LCI in Ireland to close

The Language Centre of Ireland (LCI) in Dublin, one of the oldest English language schools in Ireland and an Ialc member, has announced that it will close at the end of the month because of current and predicted trading conditions. Tom Doyle, Director of the school, explained, “LCI will ensure that the process of closing is carried out in an orderly way minimising the impact on our agents and students. Classes will operate as normal until that date and students will then transfer to Alpha College of English or be offered refunds. “ Read a future issue of LTM to find out more.


BLS in France bankrupt

BLS in France, which operated two language schools in Bordeaux and Biarritz, filed for bankruptcy late last year and reports are surfacing of some outstanding debts to agencies as the relevant authorities deal with the liquidation of the company. Director, Damien Renaux, blamed the recession in France and two lawsuits from former employees which the company lost – requiring considerable compensation – as the reason for the demise of the company. He said in a written statement, “Both Xavier Loustaunau and myself are extremely sorry and sad to have to announce this terrible news.” 


UK visa process part-suspended

The UK Border Agency announced last week that, from 1 February, it will not accept any new applications under the Tier 4 student route of the points-based system in parts of India, Bangladesh and Nepal. This measure is intended until concerns about bogus applicants have been resolved.

The following visa centres are affected: New Delhi, Jalandhar and Chandigarh in northern India; Dhaka, Sylhet and Chittagong in Bangladesh; and Kathmandu in Nepal.

The head of the points-based system at the UK Border Agency, Jeremy Oppenheim, said, “As a result of routine monitoring and an increase in applications, we have temporarily stopped accepting new applications from North India, Nepal and Bangladesh while we carry out an investigation to ensure they are all genuine. We will take tough action against those who attempt to abuse the system.”