Formally trained as a high school teacher of English and Russian, Barbara Jaeschke chose an entrepreneurial path, founding the Global Language School (GLS) in 1983.
“I wanted to invest, so I kept pestering the bankers—like a terrier. They knew women as secretaries, not as entrepreneurs.”
Barbara Jaeschke
1983 | The Founding
Barbara Jaeschke establishes GLS as a small independent enterprise.
1996 | Relocation to Berlin
To meet rapidly rising student demand, GLS relocates to Berlin—first opening in Charlottenburg before expanding to Schöneberg in search of a scalable, permanent home.
2005 | A New Chapter
Barbara Jaeschke acquires a historic, vacant school complex on Kastanienallee in Prenzlauer Berg. A comprehensive restoration begins, transforming the site into the permanent home of her language school.
2006 | Launch of the GLS Campus
Featuring 66 state-of-the-art classrooms and studio accommodation for international students, the GLS Campus Berlin officially opens—instantly becoming one of the largest private educational campuses in Europe.
2011 | The Campus Expansion
Impressed by the successful revitalization of the campus, the Berlin-Pankow District Office entrusts Barbara Jaeschke with the stewardship and redevelopment of the adjacent, historic Stadtbad Oderberger—a historic landmark vacant since 1986 following decades of failed attempts by international investors.
2016 | Rebirth of a Historic Landmark
Following five years of meticulous, heritage-sensitive restoration, the landmark bathhouse reopens to the public. On the floors above the historic swimming hall, Hotel Oderberger opens its doors as a boutique destination under the leadership of Barbara’s daughter, Dr. Verena Jaeschke.
2020 | Strategic Family Leadership & Resilience
As the COVID-19 pandemic challenged both education and hospitality, Barbara’s second daughter, Dr. Reemda Jaeschke, joins the company to lead Finance & Controlling. Operating as a unified executive team, the family successfully steers GLS through the crisis.
2023 | 40 Years of GLS
GLS is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Attendance figures have returned to pre-pandemic levels.
2026 | The Future
As Hotel Oderberger celebrates ten years of operation, demand for campus accommodation continues to grow. The family leadership team announces a major campus extension featuring 90 new residential rooms designed around communal floor kitchens, set to open in 2029.