Are you considering travelling to a native English speaking country to study and improve your English language? Ireland is a destination not to be missed!
Why Learn English in Ireland?
Ireland offers the opportunity of learning English, in the unique environment of a country immersed in heritage, folklore and most importantly people that are bursting with conversation and personality. Due to the growing popularity of Ireland as a destination for English language learners, Ireland now offers elite English language schools for those who wish to learn English as a second language. Most cities and towns in Ireland accommodate a range of excellent English language centres.
Along with perfecting your English language skills Ireland is awash with an array of activities for you to part-take in while learning the English language. The turbulent Atlantic Ocean gives Ireland some of the finest beaches in Europe for surfing and other adventurous water activities. Enjoy hiking in the spectacular Wicklow Mountains or abseiling in the Burren, all while you learn English language.
Ireland is often referred to as the island of contrasts, from the bright lights of Dublin, Cork, and Galway to the breath taking countryside, where you will be surrounded by long beaches, and rugged terrain. Even if the weather isn’t perfect, Ireland does look beautiful in the rain and your never far from a watering hole, (Irish Pub), to warm yourself by the open fires and test the Guinness, while amidst good company, craic agus ceol, (fun and music).
If that doesn’t captivate your imagination, Irelands legendary writers, James Joyce, Johnathan Swift, Oscar Wilde, along with Nobel Prize winners, GB Shaw, WB Yeats, Seamus Heaney, Samuel Becket, to mention a few, expose the love of the English language you will experience while in Ireland.
So, if you’re considering learning English as a foreign language, Ireland is a superb location! Nothing will compare to the adventures, people and culture you will encounter while in Ireland, furthermore, your English language skills will improve. Ireland – Once visited never forgotten!
Popular Places to Study in Ireland
- Dublin
- Cork
- Galway
- Sligo
- Dún Laoghaire
- Limerick
- Tallaght
- Waterford
- Swords
- Drogheda
- Dundalk
English Courses in Ireland
The small number of students per class ensures effective teaching with the flexibility to meet your individual needs, in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. You have a progress test and a personal tutorial with your principal teacher each week. Courses have a cultural component, which helps you to learn about Irish culture and the Irish way of life.
Standard English Course
The Standard Course focuses on practical communication skills with the emphasis on speaking and listening. Reading and writing activities provide you with opportunities to interact with other students. Vocabulary, idioms and grammar are practised in interesting and stimulating ways to achieve fluency.
20 tuition hours per week
Course Timetable: Monday to Friday 09.00 – 12.55hrs
Group size: Average 8 – 10 students (maximum 12)
Levels: Beginner (A1) to Advanced (C2)
Starting dates: Any Monday
Course length: Any number of weeks
Intensive English Course
The Intensive Course follows the same programme as the Standard Course during the morning. The six afternoon hours focus on developing communication skills. Task-based learning gives you regular and structured opportunities to speak while practising the skills and language you need to use in everyday life.
26 tuition hours per week
Course Timetable: Monday to Friday 09.00 – 12.55hrs + Tuesday to Thursday 14.10 – 16.00hrs
Group size: Average 8 – 10 students (maximum 12)
Levels: Beginner (A1) to Advanced (C2)
Starting dates: Any Monday
Course length: Any number of weeks
From mid-June to mid-September, the Intensive Course is available with an afternoon business component. The six afternoon hours focus on developing the vocabulary and communication skills required in business contexts. You must have at least an intermediate level of English to attend the Business Course. For dates refer to enrolment details.
Combination English Course
The Standard Course is supplemented with 5 or 10 hours of individual tuition. Your teacher focuses on your particular needs and objectives, which may include general English or business English.
25 or 30 tuition hours per week
Course Timetable: Standard Course + 5 or 10 individual tuition hours
Group size: Average 8 – 10 students (maximum 12)
Levels: Beginner (A1) to Advanced (C2)
Starting dates: Any Monday
Course length: Any number of weeks
From mid-June to mid-September, the Intensive Course is available with an afternoon business component. The six afternoon hours focus on developing the vocabulary and communication skills required in business contexts. You must have at least an intermediate level of English to attend the Business Course. For dates refer to enrolment details.
