International House World Organisation (IHWO) is pleased to announce the affiliation of two new schools in Myanmar: IH Yangon and IH Mandalay. These new additions to the International House network (originally known as The SPACE Language Academy) are well-regarded language education institutions known for their innovative and communicative approach to English language teaching.

The affiliation of IH Yangon and IH Mandalay marks a significant milestone for the group, which was established in 2017 with just two classrooms and has since grown into a leading English language provider in Myanmar. The organisation consists of two schools, one in Yangon and one in Mandalay. The majority of their teaching provision takes place online, this was a consequence of the pandemic but was maintained due to its success and efficiency. This is a key example of the academy’s ability to innovate and respond to market demands.

“We are delighted to be welcoming two such innovative and dedicated schools to the IH network,” said Emma Hoyle, Managing Director of International House World Organisation. “We have been impressed by the commitment of the teams at IH Yangon and IH Mandalay at every step of the affiliation process. They have gone above and beyond to be part of the global network. I am excited to see how the company will grow and expand, they are ambitious and have a range of inspiring plans in the pipeline.”

The schools offer a wide range of courses, including General English, Business English, IELTS preparation, and specialised online classes in speaking and writing. The institution also caters to younger learners with programs like English for Teens and SPACE Junior (for ages 11-14). A commitment to providing high-quality educational content is evident through the daily educational videos shared via the school’s Telegram channel, which add extra value for students.

A Commitment to Quality and Professional Development

IH Yangon and IH Mandalay are recognised for their focus on quality teaching and professional development, core values that align with those of International House. Regular training, biannual observations, and a unique two-month free teacher training internship program for new teachers help maintain teaching excellence. The institution's approach ensures new educators are well-prepared to deliver effective and communicative language lessons, a hallmark of the schools’ reputation in Myanmar.

May Mon, Managing Director of The SPACE Language Academy, expressed her enthusiasm about joining the IH network: “Becoming an IH school has always been our dream since we were two young teachers teaching out of one small apartment in Yangon. After transforming our small business, which started with less than €5,000, into a leading language school in Myanmar valued at over €1.3 million in just six years, we believe that affiliating with IH will help us enhance the quality of our services, attract and retain better teachers, extend our international ELT network, and provide our students with an international experience."

A Valuable Addition to the International House Network

The inclusion of IH Yangon and IH Mandalay expands the IH network's reach into Myanmar, providing an opportunity for cultural exchange and insights into the region’s unique student demographics and language learning preferences. This affiliation will strengthen the IH network's presence in Southeast Asia, creating valuable synergies between the IH schools and the thriving language education market in Myanmar.

The affiliation of IH Yangon and IH Mandalay offers unique advantages to the IH network through their commitment to professional development and dedicated approach to communicative and student-centred language education. The vibrant locations of the two branches in Yangon and Mandalay further underscore the schools' potential to attract a diverse student body. The Yangon branch, located in the bustling Times City complex, and the Mandalay branch, situated in the educational hub of Mingalar Mandalay, are both well-equipped with modern classrooms, student lounges, and facilities to support effective learning.