Language travel agencies who wish to join English UK's Partner Agency Scheme will find it easier to do so now that a specialist online briefing course has gone live.

Until now agencies had to attend a seminar, run by English UK staff, which covered the benefits of studying in the UK, explained visa issues and gave more information about the scheme. This delayed or prevented many eligible agencies from joining the scheme if English UK staff had not visited their area.

"We know it's been frustrating for many agencies who were keen to join the scheme and met all the other criteria, "said Jodie Gray, English UK's senior international manager.

"We're delighted that our interactive briefing course has now gone live. It should mean that many more of the world's leading agencies can join our scheme and enjoy the benefits of working more closely with English UK and our members."

The online briefing course covers the work of English UK, the benefits of studying in the UK, and includes a full and clear explanation of the different types of visa available to students.

Prospective partner agencies must also complete other parts of the application process, which includes getting good references from five English UK member centres.

The English UK Partner Agency Scheme recognises those study abroad agencies and educational consultancies that are successfully promoting the UK as an English language teaching destination.

To join the scheme, an agency must demonstrate that they have developed successful partnerships with a number of member centres, are engaged with the work of English UK and adhere to the principles of our agency code of conduct.

To date, 76 agencies from all over the world have joined the scheme.

Notes to Editors

1. English UK is the world's leading language teaching association, with around 450 accredited centres in membership. It covers university and further education college language departments, international study centres in independent schools, educational trusts and charities, and private sector colleges. English UK is a UK registered charity (www.englishuk.com).
2. Click here to download a PDF document featuring screen shots of the English UK partner agency online briefing course.
3. For further details, contact Jodie Gray on 020 7608 7969 or using jodie@englishuk.com.