World Education Services, Inc.

Review: last year 2013 I handed my documents to WES for equivalence of medical degree, I paid $ 189.00 dollars and he told me to confirm that the documents are true, it should come from college where I studied medicine and the rectory of university from my country had to send personally documents. I made all efforts, WES has received all required documents, and sent me the number of process received, number [redacted]. But now the process already spends a year never surrender to equivalence, by clicking my account tell me that some documents missing,and the process is incomplete,I think there is no transparency with WES in his work , I do not believe him,because there are more evidence that something is wrong with WES,,starting by phone , he use automatic answer and when someone click the 2 does not work, his answer is thanks for calling,instead of answering the question.Second the contact us page does not work. I am disappointed with WESDesired Settlement: Repay the money they receive and pay all the expenses that are made about the document in the amount of $ 1,000 American.

Business

Response:

Dear [redacted],

We have received the correspondence from [redacted]. Please be advised that we are actually waiting for the applicant to decide whether or not he wants a course by course evaluation. A letter was sent to the applicant on March **, 2014 stating that the document by document was not sufficient for his purpose of study. The applicants online status page has the same information as well. His file could have been completed in March once he updated his page. The file will be on hold until the applicant accepts or declines the course by course upgrade. The request for $1000 payment will not be honored . Please see our supporting documentation.

Sincerely,

Review: Re: World Education Services reference # [redacted]

I sent the original photocopy academic transcript to World Education Services for evaluation. All the documents that were sent were according to their requirements format stated on their web site. I paid for the services the same day I placed an order. In seven days I received the email from them stating that they cannot proceed with the evaluation since they do not have the necessary documents. When I called there, the person who answers the phones could not explain me what was the problem with my documents. I sent the email and fax, but got the same exact answer without any clarification. This is going on over a 2 month with no explanation. The phone number that is listed on the website is answered by the random people, who do not have any information on the case. Since this company cannot help me with my transcript evaluation, they should refund money. But for some reason, they are not willing to do so.

Best regards,

[redacted]Desired Settlement: Refund or provide transcript evaluation documents .

Business

Response:

Dear [redacted],

We have received the correspondence from [redacted]. The applicant applied for a credential evaluation on March **, 2014.

On March **, 2014 the applicant sent an email inquire about the documentation requirements.

On March **, 2014 the applicant submitted copies of their academic credentials. Please note that the documentation requirements are explained on the website and the application form. The applicant filed out the application and agreed to our terms and conditions which also mentions the non – refund policy. On April *, 2014 the applicants online status page was updated stating that the documents received were not acceptable.

The applicant disputed her charges with the credit card company. They took the payment back. We filed a claim that we did not breach the contract and that the applicant signed an agreement that the application is non- refundable and the credit merchant gave WES back the funds.

Please note that we are willing to cancel the file with a $50 handling fee, but will not issue a full refund. The applicant is requested to send us an email agreeing to the $50

processing fee and she will receive a refund of $167.

Sincerely,

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.

Sincerely,

Review: I had requested for a Course by Course evaluation of my academic records for higher education. My evaluation was completed on **Mar, 2014. I noticed that there were discrepancies in the evaluation report of my post - graduation course. I immediately wrote to WES on **Mar, bringing this to their attention.

I had 3 concerns about the evaluation report:

a) I had completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management. The report mentioned it as a Post Graduate Diploma.

b) I had attended Xavier School of Managment (XLRI), Jamshedpur. The report mentioned it as Xavier Institute of Management, Mumbai. XLRI is ranked among the top 5 business schools in India and the report is factually incorrect as I did not attend XIM, Mumbai.

c) The report further said that XLRI was a non-accredited institution.

On Apr **, I got an explanation to c) but not on a) and b). I wrote to WES again on Apr **reiterating points a) and b). I also sent them a fax highlighting the discrepancies in the report. On Apr **, 2014 - after 9 business days, I received a response from WES saying their report is correct and there will be no changes. I got no explanations whatsoever.

Factually, the report is still incorrect. I did not attend Xavier Institute of Management, Mumbai. I don't understand how one Indian school can be replaced by another Indian school altogether. I haven't got any explanations despite my repeated following up. The application deadline of one of the colleges I applied to, has passed weeks ago and they have the incorrect report.Desired Settlement: I need a clear explanation on how my college name was replaced by that of another college. I also need WES to correct the reports and send them to the universities immediately, explaining to them that they caused the delay.

Business

Response:

Dear [redacted],

We have received the correspondence from [redacted] HS regarding the evaluation completed on March **, 2014. We sincerely apologize for the initial error. A revised evaluation report reflecting the change that is warranted to the original evaluation has been sent to the applicant on April **, 2014. University of Pennsylvania will be contacted and informed of the changes made by WES.. A letter has been sent to the applicant as well

In addition, please be advised that in the opinion of World Education Services the status of Xavier School of Management (XLRI) is not comparable to that of a regionally accredited institution in the United States.

We would like to stress that evaluations prepared by World Education Services are offered as advisory opinions and, as such, they are not binding upon any institution or organization.

Sincerely,

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# [redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

WES had informed that University of Pennsylvania would be contacted and informed of the changes they made to my reports. I wrote to both colleges of UPenn and they have confirmed that they have not received any report as yet. Therefore the complaint remains unresolved.

Sincerely,

Business

Response:

Dear [redacted],

We have received the complaint from HS Sneha. According to the university they have received the report and will follow up with the applicant. Please be advised that the report was always there. The university has an ACCESSWES account that gives them the ability to have all evaluations for their students on the same day it is completed at WES.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.

