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Language studies
The English language teaching industry in Ireland is regulated by the Department of Education and Science through the Advisory Council for English Language Schools (Acels). Many language schools in Ireland are also members of Marketing English in Ireland/Recognised English Language Schools Association (MEI~Relsa).
There are many types of language school, from small privately-run 'home tuition' operations - where you learn English in a teacher's home - to language learning departments at universities. A wide range of activities are offered throughout the country. Often, there are opportunities to try horse riding and Irish dancing. Currently over 100,000 students go to Ireland each year to take an English language course, and most of them are from countries in Western Europe.
Travelling around Ireland
Flying is not really necessary in Ireland because it is so small, but there are flights between Dublin and Belfast, Cork, Galway and Shannon, among other regional centres. It is also possible to fly to the Aran Islands off the coast of Galway.
One of the best ways to travel around Ireland is by car, because so much of Ireland is inaccessible otherwise. Dublin is congested, and some rural roads poor, but on the whole driving in Ireland is pleasurable – as long as you remember to stay on the left! However, renting a car in Ireland is expensive, so it is advisable to organise car hire in your own country. The best deals are usually during the winter season, and good local operators as well as international car hire firms are located in most major towns and cities. If you don’t have an EU driving license, you’ll need an International Driving Permit, available from motoring organizations before leaving your country.
A large number of visitors also explore Ireland by bicycle, and there are many roads throughout the country suitable for bike travel. There are bike hire firms in major towns and cities and many offer rentals of all-terrain mountain bikes or trekking bikes at around 70 euros (US$86) per week.
The rail network in Ireland (Iarnród Éireann) is reliable, but slow and has fairly poor coverage. It is also comparatively expensive. A Travel Save Stamp, which costs 10 euros (US$12), gives International Student Identity Card (Isic) holders a variable discount on services. A single from Galway to Dublin will cost 15.50 euros (US$19) instead of 22 euros (US$27).
Buses are around 20-50 per cent cheaper than trains, but are similarly slow and complex. ISIC holders can get a discount.
Because of the limitations of both the rail and bus networks, the best option for a travel pass is therefore a combined rail and bus ticket. The Irish Explorer Rail and Bus ticket costs 145 euros (US$178) for eight days travel in 15.
Crucial visa info and work rights
Nationals from the list below do not need a visa to enter or study in Ireland.
Students studying for three months or less can enter the country on a tourist visa, if required, but a student visa is needed for study trips of a longer duration. Applicants for a student visa need to provide evidence that they have been accepted on to a course of study as well as proof that they have funds to support themselves throughout their period of study in Ireland.
All application queries should be directed to your local Irish embassy or consulate. The cost of a single-entry Irish visa is 60 euros (US$73), while a multiple-entry visa costs 100 euros (US$122).
Citizens of European Economic Area (EEA) countries can work in Ireland without restriction. Students from countries outside the EEA can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacation periods.
Average prices
Two-week general English language course: Euro410 (US$502)
Two weeks' homestay accommodation: Euro331 (US$405)
Two weeks' residential accommodation: Euro326 (US$399)
One year university tuition fees: Euro7,800 to Euro32,000 (US$9,551 to US$39,184)
Language exams available: Cambridge, Ielts, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Oxford, Pitman, Trinity College London, Toefl, Toeic, Test of Interactive English (TIE)
English language students in Ireland by country of origin, 2003
Italy 30.4%
Spain 25.2%
France 6.8%
China 5.9%
Austria 5%
Russia 3.6%
Germany 3.6%
Japan 3.6%
Czech Republic 3.1%
Korea 1.9%
Others 10.9%
Source: Language Travel Magazine
Visa national countries
Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR), Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kiribati, Korea (Rep of South), Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Macau (SAR), Maldives, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & The Grenadines, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Tuvala, U.S.A., UK & Colonies, Uruguay, Vanuata, Vatican City, Venezuela, Western Samoa
Addresses
International Education Board Ireland (IEBI)
IPC House, 35-39 Shelbourne Road, Dublin 4, Ireland
Tel: +353 16144836 Fax: +353 16144839
Email: info@educationireland.ie
Web: www.educationireland.ie
MEI-Relsa
107 South Circular Road, Dublin 8, Ireland
Tel: +353 14753122 Fax: +353 14530432/14753088
Email: info@mei.ie
Web: www.mei.ie
The Advisory Council for English Language Schools (Acels)
44 Leeson Place, Dublin 2, Ireland
Tel. +353 16767374 Fax +353 16763321
Email: info@acels.ie
Web: www.acels.ie
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