Approved Locations

South America Northwest

Argentina

EnglishConnect in Argentina

Summary

September 19, 2017, updated September 12, 2019 and Feb 4, 2022¹

EnglishConnect 1, EnglishConnect 2, and Learn English Now

Corporation of the Presiding Bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a registered branch of a foreign legal entity (“CPB Argentina”), can carry out the EnglishConnect program in Argentina, as long as it does not offer officially recognized certificates or degrees. The EnglishConnect program will be part of the Self-Reliance activities already taking place in Argentina. EnglishConnect activities can take place in meetinghouses in the city and province of Buenos Aires without jeopardizing their property tax exemptions.^[1] Administering the EnglishConnect program will not otherwise jeopardize CPB Argentina’s current tax exempt status, and CPB Argentina is not subject to any other tax consequences or reporting obligations since it offers these courses free of charge. CPB Argentina may issue OGC-approved certificates of completion to participants who successfully complete EnglishConnect courses. We recommend that the CPB Argentina provide a disclosure to each participant that EnglishConnect courses will contain religious content, that they will not carry accredited value, and outlining the cost (if any) of EnglishConnect course materials.

The EnglishConnect program in Argentina was reviewed by local counsel. Based on that review, the EnglishConnect program should be operated according to the following country-specific guideline:

• Advertisements for EnglishConnect in Argentina should include a statement that the program is not approved by the Minister of Education and that completion of the program does not guarantee employment, in addition to the statements required by the general program guidelines below.

The EnglishConnect program should be operated in Argentina according to the following general program guidelines:

• The program may be advertised through mass media (newspaper, radio, paid social media ads) or by handbills, posters, announcements in Church, or “pass-along” cards, provided the advertisements contain:

○ Prominent placement of the Church’s name;

○ A statement that there is no cost for EnglishConnect novice programs; and ○ A statement that EnglishConnect novice programs are not accredited.

• Obtain parental consent for each student 18 years old or under (using the parental consent form attached as Appendix A):

○ If someone 18 or under is actually living on their own, parental consent is not needed.

• Provide every student a hard copy of the Church’s Privacy Notice (attached as Appendix B) and be sure they read it.^[1]

• Do not charge any fees or costs to the participants for program participation:

○ Program materials can be provided for free (by on-line download where possible) or purchased through regular distribution channels by local units or directly by participants.

• At least one-third of all teaching must contain substantial religious content (i.e., religious content should take up 20 minutes of each hour of instruction or 30 minutes of each 90 minutes of instruction).

• Follow all local country standards for the vetting and calling of teachers of youth for any EnglishConnect teacher who will be teaching anyone under 21.

• Follow all program guidelines contained in the Leader and Teacher guides.

• Any mission that has never used English teaching as a contacting method must obtain specific OGC approval before beginning to use EnglishConnect materials, in order to avoid threats to missionary visas or the Church’s legal status.

EnglishConnect 3

BYU-Pathway Worldwide (“BYU-PW”) can offer EnglishConnect 3 in Argentina. Because BYU-PW will offer EnglishConnect 3 through the Pathway program, it must operate under the same conditions as Pathway. For more information on EnglishConnect 3 and the Pathway program, please refer to the Pathway Program Report, under the Church Education key topic for Argentina on InfoGuide. (In the past, Brigham Young University – Idaho was the entity that offered Pathway programs, but it transferred its Pathway activities to BYU-PW in 2019.)

If a student has registered online for EnglishConnect using an LDS Account, he or she need not be provided a hard copy of the Privacy Notice.

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Bolivia

EnglishConnect in Bolivia

Summary

September 19, 2017

*This summary applies to EnglishConnect 1, EnglishConnect 2, and Learn English Now only.

1. Legal Entity:

Corporation of the Presiding Bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a registered branch of a foreign entity (“COPIJSUD”), can carry out the EnglishConnect program in Bolivia. The EnglishConnect program will be part of the Self-Reliance activities already taking place in Bolivia. COPIJSUD has the corporate authority to administer the EnglishConnect program.

