The welcome mat that Singapore has laid out for foreign students has spawned a lucrative industry on the side — that of education agents.

However, the budding industry has both established agents and those out to make a quick buck, so a new association has been set up to protect students from rogue agents.

The Association of Consultants for International Students (Singapore) (Aciss) will also help agents capitalise on the expected influx of an estimated 150,000 foreign students over the next four years.

Aciss was formed in 2004 by three education agents after the Government invited them to form the body, but it was officially launched only yesterday.

Singapore is now host to between 70,000 and 100,000 foreign students, many studying in private schools here. Most come from China, Vietnam, Myanmar and South Korea.

Because they are unfamiliar with the education system here, many hire agents to help them with administrative tasks like enrolment, applying for visas and arranging accommodation. On average, each student pays an agent between $800 and $3,000 to be placed in a school.

Aciss president Mr Daniel Chu said he realised the need for regulation in an industry that has seen its share of scandals, with students complaining that rogue agents do not keep their promises.

Mr Yeo Guat Kwang, president of the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) who launched Aciss yesterday, also said the consumer watchdog has recently seen an increase in complaints filed by foreign students against agents.

Most complaints were for misrepresentation or misleading claims. For example, irresponsible agents would promise to help students secure a place in a "good" school for a sum of money, said Mr Yeo. But when the student arrives, he or she is left without a school for months.

Mr Yeo urged Aciss to implement accreditation soon, much like how the real estate and insurance industry do it.

"(Education agents) are the first point of contact for students who want to come to Singapore to study. It is important for us to stress transparency and full disclosure of information."

Aciss hopes to ask the Government for help with measures like regulation or licence accreditation. Agreeing, Mr Yeo said: "While we have an association to take the lead, it is important for the Government to review legislation to protect the interests of international students in Singapore."

The association now has 30 member companies, and hopes to attract more agents — including freelancers — with promises to help them expand their network overseas. - TODAY/sh

Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/244650/1/.html