Two of the best-known names in language travel stopped operating on the same Friday. ILAC, once the largest private English school in Canada, filed for bankruptcy and took its whole group down with it: ILAC International College, ILAC International High School and Tamwood. Erin College in Dublin and Cork closed after losing its place on Ireland's ILEP list and blamed a "political and arbitrary" decision.
We give you the facts in two minutes, then follow the money. Languages Canada's eCAP plan promises "up to 25% of unearned tuition" if your student can't be placed, first come first served, and only until the fund runs out. Ontario's and BC's protection funds don't cover most short ESL courses. In Ireland, the High Court record shows Erin owed €952,563 in potential refunds to visa-refused students, with €74,000 in the bank. Not political. Arithmetic.
Our take: both schools were running on prepaid student money, and the moment it had to go back, it wasn't there. Plus three things to do Monday morning if you have students at either school, and one school to watch.
In this episode
- ILAC files for bankruptcy under the BIA, KPMG appointed trustee, entire group closed
- EC English closed 25 schools four days earlier, 375 students in Toronto and Vancouver
- What eCAP actually pays, and why the provinces won't catch the rest
- Erin College's "not financial" claim versus the court record
- TrustEd Ireland, escrow, and why Erin was running out of road anyway
- Limerick Language Centre, same court case, still open
- Monday morning checklist for agents
Sources
Erin College's own closure statement was posted to its Instagram (@erin.college) and isn't on its website yet, so there's no link for it. If you want one, screenshot the post and link the Instagram profile.
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The Brief delivers sharp, five-minute updates on the policies, numbers, and market shifts shaping international students, education agents, and colleges. Each episode offers practical takeaways to help your business strategy, student advice, strengthen applications, and make smarter decisions. Fast, fact-driven, and built for busy professionals — this is the podcast to stay in the loop and stay competitive in international education.