OTTAWA, August 28, 2015 — Languages Canada and Orion Assessment Services of Canada are the latest quality assurance and accrediting bodies to join the Quality Assurance in Language Education Network (QALEN).
As Canada’s representative body for language education, Languages Canada’s Quality Assurance Scheme protects international students and upholds Canada’s reputation as a quality study destination for language students. Canadian language education standards are the copyright of Languages Canada and are set by sector experts and members. Orion Assessment Services, an independent accrediting body, is a recognized and respected auditing firm responsible for Canada’s Accreditation Scheme.
“This new partnership signifies the importance of collaboration between standard setting and accrediting bodies and the great advantage of harmonizing accreditation schemes,” says David Huebel, President of Orion Assessment Services of Canada.
After completing the mapping of principles and process, QALEN’s MOU signatories number seven bodies across 12 jurisdictions and includes: NEAS, FELTOM, ACCET, English New Zealand, ABLS, Accreditation UK and now Languages Canada and Orion.
“As the standard setting and representative body for Canada’s language education sector, Languages Canada is looking forward to engaging in discussion with our international counterparts around the continuous improvement of standards, there’s a lot we can learn and a lot we can contribute,” says Julian Inglis, Business Development and Program Manager, ELP, at University of Guelph and Languages Canada Board member.
Chief Executive of NEAS Mark Raven welcomed Languages Canada and Orion to QALEN with the comment that, “Languages Canada and Orion represents QALEN’s first bilingual quality assurance bodies, opening the door for greater representation from other jurisdictions.”
QALEN represents many of the world’s leading providers in language education.
ABOUT LANGUAGES CANADA Languages Canada is a not-for-profit association representing more than 225 private and public language education members across Canada that offer accredited English and French programs.
ABOUT ORION ASSESSMENT SERVICES Orion is an independent third party audit and accreditation / certification firm.