English Language Matters - shrinking study abroad options

Every year, the private high school in which I teach welcomes a handful of exchange students from different countries. They're included in school life, learn the culture and language, and stay with local families. They bond not just with our students and teachers, but with each other. In return, the same number of students from our school go on year-long exchanges. Rotary International is the glue that holds it all together.

However, it's a one-to-one exchange with participating institutions, limiting spots. So, for my study abroad hopefuls, I recommended short-stay arrangements at English language institutes in my home country, Canada. But in the last few weeks, two global English schools with Canadian locations collapsed. Last week, EC English Language Centers, which ran 25 schools worldwide, suspended operations. Right behind EC, International Language Academy of Canada, ILAC, with locations in Toronto and Vancouver, abruptly closed on September 18th, mere days after the EC announcement. 

Vancouver's Science World celebrating FIFA World Cup in summer 2026, peak ESL school season

So, what happened? The first blow was the COVID-19 pandemic, which cut enrollment in ESL and study abroad programmes. Two of the casualties were ESL schools I taught at in the 1990s. They were forced to close due to loss of revenue. The second came when Canada's government capped visas in response to the ongoing Canadian housing crisis and pressure on social services.

In 2026, ESL school students in Canada can only stay 90 days past their designated programmes. The end of the road for foreign students intending to continue their studies or move to work visas damaged Canadian ESL schools irreparably.

Where would you recommend your study-abroad students go in the next 12 months?