Category Archives: ILAC News

New Changes to ILAC Homestay Department

International agents spell out “ILAC” with their bodies during the ILAC Fam Tour in Toronto earlier this month.

ILAC has introduced a few new changes to its homestay department as part of its ongoing commitment to quality customer service. Based on feedback from students and agents, the ILAC Homestay Department now features the following:

An ILAC accommodations coordinator for each specific market: Latin America, Brazil, Asia & Middle East, Europe & Russia
Free Wi-Fi and laundry service in each ILAC homestay
Site visits to each ILAC homestay three times a year to ensure continued quality and service
Improved ILAC homestay maps using Google map technology
Detailed “ILAC Arrival Guide” to help new students feel at home in Canada
ILAC homestay “Auto-response” telephone line to better direct calls and improve customer service
Targeted advertising campaign in Canada to attract ILAC homestay families of the highest quality
ILAC Welcome Booth at the Toronto airport starting May 31, 2013

The changes have been implemented over the past few months and will continue to evolve in response to the needs of ILAC students and agents.

“ILAC is the most recognized English language school in Canada and our goal is to ensure excellent customer service in every way,” says Ana Karina Montilla, Accommodations Director at ILAC. “That is why the homestay department has aligned itself to this vision and is determined to provide students with the best accommodation experience.”

Watch the video and learn more about living with a Canadian family while studying at ILAC.

For information about specific changes to the homestay department, contact: Ana Karina Montilla, Accommodations Director Tel: + 1 416 840 0375 Email: amontilla@ilac.com

The Amazing Race – ILAC Fam Trip 2013 Starts Off with a Bang

Earlier this week, 96 international agents from 22 countries joined the annual ILAC FAM trip in Toronto, the most popular event of the year when education consultants are invited to Canada to learn firsthand about studying English at ILAC.

The activities started off on Tuesday, May 7^th with a tour of Seneca, one of ILAC’s prominent pathway colleges in Toronto. That evening agents enjoyed a welcome reception at Il Posto in Yorkville sponsored by Blyth Academy, ILAC’s new high school partner.

Ericka Perret is the Director of ARAM in Montpellier, France. She arrived in Canada one week ago to take an English course and experience what it is like to be an ILAC student firsthand, including living in a homestay family. “ILAC treats students really well and this is important,” she says. “I am looking for a specific school in each country and in Canada it will be ILAC.”

The following day agents attended a breakfast at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel where ILAC staff presented updates on ILAC programs and studying in Canada and guest speakers described partner programs and further opportunities in Canada.

After lunch, which was sponsored by Seneca College, participants joined the Higher Education Fair at ILAC. The networking workshop gave agents a chance to meet and speak directly with ILAC university and college partners across Canada.

Mike Henniger, International Marketing Director at Thompson Rivers University, was one of the speakers at the ILAC event promoting the upcoming TRU Experience Tour in BC.

And then they were off! Agents were divided into groups with an ILAC team leader and set off to explore the campus and Toronto in stretch limousines as part of the Amazing Race/Scavenger Hunt Game. Each group competed against one another to find and photograph famous Toronto landmarks while sipping champagne and enjoying the sites of the city.

As darkness fell, the limousines dropped off the agents at Remy’s Restaurant in Yorkville, where they were greeted by the directors of ILAC – Jonathan Kolber, Ilan Cohen and Bernardo Riveros. The celebratory party was sponsored by Guard.me, one of the world’s largest insurance providers for international students. Guests enjoyed dinner, drinks and live entertainment as the winners of the Amazing Race were announced. Each member of the winning team was awarded a scholarship for four weeks to study English at ILAC, a great way for agents to promote ILAC upon their return to their home countries.

Thank you to all the international agents who joined the ILAC Fam Trip 2013. It was great to have you with us and we look forward to seeing you again soon!

See more great photos from the ILAC Fam Trip 2013 on our new Agent Facebook Page!

ILAC Launches New Website

ILAC’s new responsive website.

ILAC is pleased to announce the launch of our brand-new website.

After many months of hard work, we are thrilled with the results and would like to share this excitement with all of our valued partners, staff and students.

