This week IEG Latest News talks to Ms Barbara Bergström, founder and owner of Internationella Engelska Skolan AB.
Ms Bergström, who divides her time between the USA and Sweden, was awarded Sweden’s Business Person of the Year (Årets Företagare) at a gala in Stockholm last week.
IEG Latest News caught up with Ms Bergström at IES’ head office to talk about the award, her company and what all this means for Internationella Engelska Gymnasiet.
Ms Barbara Bergström - Årets Företagare
IEG: What does an award like this mean to you?
Ms Bergström: As the figurehead of this organisation I’m very grateful to accept the award on behalf of all the people who’ve worked for me over the last sixteen years. Recognition has been a long time coming but it seems that the hard work that has gone into our success is now being recognized. It’s very humbling for me personally, and hopefully a real lift for the excellent team we have at all our schools. I’m very proud of the work they do.
IEG: What drove you to start Internationella Engelska Skolan?
Ms Bergström: I started out as a science teacher back in 1976 here in Sweden having come over from the USA. Initially I put my heart and soul into teaching but in the early 1990s I felt I could offer something different by starting my own school. I could see that Swedes were good communicators in English but I realised that that’s a far cry from having a real command of the English language. My vision was to create a school that prepared students for higher education and the demands of an increasingly international working world. I also wanted to give students a safe environment in which to learn.
IEG: What is behind your success?
Ms Bergström: People. Or rather the dedication of my principals and teachers and their commitment to providing education in a well-structured, safe learning environment. It’s important to have people who believe in what you’re doing. They bring so much positive energy to the schools. Their belief, energy and skills have helped Internationella Engelska Skolan AB establish schools throughout Sweden. They’re an integral part of our success.
IEG: Where does Barbara Bergström and IES go from here?
Ms Bergström: The award from Företagarna doesn’t change anything. Perhaps we can look at ourselves with a bit more pride now; however, it also means we must continue to strive for the very best. Where we are going is not going to change because of an award like this. We’ll be opening new schools next year in Gothenburg, Halmstad and Nacka as well as expanding to take in infants at IES Täby, Eskillstuna and Bromma. We’re committed to extending the reach of International English schools in Sweden and providing students with the very best kind of education.
IEG: With Gymnasiemässa on the horizon, IEG is in full focus. What does your success with this award mean for Internationella Engelska Gymnasiet?
Ms Bergström: It’s nice to be recognized for the work we’re doing. IEG is an important part of our organisation and a key part of our future plans. We see the gymnasium as the best preparation for university studies, whether in Sweden or abroad. Opening a new school in Nacka is part of our ongoing commitment to the gymnasium. It will be another feeder school in the Stockholm region along with IES Täby, Bromma, Enskede and Järfälla. The gymnasium is a school to look at very closely if you’re a student serious about your future prospects. I believe the future of the gymnasium is looking bright. Perhaps in four or five years we might consider opening another one. In the meantime, I’m excited by the work Dr Benedikz’s team is doing. Their hearts are really in the work they do. That’s the key to success. You can’t fake passion.
Related:
Watch an interview with Ms Bergström from the award ceremony.
Thinking of studying at Internationella Engelska Gymnasiet?
If you're into biology, physics, chemistry, maths, that sort of thing, you should check out the Natural Science Programme. It comes in a variety of options at IEG including extended and advanced courses in maths, English and chemistry.
If the humanities, languages, economics, art or drama are more up your street, check out the Social Science Programme at IEG. It comes with a variety of options including the International AS/A Level in English.
