FELCA - GAELA
Guidelines for quality and ethical international education.
Developed jointly by FELCA and GAELA, the Global Alliance of Education and Language Association, these guidelines strengthen transparency, trust and accountability in international education — and protect student well-being throughout the study-abroad experience.
The framework
Fourteen guidelines.
Read the articles in other languages:
01 Written agreement
Work with your partners under a written agreement that clarifies mutual understanding and responsibilities, and protects the quality of the service delivered.
02 Partner selection
Choose partners carefully — through direct contact and relevant accreditations. Agents should work with GAELA-affiliated schools, and schools with FELCA-affiliated agents, to build trust and confirm reliability.
03 Student needs
Agents match schools to each student’s profile. Schools communicate their nationality mix, average ages and the class levels available, so agents can advise students appropriately.
04 Inform and prepare students
Agents provide pre-departure cultural guidance and emotional support. Schools deliver arrival orientation on rules, services and cultural norms, and keep counselling accessible to support adaptation and well-being.
05 Student information
Agents share the essential data — passport numbers, contact details, medical conditions, medications, travel-insurance details and gender preferences. Schools specify the information required at application.
06 Emergency contacts
Schools provide 24/7 emergency numbers to agents. Agents relay these, together with their own emergency contacts, to students on all relevant documents.
07 Transport
Schools arrange airport transfers (recommended for junior students) and provide the driver or company contact information and directions to the accommodation.
08 Travel insurance
Advise students to take out travel insurance and to provide the documentation to the school.
09 Satisfaction checks
Agents monitor satisfaction during the first week and monthly thereafter, reporting any problems promptly. Schools notify agents of attendance issues and provide weekly and monthly updates.
10 Academic progress
Schools monitor progress weekly and adjust student levels to optimise learning outcomes.
11 Teachers' qualification
Schools hire accredited, qualified teachers aligned with national regulations and recognised sector standards, to maintain consistent quality.
12 Accommodation
Agents help students choose suitable housing — homestays (police-checked for minors), residences or flats. Schools select quality options and support students with any accommodation issues.
13 After-class activities
Both parties recognise organised activities as integral to learning, supporting language practice and cultural immersion.
14 Feedback
Both parties distribute end-of-course questionnaires and share responses. Schools maintain complaints procedures and mediators where required by local law.
List of Felca agencies and Gaela schools that adhere the Guidelines
These Guidelines are approved by the following members of FELCA and GAELA.
Only agencies belonging to National Associations that are members of Felca, and only schools belonging to National Associations that are members of Gaela, may display the official Felca Gaela Guidelines logo.
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I want to adhere to the Felca Gaela Guidelines.
Please complete this online form to adhere to the Felca Gaela Guidelines. Then submit the form. You will receive an email confirming receipt of your request and, shortly afterwards, an email with instructions on how to download and use the Felca Gaela Guidelines logo.