Read on to find out what makes it so
special…

5 Facts about ILAC’s New Website

Responsive Design: The website features innovative responsive design. This means it adjusts to whatever device you view it on; from your desktop computer, to your smartphone, to your tablet.
Integrated Google Translate Feature: This is a helpful feature for students just beginning their English studies, who may need some extra help with translation.
Improved Student Portal: This is a great tool that puts information at students’ fingertips, allowing them to check their class information online as well as download campus and location maps.
User-Friendly Lay-out and Modern Design: The sections of the website are laid out in an easy-to-navigate structure, so all information is only a click or two away. Our virtual environment matches our physical environment, and incorporates a contemporary feel with the latest in web design standards.
New Official Blog: Our blog also has improved functionality, making it simple to find exactly what you’re looking for: whether it’s a post on how to choose the right program or to see the latest updates in Canada’s English Language industry.

Winner of One Year Scholarship to Study English at ILAC!

ILAC wins JAPAN BEST SCHOOL AWARD for 2013 from Ryugaku Journal

ILAC is pleased to announce it has won the prestigious JAPAN BEST SCHOOL AWARD for 2013 from the Ryugaku Journal.

The Ryugaku Journal is one of the most prominent and respected counseling agencies in Asia and in the world. Their award is based on the reports of 500 RJ students studying overseas.

The criteria are as follows:

1. Teaching and Administrative Support

2. Lessons

3. Accommodation

4. Facilities

5. Environment

ILAC WINS EDUCATION STARS AWARD FOR 2012 – Voted Best Language School in Canada

ILAC is thrilled to announce that we’ve won the EducationStars Award for 2012, as voted by students from around the world!

ILAC Toronto has been voted Best Language School in Canada.

ILAC Vancouver has been voted Best Language School in Vancouver.

We are #1 on the EducationStars website, under the Top 5 International Language Schools. http://www.educationstars.com/enen/home/

ILAC Partners with Blyth Academy to Offer High School Education to International Students

ILAC and Blyth have entered into an agreement to offer full high school education from grades 9 – 12.

Blyth Academy is a private school with campuses throughout the GTA, Ottawa and London that provide a first-class education through a combination of small class sizes, dedicated staffed and focused programming to help students reach their post-secondary education goals.

In the joint program, international students will take their English as a second language credits at ILAC which will go towards earning a high school diploma at Blyth.

Canada Announces Changes to Immigration for Skilled Worker Class

The Canadian government has announced changes to immigration for the Skilled Worker Class that will make it easier for international students to find work and potentially immigrate to Canada.

Highlights of changes:

1) Required proficiency in English or French

2) Emphasis on work experience in Canada

3) Increased job opportunities in Canada

4) Online match-making service for foreign students/workers to connect with Canadian employers

For students who are considering working or immigrating to Canada, ILAC now features a Certified Immigration Consultant (Member of ICCRC) at its campuses in Toronto and Vancouver.

Contact an ILAC Student Advisor more information.

ILAC Wins Consumer Choice Award for Best English Language School in Toronto 2012

Earlier this year, ILAC received the prestigious Consumer Choice Award for Best English Language School in Toronto for 2012. The distinction is considered the “seal of excellence” for outstanding performance in service and reputation.

Watch the ILAC 2012 Consumer Choice Award Video:

To read the original story, visit

http://www.ilac.com/newsroom/2012/03/ilac-wins-best-english-school-in-toronto-award/

For a list of all ILAC awards, go to http://www.ilac.com/about/awards.php

ILAC Employee Receives Award for Excellent Service

The Saudi Canadian Community Center has awarded ILAC and one of its employees, Saria Shaheen, for their contributions and efforts in providing excellent services and support for Saudi Students.

The award was based on a survey given to Saudi students in Toronto who were asked which institutions and cultural advisors were among the most helpful to them.

The Saudi students in Toronto have determined Ms. Saria to be the best cultural advisor among schools in Toronto. Ms. Saria and ILAC were awarded at a ceremony and thanked by Mr. Usama S. Alabdulwahhab, President of the Saudi Student Association President at Ryerson University.

ILAC News & Blog

The official news and blog of the International Language Academy of Canada