and offers students modern facilities, immersive learning experiences, and access to vibrant Spanish-speaking communities.
2024: Opening of a new building in Málaga
AIL Málaga expanded its facilities by opening a new center on Cañada del Tesoro Street. This modern and welcoming building is equipped with fully furnished classrooms designed to enhance the learning experience. The expansion reflects AIL Málaga's ongoing commitment to providing high-quality Spanish education in a state-of-the-art environment.
Our Mission
At AIL Español, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional education and fostering an immersive learning experience in Spanish and Hispanic culture for our students.
Our goal is to stand out as the premier Spanish school, located in the heart of Español, cultivating an inviting and enriching atmosphere conducive to both personal development and linguistic proficiency.
Our relentless efforts are focused on aiding students in attaining fluency in Spanish, while also nurturing a deep understanding and admiration for Hispanic culture. We take great pride in providing a dynamic and individually tailored approach that meets the unique needs of every student in our community.
Our Vision
At AIL Español, our vision is to establish ourselves as a global benchmark in Spanish language instruction and the promotion of Hispanic culture. We are dedicated to attaining leadership status in the realm of teaching Spanish as a foreign language, crafting cutting-edge and top-tier programs that cater to the diverse needs of our student body.
Our overarching objective is to evolve into a hub of educational distinction, where students encounter a dynamic and encouraging milieu conducive to the comprehensive development of their linguistic and cultural competencies. We aspire for our students to acquire genuine fluency in Spanish and a profound comprehension of Hispanic culture, empowering them academically and professionally in an increasingly interconnected world.
Our vision extends to the creation of a lively and inclusive community, wherein students find inspiration, support, and recognition. We cultivate a collaborative and enriching learning environment that facilitates interactions with highly qualified educators and peers from across the globe, augmenting their educational and cultural journey.
Aligned with our vision, we are steadfast in our commitment to remain abreast of the latest educational methodologies and technologies. This ensures that our students have access to the most advanced and effective resources available. We strive to be at the forefront of Spanish language instruction, championing innovation and continuous enhancement in every facet of our institution.
In summary, our vision at AIL Español is to emerge as a preeminent institution in the realm of Spanish language instruction and the celebration of Hispanic culture. We are dedicated to delivering top-notch programs, providing an enriching educational experience, and fostering an inspirational learning environment for our students.
Our Values
At AIL Español, our educational philosophy and organizational essence are shaped by a set of core values that serve as our guiding principles. These values define who we are and propel us to deliver quality education, ensuring an enriching experience for our students:
- Academic Excellence: Our relentless pursuit is to offer educational programs of the highest quality, adhering to rigorous academic standards. We are dedicated to achieving excellence in Spanish language instruction and the promotion of Hispanic culture.
- Student Commitment: Each student is regarded as a unique individual, and our commitment is to provide a supportive and personalized learning environment. We prioritize their well-being and academic success, endeavoring to equip them with the tools necessary to realize their goals.
- Corporate Social Responsibility: We believe in the transformative impact we can make on society and the environment. Our commitment extends to being a socially responsible institution, implementing sustainable practices, and actively contributing to the development of our local community.
- Diversity and Inclusion: The diversity among our students, employees, and collaborators is valued and respected. We actively cultivate an inclusive environment that celebrates differences in culture, ethnicity, gender, and thought. We firmly believe that diversity enriches our community, fostering collective learning and growth.
- Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Positioned at the forefront of Spanish language education, we embrace new educational methodologies and technologies. Constant improvement is ingrained in our ethos, as we consistently seek advancements in all facets of our institution to offer our students an updated and relevant educational experience.
These values serve as our compass in every action and decision, embodying our commitment to being an educational institution distinguished by excellence, social responsibility, and a steadfast embrace of diversity.
