A growing number of overseas study agencies are paying more attention to after-sale service improve their reputations, the Shanghai Morning Post reported today.

Accommodation and part-time jobs have become key issues for people planning to study abroad, said an industry analyst.

Overseas study agencies currently have pathetic profits, so improving their service is the only way to survive, said an employee with an overseas study agency.

"They are pulling out all the stops to offer better after-sales services such as accommodation, consulting, visa handling, tuition and supervising services," the employee said. They will also offer free visa services to parents visiting children abroad, he added.

More study agencies are offering free guidance for students before they go abroad and tracing services to ensure student safety. Some of them are seeking local partners to help clients solve problems.