School
Location
Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is a dynamic city with half a million inhabitants. For a capital city, it's a fairly manageable size, and easy to explore on foot. It's also one of a kind, and has lived through a considerable renaissance since the end of the 90s after some troublesome years.
Numerous infrastructures and modern buildings have been put in place; the banks of the Lagan as well as entire districts have been completely rehabilitated. Belfast cuisine has been revitalised, making the city a fascinating gastronomic destination where restaurants and pubs can be found alongside upmarket bars and hotels.
School
Our partner school is located in the university district of Belfast, only 10 minutes' walk from the city centre. The population of this area is mainly students, and the bars, restaurants, and shops will certainly be to your taste.
The school buildings have been recently renovated but still retain the Victorian atmosphere which characterise them. With four floors, the school features 12 spacious and well-lit classrooms. A relaxation room, a multimedia centre, a kitchen, and eating area, and a garden are all available to students.
Internet access via WiFi is equally available throughout the school.
Course
All levels of English are accepted, from beginner to advanced.You will take a placement test when you arrive to determine your class. Each class features on average 8 students (12 maximum).
We offer different programmes:
- Standard English: 20h per week
This programme aims to help you communicate better in English, whether orally or through writing. Beginners are only accepted on certain dates, covered in the section "Prices & Dates". Classes take place between 9am and 1pm, Monday to Friday. - Cambridge Exam (FCE/CAE/CPE) preparation: 25h per week
This programme has been specially devised for to help students prepare for the Cambridge exams. It includes 20 general English lessons in the mornings and 5 exam preparation lessons in the afternoons. It is available for 4, 8, or 12 weeks, and is aimed at students of intermediate to advanced level. - IELTS exam preparation: 25h per week
This programme includes 20 general English lessons and 5 IELTS preparation lessons.
It is available for 2, 4, or 8 weeks and is aimed at students of intermediate to advanced level.
Activities and excursions
The school offers are wide programme of activities for students outside of lessons. We encourage our students to get to know the Irish way of life and to benefit from the cultural treasures which the school has to offer.
Some example activities:
- Lagan Towpath walk
- Cave Hill Country Park and Belfast Castle (free, except bus fare)
- Ulster Folk and Transport Museum (approx. £5 including transport and entrance fees)
- BBC Studios tour
- Gallery tour
- St. Anne's Cathedral
- Day trip: Kingdom of Mourne coach tour (approx. £25)
- Day trip: North Coast trip (Giant's Causeway, Carrickarede Rope Bridge, Carrickfergus Castle, etc..) (approx. £25)
Accommodation
Host family
In a host family accommodation is an efficient way for students to communicate regularly with native English speakers and to get to know English culture. Families are chosen by our representative according to strict hospitality criteria and are, according to availability and the preferences of the participant, close to the school or town centre.
The welcoming families share their daily lives with the students, allowing them to practice their English every day outside of lessons. Students stay in a private room (or shared, upon request), with half-board (breakfast and dinner).
Shared rooms are only available for students travelling together.
Apartment
If you desire more independence, you can opt for an apartment. We can offer single or shared apartments (in the shared apartments, each student has their own room and bathroom. A couple may choose to stay in a single apartment.
Apartments are found just next to the school and are very close to the town centre. Meals are not included but the apartments are modern and well equipped: washing machine, television, oven, dishwasher.
Bedlinen, bath towels, and unlimited internet access are all provided.
Prices & Dates
Including all taxes & enrolment fees, as well as the course, accommodation, and board as described
Click here to enroll directly| Course & Accommodation in shared apartment, single room, no board | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | Standard | Cambridge preparation | IELTS preparation | ||
| 1 week | 465 € | - | - | ||
| 2 weeks | 795 € | - | 895 € | ||
| 3 weeks | 1,125 € | - | - | ||
| 4 weeks | 1,480 € | 1,730 € | 1,730 € | ||
| 6 weeks | 2,120 € | - | - | ||
| 8 weeks | 2,795 € | 3,295 € | 3,295 € | ||
| 12 weeks | 4,180 € | 4,930 € | - | ||
| 16 weeks | 5,355 € | - | - | ||
| 18 weeks | 5,995 € | - | - | ||
| 20 weeks | 6,680 € | - | - | ||
| 24 weeks | 7,995 € | - | - | ||
| 32 weeks | 10,255 € | - | - | ||
| 36 weeks | 11,530 € | - | - | ||
| Extra week | 315 € | - | - | ||
| Supplements per week | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual apartment | 35 € | ||||
| Host family, half-board | 30 € | ||||
| Accommodation for two, suppl. second person | 130 € | ||||
| Extra night | 50 € | ||||
| Transfer Belfast airport, accomodation | 75 € | ||||
| Course only | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | Standard | Cambridge preparation | IELTS preparation | ||
| 1 week | 225 € | - | - | ||
| 2 weeks | 450 € | - | 575 € | ||
| 3 weeks | 675 € | - | - | ||
| 4 weeks | 895 € | 1,150 € | 1,150 € | ||
| 6 weeks | 1,275 € | - | - | ||
| 8 weeks | 1,695 € | 2,195 € | 2,195 € | ||
| 12 weeks | 2,550 € | 3,295 € | - | ||
| 16 weeks | 3,195 € | - | - | ||
| 18 weeks | 3,595 € | - | - | ||
| 20 weeks | 3,995 € | - | - | ||
| 24 weeks | 4,795 € | - | - | ||
| 32 weeks | 5,995 € | - | - | ||
| 36 weeks | 6,750 € | - | - | ||
| Extra week | 190 € | - | - | ||
The prices are indicated in the price table above. They include:
- Chosen course programme
- Accommodation and board as described
- Academic materials
- All administrative fees
They do not include:
- Travel to and from Dublin
- Transfers to/from the airport and family
Dates 2012
Programmes run from Sunday to Saturday and courses begin every Monday throughout the year.
Complete beginners can begin on the following dates: 6/02 - 5/03 - 2/04 - 8/05 - 11/06 - 2/07 - 6/08 - 3/09 - 1/10 - 5/11
The school will be closed on the following holidays, and at Christmas (no classes and no compensation): 02/01, 19/03, 09/04, 07/05, 04/06, 01/08, 31/10, and from 22/12 to 07/01/2013
Exam preparation classes for Cambridge begin on the following dates:
- 4 weeks: 20/02 - 21/05 - 12/11
- 8 weeks: 23/01 - 23/04 - 15/10
- 12 weeks: 26/03 - 17/09
Practical Info
Transport
- Arrival airports: Belfast or Dublin
The airlines which fly most often to these Irish capitals are Aer Lingus and Ryanair - A shuttle bus service runs between Dublin and Belfast lasting 2 hours
- A transfer can be arranged from Belfast airport (see price table)
If you prefer, we can book your flights to Dublin for you. Please ensure you make this clear when you enrol.
If you intend to book your own flight, endeavour to arrive the Sunday before the start of your course, and leave the Saturday following the end of it.
VISA Information
If you are an EU resident, you do not need a visa. A passport or ID card will be fine.
For students who do need a visa, and intend to study in Ireland, you will need to bring the following documents to your local Irish Embassy:
- an official letter from our partner school in Ireland, confirming that you have been accepted in a programme of study
- receipt of full fee payment to the school
- proof that you have sufficient funds to subsist during your stay
For more information, consult the following website:http://foreignaffairs.gov.ie/
