Class Afloat

Class Afloat needed a provider that could process domestic and international student payments, including credit card payments, while accepting all funds in Canadian Dollars.  

About

Class Afloat is a unique school for Canadian and international students. They teach grades 11 and 12 of the Canadian Nova Scotia curriculum as well as first-year university while sailing a tall ship for six months of the year. For three additional months, students follow their studies at various Class Afloat European facilities.    

 The Challenge

Many countries have adapted to embrace contemporary technologies. Card payments have become the norm in Europe, and bank transfers are also commonplace. However, cheques often remain the preferred payment method for many US-based students and businesses. While this works well within the US, accepting cheque payments can cause issues for businesses outside the US.

TransferMate has provided an efficient payment option for Class Afloat international students.    

Class Afloat also required a credit card facility to accept Canadian and international payments and offer students a broad choice of how they pay.

‍The Solution

Class Afloat adopted the TransferMate platform for their international students. Based on its success and the ability to receive credit card payments, Canadian families now also use that option.

"TransferMate has certainly streamlined payments for non-Canadian families; the majority of international tuition payments are paid through TransferMate. In Canada, people can easily pay directly to our bank account online, but many people choose to pay by credit card through TransferMate.”

The global reach TransferMate provides has been essential for Class Afloat in accepting student payments. By utilizing the platform’s functionality, the school has been able to accept multi-currency payments in their preferred currency, Canadian Dollars.

It’s not only Class Afloat that benefits. Students paying the school take advantage of the system's preferential exchange rates.  

The Results

For Class Afloat, TransferMate has offered a service that works for their students and streamlines payments with multiple payment methods.

“TransferMate is convenient for students. TransferMate gives us a credit card and a bank transfer option for international payments. It gives our students the best variety of payment choices.”

The live FX rates at point of payment and easy-to-use system have improved the accuracy of payments too. It has minimized errors and ensured the amount received always equals the amount billed.

“With TransferMate, students can enter the Canadian dollar amount due and pay in their local currency, and Class Afloat receives the Canadian dollar amount. It has improved the accuracy of our international payments.”

TransferMate’s customer service is a factor that Class Afloat highly commends. Whenever there is an issue, or they need further help with developments, they always know who to contact.

“When any issue arises, Elcione has been very helpful in solving it for us and we appreciate that. She was also very helpful with guiding the process to find a solution to accept Canadian credit cards.

 The Final Word

“TransferMate has made our international student payments easier and more accurate.” - Deanna Hurd, Finance Manager, Class Afloat

Contact the team today and provide more options to your students with smarter processes for accurate international payments.