Study In Ireland

study In

Ireland tHe GuIde to educatIon In Ireland 2010/11

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Language and Business College Ireland 10-14 Quinsboro Road, Bray,Co.Wicklow Tel/Fax: 353 1 2865627/2869524 Email: info@languagecollegeireland.com Web: www.languagecollegeireland.com COURSES • TEFL (CELT) • Business Management (ILM) • Hospitality • Hotel and Tourism Management (CTH) • General English • Business English • Exam Preparation • IELTS • Cambridge Language & Business College Ireland welcomes all students to it‛s professional, warm and friendly environment Recognised by the Department of Education & Science, ACELS, ILM, CTH and City & Guilds

Welcome to tHe 2010/2011 GuIde to educatIon In Ireland.

With economic growth and employment stalling all over the world, no country has been unaffected by the economic downturn. International education has a key role to play in a return to prosperity. Students return from their host countries with new research, business and language skills that will greatly benefi t their home nations. In addition, the host country greatly benefi ts from the spread of new ideas brought by students from all over the world.

Ireland has a proud tradition of engaging in this richly productive two-way process. Whether you are intending to enrol in a further education, undergraduate or postgraduate programme, or simply seeking to improve your English, you are sure to return home with all the latest knowledge and skills required for a long and fruitful career in a modern knowledge economy. And your memories will not all be academic in nature either; Ireland is extremely popular with tourists for its friendly people, beautiful scenery and lively cultural life.

It therefore gives me great pleasure to introduce The 2010/2011 Guide to Education in Ireland. Inside you will fi nd all the key information on essential issues such as your application, accommodation, and certifi cation; as well as comprehensive profi les of Irish colleges and English language schools. Also included are some more light-hearted items, such as a look at the social life, Irish cultural treasures and student profi les.

Hoping to see you soon.

KEVIn BRAnIGAn LEARNING IRELAND

You are reading the online edition of the Guide to ‘Education in Ireland’. This means that we have made this edition much more interactive than the print edition in the following ways: 1. Every place you see a website listed, click away and that website will open up in your browser 2. We’re sprinkled the guide with handy signposts, which you can click on to get more information 3. There are many extra menus of information available to you when you click on certain features.

“Study in Ireland – The 2010/11 Guide to Publisher/MD: Kevin Branigan Education in Ireland” Executive Consultant: Mike Ormond is available online at www.studyirelandguide.com

College Liaison Officers: Andrew D’Arcy, Maura Sponsored by: Walsh, Stha Ngwenya Learning.ie IELTS Sales Manager: Beth Rees Art Direction and Layout: Vortex Creative Ltd Editorial: Donal Kavanagh Production Co-ordinator: Lydia Nicholson Visit the ‘Study in Visit the IELTS Financial Controller: Nicole Harris Ireland - Learning.ie’ website website Credit Controller: Michelle Brown

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learnInG Ireland

1st Floor, Marina House, Clarence Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Ireland t: +353 1 2844738 f: +353 1 2844768 e: info@learning.ie w: www.learning.ie

Publisher/MD: Kevin Branigan Executive Consultant: Mike Ormond College Liaison Officers: Andrew D’Arcy, Maura Walsh, Stha Ngwenya Sales Manager: Beth Rees Art Direction and Layout: Vortex Creative Ltd Editorial: Donal Kavanagh Production Co-ordinator: Lydia Nicholson Financial Controller: Nicole Harris Credit Controller: Michelle Brown

study In Ireland 2010/11

IntroductIon Forward from Minister for Education and Skills Mary Coughlan T.D. Ireland is recognised internationally for our quality of teaching and learning and the calibre of our graduates.

Successive Irish governments have placed education at the heart of economic and social development with major public investment.

We have achieved an unprecedented expansion in educational opportunities over the past four decades.

Over 87 percent of 20 to 24 year-olds in Ireland have completed at least higher secondary level education - almost 10pc more than the EU average.

In 1980, one in fi ve school-leavers went on to higher education.

This year, three out of fi ve school-leavers arrived on college campuses transformed by huge capital investment in new buildings and modern facilities that fi t the needs of a new age.

By 2020, our target is to have three-quarters of the school-leaving student cohort going on to higher education.

The World Economic Forum’s 2009-2010 Global Competitiveness Report ranked the quality of Ireland’s secondary and tertiary educational system, as assessed by the business community, as eight out of 133 economies.

Ireland is strongly linked with North America and we are part of the European Union family of nations.

