Latest news with #LilianaSandovalJimenez
Sydney Morning Herald
a day ago
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Liliana paid thousands to study in Australia but never got her money back
It was Liliana Sandoval Jimenez's dream to study in Australia. For six years the single mother from Colombia worked two jobs and sold her business to scrape together the funds to provide herself and Joseph, her five-year-old son, with better opportunities. 'One of my dreams was to leave [Colombia],' she said. 'For a better life for me and my son.' However, Jimenez never made it to Australia and instead claims to have lost thousands of dollars to an Australian education agency. She said she paid about $6300 to Hi Student Agency between 2023 and early 2024 for a confirmation of enrolment – a crucial document for international students applying for a student visa – and a place in a course provided by a private education provider. Her visa was denied amid a clampdown on international students. Jimenez said the agency promised her a refund – confirmed in emails seen by the Herald. But she says she is yet to receive a cent back. 'This has affected me financially and very much psychologically. I ask so much of God that He gives me the strength to continue,' she said. 'I have been left without a business, a job, and no savings. The savings I had set aside for flights are all I have left to sustain myself and my son. It has been very hard; I suffer from anxiety. I have no idea what to do … I am starting from zero.' Hi Student Agency has been accused of keeping advance fees from nine former prospective students, documents provided to the Herald reveal.
The Age
a day ago
- Business
- The Age
Liliana paid thousands to study in Australia but never got her money back
It was Liliana Sandoval Jimenez's dream to study in Australia. For six years the single mother from Colombia worked two jobs and sold her business to scrape together the funds to provide herself and Joseph, her five-year-old son, with better opportunities. 'One of my dreams was to leave [Colombia],' she said. 'For a better life for me and my son.' However, Jimenez never made it to Australia and instead claims to have lost thousands of dollars to an Australian education agency. She said she paid about $6300 to Hi Student Agency between 2023 and early 2024 for a confirmation of enrolment – a crucial document for international students applying for a student visa – and a place in a course provided by a private education provider. Her visa was denied amid a clampdown on international students. Jimenez said the agency promised her a refund – confirmed in emails seen by the Herald. But she says she is yet to receive a cent back. 'This has affected me financially and very much psychologically. I ask so much of God that He gives me the strength to continue,' she said. 'I have been left without a business, a job, and no savings. The savings I had set aside for flights are all I have left to sustain myself and my son. It has been very hard; I suffer from anxiety. I have no idea what to do … I am starting from zero.' Hi Student Agency has been accused of keeping advance fees from nine former prospective students, documents provided to the Herald reveal.
