AWA FOREIGN TRADE ACADEMY
Team, locations, brands and more
AWA FOREIGN TRADE ACADEMY is one of Germany’s largest providers of seminars, workshops and events on all topics of foreign trade. Our range of seminars is complemented by e-learning programs such as distance-learning courses and webinars as well as in-house training tailored to the client’s individual needs. We train employees, managers and the managing directors of international companies in all aspects of foreign trade. Our seminars cover a wide range of topics (e.g. customs, export controls, VAT, compliance, preferential law, foreign trade management, contract law) and provide you with the latest specialist knowledge that will help you in your daily tasks.
Further Information about the AWA
AWA’S Guiding Principles
Vision and Mission
AWA supports and promotes education and training in the fields of customs, taxation and foreign trade within the framework of lifelong learning. It focuses on the needs of employees in a global and multimedial society. It designs teaching materials that reflect the needs of professional practice. In performing their diverse tasks, AWA’s employees follow a strict code of conduct. Communication with clients and each other is based on fairness and respect, honest and openness; reliability is a fundamental requirement.
Our vision and mission are based on three pillars:
Content: Tax law, customs and foreign trade law, technology, communication, rhetoric.
Level: Our courses are tailored for all levels: from beginner to expert, office workers to board members. Their contents are continuously developed and updated.
Medium: Classroom training in small groups, conferences, coaching, e-learning, distance-learning, web-based training, self-study courses and materials.
Self-image
AWA:
- Provides expert training services tailored to the needs of employees working in foreign trade so that they may perform their daily tasks effectively and efficiently.
- Imparts sustainable knowledge, so that employees can work independently after training.
- Focusses on learning success.
- Uses state of the art media in its training services.
- Emphasises transparency and performs its services as agreed in the contract.
- Has a rigorous system of correction and improvement.
- Ensures its employees work in a pleasant environment and are given effective support.
- Strives for success in learning and in business
Principles
AWA:
- Is economically independent. Its contents are independent of third-party commercial interests. It is managed from a business point of view.
- Is politically, ideologically and religiously neutral.
- Imparts knowledge and skills.
- Ensures that its contents and values reflect the current state of technology, science and research.
- Provides a pleasant teaching and learning environment with committed service.
- Provides trainers who are experts in their field and have proven teaching experience. They are familiar with current teaching media.
- Assumes social responsibility by providing financial support to charitable institutions.
- Promotes university research and teaching.
Company history
Founded in 1996 as a start-up company of Münster University, AWA is today one of Germany’s largest training providers in customs and foreign trade law. Starting with 3 employees and 8 seminar topics, AWA has developed into a company with 40 employees, approx. 90 seminar topics with locations in Münster and Munich as well as brands in Austria and Switzerland. Learn more about AWA's history.
21 good reasons for working with AWA
Specialists in the field of customs / export control are urgently needed. However, seminars, distance-learning courses and coaching often provide the only opportunity for business people to acquire and expand the necessary know-how. In the meantime, there are many seminar providers on the market who impart knowledge on foreign trade topics. But which seminar provider should you choose? There are good reasons for choosing the FTA FOREIGN TRADE ACADEMY, which we would like to present to you on these pages. Convince yourself of the advantages you can enjoy as a seminar participant at FTA!
// 1. Our strength
Foreign trade is our strength. For more than 20 years, the AWA has been training the executives and employees of customs, export and tax departments in customs and foreign trade law.
// 2. Training Team
Our team of trainers consist of experienced practitioners, including consultants and experts from business and the public sector, who regularly give lectures on customs and export controls as well as other foreign trade topics. In AWA seminars and training courses, you benefit from our trainers’ extensive practical experience.
// 3. Quality
The AWA is the first provider of customs and foreign trade seminars in Germany to be certified underDIN ISO 29990:2010. This is the only internationally recognised quality management system for training providers.
// 4. Service
AWA’s service philosophy was awarded the Q seal in August 2014. This seal recognises companies that have introduced systems to improve and enhance their standards of service.
// 5. Seminar offer
The growing number of seminars is an important feature of the AWA. This is our response to legislative and political developments in foreign trade on the one hand, and to your wishes and suggestions on the other.
// 7. AWA Customs Specialist
AWA’s customs training is based on the European Union’s Customs Competency Framework. By completing an appropriate number of courses you will be entitled to certification as "AWA Customs Specialist". Thereby, you can prove the specialist knowledge you have acquired to employers and authorities.
// 8. In-house Training
In addition, to seminars, distance learning and webinars, AWA also provides in-house training on request. Our trainers will visit your company and train employees in the foreign trade topics of your choice.
// 9. E-Learning
We are increasingly complementing our classic seminars with elearning (e.g. in AWA webinars and distance-learning courses). After completing our face-to-face seminars and in-house training courses, you can therefore continue your training independently and at your own pace.
// 10. Training documents
In our seminars and training courses we provide you with comprehensive training materials consisting of presentations and supplementary documents (e.g. legal texts, forms, exercises and instruction sheets) which reflect the applicable laws and regulations. The seminar documents are included in the fees so you are free to use them after completing the course.
// 11. Catering
Concentrated learning requires a pleasant environment: we provide a fine selection of hot or cold drinks, savoury and sweet snacks and fresh fruit. Enjoy our catering and have lunch together in reputable restaurants.
// 12. Save money
You can book accommodation at AWA’s partner hotels at special rates (subject to availability). In addition, you can make your travel arrangement with Deutsche Bahn AG or Lufthansa Group partners also at AWA’s special rates.
// 13. Newsletter
AWA collects the most important news on customs, export controls, VAT and excise and presents it in our newsletter in a user-friendly way. This email service ensures you are kept informed of current developments quickly and free of charge! The AWA newsletter is only available in German.
// 14. Seminar venues
AWA holds seminars nationwide in Münster, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Karlsruhe, Friedrichshafen and Leipzig. AWA is also represented by its brands in Austria and Switzerland and has a conference centre in Munich.
// 15. AWA Certificate
AWA certifies successful participation in its training courses and the subjects taught.
// 16. In English
Training in English is available for specific seminar topics.
// 17. Grants
You may be able to put education vouchers towards the cost of AWA seminars. An overview of the funding opportunities together with more detailed information can be found on our German website.
// 18. Cooperations
The cooperation between AWA and the WWU Münster as well as the jointly founded Institute of Customs and Foreign Trade Law allows the results of scientific research to be transferred to teaching and practice.
// 19. Open ear
We look forward to receiving your questions and suggestions before, during and after the seminar. With your help, AWA is constantly striving to improve its performance. For this purpose, you will have the opportunity to evaluate all aspects of the course.
// 20. Educational leave
Seminar participants have the opportunity to submit educational leave to their employer for AWA seminars taking place in Münster.
// 21. Networking
You can exchange experiences with other participants and expand your network.