2. Regulations and Licensing Requirements:

COPIJSUD is not subject to any regulations or licensing requirements, including but not limited to those for education, when it administers the EnglishConnect program as long as it: (i) is provided for free; (ii) is part of the Church’s religious activities; and (iii) is only provided to members of the Church and others who wish to take part in the program.¹

3. Tax Consequences:

COPIJSUD is not subject to any tax consequences or reporting obligations if it administers the EnglishConnect program since it offers these courses free of charge. Administering the EnglishConnect program will not jeopardize COPIJSUD’s current tax exempt status and activities can take place

in meetinghouses without jeopardizing their property tax exemptions. In order to avoid tax and reporting requirements, COPIJSUD should provide EnglishConnect materials for free or by PDF for participants to download and print at home.²

4. Other:

Other than those listed below, there are no legal issues arising from COPIJSUD’s administration of the EnglishConnect program in Bolivia.

a. Parental Consent. COPIJSUD should obtain written consent from the parent/guardian of all EnglishConnect participants under the age of 18.

b. Missionary Visas. Missionaries may teach EnglishConnect courses in Bolivia without causing issues with their existing visas, as long as EnglishConnect courses are not seen as formal education (see Section 2 above).

c. Certificates. COPIJSUD may issue OGC-approved certificates of completion to participants who successfully complete EnglishConnect courses. Issuing certificates of completion will not subject COPIJSUD to additional laws or regulations.

d. Participant Disclosure. We recommend that COPIJSUD provide a disclosure to each participant that EnglishConnect courses will contain religious content, that they will not carry accredited value, and outlining the cost (if any) of EnglishConnect course materials. This can be accomplished by including such language in the standard online registration materials.

e. Advertising. As with the BYU-Pathway program, EnglishConnect should not be advertised through mass media, but only through announcements at church meetings and word of mouth.

Formal education centers in Bolivia require special authorization by local authorities. Under these conditions, EnglishConnect will not be considered educational activity requiring authorization.
In Bolivia, the sale of goods is subject to value added tax (“VAT”) unless the seller applies for and receives an exemption from the tax authorities. COPIJSUD could apply for a VAT exemption for EnglishConnect materials, and this exemption would likely be granted. If it provides materials for free, no exemption is required.

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Colombia

EnglishConnect in Colombia

Summary

September 20, 2017, updated September 10, 2019 and February 15, 2022

EnglishConnect 1, EnglishConnect 2, and Learn English Now

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Colombia, a religious organization (the “Colombian Church”), can carry out the EnglishConnect program in Colombia. The EnglishConnect program will be part of the Self-Reliance activities already taking place in Colombia. The Colombian Church is not subject to any regulations or licensing requirements, including but not limited to those for education, when it administers the EnglishConnect program.² The Colombian Church may issue OGC-approved certificates of completion to participants who successfully complete EnglishConnect courses. We recommend that the Colombian Church provide a disclosure to each participant that EnglishConnect courses will contain religious content, that they will not carry accredited value, and outlining the cost (if any) of EnglishConnect course materials.

The EnglishConnect program in Colombia was reviewed by local counsel. Based on that review, any advertising used in Colombia should include a statement that participation is at the discretion of the Colombian Church (i.e., “reserved right of admission” – this information can be included in the main body of the ad or in a footnote), in addition to the general advertising requirements outlined below. In addition, the program should be operated in Colombia according to the following general program guidelines:

○ Prominent placement of the Church’s name;

○ A statement that there is no cost for EnglishConnect novice programs; and

○ A statement that EnglishConnect novice programs are not accredited.

• Obtain parental consent for each student 18 years old or under (using the parental consent form attached as Appendix A):

○ Obtain both parent signatures where possible;

○ If someone 18 or under is actually living on their own, parental consent is not needed.

• Provide every student a hard copy of the Church’s Privacy Notice (attached as Appendix B) and be sure they read it.³

• Do not charge any fees or costs to the participants for program participation:

○ Program materials can be provided for free (by on-line download where possible) or purchased through regular distribution channels by local units or directly by participants.

• Follow all local country standards for the vetting and calling of teachers of youth for any EnglishConnect teacher who will be teaching anyone under 21.

• Follow all program guidelines contained in the Leader and Teacher guides.