Cambridge Examination English Course
First Certificate in English / Certificate in Advanced English / Certificate of Proficiency in English
20 tuition hours per week
Course Timetable: Monday to Friday 09.00 – 12.55hrs
Group size: Average 8 – 10 students (maximum 12)
Levels: Intermediate (B1.2) to Upper Advanced (C2)
Starting dates & Course Length:: January, March & September 2007
The highly intensive Cambridge Courses are designed to prepare you for the five components of the examinations (reading, writing, grammar, listening and speaking). Prior to arrival, you do a pre-test so that you can make an informed decision on which examination course to join. Our teachers are experienced Cambridge examiners with many years of experience in examination preparation. You benefit from a combination of examination techniques and general language study. Supplementary examination practice takes place free of charge three afternoons per week.
TOEFL / IELTS / TOEIC / BEC Examination Courses
4 tuition hours per week
Course Timetable: Tuesday and Thursday 14.10 -16.00hrs
Group size: Average 3 – 4 students (maximum 6)
Levels: Refer to information on individual examinations below
Starting dates: Every Tuesday
Course Length: Any number of weeks
Test of English as a Foreign Language
The TOEFL test is a recognised measure of your English language level and a high score is needed when you apply to attend a university or college. The test has four components: listening comprehension, structure, reading and writing. The TOEFL test in Ireland is computer-based. Minimum level: Intermediate
International English Language Testing System
The IELTS examination is a recognised measure of whether you are ready to study or train in the medium of English. It is recognised as a language requirement for entry to a university or college in Ireland or Britain. The examination consists of four papers: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Minimum level: Upper-Intermediate
Test of English for International Communication
The TOEIC examination tests your English proficiency in an international working environment and is useful if you wish to work for multinational companies. Businesses, government agencies and other public and private organisations accept TOEIC scores as proof of English skills in professional communication. The test has two components: listening and reading. Minimum level: Intermediate
Cambridge Business English Certificate Examinations
The BEC examinations offer you English Language qualifications for the purposes of international business. Businesses, government agencies and other public and private organisations accept BEC certificates as proof of English skills in work-related communication. The examinations consist of three papers: reading/writing, listening and speaking.
Entry Requirements:
BEC Vantage: Intermediate level (B1.2)
BEC Higher: Advanced level (C1)
Executive and Professional Courses
24 tuition hours per week
Course Timetable: Monday to Friday 09.00 – 12.55hrs + lunchtime with a tutor. Tuesday & Thursday 14.10 – 16.00
Group size: Average 4 (maximum 6)
Levels: Intermediate +
Starting dates 2007: February 12, March 26, April 16, June 11, July 2, July 30, September 10, October 8, November 12
Course Length: 2 weeks
The Executive and Professional Course develops the communication skills you need to conduct professional tasks with complete confidence. It is highly interactive and based on extensive use of problem solving, practical role-plays and realistic case studies. Based on your needs, the course may include telephoning, discussions, conducting meetings, making presentations, e-commerce, dealing with facts and figures, interviewing, negotiating, describing trends, as well as a choice of stimulating topics such as sales and marketing, human resources, quality management and cross-cultural issues.
During the four afternoon hours, the course focuses on task-based practice related to the areas covered in the morning. Case studies and role-plays allow you to perfect the linguistic and communication skills that you have acquired during the morning sessions.
If your level of English is lower that intermediate, you are redirected to a Standard or Intensive Course with an appropriate adjustment of fees.
Individual Tuition
Any number of tuition hours
Individual tuition offers the most rapid, relevant and cost-effective form of language training. To maximise success, you are requested to complete a detailed needs analysis questionnaire prior to arrival. This helps us to include your individual needs and objectives when designing the course. Your tutors can focus on general English or on the language skills you require for your profession or studies. You can choose any number of hours to suit your specific needs. You can start any Monday and continue for any number of weeks.
The Professional Development Course for Teachers of English
Comenius funding approved 26 tuition hours per week
Course Timetable: Monday to Friday 09.00 -12.55hrs + 14.00-16.00hrs (four afternoons)
Starting dates 2007: July 2, July 30, August 27
Course Length: 2 weeks
The Professional Development Course for Teachers of English aims to meet your professional needs in all aspects of English language teaching. You complete a needs analysis questionnaire which helps our highly qualified team of teacher trainers to design the programme to suit your objectives and interests. The course provides a balanced programme of methodology, classroom resourcing, current theory, cultural exposure and language enrichment. As a teacher of English, you can expect a challenging learning experience which updates and refreshes your teaching. The course is practical and provides you with new activities, new skills and new techniques.
