Gateway 21 folds in Japan

The study abroad agency Gateway 21 in Japan has filed for bankruptcy and revealed debts of US$12 million. Of that considerable sum, US$9 million was estimated to be debts to individual customers.

Lawyers acting for the company have said that some 1,300 people who had paid tuition and accommodation fees up front were unlikely to get their money back, despite bankruptcy proceedings going ahead. The company belonged to the Japan Association of Travel Agents, but only a small portion of fees can be returned under the Jata system.

An employee of Gateway 21 has told Language Travel Magazine that many students already overseas have also been affected, and told to leave their course. However, most of those in Canada have been able to continue their studies after liaising with IES International agency, they said.

Study Group employee cycling for charity

Chris Taylor, Director of Enrollment Management for Study Group USA, is embarking on a gruelling road trip of the USA by bike, all in the name of charity. As you read this, he is most likely heading towards Colorado and the Rockies, having started at the Embassy CES school in San Francisco and with Embassy CES in New York as his end destination. Your World on Monday will be following his progress for the next couple of weeks. Study Group are matching the total amount raised, which will go to the Building Futures charity. Please visit http://www.firstgiving.com/ChrisTaylor2008 and if this picture of exertion inspires you, please donate!

Polish agency opens new office in Sydney

Polish education and work agency, Bridge Agency, held an opening ceremony in August to toast its move within Sydney to new offices. It is now sharing offices with a business partner, Global Law & Migration, which can offer complementary services to Bridge Agency’s education and job placement portfolio.

Nora Falencik, Executive Manager, explained that students can now access migration and residency services too via its business partner. For further information, please see the November issue of Language Travel Magazine.