Learn English in Ireland

Ireland has gained a well founded reputation for the quality of its English language services offered nationwide. Over 130,000 people came to Ireland in 2008 to undertake all types of English language learning courses. There are currently more than 110 quality assured English language teaching organisations (ELTOS) recognised by the Department of Education and Science and they offer a wide variety of courses such as General English for adults and juniors, Business English, English for Academic and Professional Purposes, English with Work Placement, one to one custom made programmes, etc. English language training can also be combined with sporting activities such as angling, golf or tennis. English language schools in Ireland generally provide a full package of tuition, accommodation and extra-curricular activities.

Quality Assurance

The Administration and Co-ordination of English Language Services (ACELS) is a function of the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland. ACELS provides quality assurance for English language services in Ireland through the management and operation of an Inspection/Recognition Scheme for ELT organisations and an Accreditation Scheme for English Language teacher training providers. ACELS is responsible for the development and quality assurance of a suite of English language exams (TIE, ETAPP) and for the organisation of professional development activities for ELT practitioners

Promoting & Supporting the English Language Learning Sector"

"The English language sector is supported in its promotional activities by Failte Ireland. Failte Ireland provides strategic and practical support to develop and sustain Ireland as a high quality tourist destination. Failte Ireland works in strategic partnership with tourism interests to support the industry in its efforts to be more competitive and more profitable and to help individual enterprises to enhance their performance.

English Language Courses

Every year, thousands of people from all walks of life come to Ireland to study the English language. And there are plenty of language schools that hold courses designed to focus on your exact needs.

Examinations

Whatever your age, ability or specific requirement, there are language courses available in Ireland to suit you. Whether it's business communications or casual conversation you're after, your language school can recommend the best type of examination to make the most out of your stay in Ireland.

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.

MEI is an association of 49 high quality English Language Schools, operating language courses in over 106 locations around Ireland. Whether you are a student, a teacher, a host family, an educational advisor/agent, and English Language School, or work in a business related to the EFL industry, our association can help you. All members of MEI are recognised and regulated by the Department of Education and Skills through NQAI.

Employment for English Language Students in Ireland

Only students attending a full-time course of education of at least one year’s duration, and leading to qualifications recognised by the Department of Education and Science, will be permitted to take up casual employment. Casual employment is defined as 20 hours part-time work per week, or full-time work during normal college vacation periods, and it should never interfere with the student’s attendance record. A stamp placed in your passport by the Garda National Immigration Bureau will indicate whether or not you are permitted to take up casual employment.

Please be aware that many English language courses are not regarded as full-time, excluding the right of these students to apply for casual employment.

Accommodation

Host Families

Most English language students visiting Ireland stay with Irish host families. This gives a perfect opportunity to integrate fully into Irish life, while enjoying the friendliness, warmth and sincerity for which Ireland is renowed. The informal atmosphere of family life also helps greatly in absorbing the language in every day situations.

Students are placed with host families in safe residential areas. Student guests are treated as one of the family and are included in family outings and social occasions.

All host families are carefully selected, individually inspected and continually monitored.

Residential School Accommodation

Residential school accommodation is another form of accommodation for English language students. This is mostly available during the summer months, but also throughout the year in some schools. Residential school accommodation offers students the benefits of “student village life”.

Transport

On arrival, most schools can arrange collection from the nearest airport or station.