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Read the digital June 2012 issue of
Study Travel Magazine here

Contents - June 2012

Special Report
Building by design
Keeping ahead of the market is a prerequisite for success. For many forward-looking providers, well designed, up-to-date premises are a means to enhancing the way in which their services are provided, and, as Jane Vernon Smith finds out, across the sector, hard hats are the order of the day in a round of new-build and renovation projects.

Advisor Survey
Spain riding high
Business remained buoyant in Spain’s outbound student market, but with the country’s economy in difficulty and with talk of cuts to a highly popular scholarship grant, the next 12 months could prove challenging.

Tertiary Focus
Computer Science
A cutting edge industry that underpins virtually all business activity, Computer Science is a booming subject of study, discovers Matthew Knott.

Vocational Focus
Computer Science
A cutting edge industry that underpins virtually all business activity, Computer Science is a booming subject of study, discovers Matthew Knott.

Secondary Focus
Canadian school boards
Overseeing elementary, middle and secondary school provision in a particular city, town or province, Canadian public school boards or districts are well placed to promote Canada’s provincial locations to an international audience. Nicola Hancox finds out more.

Secondary Focus
Military school attraction
Military schools in the USA are growing in popularity with overseas students as schools seek to diversify their international populations. Bethan Norris finds out more.

Destination
Celebration of Spain
International students can soak up the outdoor culture in Spain with golden beaches, bustling nightlife and a host of fascinating festivals, as Matthew Knott discovers.

Regional Focus
West Coast wonders
New South Wales is known the world over for its heavenly beaches and great surfing opportunities, but there is much more to this diverse state, as Gillian Evans finds out.

Direction
Being prepared
Courses that prepare students for university studies in another country are in high demand, although a number of factors are holding back their true potential, as Gillian Evans reports.

Market Analysis
US preservation
In 2011, the US ELT sector had to adjust to new government legislation. Elsewhere, the low dollar helped attract the more price sensitive student, while the Saudi scholarship scheme continued to fuel enrolments.

Spotlight
Language by the beach
Language schools in a beach setting have obvious appeal, and luckily there are many within 100 metres of such a location, as Claire Twyman discovers.


Opinion
Advantage points

News
Australia fast-tracks streamlined visas for ‘low-risk’ providers
Pakistani students face UK student visa
ExpoBelta 2012 attracts 6,000 visitors
International code of ethics for agents
UED survey reveals visa acceptance
New Zealand reveals Christchurch impact, relaxes rules

News Round Up
UK’s Extended Student Visitor Visa a success
Hutong school opens in Shanghai
London student accommodation brand launched
China-US university commences from 2013
Japanese universities seek new markets
BSC and London Nest open new residence
Scottish colleges call for Highly Trusted Sponsor reform
Kingswood opens new adventure centre
Envisage International relaunches finance aid tool
News in brief
Travel update

Inside The Industry
On the move
Q&A Educator association: Groupement FLE
Industry issues- advisors speak out
Q&A Advisor Association: Brazilian Educational Language & Travel Association (Belta)
Agency of the month: Study Tours in Italy

Course Guide
Russian language programmes
With Russia’s economy emerging among other BRIC nations’, the Russian language could prove valuable to potential clients. Many business executive courses are available in Latvia, Russia and Ukraine, and there are also several language plus options out there.

Grapevine


Opinion
A welcoming and supportive environment

by Nicola Hancox, editor

June signals that we’re half way through the year and it’s fair to say much has happened within international education. A few issues ago we brought you news of Australia’s Immigration and Citizenship Minister announcing changes to the country’s student visa risk assessment levels, making it easier for students from certain countries to apply to study in the country (STM, April 2012, page 8). At the time, the minister said he had decided against raising the assessment levels of some countries, implementing only reductions, to better support Australia’s international education sector. Yet more positive news this month then with the announcement that high quality private providers (hopefully inclusive of select Elicos operators) and technical and further education colleges will soon enjoy a more level playing field alongside the country’s universities (page 8). Hopefully these new measures will help put Australia’s export education sector back on track. As one association head observed, the welcome mat has been well and truly rolled out.

This issue we also revisit legislation implemented just over a year ago by the Obama administration. On page 55 we catch up with language schools, university ELT centres and one of two accrediting bodies appointed by the US government to spearhead an accreditation campaign most deemed necessary. Unfortunately, as we find out, accreditation processes aren’t particularly “new provider” friendly. Also, given university English language departments are currently exempt from the new legislation (they are accredited by regional agencies), I wonder if any will seek additional accreditation under the auspices of CEA or Accet to fall in line with private providers, further sanctioning the programming they already offer?

Another government that has rallied to support its export education industry is New Zealand’s. The Christchurch earthquake last year understandably impacted on enrolments, thus denting the city’s economy, but it is hoped a US$4 million recovery package will help revive its international education industry and encourage students to return (page 9). These examples of support certainly help instil some market confidence.

And finally, a code of ethics which aims to raise the standards of international student recruiters has been unveiled by an international forum (page 9). While it is important we safeguard the industry from unscrupulous organisations, this statement is largely synonymous with existing guidelines already outlined by Felca.



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