We have taken first steps to address the issue of high visa refusal rates in Turkey reported by English UK members and educational tour operators.

Our membership director Huan Japes visited Istanbul on 16 – 18 May to gain insight into the issue, supported by members of the English UK board of trustees. There were discussions and information-sharing sessions with British consulate staff and representatives from Turkish agent associations and British Council Turkey.

Our annual Members' Conference and AGM took place in London and online on Friday 12 May. 

Despite the train strike, members came from as far away as Canada, Cardiff, Devon and York. Over 70 joined in person with up to 47 at any one time online.

We're excited to announce plans for our coming StudyWorld events as we continue to connect UK English language centres and other accredited UK international course providers with study abroad agents and partners from around the world.

The Home Office has announced changes to the student visa route which will mean that postgraduate students on non-research courses can no longer bring dependents with them to the UK. 

Although this will not impact ELT students studying at our member centres, we are concerned that any curbs on the rights of international students in the UK have the potential to damage our attractiveness as a destination in an already challenging global international education market. 

The world has been watching celebrations in the UK this month, with major events raising the profile of two of our most exciting cities: the Coronation of King Charles III in London and the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool.

International students joined in the celebrations and language schools around the country organised activities to help everyone get involved.

MPs, a Lord, English UK members and stakeholders joined us for a very positive reception in the House of Commons on Thursday 11 May 2023 for the launch of our new position paper: 'Help us become the world's premier ELT destination again'.

The Terrace Pavilion overlooking the Thames was packed with well over 100 people, including many of our members. MPs who attended included Stephen Hammond, Selaine Saxby, Sir Peter Bottomley, Sally-Anne Hart, Diane Johnson, Munira Wilson, Kerry McCarthy and Kevin Hollinrake. 

The UK ELT sector's post-pandemic recovery accelerated in 2022, with a doubling of student weeks and an "impressive" three-fold rise in numbers, according to our 2023 Student Statistics Report. 

We are delighted to confirm we will return to China, to Beijing and Shenzhen, in November 2023.

Now that China has re-opened its borders to visitors and is issuing visas after a three-year break, we are excited to return to China and help members rebuild relationships in this important market.

Interested in helping to deliver a great summer experience for students learning English in the UK this summer?