Student life in Ireland
Regardless of your age and ability, the genuine warmth of the Irish people means that you don't have to be shy about speaking
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Where to stay
Whether you're a busy executive looking to expand your English skills or a teenage student in search of fun and adventure in a new country, there are plenty of accommodation options on offer in Ireland.
Host families: Staying with a host family offers up the opportunity to fully integrate into Irish life, while enjoying all the comforts of home. Being part of a family helps in absorbing the language in everyday situations and all host families are carefully selected, individually inspected and continually monitored by the schools to ensure the welfare of its students is top priority. Schools issue guidelines to all host families, so that the students always feel safe and secure in their surroundings.
Residential School and University Accommodation: This is fast becoming one of the most popular options for student accommodation, especially during the summer months. The residences provide excellent standard accommodation, with the added benefit of offering students all the conveniences of centralised amenities that come with living on-campus. Universities in all of Ireland's main cities and some of the country's top boarding schools now provide this form of accommodation during the summer months.
Other accommodation options: With hotels, guesthouses, self-catering accommodation and fully-equipped hostels, the choice of where to stay pretty much depends on your budget and requirements. Some longer-term students prefer to rent for the duration, with groups often getting together to share houses or apartments. For more information on other accommodation options, click here.
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Life outside study
Ireland is a beautiful country, and no matter where you choose to go to study on the island, there will be endless opportunities for socialising and enjoying life outside of study hours.
Loving the language : One of the English-speaking world's most dynamic, exciting and historical places to visit, Ireland has a long tradition for loving the spoken and written word, with world-renowned authors Bram Stoker, James Joyce, Jonathon Swift, CS Lewis and Oscar Wilde all hailing from these shores. Libraries are laden with works of treasured Irish literature that will make learning English a pleasure.
Musical traditions : From impromptu sessions in the pub to the global sounds of U2 and Snow Patrol, Ireland is the home for good music and dance. Let your feet tap to the beat of the bodhrán, give the Ulster-Scots Highland Dance a whirl, move to pulsating sounds at a live music session or sing along with the best in the business at pubs and clubs around the country. For younger students, schools can arrange discos and parties where socialising with your new friends is all par for the course.
Get active : Ireland reigns supreme as the ideal backdrop for pulse-racing activities. Unearth your spirit of adventure with windsurfing, hang-gliding, rock climbing, pony trekking, sailing or even a spot of fishing in the magical countryside and coastline that surrounds every town, village and city in Ireland.
Work to play: Immerse yourself in Irish life while you learn by taking a part-time job. What better way to brush up your skills than working in one of a plethora of cafes and bars around the country. You'll be amazed at how quickly you'll pick up the language - and fill your wallet while you're at it, too.
And plenty more besides... There are lots of things to do around the island of Ireland, just take a look at the vast array of sights and activities available to get a flavour of what's on offer. And if you fancy heading off for the weekend, there are plenty of places to visit , sights to see and history to uncover at your leisure.
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Need to know
Fact finding: You have your passport, you've found your school and you know where you're going to live, but before you pack your bags, check out our Facts for the Visitor for tips on visas, healthcare and even the voltage for your hairdryer!. And if you need to book your flight or ferry, then click here for more information. Happy studying!
Classes: Generally, you'll sit a test in your first week to determine your level and what class you should be placed in. The amount of students in your class varies, depending on the school, however, it shouldn't exceed 15 students. Most General English courses have between 8-10 students of different nationalities.
Out of school activities: Schools offer a wide range of social activities, such as cultural visits to historic places, sports and traditional Irish nights out. Your school will present you with an activity programme on arrival.
Accommodation: The most popular type of accommodation in Ireland for students learning English is host family accommodation. Irish families live in houses of varying size, and you will receive full board. It's also a great way to practise your English! Alternatively residential accommodation is available and for longer term students they may wish to rent with friends. The best website to find out information about renting in Ireland is www.daft.ie
Cost of living in Ireland: Ireland has a high standard of living due to a highly educated population working in various sectors, such as financial, pharmaceutical and the service sector. However, rents are in line with the EU average and there are plenty of "economical options" available to students, such as early bird dinners in restaurants. There are also plenty of economical options to travel around Ireland in your free time and hostels are of a very high standard. Students can also work up to 20 hours per week while studying full time. The minimum wage in the Republic of Ireland is €8.65 per hour (as from 1 July 2007), while in Northern Ireland, details about minimum wage can be found on the Department of Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform website.
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