We are home to over 1,000 global companies and our higher education institutions have formed close research and business alliances with world-leading corporations in a range

of areas including pharmaceuticals and medical technology, software development, manufacturing, internationally traded services and many more.

Ireland is one of the safest countries in the developed world and our people have a welldeserved reputation for friendliness.

Our rich unspoilt landscape and opportunities for outdoor activities make Ireland a soughtafter break location.

Our society is diverse and multi-cultural and we greatly value the fresh ideas and new thinking you will bring.

So take the opportunity to study in Ireland.

You will never forget your experience here.

MARY CoUGHLAn T.D. MInISTER FoR EDUCATIon AnD SKILLS MARCH 2010

Visit the Department of Education & Science website

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contents Welcome Introduction Foreward from Minister for Education and Skills, Mary Couglan T.D. Contents

Ireland - an Introduction Ireland - an Introduction Why Study in Ireland?

New Friends - the Irish People What to see and do in Ireland

Getting Here The Application Process Immigration Funding, Fees and Costs Getting to know - Hurling

Living Here Transport and Health Legal Aspects and Employment in Ireland Student Accommodation in Ireland Getting to know - the Irish Language Settling In After Graduation - Career Opportunities in Ireland

Studying Here 4 5 6

7 9 11 13

15 18 20 21

23 24 25 26 27

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Certification Further or Higher? Making your Decision Qualifications Cross Borders Getting to know - Guiness Short Term Stays

College Profiles Universitites Institutes of Technology Colleges of Education State/Other Colleges of Further Education

English Language Schools Introducing English Language Schools in Ireland English Language Education in Ireland Profiled English Language Schools

Further Resources Tourist Resources Driving Distance Chart Maps Contacts Directory Notes

Courses In Development Studies Full time and part time options in the following programmes: • MA/Post Graduate Diploma in Development Studies • BA Degree in Development Studies Study areas include: Political Economy of Development; Sociology of Development; Planning for Development; Gender; Environment and Development; Cultural Anthropology; Adult Education; Sustainable Livelihoods; Human Rights; Emergency Relief; Research Methods MA/PG/BA are accredited by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council of Ireland (www.hetac.ie) and lead to an internationally recognised qualification.

Kimmage Manor, Whitehall Road, Dublin 12 Tel: 01 406 4386/406 4380 Fax: 01 4064388 Email: info@kimmagedsc.ie Web: www.kimmagedsc.ie

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29 30 32 33 34

37 43 53 57 65

69 72 73

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Ireland: an IntroductIon

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locatIon

clImate

north West Europe, at about the 50° and 60° north latitude

Winters are mild and summers temperate due to the prevailing south-westerly winds and the infl uence of the warm waters of the North Atlantic Drift. Ireland has a mild climate all year-averaging 35°-45°F in winter and 65°-75°F in summer. May and June are the sunniest months with an average of over 7 hours of sunshine per day.

tIme Zone Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)

caPItal Dublin

PoPulatIon 4.4 million with one of the fastest growth rates in Europe Average Age: 35.6yrs Foreign nationals: 400,000 Density: 73 people per km²

offIcIal lanGuaGes English & Irish

economy Currency: Euro (€) GDP: €176 billion

PolItIcal status neutral

HIGHest PoInt Carrauntoohil (Co Kerry): 1,041m

World HerItaGe sItes Brú na Bóinne (Bend of the Boyne): A wellpreserved Neolithic site in County Meath which predates the pyramids of Egypt.

Skellig Micheal: A 7th century monastery perched on a rocky island off the southern coast of Ireland.

Skellig Michael

Perhaps the most important thing to remember about the Irish weather is that it can be extremely changeable. A day that starts bathed in sunshine can easily fi nish drenched in a downpour, and vice versa. So you would be well advised to invest in a wide selection of clothing, especially a raincoat!

a brIef HIstory For a small island located on the north western tip of Europe, Ireland certainly has a long and fascinating history. The fi rst people to settle in Ireland arrived from Scotland about eight thousand years’ ago.

The country’s strong Celtic identity stems from the Gaelic civilisation, which led a largely uninterrupted existence from roughly 500BC to the ninth century AD as the Romans limited their northward expansion to Britain. The Gaels were a colourful people who indulged in Mohawk hairstyles, hurling (see page 21) and the occasional bout of headhunting. Much of traditional Irish culture, including language, dance and sport, Irish dancing originate from this time.

