Better You English Training School ********* business approach

I signed up with Better You Training school, with the idea of studying my TEFOL/TESOL qualifications. Once the course began, I was too busy at work, and therefore had to postpone my course date. This was fine with them. Upon realizing I would not be able to do the course due to time restrictions, I attempted with the school, to have someone else take over my course. The first person did not meet their requirements, therefore after offering a second candidate who did meet their requirements. I was told that this is not how they do business, and that I had forfeited my fees. After querying the matter, ultimately I was told to "get a lawyer who understands Ts&Cs.

I have now done this, and they are still dragging their feet wherever possible to resolve the matter. I am now reporting them to Consumer Protection, as well as filing a case in small claims court.

Firstly, their Ts&Cs are not within the Consumer Protection Act, so if you do find yourself stuck in the same position, challenge them on this. Secondly. it's appalling that an education driven business, has the audacity to tell a student to go get a lawyer, obviously knowing full well that a student cannot afford this, luckily this was not the case for me. Regardless of their Ts&Cs, there is no reason why they should even have an issue with this. It's an online course, which doesn't require any face to face teaching, or classrooms, or books, there is absolutely no ground for them to stand on as to why they should be able to deduct any money whatsoever. I understand that their deposit books you a spot if you cant pay in full immediately, but this should ethically be it's only function.

I gave them two stars instead of one, because I feel that they do offer a great course, which allows you freedom and the ability to travel. The fact though is that they are taking advantage of potential students, with a ***** contract, and pathetic relations management for anyone who may need to cancel, postpone or adjust their course. It's an education business, they should be expecting these things. It costs them little to nothing per student, money or time, and it's unacceptable how they hide behind their Ts&Cs and use lawyers as a deflection. The owner is... distasteful, to say the least.

I hope this sets an example for anyone else they attempt this with.

Gregg Strydom