Lingotot launches into the Middle East in first international expansion - More than 10,000 children are already taught languages including French, German, Mandarin and Spanish in Lingotot classes

https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/business/business-news/lingotot-launches-middle-east-first-12430747

 A business that aims to teach youngsters new languages has expanded into Dubai as part of its ambitious international expansion plans.

Some 10,000 pre-school and primary school children across the UK already take part in Lingotot classes every week, learning a variety of languages including French, German, Spanish and Mandarin.

Now the multi-award winning firm has set up its first international division, by opening the doors to Lingotot Dubai later this month.

Mum-of-two and former modern foreign languages teacher Angela Sterling first set up Lingotots back in 2010, and she is exporting her winning formula to the Middle East, where she has already secured a number of contracts with prestigious international schools to provide after school language activities.

Becki Hodgson, who joined Lingotot as a Spanish graduate straight from university two years ago, will be heading up the Middle East business and will be based in the Lingotot Dubai HQ located in the heart of Business Bay in Dubai.

The business has appointed three local teachers to deliver its initial courses and expects to increase this number over the coming months.

Mrs Sterling, who spent her formative years as a teacher working in Dubai, is familiar with the education systems in the multi-cultural Gulf States and recognised an increasing need to offer children’s language classes.

However, the unassuming entrepreneur admits that exporting a UK business in to the UAE is not an easy, straightforward exercise but believes the results will far outweigh the effort.

She said: “This is one of the most exciting developments for Lingotot and marks the start of what we hope will be our international adventure!

“The Emirate Gulf was an obvious place to start. Not only do I know the territory and have a ready-made professional network, the place is a melting pot of different nationalities.

“Whilst most schools teach only in Arabic and English, expats from all over the world are keen that their children do not lose their native languages and as a result the demand for language classes is soaring.

“That said I have been overwhelmed by the interest we have received and the number of contracts we have been able to secure before we have even officially opened for business. We are going to be working with some of the largest and most highly regarded chains of schools across Dubai and we expect to roll this out to the other Gulf States over the coming months.”

Lingotot Dubai will not follow the franchise model but instead employ a team of teachers who will be managed locally by Becki Hodgson and overseen from the UK by Mrs Sterling and the Lingotot head office team.

Lingotot is working closely with the Government’s Department of International Trade with a view to exporting its successful business to other parts of the globe and is confident that Lingotot Dubai will be the first of a number of international territories.