Canadian language school files for bankruptcy, leaving students stranded

Canada's largest private language school filed for bankruptcy on Friday, leaving current and incoming students in limbo.

A notice posted to the International Language Academy of Canada's (ILAC) website says it has ceased operations effective immediately, noting it "no longer has the financial resources necessary to continue operating."

ILAC operated in Vancouver and Toronto, offering a variety of programs including short-term English-language courses, a high school program, and college programs lasting up to two years.

"I’m just really confused and lost," said incoming student José Carlos Chavez, speaking from Guadalajara, Mexico, on Saturday.

Chavez, who works in Mexico as a professional photographer, was supposed to be starting a two-year-long marketing program at ILAC in mid-October.

Chavez says he found out the news from social media. Despite reaching out to the school, he says he has not yet heard back from ILAC directly.

According to receipts Chavez provided to CBC News, he has paid the school almost $14,000 in tuition fees.

He will also have to pay a penalty if he cancels his Vancouver apartment lease now — which will cost him around $1,800.

"Stressed, confused, I don’t know what’s going to happen," said Chavez.

Chavez worries he may have to go into debt and won’t be able to afford studying elsewhere if he doesn’t receive a refund.

"I just hope that the school can ... help me in any possible way," he said.

The school's notice says it has faced financial challenges over the past three years due to "significant regulatory changes affecting the sector."

Languages Canada, the national language education association that represents and accredits language programs, said the school has 1,362 students.

"The sudden and disorderly closure of Canada’s largest language school is a shock to everyone," said a Saturday statement from the organization’s executive director Gonzalo Peralta.