The liquidation of International House Galway has been described as “deeply concerning” as hundreds of students are affected by the school’s sudden closure.
The English language academy in Galway city formed part of a network of over 150 schools across the world under the umbrella of the International House.
It is understood that all enrolled students are to be relocated to begin their studies in February.
But the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS) says questions remain over what will happen to students who have paid money to the school, but have yet to arrive in Ireland.
Speaking about the closure, Laura Harmon, Executive Director of ICOS, said the closure is a cause for concern, particularly, when the school was still advertising courses on their social media as recently as two weeks ago.
“While ICOS welcomes the assurances that enrolled students will be re-located to a new school, we are concerned that learners who have paid money to the International House, and have yet to arrive, will lose out financially,” said Ms Harmon.
“ICOS is calling on the government to urgently implement the International Education Mark (IEM) and ensure that all measures are taken to safeguard international students’ investment in their education, including mandatory use of escrow accounts.”
One affected student who paid money to IH Galway has a
Any students impacted by the closure can contact ICOS at www.internationalstudents.ie/contact
