Before you come
Overview
Population : 3.96 million
Capital : Dublin
Other big cities: Cork , Galway , Limerick .
Major languages : English
International dialling code : + 353
Internet domain : .ie
Major religion : 95% Roman Catholic, 3.4% Protestant
Monetary unit : 1 € = 100 cents
Weight & Measures : Metric
Read this before you come to study English at a Quality English School in Ireland:
Visa Requirements
Before you can start to study English at a Quality English school in Ireland , (whether you are a teacher, consultant or a student), you must comply with the Irish immigration rules. Check with your local Irish Embassy for the latest conditions.
Participants from many countries outside the European Union require a visa to enter Ireland. For the application they need a letter of invitation provided by the school, a proof of payment of tuition fees, a medical insurance and a formal financial statement that they can support themselves during their stay.
If you need entry clearance, book your course well in advance to give yourself enough time to obtain it.
Valid passport required citizens of all countries except persons born in the UK travelling direct from the UK , nationals of Belgium , France , Germany , Luxembourg and The Netherlands holding a valid national identity card; (it is, however, advisable to bring a valid passport)
For full information go to Department of Foreign Affairs
Health & travel insurance
Quality English advises all students to take out travel and medical insurance in their own country before departure.
Students from countries within the European Union are entitled to free medical treatment under the National Health Service (except for non-emergency hospital treatment). They should bring a European Health Insurance Card . Hospital services are provided free in public wards for EU visitors. This is called the E1.11
For full information see Health services for visitors to IrelandAccommodation
Casa Swap is an international home-exchange network for students and youth. The benefits of exchanging homes are obvious: you stay in another members home for free, while that member stays in your home - thereby saving tons of money otherwise spent on expensive hotels and hostels!
There are many accommodation options available to students wishing to study in Ireland .
• Host family accommodation: the student is integrated into a family that has been inspected by the college. The student will not be placed with any other students of his or her nationality therefore they are encouraged to speak English at all times.
• Apartments: the student is placed in a self-catering apartment with other people of different nationalities and mother tongues.
• Guesthouse and B&B accommodation: This sort of accommodation can be arranged on request.
Weather
The weather in Ireland is very changeable. It is advisable to bring a rain jacket as it can rain at any moment. On the upside it is rarely very cold.
For a look at the weather in Ireland now click here: Irish Weather
Public Holidays
• Public holiday in Ireland are as follows. Bank holidays always fall on a Monday and it is important to note that most businesses, offices, museums etc close on these days.
• January 1 and January 3 (New Year)
• March 17 (St Patrick's Day)
• April 17 (Easter Monday
• May 1 (May Day)
• June 5
• August 7
• October 30 (Hallowe'en)
• December 25 (Christmas Day)
• December 26 (St Stephen's Day)