Any mission that has never used English teaching as a contacting method must obtain specific OGC approval before beginning to use EnglishConnect materials, in order to avoid threats to missionary

EnglishConnect 3

BYU-Pathway Worldwide (“BYU-PW”) can offer EnglishConnect 3 in Colombia. Because BYU-PW will offer EnglishConnect 3 through the Pathway program, it must operate under the same conditions as Pathway. For more information on EnglishConnect 3 and the Pathway program, please refer to the Pathway Program Report, under the Church Education key topic for Colombia on InfoGuide. (In the past, Brigham Young University – Idaho was the entity that offered Pathway programs, but it transferred its Pathway activities to BYU-PW in 2019.)

1. This EnglishConnect summary was drafted September 20, 2017, but updated on September 10, 2019 to include information about the EnglishConnect 3 program and to include the general program guidelines, which were developed after the summary was first drafted. On February 3, 2022, Camillo Duarte of DuarteNatesTorres Abogados confirmed by video conference with Kirton McConkie attorney Karen Taylor DelPriore that there are no legal issues with broad advertising of EnglishConnect, or with the program generally. This summary was updated on February 15, 2022 to reflect that confirmation.

2. There are no licensing requirements for the EnglishConnect program in Colombia because: (i) it is part of the educational mission and activities of the Colombian Church; (ii) it does not generate a profit; and (iii) it does not certify any level of proficiency to third parties.

3. If a student has registered online for EnglishConnect using an LDS Account, he or she need not be provided a hard copy of the Privacy Notice.

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Ecuador

EnglishConnect in Ecuador

Summary

September 20, 2017, updated September 2019 and February 15, 2022

EnglishConnect 1, EnglishConnect 2, and Learn English Now

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ecuador, a religious organization (the “Ecuadorian Church”), can carry out the EnglishConnect program in Ecuador. The EnglishConnect program will be part of the Self-Reliance activities already taking place in Ecuador. The Ecuadorian Church is not

subject to any regulations or licensing requirements, including but not limited to those for education, when it administers the EnglishConnect program.2The Ecuadorian Church may issue OGC-approved certificates of completion to participants who successfully complete EnglishConnect courses. We recommend that the Ecuadorian Church provide a disclosure to each participant that EnglishConnect courses will contain religious content, that they will not carry accredited value, and outlining the cost (if any) of EnglishConnect course materials.

The EnglishConnect program in Ecuador was reviewed by local counsel. Based on that review, any advertising used in Ecuador should not depict minors (individuals under the age of 18), in addition to the general advertising requirements outlined below. In addition, the program should be operated in Ecuador according to the following general program guidelines:

○ Prominent placement of the Church’s name;

○ A statement that there is no cost for EnglishConnect novice programs; and

○ A statement that EnglishConnect novice programs are not accredited.

• Obtain parental consent for each student 18 years old or under (using the parental consent form attached as Appendix A):

○ Obtain both parent signatures where possible;

○ If someone 18 or under is actually living on their own, parental consent is not needed.

• Provide every student a hard copy of the Church’s Privacy Notice (attached as Appendix B)

and be sure they read it.3

• Do not charge any fees or costs to the participants for program participation:

○ Program materials can be provided for free (by on-line download where possible) or purchased through regular distribution channels by local units or directly by participants.

This EnglishConnect summary was drafted September 20, 2017, but updated on September 10, 2019 to include information about the EnglishConnect 3 program and to include the general program guidelines, which were developed after the summary was first drafted. On February 3, 2022, Diego Romero of Romero Arteta Ponce - RAP Law Firm confirmed by video conference with Kirton McConkie attorney Karen Taylor DelPriore that there are no legal issues with broad advertising of EnglishConnect, or with the program generally. This summary was updated on February 15, 2022 to reflect that confirmation.
Only institutions that specifically have education as their social object must comply with the Organic Law of Intercultural Education. Because the Ecuadorian Church’s purpose is to improve and perfect the lives of its members, including through education, it will not be subject to this law.
If a student has registered online for EnglishConnect using an LDS Account, he or she need not be provided a hard copy of the Privacy Notice.