Sincerely,

Review: I have been trying to get in touch with WES repeatedly for about a week to order a duplicate copy of my existing evaluation report. When I try to log in on their website, I get an error message and am unable to complete the order. When I called the number that WES has provided on their site, no one picks up the phone fore more than an hour. Today, I tried calling again and only after waiting for about one hour on the phone, did someone actually pick up the phone and correct the log in issue.

The customer service of this company is very poor. In addition, the company charges $50 + $7 shipping for sending one copy of my transcript to UMass Boston. $57 dollars for sending one copy of the already translated transcript that exists in their database?! The prices they charge for their services are exorbitant and do not correspond to the very low level of service they provide.

More specifically, the initial advertisement on before you actually complete the payment is $30 for a copy, but after you proceed to checkout, it turns out that they charge $50!

I would like to lodge this complaint in order to warn universities and colleges and urge them not to encourage students to go to them.Desired Settlement: I would like the company to contact me and reimburse me at least partially for the $57 charge, and charge me $37 as it was advertised on their website.

Business

Response:

Dear [redacted],

We have received the correspondence from [redacted]. A customer service agent assisted [redacted] on Septembe*r 1, 2014. We also alerted our IT support center to fix her username and password system which apparently was causing problems on the [redacted] as well .

The fee for Basic duplicate reports is $50 (for every new or follow-up order) and $30 per recipient plus shipping fees. This will be the fee whenever the applicant applies for more copies.

The fee of $30 per recipients in only during the initial WES application. The duplicate report was processed within the normal two business days and mailed to UMass Boston as requested. We wish the applicant the best in her future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Review: I have paid $212 to translate my transcript I got it from [redacted], I live in USA now, I have followed their requirement and my transcript been sent from college from [redacted] by the college staff using [redacted] directly to WES, but they keep insisting that the documents not sent as they asked, I have contacted them twice, no one explaining the reason behind document rejections.

It seems to me an automated system responding to inquires with rejection without any details.

This is the worst customer services and service provider I have seen so far in USA. It seems to be a fraud business and should be closed.Desired Settlement: I want full refund with the amount I paid and and compensation from all the money I spent to get the transcript delivered from [redacted] to WES.

Business

Response:

Dear [redacted], We have received the complaint regarding [redacted]. The applicant’s online status page was updated twice indicating that we received copies of documents, but noreceipt of official credentials directly from the academic institution. I will honor the applicant’s request and cancel the file with a full refund. We will not however, pay for any other additional fees outside of the evaluation and processing fee. Please allow 5-7 business days for the refund process.Sincerely, [redacted]World Education Services

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.

Sincerely,

Review: My problem with wes is for the second time , for this time I wrote an email to wes regarding get a new evaluation so they replied that I can reapply withoout sending documents since they still

Have them but I need to pay , so I did pay and they said they have all my documents and it is in process, after that they send me email that I need to contact the university to send them the document to get verified and since I am a us citizen now and I live in usa , and because the admnitration system

In moroco in not an advanced one that they will care about my request I wrote an email to wes to request the transcript on my behalf but no response even I need my evaluation soon , this is my second problem with wes and I will not doing business with them anymore .

Business

Response:

Dear [redacted], We have received the correspondence from [redacted]. Please note that once the application was received and reviewed by the evaluator it was determined that the applicant did not comply with the documentation policy initially. At this stage if the applicant is not able to get the documents as stated on our website we can cancel the evaluation. I will be willing to cancel the report and offer a full refund. Please have the applicant get back in touch with me directly. Sincerely, [redacted]

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# [redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because: they told me that they have my documents and they can use it after paying the fees for doing the evauation . The university did send all the verification to wes last year so they should have them . I did check the wes portal and they said my evalaution is in process and documents were received.I suggest that wes contact my university in morocco to do the verification and finish my evalaution. In order for the Revdex.com to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.Sincerely,[redacted]

In order for the Revdex.com to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# [redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

Because the delay in responding to Revdex.com which mean that you do not care about my complain , and because I did find a good naces member who did the evaluation for me quickly and without complication and also was accepted from the university I want a full refund as you promise last time or you make the evaluation quickly ok , olso respond quickly because my time is precious and I am on vacation so I do not have time to wate too.

In order for the Revdex.com to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

Business

Response:

Dear [redacted], As requested by the applicant we will cancel the file and offer a full refund. Please allow 5-7 business days for processing. Sincerely, [redacted]

Review: I recently contacted world education services to verify a semester of school in [redacted]. I filled out the information and paid for the service which was $254. They took the payment the same day. I waited 4 weeks and it still wasn't done. They said they needed a document from the school in [redacted]. I contacted the school on two occasions and the school sent the information needed but WES rejected the document saying it wasn't sent in a sealed envelope. The school did send it in a sealed envelop directly to them. After 6 weeks, still no word so tried to reach them on three occasions. All three times there was a wait period over an hour and 15 minutes! No one ever answered. They are impossible to reach. I then emailed several times with no response at all. I asked in my most recent email for a refund since the services was never rendered. I did get an email from them finally asking for $50 administration fee to begin the process!!! I'm very concerned that this company is not legit. Why would they ask for a fee to cancel the evaluation? I am very frustrated because I cannot contact anyone ever!Desired Settlement: I just want a refund on the money they took for the evaluation.

