Accredited programs in Canada

Dear editor,

I am writing after reading a July 15 article, ``Homestay students in Canada face greater risk of sex abuse,” and receiving many e-mails from members of Languages Canada.

First of all, student wellbeing is the top priority for our members. For that reason, all Languages Canada members must offer accredited programs that are inspected and include homestay policies. We also protect students through eCAP, our student protection program.

Secondly, we are concerned about a study that is based on an out-of-date report (2003) which may not even have been conducted in the students’ mother tongue. The study did not seem to consult even one industry expert and therefore mixes facts and figures in a way that is misleading.

To conclude, students and parents have only one guarantee of protection and quality when coming to study languages in Canada ― study at a Languages Canada-accredited program and make sure your homestay is arranged through the school.

Gonzalo Peralta Executive director Languages Canada gperalta@languagescanada.ca