The Gaels regularly raided the Western coast of Roman Britain. On one such occasion, a sixteen yearold boy was captured in Wales and sold into slavery in Ireland. The youth escaped back to Britain six years’ later, and having studied theology, returned to Ireland in 432AD on a quest to convert the Irish to Christianity. We know him today as St Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint whose feast day is celebrated around the world with much green-tinged merriment every March 17th. Apart from being credited with banishing snakes from Ireland (who have since being readmitted by Dublin Zoo), St Patrick’s success also led to the establishment of major monastic settlements in Ireland, which kept alight the fl ame of learning during the Dark Ages.

The wealth of the monasteries attracted the atten

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tion of the fearsome Vikings, who attacked regularly during the 9th and 10th centuries. Like most visitors however, they decided they liked Ireland enough to stay, and so settled and mixed with the local Irish – founding Dublin City in the process.

Dublin Castle

Not many of you will know that the fi rst chapter Ireland’s long and troubled relationship with Britain was brought about by an Irish king in 1169, who sought the support of Britain’s King Henry II in recapturing the kingdom of Leinster from local adversaries. Hundreds of years of rebellion and repression, but also of cultural mixing (resulting in Ireland being an English-speaking today for example) and intermittently peaceful relations were to follow.

Independence was eventually achieved from the United Kingdom in 1921, except for the six counties of Northern Ireland - a partition that eventually led to decades of unrest and violence. The last twenty years however, have witnessed a robust peace process nullify political violence in the North. This in turn has allowed Ireland and the UK, for the fi rst time in their histories, to forge a fruitful and friendly relationship as equal members of the European Union.

you

FUL COUL-TIME N OW R ENR SES OL w L ww . it b ING. .ie

us

Prepare for Take-Off Visit www.itb.ie or mail international@itb.ie Check out the wide range of exciting courses available at the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown – it’s the perfect launch pad into higher education in Dublin!

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study In Ireland 2010/11

Ireland: an IntroductIon

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WHy study In Ireland?

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Ireland has an enduring tradition of providing quality education, and a long history of accommodating international students in universities, colleges and English language schools.

2 3

Ireland is an English speaking country – and Irish too if you feel like learning something a little different!

Like every other country Ireland has been struck by the global economic downturn, but there is an upside for the college student. The cost of living is declining rapidly, in particular with regard to accommodation, which was much costlier during the economic boom years.

USEFUL LInKS www.discoverireland.ie www.educationireland.ie www.entertainment.ie www.failteireland.ie www.gov.ie

Discover Ireland Education Ireland Entertainment Failte Ireland Government Online

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Ireland has a young, dynamic population with 40 per cent of the population aged under-25, which makes Ireland a top international student destination.

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Ireland is now a multicultural country; around 400,000 foreign nationals currently live here, about 10 per cent of the population. International students are highly valued contributors to the continuing development of this exciting new society.

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Ireland has a beautiful landscape and very temperate weather that is ideal for outdoor pursuits. Whether you want surf, hike, climb, cycle or simply stand back and appreciate the beautiful view, there’s something for everyone.

www.visitdublin.ie

Visit Dublin

www.meteireann.ie

Met Eireann

www.cso.ie www.cusai.ie

www.irfu.ie

www.heritageireland.ie

Heritage Ireland

www.fai.ie

www.tourismireland.com

Tourism Ireland

www.gaa.ie

study In Ireland 2010/11

Central Statistics Offi ce Colleges and Universities Sports Association of Ireland Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) Football Assoication of Ireland Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA)

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Ireland’s worldwide reputation for friendliness is not a myth; a recent survey by internationally known travel publishers Lonely Planet’s named the Irish as the friendliest people in the world.

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Ireland is a highly developed democracy within the EU, with a modern economy and a free media, all of which helps ensure a lively and innovative academic scene. Don’t be afraid make your opinion known!

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Ireland is one of the safest countries in the world to live in; ranking 12th in the 2009 Global Peace Index. Of course this does not mean that commonsense does not apply when it comes to taking precautions.

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Most international students seeking an English language destination decide upon the UK or the US. Ireland represents something that’s a little different, so why not come here? Variety is, after all, the spice of life!

Ireland’s beautiful landscape

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study In Ireland 2010/11

Ireland: an IntroductIon

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neW frIends - tHe IrIsH PeoPle Here at The Guide to Education in Ireland we speak with lots of international students about their experiences in this country. Time and again, they mention the friendliness of the Irish population – see for yourself in our student profiles!

So if making friends with people from another culture is one of your reasons for studying abroad, then Ireland should be first on your list of destinations.

