Easy Languages

School

Location

As the capital city of one of the most dynamic members of the EU, Dublin offers an exciting and enriching backdrop in which to improve your English. The Irish National Museum and the Irish National Gallery offer fascinating glimpses into the long history of the island from the bronze age through the Celts, up to modern times, and the world famous illuminated medieval Book of Kells can be viewed at Trinity College. The nightlife is not lacking, either: the strip of bars and restaurants, known as Temple Bar, is reputed throughout the English-speaking world as one of the finest possible places to spend a night out.

Dublin is also a wonderful base from which to discover the rest of Ireland, as almost all the roads and railways in the country lead to this central hub. The magnificent Glendalough Abbey ruins are just 45 minutes away and local commuter trains lead to the green rolling hills for which Ireland is known.

School

Our partner school is located in the centre of the city, close to many restaurants and shops. It welcomes students from all over the world and emits a very international ambiance. Not only are the staff known for their competence and for the quality of the courses they teach, but also for their kindness and welcoming attitude. Classes typically have 6 to 8 students, and never have more than 10.

Course

We offer a variety of programmes:

• Standard Courses (20 hours per week)
  The aim of this programme is to improve students’ practical communicative skills in both oral and written capacities. Courses take place Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM. This programme is available with the General English programme, or Business English. Please note that beginner courses only begin on certain dates (see table). Additional 90 minutes/week of afternoon seminars on English for Business (to all students with intermediate (B1) level and above) are also included.

• Intensive Courses (26 hours per week)
  This programme covers the same subject material as the semi-intensive programme and adds an additional six hours of conversation classes in the afternoon. The conversation courses focus on improving the students’ accent and pronunciation. Courses take place Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM and from 2:15 to 4:15 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. This programme is available with the General English programme, or Business English. Additional 90 minutes/week of afternoon seminars on English for Business (to all students with intermediate (B1) level and above) are also included.

• FCE/CAE Preparation (20 hours per week)
  This programme is specifically designed to prepare students for the University of Cambridge Examinations. The course can be either 9 or 12 weeks long and start dates are detailed in the "Dates" section, listed below.

• IELTS Preparation (20+6 hours per week)
  This programme combines 20 hours of General English and 6 hours of IELTS preparation.

Activities and Excursions

The school offers a weekly social programme for the students, outside of class. We encourage our students to integrate in the Irish way of living and to take advantage of the historical heritage, the music and the literature that this country has to offer. The programme offers:

1. Afternoon Activities:
   • Sports activities at local clubs, including tennis, soccer, basketball, squash, badminton, volleyball, swimming, athletics, ping-pong, rugby, or bowling.
   • Cultural activities, such as trips to the Irish National Museums, classes in Irish dances and "ceilidh" or guided visits through Dublin.
   • Possibility for horse riding (25€ per session).
   • Daily movie.
2. Evening Activities: evening activities are organised approximately 2 times a week and can include Irish dance, theatre, cinema, disco, and nights on the town.
3. Weekend Activities: we organise excursions every weekend. The excursions, which sometimes last 2 or 3 days, are optional and not included in the price. Participation must be booked beforehand.

Accommodation

• Host Family
  Students can be housed in a host family, in half-board. These families are carefully selected by the school and serve as a perfect means to immerse yourself in Irish culture. Please note, it is not uncommon to find yourself in a particularly large family (Ireland is a country with one of the highest birth rates). If you would prefer a family with few, or no, children please indicate this when enrolled.
• Shared apartment
  Students aged 18 and up have the option of living in a shared self-catered apartment. Apartments are fully-equipped and are located about 15 minutes from the school. Sheets are provided, but students must bring their own towel. Students have the choice between single or shared rooms. Shared amenities include: lounge with TV/DVD player, kitchen, washing machine, Wi-Fi internet.

Prices & Dates

Our prices include:

• Chosen course
• Accommodation in host families in a shared room with half-board, or in a shared flat (3/4 bedrooms)
• Additional 90 minutes/week of afternoon seminars on English for Business (to all students with intermediate (B1) level and above)
• Social activities organised by school
• Text books and use of library and computer facilities
• All administrative fees

Prices do not include:

• Flight
• Transport airport-families
• Fees for optional exams
• Optional excursions and horse-riding course

Dates 2012

Trips are from Sunday to Saturday and courses begin every Monday, year-round. Complete beginners may start on the first Monday of the month.

The school will be closed on the following holidays: 02/01, 19/03, 09/04, 07/05, 04/06, 01/08, 31/10, and from 22/12 to 07/01/2013

Exam preparation courses start on the following dates:

FCE/CAE 9-week programme: 09/01 (FCE), 16/01 (CAE)

FCE/CAE 12-week programme: 20/03, 10/09

Info

Transport

• Arrival airport: Dublin
  Aer Lingus and Ryanair are the most frequent airlines to Dublin.
  
• We organise transfers from the airport to your accommodation for an additional fee.

If you prefer, we can book your flights 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/