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Peru

EnglishConnect in Peru

Summary

October 10, 2017, updated September 10, 2019 and February 15, 2022

EnglishConnect 1, EnglishConnect 2, and Learn English Now

The Peruvian Association of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, an association (“ASPERSUD”), can carry out the EnglishConnect program in Peru, as long as EnglishConnect is offered free of charge and falls under the Peruvian concept of “Community Education.”2 The EnglishConnect program will be part of the Self-Reliance activities already taking place in Peru. ASPERSUD may issue OGC-approved certificates of completion to participants who successfully complete EnglishConnect courses. We recommend that ASPERSUD provide a disclosure to each participant that EnglishConnect courses will contain religious content, that they will not carry accredited value, and outlining the cost (if any) of EnglishConnect course materials.

The EnglishConnect program in Peru was reviewed by local counsel. Based on that review, there are no country-specific guidelines for Peru. The program should be operated in Peru according to the following general program guidelines:

○ Prominent placement of the Church’s name;

○ A statement that there is no cost for EnglishConnect novice programs; and

○ A statement that EnglishConnect novice programs are not accredited.

• Obtain parental consent for each student 18 years old or under (using the parental consent form attached as Appendix A):

○ Obtain both parent signatures where possible;

○ If someone 18 or under is actually living on their own, parental consent is not needed.

• Provide every student a hard copy of the Church’s Privacy Notice (attached as Appendix B) and be sure they read it.3
• Do not charge any fees or costs to the participants for program participation:

○ Program materials can be provided for free (by on-line download where possible) or purchased through regular distribution channels by local units or directly by participants.
• At least one-third of all teaching must contain substantial religious content (i.e., religious content should take up 20 minutes of each hour of instruction or 30 minutes of each 90 minutes of instruction).

• Follow all local country standards for the vetting and calling of teachers of youth for any EnglishConnect teacher who will be teaching anyone under 21.

• Follow all program guidelines contained in the Leader and Teacher guides.

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EnglishConnect in Venezuela Summary

October 10, 2017

*This summary applies to EnglishConnect 1, EnglishConnect 2, and Learn English Now only.

1. Legal Entity:

The Venezuelan Association of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, an association (the “Venezuelan Association”), can carry out the EnglishConnect program in Venezuela. The

EnglishConnect program will be part of the Self-Reliance activities already taking place in Venezuela. The Venezuelan Association has the corporate authority to administer the EnglishConnect program.

2. Regulations and Licensing Requirements:

The Venezuelan Association is not subject to any regulations or licensing requirements, including but not limited to those for education, when it administers the EnglishConnect program, as long as the program is free and does not carry any official accreditation.

3. Tax Consequences:

The Venezuelan Association is not subject to any tax consequences or reporting obligations if it administers the EnglishConnect program since it offers these courses free of charge. Administering the EnglishConnect program will not jeopardize the Venezuelan Association’s current tax exempt status and activities can take place in meetinghouses without jeopardizing their property tax exemptions. In order to avoid value added tax, the Venezuelan Association should provide EnglishConnect materials for free, either in hard copy or in electronic form for participants to download and print at home.1

4. Other:

Other than those listed below, there are no legal issues arising from the Venezuelan Association’s administration of the EnglishConnect program in Venezuela.

a. Parental Consent. The Venezuelan Association should obtain written consent from the parent/guardian of all EnglishConnect participants under the age of 18 before they can participate in the EnglishConnect program. If the participant’s parents are not both members of the Church, the Venezuelan Association should obtain consent from both parents. The consent should clearly outline the religious component of the EnglishConnect program.

b. Missionary Visas. Missionaries may teach EnglishConnect courses in Venezuela without causing issues with their existing visas.

c. Certificates. The Venezuelan Association may issue OGC-approved certificates of completion to participants who successfully complete EnglishConnect courses. Issuing certificates of completion will not subject the Venezuelan Association to additional laws or regulations because they are used for internal purposes and do not carry any official accreditation.

d. Participant Disclosure. We recommend that the Venezuelan Association provide a disclosure to each participant that EnglishConnect courses will contain religious content, that they will not carry accredited value, and outlining the cost (if any) of EnglishConnect course materials. This can be accomplished by including such language in the standard online registration materials.

e. Non-Member Participants. Due to the political situation in Venezuela, the EnglishConnect program should be provided only to members of the Church in order to avoid questions about the program’s purpose from the government.3

If the Venezuelan Association charges a fee for EnglishConnect course materials, even if the fee is nominal, it will have to charge, collect, and remit value added tax (“VAT”) at the rate of 12%.
Given the current political situation in Venezuela, if missionary visa rules change in the future, OGC should consider whether missionaries should continue to teach EnglishConnect classes.

