EdNews | September 2024

ihCatania is thrilled to unveil new dates for its renowned two-week program, the Grand Tour of Sicily, set for September 16th, October 14th, and November 11th. This enriching journey invites participants to explore five of Sicily's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Catania, Syracuse, Noto, La Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina, and Mount Etna, as well as the picturesque town of Taormina.

With its seven UNESCO sites, Sicily is a tapestry of Mediterranean civilizations, traditions, history, art, legends, and mythology, all interwoven with its celebrated wine and food. The Grand Tour offers a comprehensive experience of Sicilian culture, designed not just for tourists but for travellers seeking an authentic connection to the region.

Participants will enjoy the luxury of travelling in private buses, ensuring comfort throughout their journey. They will be accompanied by qualified, professional guides who provide insights into the island's rich heritage. The tour also includes specially arranged cooking lessons, wine tastings conducted by local experts, and cultural talks delivered by seasoned instructors.

This program is tailored for those passionate about the Italian language and culture who desire a deep and engaging exploration of Sicily's historical and cultural landscapes.

IH Bristol is thrilled to announce the availability of newly refurbished, year-round residence accommodation for adult students starting 1st September 2024. Situated in the prestigious Clifton area, these residences offer the ideal combination of comfort and convenience for students seeking an immersive educational experience in Bristol.

The residences feature two student houses, each providing single rooms equipped with private bathrooms, ensuring privacy and comfort. Rooms have a 3/4-size bed, additional storage space, bedding, and towels. Designed for independence, the accommodations encourage students to practice their English with fellow residents, enhancing their learning experience outside the classroom.

Each flat shares a well-equipped kitchen, promoting a self-catering lifestyle. Students are responsible for cleaning their rooms, while maintenance of communal areas is a collective responsibility, fostering a community atmosphere. Additionally, on-site laundry facilities and free Wi-Fi are provided to meet all the practical needs of the students.

Located within a 10-15-minute walk from the school, the residences are close to the Queens Avenue Adult Centre, Clifton Village, and the iconic suspension bridge. The Clifton area is abundant with supermarkets, shops, restaurants, bars, and gyms, placing students in the heart of Bristol's bustling environment and providing easy access to local amenities and cultural spots.

IH Bristol is offering a special introductory rate to celebrate this new venture. Students who book and pay for their accommodation before 30 November 2024 will benefit from the 2024 price rate of £250 per week, plus a £51 accommodation placement fee, valid until the end of June 2025. Additional nights are available at £45 each.

Due to the anticipated high demand and limited availability, potential residents are advised to book early to avoid disappointment. This exclusive offer is an excellent opportunity for students aged 18 and over looking to combine comfortable living with their academic pursuits at IH Bristol.

inlingua Malta is excited to announce a fantastic summer sale, offering a 30% discount on its General English courses. This special promotion is tailored specifically for students looking to enhance their English language skills in a vibrant, immersive environment.

The General English course at inlingua Malta is designed for learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers. The curriculum focuses on improving speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, ensuring a comprehensive approach to language learning. Classes are conducted by experienced and passionate teachers, guaranteeing a dynamic and practical learning experience.

inlingua Malta offers various course durations and start dates, allowing students to choose a schedule that best fits their needs. Whether opting for a short-term stay or a longer educational journey, every student can benefit from the tailored course structure that adapts to individual learning paces and goals.

Located in the heart of Malta, a country known for its rich history and cultural diversity, inlingua Malta provides students with the perfect backdrop for learning English. The school is equipped with modern facilities and provides a welcoming and supportive environment, ideal for students from around the globe.

This limited-time offer allows students to enroll in a high-quality English language program at a significantly reduced cost. The 30% discount makes it more accessible for students to invest in their education and future career prospects while enjoying the beautiful island of Malta.

This promotion is a not-to-be-missed opportunity for those looking to improve their English in a sun-soaked, international setting.

Clinton English is delighted to announce an array of promotional offers valid for September 2024, aimed at providing exceptional value for students looking to enhance their language skills. These promotions, applicable for various course levels, are designed to make English language learning more accessible and rewarding.

Courses available under this promotion include General English, English for Academic Purposes (EAP), CAMBRIDGE (FCE and CAE) preparation, and IELTS preparation. The courses cater to a range from beginner to advanced levels, ensuring that every learner finds a suitable class. Promotional fees for these courses are structured to reward longer commitments, with rates decreasing over the duration of enrollment:

• General English and IELTS Preparation: Start at $270 for the first 10 weeks, reducing to $250 after 21 weeks.
• EAP and CAMBRIDGE Courses: Begin at $300, with reduced fees for extended course durations.

In addition to reduced tuition fees, Clinton English offers:

• Material Fee: A flat rate of $300, covering all necessary study materials.
• Enrollment Fee: The institution provides details directly, which can be confirmed through contact.

Special Introductory Offers:

• CoE deposit: A minimum deposit of $1000 AUD for onshore students.
• Flexibility during School Holidays: Embedded in the CoE to cater to students’ needs.
• NEAS Quality Endorsed Centre: Ensuring high standards in language education.
• Trial Classes: These are available for new students to sample the courses before committing.

These promotions are valid for applications received from June 30 to September 30, 2024. Potential students are encouraged to contact Clinton English as early as possible to take advantage of these offers, ensuring they do not miss out on the opportunity to study at reduced rates in one of Melbourne’s premier language institutions.

