AUSTRIA: The foot-and-mouth epidemic has caused panic among Austrian families worried about sending their children to the UK on language holidays. England has always been the most popular destination for children learning languages abroad but, since last month’s outbreak, language tourists are increasingly uncertain about crossing th Channel. “It is important to tell people about alternative destinations,” admitted Elisabeth Sekulin, business manager of the EF Language School, the country’s biggest language holiday company. Schools are now offering transfers to other English-speaking destinations, such as America, Australia or Canada.

Mike Leidig