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Paraguay

EnglishConnect in Paraguay

Summary

October 10, 2017

*This summary applies to EnglishConnect 1, EnglishConnect 2, and Learn English Now only.

1. Legal Entity:

Corporation of the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a registered branch of a foreign legal entity (“COP Paraguay”), can carry out the EnglishConnect program in Paraguay. The EnglishConnect program will be part of the Self-Reliance activities already taking place in Paraguay. COP Paraguay has the corporate authority to administer the EnglishConnect program.

2. Regulations and Licensing Requirements:

COP Paraguay is not subject to any regulations or licensing requirements, including but not limited to those for education, when it administers the EnglishConnect program.

3. Tax Consequences:

COP Paraguay is not subject to any tax consequences or reporting obligations if it administers the EnglishConnect program since it offers these courses free of charge. Administering the EnglishConnect program will not jeopardize COP Paraguay’s current tax exempt status and activities can take place in meetinghouses without jeopardizing their property tax exemptions. There are no tax consequences or reporting requirements arising from the nominal charge for course materials.

4. Other:

Other than those listed below, there are no legal issues arising from COP Paraguay’s administration of the EnglishConnect program in Paraguay.

a. Parental Consent. COP Paraguay should obtain written consent from a parent or legal guardian for all individuals under the age of 18 before they participate in the EnglishConnect program.

b. Missionary Visas. Missionaries may teach EnglishConnect courses in Paraguay without causing issues with their existing visas.

c. Certificates. COP Paraguay may issue OGC-approved certificates of completion to participants who successfully complete EnglishConnect courses. Issuing certificates of completion will not subject COP Paraguay to additional laws or regulations.

d. Participant Disclosure. We recommend that the COP Paraguay provide a disclosure to each participant that EnglishConnect courses will contain religious content, that they will not carry accredited value, and outlining the cost (if any) of EnglishConnect course materials. This can be accomplished by including such language in the standard online registration materials.

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Uruguay

EnglishConnect in Uruguay

Summary

October 10, 2017

*This summary applies to EnglishConnect 1, EnglishConnect 2, and Learn English Now only.

1. Legal Entity:

Corporation of the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a registered branch of a foreign legal entity (“COP Uruguay”), can carry out the EnglishConnect program in Uruguay. The EnglishConnect program will be part of the Self-Reliance activities already taking place in Uruguay. COP Uruguay has the corporate authority to administer the EnglishConnect program.

2. Regulations and Licensing Requirements:

COP Uruguay is not subject to any regulations or licensing requirements, including but not limited to those for education, when it administers the EnglishConnect program.

3. Tax Consequences:

COP Uruguay is not subject to any tax consequences or reporting obligations if it administers the EnglishConnect program since it offers these courses free of charge. Administering the EnglishConnect program will not jeopardize COP Uruguay’s current tax exempt status and activities can take place in meetinghouses without jeopardizing their property tax exemptions. In order to avoid income tax, COP Uruguay should provide EnglishConnect materials free of charge, either in hard copy or in electronic form for participants to download and print at home.1

4. Other:

Other than those listed below, there are no legal issues arising from COP Uruguay’s administration of the EnglishConnect program in Uruguay.

a. Parental Consent. COP Uruguay should obtain written consent from a parent or legal guardian for all individuals under the age of 18 before they can participate in the EnglishConnect program.

b. Missionary Visas. Missionaries may teach EnglishConnect courses in Uruguay without causing issues with their existing visas.

c. Certificates. COP Uruguay may issue OGC-approved certificates of completion to participants who successfully complete EnglishConnect courses. Issuing certificates of completion will not subject COP Uruguay to additional laws or regulations.

d. Participant Disclosure. We recommend that the COP Uruguay provide a disclosure to each participant that EnglishConnect courses will contain religious content, that they will not carry accredited value, and outlining the cost (if any) of EnglishConnect course materials. This can be accomplished by including such language in the standard online registration materials.

Because the sale of course materials is outside the permitted purposes of COP Uruguay, Uruguayan tax law dictates that the income from such sales would be subject to income tax.

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