Business

Response:

Dear [redacted], We have received the correspondence from [redacted]. Would you please ask the applicant to supply her WES reference number? Thanks, [redacted]World Education Services

Review: I purchased a credential evaluation from WES on September [redacted] in order to apply for a US university. It is for my bachelor degree from [redacted]. Although it’s an joint program of ‘2+2’, which means that I spent the first 2 years in China and then went to UK for another 2 years to finish my undergraduate study, students like me can only get one version of transcript, which is authorized by [redacted]. All the modules that I attended in China and their marks have already been indicated in the transcript of [redacted]. The university in China will not provide any other version of transcript to us. I used it to apply any university in UK and US (except this university I applied that requires the evaluation of transcript from WES).

I argued with WES for several times and they just told me that they had the students like me and they can provide the transcript in China. Besides, WES told me that it’s the policy of requiring transcript for Sino-Foreign joint programs. However, firstly, I cannot find any policy written on their website. Secondly, they claim they have this ‘policy’ doesn’t mean it is reasonable. The grades for the courses from the first two years in China are written clearly on the final transcript. Those grades are submitted directly from China university to [redacted]. They however require me get a transcript from China university and send it to CDGDC for evaluation and translation and then send to WES. I searched online and found CDGDC is an official partner with WES. IT IS ALL ABOUT THE MONEY! They made you go through all these bureaucracies but eventually it is providing the same content as what is already on the final transcript.

The deadline for the university I applied in US is [redacted] November and it’s impossible to ask any university and the CDGDC to send a verified document to WES! Moreover, since the truth is that I transferred from the major of Financial Mathematics to Statistics to UK on the condition that there is no corresponding major in the university of China, so I had to drop out from the university in China and as a result, I cannot get any diploma from that university as well as the transcript.

I firmly believed that the response from WES was not reasonable and they still insisted they couldn’t make any evaluation until all the required documents are received. This situation will stop me from being able to apply for the university in US.Desired Settlement: What I need is that WES can evaluate my application ASAP even if they want to explain my real situation such as this is a transcript from a joint university. I think it will be all right for me.

Business

Response:

Dear [redacted],

We have received the complaint from [redacted] regarding

her credential evaluation. First, I

would like to point out to [redacted] that WES has been evaluating credentials

from [redacted], which was established in 2011, since October

2012. Since that time we have completed

53 applications. In each of these we

have used both the transcript issued by [redacted] and verified by the

CDGDC for the first 2 years of study and the UK transcript from [redacted] for

the final 2 years. This requirement for

documents from both countries is not unique to China. For joint studies programs in UK/Singapore,

UK/Canada, Japan/China, etc., we require documents from both institutions in

their respective countries. Admission

requirements and educational systems differ widely between countries making it

necessary for WES to get the full credential documentation from both institutions

attended. In addition, I would like to

point out that WES has no affiliation with CDGDC. It is the office of the [redacted]

in China and as such provides verification for educational credentials.

I understand that WES’ document requirements are

strict. We maintain this strict policy

so that we can provide the end user with the utmost confidence in our

evaluation. This is why many

institutions insist upon a WES evaluation.

If [redacted] would like to cancel her file, I will be happy

to refund her fee less a processing charge.

Please have her contact our customer service department through our

Contact Us page.

Sincerely,

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# [redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

We carefully reviewed the document requirement for UK universities before purchasing the credential evaluation and did not find the particular requirement that UK/China joint program must also submit transcript from China. It was only when WES received my UK transcript that they informed me they also needed transcript from China. By then there is no time for me to request transcript from China. Their lack of clear requirement on UK/China joint program has led to the missing of deadline for my application.

Since my application deadline is November [redacted], 2014. I insist WES process my evaluation and send it to the university because the transcript already contains all four years of courses. If WES cannot process the first two years of courses in China, I can accept that they only evaluate the last two years of study in UK.

In order for the Revdex.com to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

Business

Response:

Dear [redacted],

After receiving the latest communication from [redacted], we reviewed and revised our

documentation requirements for joint degrees. We thank [redacted] for bringing this to our attention. We have completed her evaluation and

forwarded her evaluation report to the recipient by UPS. In addition, we will refund her fee in

full. We regret any inconvenience that we have caused.

Sincerely,

Review: I had sent my documents to be evaluated by WES, it reached them by march **. I read 42 complaints registered on WES even in Revdex.com.org. Since Western University only accepted from WES or JS&A... I had to choose one of them when I had a lot better evaluation centers as choices with me. Now WES had to send in my report within 7 business days but they choose a date completion as April 1st. Then I had to pay them extra for the report to be sent electronically at the date because that was the last date for the admission to the program. After all this they still havnt sent my report. April first around 2 pm I get a mail that they still need a photocopy of my first year marklist to complete the task. I have the exact copy of the documents I have sent them and that has the first year mark list. I lost a lot of money and my chance to study because of WES.Desired Settlement: I need them to finish the job and sent the copies as promised.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.

Sincerely,

Review: I ordered service for GA CPA License. I placed an order on Dec **, 2013 and received report on Jan **, 2014. GA doesn't accept the report from Jan **2014. This company never informed me that GA Board of Accountancy changed their policy. I checked with the Board and they told me they informed the company around September 2013. This kind of process take at least a couple of weeks because WES only accept document from the school in foreign countries. The point is that it was impossible for me to receive report from them and send it to the Board for the review in the first place. They told me that it's because I didn't request to send the report directly to the state board. But that is so absurd because to order report I must choose the state first and they charge by the states. I believe that this company did it on purpose. Furthermore they added that they don't have any refund policy. Because WES's serious unethical business practice, I had to waste a lot of money and time.Desired Settlement: full refund of service fee of $267.00

Consumer

Response:

At this time, I have not been contacted by World Education Services, Inc. regarding complaint ID [redacted].