ILAC Education Group has announced the opening of a new International High School in Toronto, Canada, that emphasizes STEM disciplines—science, Technology, Engineering, and Math—as well as Business and Social Sciences. This initiative is part of ILAC's expansion to provide comprehensive educational experiences for international students.

Program Details: ILAC International High School offers a unique model with five intakes per year, providing exceptional flexibility for international students. This structure is ideal for students uncertain about their future university or college studies, as it includes a personal pathway option to help guide their academic choices.

The school's curriculum is designed to prepare students for a variety of educational needs, from experiencing a semester abroad to graduating with Canadian high school credits that are recognized internationally. The programs focus on developing critical thinking, independence, and collaborative skills, essential for students to navigate their future educational and career paths.

Available Programs:

• Academic Year: Options for obtaining an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
• High School Experience: For students looking for a short-term study abroad in one term, one semester, or a full or partial year.
• University Preparation Year: For mature students aiming to enhance their academic English and earn high school credits.

The school is located at the ILAC Growth Campus near Bloor-Yonge station in downtown Toronto, offering a dynamic, boutique-style learning environment. Students benefit from small class sizes and a rich array of support services, including personal counselling, academic support, and extracurricular activities. Additionally, ILAC ensures an authentic Canadian experience through homestay arrangements, allowing students to immerse themselves in local culture and practices.

For the inaugural September intake, ILAC International High School is offering partial and full scholarships for students entering grades 10 through 12. This effort underscores ILAC's commitment to making high-quality Canadian education accessible to international students.

This new high school represents a significant addition to ILAC’s educational offerings, providing a tailored, flexible educational path for international students in one of Canada’s most vibrant cities.

The government of Quebec has announced plans to limit the number of international students as part of broader measures intended to manage migration and alleviate housing pressures in Montreal. Quebec Premier François Legault and Minister of Immigration Christine Fréchette announced the proposed changes to curtail the rapid increase in non-permanent residents, who have nearly doubled since 2021, reaching about 600,000 by April 2024.

Key elements of the planned legislation include:

• A six-month suspension of applications for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program for jobs paying below the median salary in Montreal.
• Intended limits on international student enrolments are determined by factors such as the type of institution, the current international student population, regional needs, and study levels.

These measures arise amid concerns about the strain on housing availability and public services, prompting the government to seek control over the influx of foreign students. The government's statement emphasized the need to "equip itself with legal levers to better supervise the arrival of foreign students" and protect local resources and the French language.

The specifics of the caps on international students and the details regarding which institutions will be most affected remain unclear. However, the announcement has already sparked reactions from major educational institutions like McGill University and Concordia University, which expressed concerns over the lack of consultation and the potential impact on their operations.

These measures complement earlier actions taken at the beginning of the year, including a levy on international students and a French proficiency requirement to bolster French language education.

For more information, you can access the original news on the Quebec government's statement regarding international student enrolment plans.

Significant Visa Fee Increases Announced by Immigration New Zealand

Immigration New Zealand has declared substantial hikes in visa fees set to take effect from October 1st. The changes include a 100% increase in student visa fees, raising the cost from NZ$375 to NZ$750. Fees for visitor visas will see a 61.6% increase from NZ$211 to NZ$341, while working holiday visas will undergo a 59.5% increase, rising from NZ$420 to NZ$670. Notably, the post-study work visa fees will surge by 138%, escalating from NZ$700 to NZ$1,670.

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford explained that the fee adjustments are part of efforts to create a more sustainable immigration system that moves away from being subsidized by taxpayers. The additional funds will aid in covering the increased costs associated with visa processing, managing high-risk applications, and improving compliance measures to address migrant exploitation and asylum claims. The changes also support upgrades to Immigration New Zealand's ICT systems.

Despite these increases, Stanford noted that New Zealand's visa fees remain competitive compared to those in Australia and the United Kingdom, expressing confidence that New Zealand will continue to attract individuals looking to live, work, study, and visit. For instance, Australia recently raised its student visa fee to AUS$1,600, significantly higher than New Zealand's adjusted fee. Similarly, last year, the UK also increased its visa fees.

For more detailed information, you can visit the official Immigration New Zealand website to view the complete list of new fees.

Ireland Launches New International Education Mark Amid ELT Sector Concerns

Ireland has introduced a new international education mark called TrustEd Ireland, which aims to enhance the reputation of English language schools and higher education institutions nationwide.

Announced by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Patrick O'Donovan, the mark represents a significant step in regulating and ensuring quality education for international students. Scheduled to be mandatory by January 2027, the mark will certify that institutions meet national standards from enrolment through course completion.

However, the launch has not been without controversy. The English Language Teaching (ELT) sector has expressed concerns over the "excessive costs" linked to the new scheme, which includes fees for due diligence inspections and contributions to a new statutory Learner Protection Fund. The ELT community, led by Marketing English in Ireland (MEI), argues that these costs could undermine institutions' financial sustainability and affect Ireland's competitiveness as an ELT destination.

In response to these concerns, MEI is pushing to reassess the fee structure and plans to launch a lobbying campaign for more feasible financial requirements. They emphasize the need for a realistic and sustainable approach that balances regulatory objectives with the economic realities of educational providers.

The formal launch of TrustEd Ireland is set for September 25, with application windows opening this September and another in the second half of 2025. This initiative marks a pivotal development in Ireland's educational offerings, aiming to secure international students' high-quality and globally recognized learning experience.

The official announcements and additional resources are on the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science's website and the QQI information page about the new scheme.