American Center for Education and Research to be closed in Belarus

The official website of the American Center for Education and Research has placed a short statement: ‘Since May 28 2008 the representative office of the American Center for Education and Research Inc. stops its activities in Belarus’.

In order to pass TOEFL, GRE and SAT English exams, one is to go to Poland, Russia or Ukraine. The abovementioned tests were administered by the only organization, the American Center for Education and Research.

A staffer at the center’s office in Minsk told the European Radio for Belarus: ‘I am not in the position to give interviews. The current political coloring does not give us even a chance of re-opening.’

It is possible to learn the British or American accents and prepare for tests at any respected English courses. But afterwards, you need to pack you bag and travel to a neighboring country – Smolensk Humanities University in Russia, for example – in order to pass the exam. You don’t have to pay for a visa to Russia or Ukraine, but you will have to pay for the test. If you don’t pass it, you will have to do it again and again, meaning more money spent.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a standard test in the English language, designed to identify the knowledge of English by a foreigner. The test costs $100, and its results are valid for two years. The test is a must for those who seek education or good job opportunities in the West.

One can pass the test in more than 300 countries all over the world.