A leading training organisation based in the city has welcomed York Central MP Rachael Maskell to discuss the challenges faced by the international education sector.

The meeting was with York Associates International Ltd, which was founded in 1980, and is based at Peasholme House, St Saviour’s Place.

There, Ms Maskell was joined by Commercial Director Bob Dignen and Director of Academic Studies Dr. Elizabeth Newton.

The three looked at issues such as the Erasmus education scheme, harm caused by EU students now needing passports for language study, extending work visas to other EU and non-EU countries, reviewing rental relief to help host families, removing restrictions on dependents for international students and initiatives to raise the international profile of ‘Brand York.’

Mr Dignen said: “We are highly dependent on international student travel to the UK. One of the biggest challenges is finding host families to work with us, which is limiting our ability to grow.”

“So, if there is anyone out there in the York area interested in becoming a host family for us, please get in touch with me."

He added Rachael Maskell supported the school’s concerns and committed to supporting policies that would help York Associates and similar organisations recover and thrive.

Mr Dignen can be contacted by email at Bob.Dignen@york-associates.co.uk