Sincerely,

Business

Response:

We have received the correspondence from [redacted]. The applicant applied for a CPA credential report, but did not list the Georgia CPA Board as a recipient. After receiving this claim we contacted the CPA Board and verified whether or not they still accepted external evaluations. The Georgia Board informed us that they are now only using the NASBA International Evaluation Service, but neglected to inform WES.

If the applicant selected the Board as a recipient they would have accepted the report during the grace period. Unfortunately this time has passed. Due to the unfortunate circumstances we will honor [redacted]’s request for a full refund of $267.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.

Sincerely,

Review: I'm applying for a graduate school and need my my undergraduate transcript to be evaluated. I submitted all required on May [redacted].

However, a few days after, an evaluator called and said that my transcript is incomplete and they need my exchange transcript send in sealed envelope. It could be either from me or from the issuance institution directly. I explained to them that the exchange school won't issue another official copy because they've done so before. And the evaluator said they accept copies, it doesn't need to be the official transcript.

So I sent them a copy which was verified by my home university and in sealed envelope. It took me 15 days to go through all the process and get the sealed transcript mailed from abroad. But they rejected it again, and now request that the transcript has to be sent directly from my exchange school.

But I've explained to them before that the exchange school is not going to sent a transcript for me no matter what. If they won't accept the transcript sent from me, then why waste my time instead of refunding me?

I've tried to contact them several times, and haven't heard back for a week.

The application deadline is approaching, and choosing WES as the evaluation agency is the biggest mistake I've ever made! It not only a waste of time and money, but it is seriously affecting my whole plan for my life and career!Desired Settlement: I want my transcript to be evaluated and delivered as soon as possible. If not, I want my money back!!

Business

Response:

Dear [redacted], We have received the correspondence from [redacted]. Please note that the applicant spoke with our customer service department and received updates concerning her file the throughout the process. We have received a transcript from the exchange study in Austria on June **, 2015 and the file was activated. The evaluation has been in progress sincethen and is near completion. The applicant is requested to continue to check her online status for all other updates. Sincerely, [redacted]

[redacted]World EducationServices

Review: On March **, 2013; I applied and paid World Education Services (WES) for course by course and transcript evaluation from Ghana. Until today, I have not received my evaluation. Each time I checked my status, it only indicates- "WAITING FOR VERIFICATION FROM INSTITUTION". I have been able to speak with one of the representatives (name withheld) after several attempts. He said my documents were sent to Ghana for verification and I told him I had returned from Ghana the week earlier. Due to their failure to reply to my enquiries and answer to telephone calls, I had to as a necessity travel to Ghana to follow up on the documents from the institution. I proved to him, that my former institution had not received any request from WES concerning me during that period and including the day I departed Ghana but rather that of a lady medical doctor's. From March this year, I called WES at least four times a week and nobody answers rather only this message plays-" Thank you for calling. Your call is important to us. All of our representatives are busy helping other callers. Your call will be answered as soon as a representative becomes available". On average, I held onto the telephone for 25 minutes each time.

Please, I have waited patiently enough and I am hurting by the actions of WES. Kindly find out what is keeping them from honoring their contract?Desired Settlement: I need my course by course and transcript evaluation done as soon as possible so that I can move on.

Business

Response:

Dear [redacted],

We have received the correspondence from [redacted]. We received the verification response from the University of Ghana, but the verification for the Ministry of Health was still an issue. Many efforts have been made to contact the Ministry, a total of four letters and emails to be exact. After receiving this email I sent the file to an area specialist for further investigation and review. Based on our findings I have instructed the evaluator to proceed with the report. In respect to the time lost I will be in contact with the applicant to see if he would like to have a complimentary report sent to a designated University delivery will be included and paid by WES.

Sincerely,

World Education Services

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me ONLY WHEN WES WOULD ADD MY SCHOOL OF MEDICAL LABORATORY TRANSCRIPT TO THE EVALUATION. THE COURSE IS A THREE YEAR PROGRAM WITH CLINICAL ROTATION IN VARIOUS LABORATORIES. THEN ANOTHER ONE YEAR ROTATION BEFORE GRADUATION. ALL THESE PRACTICAL AND CONTACT HOURS ADD VALUE TO THE EVALUATION.

In light of all these, I am sending WES the contact of the officer in the Ministry one more time please:

Thank you very much.

Sincerely,

Business

Response:

Dear [redacted],

We have received a verification response and the credential evaluation for [redacted] is currently being processed. The evaluation should be completed shortly. I encourage the applicant to check his status online for all updates. He can also contact me directly if he has any other questions.

Sincerely,

Review: WES has failed to provide the service for which I was charged. WES has claimed that documents were incorrectly submitted by educational organizations on 4 separate occasions. After the 3rd notification, we worked with the submitting organization to document what was sent, how it was attested and how it was delivered. WES's email describing the reason for rejection is incorrect and can be shown as such. I have contacted WES customer service on 6 separate occasions now. Customer service personnel are unable to provide any details regarding what their "Evaluators" expect, why the requirements for submission change each time and provide no evidence of their claims such as "envelope not appropriately attested across seal". Customer service people have hung up on me, provided incorrect information and provide no methods for resolution.Desired Settlement: WES needs to provide evidence supporting their claim of submissions being incorrect. First, they need to provide clearly written criteria that specifically detail what documents are required and how these need to be submitted. This should include requirements of seals, stamps, sending organization attestations, etc (note this is not on their website currently). Second, WES needs to provide evidence of how my submittals failed to meet these criteria. At a minimum this needs to include scans of documents, envelopes and seals that demonstrate the submissions have not complied. On the 4th submittal attempt, I worked with the submitting organization to document what was sent. I can clearly show that WES's claim on this is incorrect.

