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Agents in the study travel sector are being invited to apply to participate in a new ‘English Language Olympics’ competition, which is aimed at bringing together young learners worldwide to celebrate and enhance English language education.
The project, which has a working title of the World English Language Olympics (Working title), is being led by junior provider SUL Education and is scheduled to launch in Spring 2026.
SUL Education and participating agencies aim to create a globally recognised English language competition for students from around the world in a “structured, fair and inspiring format”.
The event will be organised by SUL Education but will be “independently governed by educational travel agencies, ensuring a transparent and collaborative approach that reflects the collective vision of the industry”.
Currently, SUL is inviting agencies to put forward a representative for the voting shortlist to be part of the 19-member Governing Committee, which will serve a four-year term.
The Governing Committee will be responsible for establishing the ground rules for public tenders to select national representatives in each country for a four-year term.
It will also: elect a professional International Academic Board to oversee the academic integrity of the event; set the events rules, structure and eligibility criteria; and establish a dual-level competition framework, with national events run by three elected agencies in each country and an international event, organised by SUL.
The Committee will also create the event’s brand identity, including the selection of an official name, and create a strategy to make the event "free and inclusive for all participants" by 2035.
In the call for agent applications, SUL Education said that to ensure balance on the Governing Committee there will be a minimum of nine representatives from one gender, at least 14 different countries represented and no more than one representative from any single organisation.
Click here for details of how agencies can delegate representatives. The deadline for registration is 24th February.
Slavas Palkevicius, Director of UK-headquartered SUL Education, said that the launch of the competition followed conversations with agents during a series of fam trips that the company hosted last year.
He told StudyTravel Magazine, “Agencies have long asked SUL for a transparent, industry-led event - and the World English Language Olympics (working title) is our answer.
“It’s not just about recognising the best - it’s about raising industry standards, fostering international cooperation, and inspiring the next generation of learners and educators.”
Click here to access more details.
News Editor at StudyTravel