GLS Berlin: A Family-Run Success Story
Barbara Jaeschke, Dr. Verena Jaeschke, Dr. Reemda Jaeschke
Barbara — pictured above with her daughters, Verena (left) and Reemda — founded GLS in 1983 and today leads the company alongside them. What began as a one-woman venture has grown into a global educational hub with 150 employees and more than 5,000 students each year: more about GLS.
“A rare success story of a family-run business transitioning seamlessly to the next generation while preserving Berlin’s architectural heritage.” — German press
Scroll down for short bios and the GLS story.
Barbara Jaeschke
GLS Founder
Photo from 1983 – the year GLS was founded.
Entrepreneur and mother of three. Honored by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy as a role model for women in business: Video portrait.
She is the visionary behind GLS. Her entrepreneurial spirit turned a historic, derelict Berlin site into a world-class educational campus. Today, she focuses on international partnerships and the long-term vision for GLS.
Dr. Verena Jaeschke
GLS Director Business Development
PhD in Cultural Studies | Experience in start-ups & management consulting | Freelance university lecturer and project manager
Verena joined GLS in 2015, applying her background to the family’s language school and the Hotel Oderberger.
She bridges the gap between education and high-end hospitality, overseeing the hotel’s integration into the GLS campus and establishing it as one of Berlin’s most sought-after venues for international events.
Dr. Reemda Jaeschke
GLS Director Finance & Controlling
PhD in Business Administration | Experience in management consulting, banking, and start-ups | 4 years in banking consultancy | Former research assistant and lecturer
Reemda joined GLS in 2020, bringing her finance expertise to the family school.
She ensures GLS’s sustainable growth, overseeing the operational and financial structures that keep the campus thriving in an evolving global landscape
The GLS Story
1983
GLS is founded by entrepreneur Barbara Jaeschke in Göttingen, West Germany — a one-woman venture with a vision for global learning.
1996
GLS relocates to West Berlin, starting with just 4 classrooms and expanding to 12 as demand grows.
2005
A new chapter: Barbara acquires a long-abandoned school building in Prenzlauer Berg — a site full of history and potential.
2006
The GLS Campus Berlin officially opens! With 66 classrooms and on-site student accommodation
2011
A hidden gem next door: Barbara purchases the historic, listed city swimming pool next to the campus. A five-year renovation begins.
2016
The pool is reborn as Hotel Oderberger, a stunning boutique hotel led by Barbara’s daughter, Dr. Verena Jaeschke.
2020
A year of change: Barbara’s second daughter, Dr. Reemda Jaeschke, joins GLS as CFO and helps navigate the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
2023
GLS celebrates 40 years of language learning. Student numbers return to pre-Covid levels, marking a full recovery and renewed momentum.
2026
Building for the future: Reemda and Verena are planning an expansion of the campus hotel, set to open in 2028.