Business

Response:

I have received the correspondence from [redacted]. I believe this complaint was on behalf of [redacted]. Please note that WES received the official, sealed documents from [redacted]’s institution on February **, 2014 and completed his evaluation on February **, 2014.

I wish [redacted] all the best with his continued studies.

World Education Services

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# [redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

WES has failed to address the issue raised. I am seeking a clear explanation of requirements as listed in my complaint. WES needs to provide clearly written criteria that specifically detail what documents are required and how these need to be submitted. This should include requirements of seals, stamps, sending organization attestations, etc (note this is not on their website currently). Second, WES needs to provide evidence of how my submittals failed to meet these criteria. At a minimum this needs to include scans of documents, envelopes and seals that demonstrate the submissions have not complied.

Submissions requirements were arbitrarily changed each time we made a submission. This occurred on 4 different occassions. WES needs to explain why they required 4 separate submissions which cost hundreds in courier fees and took several months.

In order for the Revdex.com to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

Business

Response:

I have received the recent correspondence from [redacted] regarding his son [redacted]. At this time, all I can do is repeat that the documents received on February * were rejected because they did not arrive in an official envelope with an official stamp and signature. They arrived in a EMS courier envelope.

Once the documents, in an official envelope, were received on February **, 2014, [redacted]’s [redacted]’s evaluation proceeded immediately.

At this point we have no further information on this complaint and we consider this case closed. Please update our records accordingly.

World Education Services

Consumer

Response:

Thank you for your follow-up. My complaint regarding WES is that they arbitrarily rejected document submissions on 4 occasions. Each time I contacted them, it took 30 minutes to 1 hour on the phone to reach a customer service representative. Each time the customer service representative was unable to explain what was specifically missing or wrong about the submission, only that the evaluator had rejected it. Each time I reviewed the submission requirements listed on WES's website with the customer service representative and asked specifically what was needed as stated in the published requirements vs what was provided to WES. The customer service representative was unable to do this. After 4 rejections, I made my request for assistance to the Revdex.com. Shortly after this WES reviewed the last submission and reversed their decision to reject it. Again, they have been unable to explain why their decision was reversed. You will also note in the correspondence received by Revdex.com from WES that they state the 3rd rejection of my documents was based on the envelope in the DHL envelope not being stamped as official. Please compare this reason to the instructions posted on their website, where they only state it has to be sent from the authority. They do not specify what types of attestations are required on the documents or the envelopes. I have attached a screen shot of document requirements for Australia secondary school as published on WES's website. If they are actually trying to do a thorough and accurate review of documentation, they should be able to provide a written set of requirements and a procedure of how these are followed. They should also be able to provide the customer specific feedback on where these were not met and what corrective action is required. WES has demonstrated in their correspondence that they are unable to do this.

There is a significant amount of similar negative feedback regarding WES in the public domain. I believe the way I have been treated by them is indicative of how they interact with their customers. The multiple submittals ended up costing several hundred dollars, several hours of time on hold waiting for their customer service and several weeks of delay in making an application to university. Other consumers need to be aware of this possible outcome before doing business with WES.

I believe the best way to resolve my concern is for WES to put the rigor they claim to have in document evaluation in writing on their website. They need to clearly publish document requirements, attestations requirements, envelope requirements, etc. up front. They also need a process to provide customers with feedback on specifically what requirements were not met if a submission is rejected. They then need to provide specifics on what needs to be done to correct this. Without these improvements, my complaint will have to remain unresolved. I appreciate the assistance of the Revdex.com in attempting to resolve this issue. You provide a valuable service.

Review: I have been working at a public college since 2009. I have a diploma from Russia (it was evaluated by [redacted] office in 1994), and a Master’s Degree from [redacted], Miami, FL. To find out my eligibility to teach some college level courses, my employer suggested that I get my diploma re-evaluated by WES because the previous evaluation is old and it was not done for employment purposes. I have applied and paid for the evaluation on October [redacted], 2013, $432. I have overnighted notarized copies of my original diploma, and a simple photocopy of my marriage license to prove the name change. WES has not accepted the notarized copy of the diploma, but strangely accepted the notarized copies of the Hungarian naturalization, Hungarian and English translations of my Russian diploma, and the simple photocopy of my marriage license. The naturalization and translation documents are threaded through (with the colors of the National flag) the Russian diploma by [redacted] and the [redacted], and each document is sealed with an unbroken seal and attached stamps. After being on hold for hours for two days, I finally had a chance to talk to a representative at WES who stated that I must send them the originals. I explained to him that my diploma was issued in 1991 in Russia, and it would be almost impossible to replace it if it gets lost. He insisted to mail it to them with the promise that they will ship it back to me. I have overnighted the package, paid for insurance, and waited patiently for the evaluation, which did not happen. After a few days, I contacted WES again to find out why my account is still not updated. The response was that WES does not accept any original documents other than documents issued by Ministries of Education. I pointed out that the naturalization is from the Hungarian Ministry of Education, but they refused to accept it. Once I learned that, I asked WES to cancel my order, return the originals and notarized copies to me with two-day shipping I paid for and refund the rest of my money because other companies do accept notarized copies. I was told that there is no refund and the documents are WES’ property. I explained to the representative that I fulfilled all their requests for providing the documents, and I have recorded every email and conversation through [redacted] to prove it, and according to their website they do return the originals. Then, the rep changed her mind and told me that they will charge a $50 cancellation fee, which I have to agree to. I have recorded both my voice and email response that I agree to the cancellation fee only if they mail back my diploma in two days and refund the remaining balance immediately. As of today, 11/*/2013, I have not received my refund nor my documents. According to their website, everything was returned to me last week, but the email I received from them today states that “all academic records on file have been discarded”. So far, I am out of more than $500 (including shipping and insurance fees), I don't have any of my original documents, and my correspondence with WES has been limited through emails on its website because the emails they send back are through "autosender," which customers cannot reply to. When I log in to the website, my status is changing according to their responses without any results.

