STAY AWAY FROM DISTANCE LEARNING

When applying to this institution I asked on a few occasions if the distance learning would fit into a working schedule. I explained that I work weekdays until 17:00 and most weekends as well with no time to take off from work, and asked if all assignments, tests and Exams were done after hours as I would not be able to complete anything during working hours. I also did my research and specifically stated to the recruitment agent, Boitumelo, that there were a few bad reviews regarding the distance learning program and asked for clarification from the institution that there would not be any issues and that distance learning is based around working schedules. Take note that on most occasions when asking these questions, I was told that the institution would give me a call so unfortunately nothing was backed up over email. Speculate as you wish. Regardless, I now sit with the challenge that Exams are not done after hours and in fact close at 16:30 workdays, to my surprise. My studies are funded with my salary that I get from my work, not to mention my rent, groceries, and petrol, which I now might lose seeing as I have to take unforeseen leave from an angry manager because we were already short staffed prior to finding out that my exams will not be done after hours. Furthermore, Richfield has a 21 day cancelation policy from the date of registration, which I frankly think is bull**** seeing as the exams only commence in June/Jully, so I cannot cancel my studies because I will still be held liable for the entire years fees, but also can not take off from work which was not supposed to be an issues as I was assured that "everything would be done after hours". I have Cc'd the "Dean" in my emails regarding the working hour schedules as well, however not to my surprise no compassion or solutions were offered.

I suggest you thoroughly do your research when applying for the distance learning program that now seems to be tearing my life apart, as it is not work-schedule-friendly and would suggest perhaps looking into Australian distance study programmes that are more accommodating to a 7-5 job.

Do not be fooled by the friendly salesmen that make empty promises, as those empty promises will cost you not only financially, but in ways I cannot even begin to explain.