Australian Federation of International Students (AFIS) is very concerned for the wellbeing of the students affected by the closure of GEOS, and calls on authorities to provide students with certainty and confidence at upcoming post-closure student meetings.

“The students need certainty - certainty that they will be taken care of promptly. In the first instance, they need to be provided with a detailed timeline with dates locked-in for when they will receive what. Their lives are in limbo through no fault of their own, and they need more than broad, standard-procedure type information,” said Ms Wesa Chau, Honorary President of Australian Federation of International Students (AFIS)

“We are very worried about the students affected, given that there is a poor track record of handling school closures. After Meridian’s closure in November last year, AFIS is in contact with students who still have not heard a single thing about any arrangements. Yet, ACPET promised last year in their media release that Meridian students would graduate by the end of 2009,

“Those students have been stressing and unhappy for months, and it has taken a toll on their mental wellbeing. On top of that, they have spent thousands more dollars on living expenses, whilst waiting an for an indefinite period of time. That is not right!

“Students who had prepaid their accommodation rents and fees to GEOS need safeguarding. They cannot be left without shelter.

“I hope the upcoming student meetings can provide students with firm schedules and detailed information that will be adhered to by authorities. This will prove to the students, parents, and everyone watching around the world, that the Government is serious about providing consumer protection for international students in Australia, and not just in it for a quick sale!

"Allegations from the VRQA that GEOS directors had been diverting funds from GEOS Melbourne to other holdings in Australia and overseas is disturbing. These should be vigorously pursued by the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority and by relevant corporate authorities." said Ms Chau.

AFIS stands ready to support GEOS students. Students can contact AFIS via e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or website http://www.internationalstudents.org.au