Barcelona once again became the heart of global language education last week. For three unforgettable days, our annual ESL conference brought together more than 150 passionate specialists from over 30 countries. The city buzzed with energy as seminars sparked ideas, workshops fueled collaboration, and conversations built bridges across cultures. Half of the attendees were our dedicated ESL team, the other half our incredible partner schools—each adding their unique voice to the rich tapestry of the ESL portfolio. It wasn’t just a conference; it was a celebration of diversity, communication, and shared purpose.
Personal Connections and Shaping 2026
Behind every great student experience lies strong partnerships—and that’s exactly what our recent workshops were all about. In a dedicated setting, ESL teams had the chance to sit down with our partner schools, not just to exchange information, but to truly connect on a personal level. These conversations go beyond business; they’re about trust, respect, and shared goals.
There’s no substitute for hearing insights straight from the source. Over the course of the event, an incredible wealth of knowledge flowed both ways. Our teams shared valuable feedback gathered from students and staff throughout the year, while schools brought fresh perspectives on emerging trends. Together, we explored how to refine every detail of the study-abroad experience
This collaboration isn’t just preparation—it’s the foundation for an even better 2026. By aligning ideas and strengthening relationships, we’re ensuring that every student’s journey is more personalised, more inspiring, and more impactful than ever before.
Access to Education: A Shared Mission
Providing high-quality education is what we do best—but we know that access to education is still a distant dream for many around the world. That’s why our 2025 workshop wasn’t just about planning for the future; it was also about reaffirming our commitment to making a difference.
Since 2022, ESL has proudly supported a charitable initiative dedicated to building school facilities in Sike Danama, South East Ethiopia—schools that now welcome thousands of children eager to learn. This year, in the legendary 120-year-old ballroom of La Paloma, right in the heart of Barcelona’s El Raval, we turned our passion into action. Through the ESL Games—a lively mix of quizzes, music, and dance challenges—we brought together the bold and the brilliant, not only to compete but to contribute. Every laugh, every cheer, every victory helped raise funds for educational projects that change lives.
A heartfelt thank you to all participants who made this possible. Your energy and generosity turned an evening of fun into a force for good. Together, we’re proving that education knows no borders—and we can’t wait to see you again soon.
Krister Weidenhielm
