Language schools hit by degree or bust rule
ANOTHER reputable institution -- Abbey College on Dublin's Dame Street -- has closed down, putting 20 employees out of a job and causing more than 500 international students to lose their fees.
And all because of the Government's so-called "five-year strategy" designed to improve the industry and double the intake of overseas students over the next five years.
The new legislation forced all visa students on to a degree course after just three years of studying English, whether they were capable of progressing to higher education or not.
Otherwise they were prevented from continuing their studies here, and sent home.
This policy was implemented far too rapidly -- published in November 2010 and launched in January 2011. It gave neither colleges nor students the time they needed to adapt.
The pictures now appearing in the press of angry, bitter and resentful students walking the streets as they look for a new school, is not the message we want to send overseas.
Instead of revitalising the sector, the Government seems intent on killing it!
Edward Morris
Druids Glen, Co Wicklow
Irish Independent
