Study abroad dreams shattered by unregulated agencies' costly mistakes
A growing number of students are facing financial and legal troubles due to errors by study abroad agencies. One recent case involves Park Gwan-woo, an aspiring chef whose visa application was mishandled, leaving him stranded in Australia without legal status. The issue highlights wider problems in an industry that currently operates without proper oversight. Park Gwan-woo applied for a student visa through an agency in March 2025. The agency assured him his application was complete, so he began preparing for culinary school. However, a mistake by the agency meant his visa was never issued, making him an illegal resident.
The agency later covered Park's return flight and offered to pay for an immigration lawyer if he reapplied. But the damage was already done—his studies and career plans were disrupted. He now intends to sue for further compensation.
This is not an isolated incident. Another consumer paid around 10 million won ($6,600) to an agency for a Canadian study programme but received neither a visa nor a refund. Complaints against overseas study agencies have risen each year, yet no system exists to regulate or supervise them.
Attorney Shin Hyun-jun has called for new laws to protect students and hold agencies accountable. Currently, these businesses operate in a legal blind spot, leaving clients with little recourse when things go wrong. The lack of regulation means more students could face similar problems in the future. Without changes, agencies will continue to operate without oversight, putting applicants at risk of financial loss and legal complications. Park's case may push for stricter controls, but for now, students must proceed with caution.
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