I have filed a complaint with WES' licensing organization, [redacted], and I am considering to contact the State Attorney's office for theft because my property, original documents have not been returned to me as promised.Desired Settlement: Mailing back all my documents and refunding $432 including the $50 cancellation fee, which they don't deserve because of unethical practices.

Business

Response:

The applicant initially sent photocopies of Russian documents and l English/Hungarian translations. The translations had an evaluation of the [redacted] attached (what she is referring to as "naturalization"). Later the applicant submitted her original Russian documents, which we have returned. We did not and do not return translations.

On November *, 2013 the applicant requested for a cancellation. An acknowledgement letter was sent to the applicant reminding her that once an application is submitted a refund is not possible. As a curtsey to [redacted] we offered to cancel the file less the $50 administrative fee. [redacted] sent an email on November *, 2013 confirming the $50 cancellation. The refund was processed back to the credit card account on November *, 2013.

Customer Service Manager

World Education Services

Review: I applied to the World Education Services (WES) for a Course-by-Course evaluation and paid all the fees in July 2014. It's been more than 2 months since I sent them the official transcripts from [redacted] and [redacted], but there website still shows that they are waiting for the documents. In this letter, I have provided details of when the transcripts were sent and my attempts at trying to follow up and address the issue with WES but I have not been able to resolve the issue.

I sent WES the official transcripts from [redacted] and [redacted] (pictures of sealed envelopes from these institutions is included, and the seal with the names of these institutions is clearly visible and readable). These transcripts were sent by [redacted] priority mail (tracking number [redacted] can be provided), and the mailing label (attached) shows the address to which the transcripts were sent. The [redacted] proof of delivery (also attached) clearly shows that the transcripts were received and signed by [redacted] on December *, 2014.

I have filled enquiry forms at 2 different times on the WES website, and received an acknowledgement emails both times (acknowledgment emails dated ** Dec 2014 and ** Dec 2014 attached) saying that they will respond as soon as possible, but it's been almost 2 months and I haven't heard back from them. I have also called WES every week since [redacted] December 2014, and have been told each time that they received the envelope with the tracking number provided above, and they will process it and call me back by that evening or the next afternoon, but never received a callback, and no processing seems to have been done. I have talked to various persons at WES including [redacted] ([redacted]) and [redacted].

There is no way for me to attach the pictures and documents listed above to this complaint, but I can send them by email if needed.Desired Settlement: It's been more than 2 months since they received the transcripts on * December 2014 based on the [redacted] proof of delivery. Here's what I would like WES to do to resolve this issue:

1. Process the transcripts immediately, and provide me the Course-by-Course evaluation immediately.

2. If WES has lost the transcripts that they received on * December 2014, they should contact [redacted] and [redacted] immediately, verify the transcripts and provide the Course-by-Course evaluation by end of March 2015. I can provide a copy of the transcripts if needed. However, they should provide a contact at WES who can receive the copy of the transcripts so that the transcripts don't get lost again.

3. If WES has lost the transcripts that they received on * December 2014, and WES wants me to follow up with the universities again, they should reimburse me for getting the transcripts again. I'll provide copies of credit card transactions and cancelled cheques for getting the transcripts second time. Also, they should provide a contact at WES who can receive the transcripts so that the transcripts don't get lost again.

Business

Response:

Dear [redacted],

Review: I applied to have my international educational credentials evaluated in September 2012 and paid $250 for the service. As at today June [redacted] 2014. I have still not received my transcript. I call and have never ever got to speak with anyone about my case.

I filled out a contact me form with my grievances twice, the last one on June **, 2014. I have not received any response.Desired Settlement: Either they finish the job or refund my money within 5 days.

Business

Response:

Dear [redacted],

We have received the correspondence from [redacted]. We received an email from the applicant and informed him that his file was still under verification. We do however, humbly apologize to the applicant for the severe delay concerning his file. The applicant wants his file completed in five business days, but we are unable to process the report since we have not received a verification response from [redacted]. I am going to approve the cancellation for the amount of $252 which will be refunded to the applicants account.

Sincerely,

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.

Sincerely,

Review: Hello sir,I complaint about World Education Services (WES). I applied at WES and sent all documents since 7/**/2013 for evaluation about my diploma, but WES didn't response to me. In 11/**/2013 I called them to know about the situation but nobody answered my calls, so I decided to send them an E-mail. Everything they asked to me I sent to them. Let me tell you I lost 4 quarters already. I need to finish my degree please help me. Kind Regards, [redacted]Desired Settlement: Hello sir,I complaint about World Education Services (WES). I applied at WES and sent all documents since 7/**/2013 for evaluation about my diploma, but WES didn't response to me. In 11/**/2013 I called them to know about the situation but nobody answered my calls, so I decided to send them an E-mail. Everything they asked to me I sent to them. Let me tell you I lost 4 quarters already. I need to finish my degree please help me. Kind Regards, [redacted]

Business

Response:

Dear [redacted],

We have received the correspondence from [redacted]. The applicants file is on hold awaiting further documents from the [redacted]. Apparently the applicant only submitted photocopies of her credentials in 2013 and did not follow our documentation requirements.

