Voted for by business experts from outside of the international education industry, the ‘gold’ winners in each category were Idealangues in France for New Agency of the Year; Timpany Language Courses in Spain for Small Agency of the Year; and Ad Astra International in Canada for Agency of the Year.

Elinor Zucchet, Head of Marketing at Spain’s Timpany Languages, said they were delighted to receive the accolade (winners also received up to CAN$10,000 to spend on marketing and scholarship weeks at CLLC).

“We worked really hard for the candidacy and this year we celebrate 10 years of operation,” said Zucchet. “Since opening we haven’t stopped growing so this is really important recognition of our work over the years. Next year we hope to be able to compete for Agency of the Year because we’re growing so much.”

Co-owner of the agency Mayumi Morimoto was in Toronto to accept the award.

“The award organisers also spoke with the quality assurance organisations we’re part of”

Zucchet added that the agency had to answer questions from the judging panel and the award organisers “checked the references from the quality assurance organisations we’re part of like IALC. We also had to make a video presentation to explain who we are.”

Founder of CLLC Aly Rajab said that he hoped PABA would help focus the spotlight on quality agencies “who go the extra mile benefit both themselves and the entire industry”, especially in the light of concerns in Canada over some international students outstaying the terms of their visa.

“In this global climate, it’s important that those doing quality work, including educating students about Canada’s immigration laws, are rewarded for their efforts. That’s what these awards are all about,” said Rajab.

A full list of winners can be found here and more pictures of the event are here.