Many schools and universities across the province have decided not to accept any applications from international students for the upcoming school year. However, what do you do when that is the demographic you are specifically marketing to?

That is the question facing the A & L Royal Academy, a private English language school here in Moose Jaw. Before Canada's borders were closed the academy was expecting well over 100 students this fall. Now, that number is significantly lower.

Jeffery Mathieson, the school's principal and director, explains further:

"The problem is that with the borders being closed, no new visas are being issued. If students had a pre-existing approved visa before COVID-19 hit then those visas are still honoured. If not, then we can't get any new students."

Mathieson says that like all of Saskatchewan's school, the academy is putting together a plan to move online just in case, but that this option is one he wants to avoid.

"Online is not really ideal for us because our students really want to come over and have a classroom experience and interact with teachers in person. That's the experience they're looking for."

Nevertheless, Mathieson is hopeful that there will be an end-date to the pandemic and that new opportunities will open up for the school. A & L Royal Academy is looking into offering scholarships to local students in the upcoming year so as to give their international students the chance to interact with more native English speakers.