The Romanian Association for Quality Language Services QUEST Romania was created in May 1996, its aim being to promote and guarantee the provision in Romania of language teaching and other language services of the highest possible quality standards through the establishment of a quality assurance scheme. Founder members of QUEST are seven Language Centres, as well as the British Council Romania.

Professional background of key staff members
During the preparatory period 1995-1996, the directors and other key staff members of the founder member schools attended ELT-management courses and seminars (e.g. with IELE - Lancaster University and Eurocentres) with the support of the British Council.

Who are the inspectors?
Language centre directors, directors of studies and teacher trainers who participated in the Inspection training course conducted by highly experienced Eurocentres / EAQUALS experts, within the framework of a KnowHowFund project.

Quality documents and inspection procedure
The quality documents include: The Code of Practice, The Staff Charter, The Students' Charter and The Member Charter, as well as the inspection documents. They were produced using the EAQUALS inspection scheme (Version 3) and FIRST Charters as sources of inspiration, adapting them to the Romanian reality while making sure that all the newly designed documents reflected the concern for and commitment to quality and good practice. The inspection procedure of the founder member schools was carried out according to the principles set out by EAQUALS, so that QUEST would like to acknowledge the impact EAQUALS has had on the professional development and consolidation of the Romanian Association.

New members
After having finished the first round of inspections, QUEST has opened its doors to new members. It has already been joined by a language school as associate member, with more preparing for affiliation.

Benefits of membership include:

Professional benefits
QUEST is actively involved in supporting the activity of the Language Centres - full and associate members - and promotes networking and the exchange of expertise amongst its members. It also seeks links with other national and international organisations with similar aims.

Affiliation to EAQUALS - The European Association for Quality Language Services.
November 1997: The chair and vice-chair of QUEST Romania (Laura Muresan and Rodica Socoliuc) participated in the EAQUALS meeting held in the Council of Europe, in Strasbourg, France, where the presentation of the Romanian Association was on the agenda in view of its affiliation to the European Association EAQUALS.
February 1998: EAQUALS postal ballot terminated, and as a result of this, QUEST Romania was elected to be an Associate Member of EAQUALS.
March 1998: Participation of QUEST representatives (Laura Muresan, chair, and Anca Colibaba, vicechair) in the EAQUALS AGM in Rome.

BOARD MEMBERS

President:

Univ. lecturer. drd. Ovidiu Ursa (ACCESS, Cluj)

Vicepresidents:

Mr. Catalin-Tiberiu Nedin (Goethe-Institut Bukarest)

Ms Gyongyver Pillich-Wright (Bridge Language Study House, Cluj)

Inspections Officer: Dr. Radadiana Calciu (PROSPER-ASE Language Centre Bucharest)

Projects and Development: Dr. Anca Colibaba (Fundat,ia EuroEd Iasi)

Treasurer: Ms. Angela Cotoara (Professional, Târgu Mures,)

Honorary President:

Dr. Laura Muresan (PROSPER-ASE Bucuresti)