As stated on our website under the documentation requirements, the applicant has to contact the Ministry and have the academic credentials mailed directly to WES. A letter was sent to [redacted] on November **, 2013 requesting said documents.

Please note that we have very specific documentation requirements which are posted online. All applicants also have 24 hour access to their online status page. If the applicant has not created her user name and password, please have her use the link below which will prove to be very useful.

[redacted] ( once you enter the page , click on “Get an user ID” and follow the steps)

Sincerely,

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# [redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

I'm sorry about everything that going on. I called Ivory Coast ([redacted]) and they told me they sent what "Wes" request from them but since "Wes" claiming that they did not receive the document. Now that Wes made me lose 4 quarters, is-it should always expect Wes? Please [redacted], I would like to stop that evaluation and have my money back.

I appreciate the promptness and action for the resolution of my complaint.

Best Regards.

In order for the Revdex.com to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# [redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

Dear [redacted],

I would like to clarify some points about what basically went wrong with my (official French language academic transcripts of the BTS examination results), the document Wes requested. I called and requested that from ( [redacted]) to send to Wes; but for some reasons,( [redacted] ..................) made a mistake and sent that to my school ([redacted]) then when ([redacted] ................) received the document, the International student academic at [redacted] called me and informed me about the package. So I went there I told her that, the document supposed to be going to Wes and she said, she was sorry to open it. But she wrote a note on the package saying that ; she was the one who opened the package, and she put all her information on the package so Wes can call her, she would explain the authenticity of the package.

I'm sending as well the document, note on the package as an attachment.

I don't know what to do in this situation, I called Wes several times to explain what went wrong but no answer. I hope you understand what happened or I could explain it more if you need me to.

Thanks

Best regards.

Sincerely,

Business

Response:

Dear [redacted],

We have received the correspondence from [redacted]. Please be advised that WES did not receive any packages enclosed with the note submitted by the applicant. We have decided to contact the Ministry and request that they verify the academic documents on hand. This will alleviate the pressure of the applicant contacting the Ministry again.

All verifications are conducted by mail and if applicable by email. I must inform you that we do not call institutions for verifications and that the applicant has an option to have the documents submitted again is she wishes to do so, ensuring of course that she follows the requirements on our website. [redacted] should continue to check her status online from henceforth.

Thank you,

Review: I started to do my evaluation in November [redacted]. I have 2 Diplomas from Russia. I sent copies of Diplomas, academic transcripts in November. Word Education Services did not accept the copies, they requested originals with Apostilles and they say ever document with Apostille will be sending back to me.

I have to take 3 weeks unpaid vacation from my 2 jobs, plan tickets and fly back to Russia. I spent several thousand dollars to get everything done how they requested. I mailed out 2 Diplomas and 3 academics transcripts. Everything with Apostilles. I called to WES and they say they received everything and they are going to send everything back to me.

I only received the 2 Diplomas!

According their web site

"NOTE: All original documents submitted to WES with an apostille will be returned to the applicant upon completion of the evaluation". [redacted]All original documents with an apostille means ANY TYPE of original documents with an apostille. Am I right?

WES qualifies official legal original documentations with apostilles as photocopies or just English translation. Not sure. WES refers me to statement

"Photocopies of precise, word-for-word, English translations are required for all foreign language documents. Please do not send original translation documents as they cannot be returned."

English translation does not have to be with apostille!

My opinion is WES breaking the diversity and autonomy of the U.S. education system, and the spirit and letter of international educational agreements to which the United States is a party, by serving exclusively as an information center and not as a policymaking body on credential recognition, admissions, or mobility issues, which by U.S. law and practice are reserved to other competent authorities.

Apostille - a special symbol applied to the non-profit nature of official documents emanating from the institutions and organizations of the countries participating in the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents.

I think their commitments are very confusing. If WES would write down on web site "NOTE: All original documents submitted to WES with an apostille will be returned to the applicant upon completion of the evaluation EXCEPT original English translation with apostille I would never ever sent to WES my original documents with apostille.

By the way I still didn't get my evaluation. WES needs additional verification from my Institutes.

I asked in November to request the verifications from my Institutes I had an answer "NO, we don't do it."

It see** to me as we have an conflict about my documents WES is not going to do my evaluation and I can't apply to different company because I don't have my original documents with apostille.

I very frustrated and struggling with WES.Desired Settlement: I would like to get all my original documentations with apostilles back since I don't have evaluation from WES.

If it is impossible I need a refund.

Business

Response:

Hello [redacted],

We have received the correspondence from [redacted] (ID #[redacted] WES # [redacted]). [redacted] submitted two original diplomas verified by apositille. The original academic diplomas were returned to the applicant via UPS Ground on February **, 2014. The translations in question were not returned because we explicitly state on our website that WES does not send back translations. All of this was spelled out to **. [redacted] before she completed her application and again in a confirmation email following her application. Once we receive the documents in the manner specified, we can then evaluate them. The applicant did not completely follow all the academic documents requirements and thus the reason for the file being on hold and under the verification process.