Dates
Adult All Year Round Homestay English Courses
This programme is designed for professionals and adults who want to develop and deepen their English language skills whilst having the freedom to discover Ireland and put into practice the knowledge acquired during the stay. All adult courses can be booked throughout Ireland.
Junior Courses All Year Round
The students who do this course are mature teenagers who are ready to take on the responsibility of autonomy both in their education and in the organisation of their summer course. They will have a view to improving their oral and aural skills in an authentic setting in order to do better in their end of school exams and other English exams (e.g. UCLES). They will have a pre-intermediate level as a minimum requirement.
Summer Junior Residential Programme
2,3 & 4 Week Courses at some of the most prestigious colleges in Ireland, surrounded by 20 hectares of beautiful grounds, in a pleasant suburb, south of Dublin, students can learn English, sports and Irish Culture during the months of July and August.
Summer Junior Homestay Programme
Junior Homestay Programmes run all year round. With this programme the students are immersed in an Irish Host Family in the vicinity of the school.
Visa Infromation
EU or EEA citizens
The European Economic Area (EEA) and EU Member States do not require a Visa to study in Ireland.
Non EU or EEA citizens
The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs have a list of countries whose nationals DO NOT require a visa to enter Ireland.
If you do not require a Visa
Schools will usually provide you with a Letter of Invitation and an Invoice after you have paid your fees. This is not an immigration requirement, but it is a good idea to have these documents to show to Immigration Officers when you arrive in Ireland. If you stay for longer than 90 days, you must register with the local Garda (Irish Police) Registration Office. Schools will provide you with the documents you need.
If a Visa is required
When you apply to us to do a course, we will issue you with a Letter of Invitation, and an Invoice. You will need to pay your fees to us in order for us to state on the Letter of Invitation and on the Invoice that you have fully paid. The Department of Justice have a web page which lists the Student Visa Requirements. You are allowed to work while you are a student in Ireland for up to 20 hours per week.
Accommodation
Host Family
All host families are carefully chosen by schools based on their homes and on the warm, welcoming atmosphere. Host families are from many different stages of life, with different jobs and circumstances – here is a sample of some of the families available :
- families with young children
- families with teenage children
- family homes with no children
- retired couples
- single-parent families
- young married couples
Residential
During the Summer months schools offers residential accommodation to students. These courses take place in one of the most prestigious colleges in Ireland with acres of grounds surrounding the campus. This type of accommodation often suits younger students as there is 24 hour supervision. On campus, the following sports facilities are usually available.
- Football
- Table tennis
- Basket Ball
- Tennis (8 courts)
- Rugby
- Volley Ball
Activities
Enjoy social life and make friends from all over the world, from other cultures and backgrounds.
You have the opportunity to experience and familiarise yourself with Irish culture while in Ireland.
From traditional Irish pubs to modern European nightclubs, from cosy theatres to multiplex cinemas, you can improve your English while enjoying a varied social life.
Seminars and workshops
Based on your needs, the stimulating course content may include: language awareness and analysis, classroom management and lesson planning, teaching the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, testing and evaluation, error correction, materials development and current issues in methodology.
Irish life and culture
The afternoon sessions complement the academic component of the programme. Through a series of visits to places of historical interest as well as lectures and workshops, you gain an overview of the culture, the history and the education system of Ireland.
Work Experience / Internship
With increased competition in job markets, it is beneficial to learn English in the workplace, as well as in the classroom.
Working in Ireland gives you valuable experience, increases your awareness of international business culture and broadens your employment prospects. It is an exciting and challenging way to improve your English.
To participate in the programme, you must have an intermediate level of English and choose one of our courses for a minimum period of four weeks. Your teachers focus on practical communication skills with the emphasis on speaking and listening. The language course enables you to achieve the required level of communicative competence to undertake your work placement. The time spent in the workplace allows you to apply your new language skills while interacting with native speakers.
Work placements cover a wide range of professional areas including tourism, hotels and catering, retailing, office administration, marketing and accountancy.
The objectives of the programme are educational and work experience is unpaid. The work you do depends on your level of education and qualifications, your skills and experience and your level of English.