Hawaii-based private English language school, the Institute of Intensive English, has launched an international scholarship targeting students from under-represented countries.

In Australia, cricketing legend Brian Lara attended the opening of Swinburne's new location in Sydney and spoke to students at the event.

Reflecting on 2019, a number of headlines stick out – from acquisition shakeups across the ESL industry to visa issues stretching over various destination countries. Here are some of the stories which have grabbed our attention, and yours, over the last 12 months.

UNSW Sydney has signed a five-year, AUD$100 million joint venture with the Qingdao International Academician Park in Shandong, China.

The language learning tech company has raised another US$30m from Alphabet's CapitalG, making it the world's most valuable language learning tech company.

Dublin's Alpha College of English has been acquired by UK-based Twin Group, in a deal which allows the company to expand its operations in Ireland.

Student marketing agency Natives has announced a partnership with TikTok China (Douyin) to help UK universities recruit Chinese students.

The third annual PIEoneers Awards was held at London's historic Guildhall, with CEO and founder of Diversity Abroad, Andrew Gordon taking home the trophy for his outstanding contribution to the industry.