The announcement comes after international enrolments at various institutions in Canada are up this year – English language teaching operator ELS noted a 20% uplift on 2016 intake.

“Canada is an increasingly popular destination with international students for a variety of reasons” said Jonathan Dykes, CEO of IH Barcelona.

“It’s affordable and safe, it has relatively relaxed visa requirements and there are great opportunities for further study and employment. As for Toronto, anyone who’s been there knows it’s just a fabulous, friendly city.”

Centre director, Norman Osokin, believes the brand name will give the school an advantage over its Canadian rival schools.

“IH is synonymous with top quality academic standards and customer service,’ he told The PIE News. “We’re putting together a team in Toronto that will push these standards even higher and ensure that all our students’ and agents’ expectations are surpassed.”

IH Toronto will offer a range of English language courses, including TOEIC and IELTS classes, as well as summer programs for juniors. Bosses say that the school is located within easy access of all Toronto’s best homestay districts, and city centre condominiums will also be an accommodation option.

“Joint ventures of this description are not so common, but there are precedents”

Padraig Hourigan, CEO of International House Dublin, added that IH centres benefit from experience and support from other IH schools around the world.

“International House schools often collaborate in all sorts of ways, which is one of the benefits of being part of the network,” he told The PIE News.

“Joint ventures of this description are not so common, but there are precedents. For example, IH Riviera Maya was a joint venture between IH Barcelona and IH Mexico and has proved very successful.”

As in other IH ventures, Hourigan views cooperation as vital for the success of the new school.

“Both IH partners will bring their long standing experience and industry contacts to the business and will support the school as it develops,” he explained.

“In addition, IH Barcelona will help by providing marketing support and setting up administrative and ITC systems. IH Dublin will help by providing pedagogical support from its extensive academic team and will also advise on governance and financial overview matters.”