The women
who run GLS Berlin
The leaders behind GLS Berlin
Barbara Jaeschke, Dr. Verena Jaeschke, Dr. Reemda Jaeschke
Barbara - pictured above with her daughters, Verena (left) and Reemda - founded GLS in 1983. She continues to run the company today, now alongside her daughters. What began as a one-woman show in 1983, is now a company with 150 employees and 5000+ students annually: more about GLS.
Scroll down for short bios and the GLS story.
Barbara Jaeschke
GLS Founder (photo from 1983 – the year GLS began).
Entrepreneur, and mother of three. Honored by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy as a role model for women in business.
Dr. Verena Jaeschke
GLS Director Business Development
PhD in Cultural Studies | Experience in start-ups & management consulting | Freelance university lecturer and project manager
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
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. The three letters "GLS" stand for German Language School.
1996
GLS relocates to West Berlin, starting with just 4 classrooms and later expanding to 12 as demand grows.
2005
A new chapter begins: Barbara acquires a long-abandoned school building in East Berlin — full of potential and ready for transformation.
2006
The GLS Campus Berlin officially opens! With 66 classrooms and on-site student accommodation
2011
A hidden gem next door: GLS purchases a listed historic city swimming pool next to the campus. A five-year renovation project begins - see the “before” photos for a glimpse into the transformation
2016
The former pool is reborn as Hotel Oderberger, a stunning boutique hotel for students and guests alike. At the helm: Barbara’s daughter, Dr. Verena Jaeschke.
2020
A year of change. Barbara’s second daughter, Dr. Reemda Jaeschke, joins GLS as CFO. The Covid-19 pandemic hits, impacting the school and campus hotels.
2023
GLS celebrates 40 years of language learning, community, and international exchange. Student numbers return to pre-Covid levels, marking a full recovery and a renewed sense of momentum.
2025
Reemda and Verena are now planning a third club hotel on the GLS campus, set to open in 2027.
