ABOUT US
Our Story
T5RA was founded with a clear vision: to prepare young people for successful futures in Germany through language, education, sport, and personal development.
Inspired by the educational models of leading private schools T5RA was created as a preparatory programme that goes beyond classroom teaching. We believe that academic progress, personal development and structured extracurricular activities together form the foundation for long-term success.
What began as a small, carefully guided initiative has grown into a trusted programme supporting international students on the path to Germany — with a strong focus on language acquisition, integration and professional opportunities.
OUR MISSION
To prepare young people for successful academic and professional futures in Germany by combining language education, personal development, and structured support.
Who We Are
T5RA is an international education and development academy preparing students and athletes for successful futures in Germany.
Our programmes combine high-quality German language education, school exchange opportunities, high-performance rugby and structured personal development within a safe and supportive environment.
Inspired by the holistic approach of leading international schools, we believe that education extends beyond the classroom. Through language learning, sport, mentoring, and cultural integration, we help participants develop the skills, confidence and mindset needed to thrive in Germany and beyond.
Introducing the team
Sven Maibaum
CEO and Founder
“Excellence is not an act, but a habit. At T5RA, excellence means building strong structures, selecting the right people, and creating an environment where quality education can thrive.“
As Founder and CEO of T5RA, Sven is responsible for the strategic direction, organisational framework, and quality standards of the programme. While day-to-day teaching and student support are led by experienced educational professionals, his role is to ensure that T5RA operates with clarity, reliability, and long-term vision.
Drawing on his background in international project development and organised sports structures, Sven established T5RA to reflect the holistic approach found in leading private schools — combining high-quality language education with structured extracurricular activities, including sport.
By focusing on governance, partnerships and continuous improvement, he ensures that families can trust T5RA to provide a safe, well-managed and forward-looking educational environment.
Desmond Otieno
Academic Director
As the Academic Director at T5RA, Desmond Alvin provides strategic leadership for the organization’s educational and development programs, ensuring that rugby excellence is supported by strong academic foundations, life skills, and long-term career pathways.
In his role, Desmond oversees the design, implementation, and quality assurance of T5RA’s learning frameworks, aligning athletic development with education, leadership, and personal growth. He ensures that all programs meet high standards of relevance, structure, and impact, while remaining accessible and inclusive across diverse communities.
As a Rugby player for the Kenyan Mwamba RFC rugby club Desmond works closely with coaches, program managers, and external partners to integrate education into T5RA’s rugby development model. This includes curriculum development for youth and athlete education, mentorship initiatives, and capacity-building programs for coaches and officials.
Through his leadership, Desmond helps position T5RA not only as a rugby development organization, but as a platform that empowers individuals with the knowledge, discipline, and skills needed for success both within and beyond the sport.
Our Core Values
1. Fair
We act transparently, responsibly and in the best interest of our students and their families.
Clear communication, fair processes and honest expectations are the foundation of everything we do.
2. Safe
We provide a safe, structured, and supportive environment — academically, socially and personally.
Student wellbeing, clear routines, and reliable supervision are central to our programme.
3. Together
We believe in learning and growing together.
Students, families, educators and partners work closely to support each individual’s development and integration.
Why T5RA Matters
Students choose T5RA because they are looking for more than a language course.
They value a structured programme that combines high-quality German education, safe accommodation, personal support and holistic development — inspired by international private school standards.
T5RA offers a reliable pathway for young people preparing for education and life in Germany, supported by clear processes, experienced staff and a strong sense of responsibility.
Let’s talk.
We are happy to answer your questions and explain how T5RA supports students.