Please note that we have sent back all academic originals. We regret the fact that the applicant is not happy with our services and will honor her request for a full refund of $212.00. We wish [redacted] the best in her future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# [redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

[Your Answer Here]

Hello [redacted]!

I DID NOT request refund for evaluation. I requested my original documentation with apostilles or refund for those documentations (e.g. my 3 weeks unpaid vacations from 2 jobs, my tickets to\from Russia, living in Russia, the money I paid for documentations) Approximately 5 thousand dollars.

WES statements are misrepresent service. If All original documents with an apostille means ANY TYPE of original

documents with an apostille.

English translation does not have to be with apostille!

I did not submit original translation of my Diplomas. I submitted copies.

WES should to complete evaluation, at least general evaluation. I did evaluation through my job and I got Master degree in teaching and Bachelors degree in psychology.

Review: I'm applying graduate school which requires me to have an evaluation from WES in order to verify my GPA. April **, I ordered an service on their website, but there was something wrong so I couldn't modify my order and change the recipient to the graduate school where I'm applying to. I tried to call them and sent several emails to tell them to help me out, however, I waited 15mins and no one pick up the phone, and the they cancelled my extra copy instead of just adjust the recipients' address! I was very upset about that and tried to contact them again via phone, but still, no one answered. About one and half weeks ago, all of my supporting materials of the evaluation finally sent to WES from [redacted] as WES required, but on the website, my status still shows "waiting for documents", and I've contact the [redacted] their CSR told me they have sent all the materials they could provide for an evaluation. One more time, I sent the email to ask for an answer, I was very polite and I told them that my deadline is approaching and I really need their help. This time, NO ONE REPLY MY EMAIL. It's been a month since I placed the order at the first place and Ive tried everything I can do to contact them, asking for the servers I deserved. But all I've got, is regardfulness. And I was not the only one. I hope that Revdex.com can help me to make the evaluation done, and if WES doesn't want to provide the servers they promised, then they shouldn't remained on this market.Desired Settlement: I hope WES can finish my evaluation asap. If there is any missing materials, they should contact me and tell me what to make it up, and they should send the evaluation copy to the right recipients instead of canceling my order. If they provide a phone number to provide the customer service, at least they should hire someone to pick it up.

Business

Response:

Dear [redacted], We have received the complaint regarding [redacted]s file. Please note that it is the applicants responsibility to review their status online for all updates. This is the same information they would receive by phone with our agents. The applicant requested for WES to make changes to her extra copies, we removed the copies and emailed her accordingly. This action would allow the applicant to make her own personal changes independently. The applicant has to now go online and make the necessary upgrades before June *, 2015. Status Update: As May **,2015 we have received the degree certificate and the applicants file is currently in progress. As stated above the applicant needs to view her online account forall updates. Sincerely, [redacted]

[redacted]World Education Services

Consumer

Response:

I have asked helps from WES for so many times and told them that something wrong with their website so I couldn't modify my own order, but instead of checking what's wrong with their web, they remove my extra copies. On their website, they only required the materials from [redacted], but never mentioned that I have to send them my degree certificate via fax until I complaint to Revdex.com and asked for help from you. Now they finally provide helps and thank you so much Revdex.com!

Review: Word Education Services mentioned/Advertise on their Web Site about the India Education Policy. A 3 years Bachelors Degree in Division I & II from NAAC "A" grade University of India will be considered equivalent to 4 years US degree.

Evidence : [redacted] WES also provides free degree equivalency tool on there web site to check the credentials before applying, [redacted] After reading their service advertised and using WES on-line tool to check US Equivalent, which showed my education as US Equivalent.

I ordered my education evaluation from WES. I have 3 years bachelors degree (B.A) in Division II from NAAC "A" Grade university.

I paid WES $250 fee and sent all my education documents as mentioned by WES. WES sent me the copy of my evaluation but it was NOT the same as mentioned on there Web Site about India Policy.

When I contacted WES and asked the same, they put my file under review immediately and did not send me my evaluation for next 45 days. On the other hand, they changed there online free degree equivalency tool which now shows different results for India 3 years degree.

After 45 days, I received the following email from WES stating that " The students who earned their B.A, B,SC and B.Com 3 years degree in Division I, WES assessment will result in US equivalent Degree".

WES policy clearly indicates that 3 years degree in Division I and II from NAAC A grade university will be considered US equivalent. Please see the above url I have posted. I contacted WES several times after that to know why and when they changed there policy but I have never received any response back from them.

I feel, I have been cheated and scammed by WES. WES is scamming many [redacted] students by their advertised policy and they know [redacted] students with 3 years bachelors degree are very vulnerable considering they want to pursue higher education in US or Canada.

Knowing that many students can take legal action against WES, they have changed there on-line degree equivalency tool also very recently.Desired Settlement: WES should apologise for all the misleading information they have posted on-line And refund me the fee I paid to WES.

Business

Response:

Dear [redacted],

We have received the correspondence from [redacted]. Please be advised that evaluations are based upon the best information and resources currently available to professional evaluators in the U.S. WES reserves the right to reassess educational equivalencies as additional information becomes available. We are sorry that the applicant was not pleased with our services and are willing to give him a full refund for the completed credential evaluation. On behalf of the organization I wish [redacted] the best in all his future endeavors. A refund of $254 will be issued back to the applicant. Please note that refunds may take anywhere from 5 to 8 business days for processing.

A copy of our terms and conditions can be found on our website and the online application.

Sincerely,

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.

Sincerely,