GLS Language School Berlin: History
1983 - 2023
In 2023, we celebrate 40 years of GLS - 40 years in which GLS has grown continuously: What began as one woman show in 1983, is now a company with 170 employees and annually over 5000 people, who learn German with GLS: more about GLS.
The founder
The Berlin entrepreneur Barbara Jaeschke founded GLS in 1983. She still runs the company - today in 2nd generation with her daughters Dr. Verena Jaeschke and Dr. Reemda Jaeschke.
What does GLS mean to her daughters?
GLS History
1983
GLS is founded by entrepreneur Barbara Jaeschke in Göttingen, West Germany.
1996
Move to Berlin and re-opening of the GLS school in West Berlin, at first with 4 classrooms, later with 12 classrooms
2005
Barbara Jaesche buys a disused state school in Berlin Prenzlauer Berg with 60 classrooms and transforms it into an international campus for students from all over the world.
2006
Opening of the new school c/o GLS campus Berlin.
The campus offers on-site accommodation for students, as one of its 5 buildings has been converted into a studio hotel with 50 apartments.
German courses take place in the mornings, and in non-teaching times the GLS Campus becomes a stage for international conferences & events.
2011
Purchase of a Berlin landmark - a historic town bath right next to the GLS campus - and start of a 5-year renovation with the aim of converting it into a hotel
2016
Re-opening of the historic town bath as a boutique hotel - Hotel Oderberger - for students and other guests.
The hotel is directed by Barbara Jaeschke's daughter, Dr. Verena Jaeschke.
2020
Barbara Jaeschke's second daughter, Dr. Reemda Jaeschke, joins GLS as Chief Financial Officer.
The Corona pandemic affects all business areas of GLS, both the hotels on camps and the language courses as students can't travel any more.
GLS invests in digitalization, proves resilient and hosts the IALC Workshop, an international trade fair for foreign language training worldwide, in May 2022
2023
GLS turns 40 and, as a family business now in its 2nd generation, looks to the future with optimism
