Japanese students looked after by Canadian language schools

Vancouver, BC. October 7, 2008

Thirteen members of Languages Canada Association have offered free courses to the Japanese students of bankrupt Gateway 21 Agency in Japan and their sub-agency International ESL Systems of Vancouver ensuring that students have not lost their pre-paid tuition. The amount of this support package is estimated at over $500,000. Globally, over 1000 students, and in Canada approximately 160 students were affected, some of whom paid for courses until August of 2009. Students in Canada were among the few Gateway 21 clients who received tuition support from Languages Canada and its 132 members.

The language schools that offered this support are Canadian College of English Language, English Bay College, Eurocentres Canada, Global Village Vancouver, International Language Schools of Canada, ITTTi Vancouver, Kaplan Aspect, King George International College, LSC Language Studies Canada, Omnicom School of Languages, Pacific Gateway International College, Tamwood International College and Van West College. These schools are all members of Languages Canada, the national association representing accredited English and French language training programs in Canada. LC members are concerned that students studying in Canada have a positive learning experience. This action has been taken in the spirit of meeting the BC and Canadian government’s aspirations for our industry, and our members’ commitments to ensure students never are harmed by foreign or domestic bankruptcy.

“Language schools dealing with International students have generally come forward with a support package in the rare cases of school failures in the past, but for the members to agree to take in students as the result of an agency failure is quite new” said Calum MacKechnie, President of Languages Canada. “This is one of the reasons why Canadian Institutions have such high credibility internationally.”

Time was of the essence in this situation, and most students experienced only a slight interruption of their study experience in Canada. “Languages Canada was happy to coordinate the placement of students here in Canada, as our members believe that assisting international students in a crisis is the only ethical alternative to further ensure the credibility of Canadian Schools”, added Johanne Lacombe, Executive Director of Languages Canada.

For further information contact:
Linda Auzins
Administrator
Languages Canada
5886 – 169A Street
Surrey BC V3S 6Z8 Canada

Tel: (604) 574-1532
Email: info@languagescanada.ca