AN education specialist has warned students in Myanmar to be wary of attending private schools in England without first investigating their facilities and reputations.

“In past years some local students have gone to England to attend private schools that are advertised as grand institutions but have found them to consist of a single small classroom,” said Dr Nay Win Naing, who has taught at reputable private institutions in England.

“Some local students have complained to their education agents and asked to be transferred to different schools when they arrive in England because they find the school where they are enrolled is different from how the agent described,” he said.

However, he added that most private schools will not refund deposits if a student transfers to another institution.

“I have heard of such problems many times from students because education agents in Myanmar don’t know the real situation of schools in England,” said Dr Nay Win Naing.

“Some of these so-called schools are not really schools at all. They don’t even hold classes. They just allow people to extend their student visas,” he said.
Dr Nay Win Naing said many Myanmar students are interested in schools in England because student visas are easier to get there than for the United States, Australia or Canada.

“Six out of 10 local students who apply for visas to study in England are getting them now. There are more than 30 education agents specialising in schools in England compared to six agents just two years ago. But 40 percent of them are not officially registered,” he said.

He said many of these agents have never been to England and only have contact with schools through the internet or education fairs.

“Agents are attracted to schools that give high commissions for recruiting new students. The normal commission is 15pc but some pay 40pc. But the ones that pay such high commissions are usually the ones that cheat students,” he said.

Dr Nay Win Naing said agents should travel to England to evaluate schools before they send students there, and students should ask the agents whether they have ever been to the schools and should ask for detailed information about any institutions they are planning to attend.