The Irish international rugby team

tHe IrIsH eXPerIence As a small country with a long history of emigration, Irish people are not as insular as some you may encounter in the larger English-speaking nations. We have a natural and easygoing affi nity for those seeking to settle in a new country, and most people you encounter, especially in the college, will be very forthcoming in putting you at ease and with helpful advice.

The Irish experience of different cultures has not just evolved from emigration, although this is on the rise again with the economic downturn, but also from immigration. The Celtic Tiger years, which saw

massive economic growth and development during the period 1995-2007, witnessed thousands of immigrants from all continents of the world arriving on these shores in search of work.

The ‘new Irish’ integrated with local communities remarkably easily. Should you choose to stay in Ireland, you will fi nd that the Irish are naturally curious of other cultures and ways of life, so be prepared to be at the centre of good-natured interest!

The Institute of Technology, Sligo, is located in one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland We offer internationally recognised qualifications from Higher Certificate to Ph.D.

Major Study Areas

Business – Accounting, Administration, Computing, Marketing, Recreation, Tourism Humanities – Childhood Education, Design, Fine Art, Performing Arts, Social Studies

Engineering – Civil, Electronics, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Quality Management, Quantity Surveying Science – Archaeology, Biomedical, Environmental, Forensic, Health, Pharmaceutical, Safety

study In Ireland 2010/11

Contact us at www.itsligo.ie 11

talkInG about tHe younG folks So what can you expect from the young people of Ireland? Well most of your new friends and many acquaintances will ask you to be their Facebook friend as social media is very popular. You will also receive plenty of texts on your mobile phone. Ownership of mobiles reached 100% in Ireland back in 2005, and young people especially are highly attached to them.

Apart from technology, another Irish attribute is a passion for sport. In most countries, people are interested in one or maybe two sports. Here, your average fan is likely to enjoy soccer and rugby equally, as well as the hugely popular indigenous games of hurling and Gaelic football. Other popular recreations include golf, swimming and hiking in the beautiful countryside – all of which are available and organised by most colleges and many English language schools.

out and about Another consuming passion of young Irish people is music, especially when it’s live. The social life often revolves around concerts, whether by bands from the thriving local scene, or by international stars who visit Ireland on a regular basis. On an average weekend night in cities such as Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick there will always be a number of music, comedy and theatre events to choose from.

Not to mention Irish traditional music: famous across the world for its ability to liven up any social gathering. Informal ‘trad sessions’ regularly take place in rural pubs, but are equally as popular in the cities.

some tIPs on enGaGInG WItH tHe IrIsH Ireland has a very high standard of spoken English, but as with people all over the world, there are a number of colloquial expressions and sayings that you will not necessarily find explained in your dictionary.

For example, the word ‘grand’ is much used and indicates ‘good’ or ‘fine’ (as in: how are you? – I am grand thanks). Other examples include ‘gas’, which means ‘fun’ or ‘strange’ (e.g. he is a gas man); and ‘craic’, which indicates fun and excitement (e.g. I had a great night – there was plenty of craic).

Other traits are not confined to the language. For example, there is a commonly played out ritual of accepting an offer of something. If you are offered a cup of tea or something to eat, be prepared to have your initial response of ‘no thanks’ ignored.

You will almost certainly be asked ‘are you sure?’ Irish people tend to be insistent with their generosity. And conversely, locals will often expect you to be just as tenacious with any offers you make. Irish people abroad can be baffled when their initial reply of ‘no thanks’ to a kind offer of a tasty ice cream or refreshing drink from a local is accepted without question!

These are just some of the characteristics and expressions you might come across during your stay in Ireland. Learning to understand and recognise them is all part of the fun of studying abroad!

The Irish pub is synonymous with relaxed socialising in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and is central to a lively nightlife. Ireland may have had a negative image with regard to alcohol in the past, but thankfully things have changed and you are just as likely to see someone nursing a coffee or fruit juice as a Guinness. There are far more alternative, non-alcohol related venues for socialising in modern Ireland also, from late night cafes to affordable restaurants.

Dublin at night

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You won’t have far to travel if you feel like socialising either, as your college is sure to host a wide range of recreational events, from concerts to fi lm nights, throughout the academic year.

study In Ireland 2010/11

Ireland: an IntroductIon

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see and do

Ireland is a hugely popular destination for tourists from all over the world. As a student here, you will have the time to explore and enjoy many of the fascinating locations and exciting events. In addition, the small size of the country means that everything is within a short travelling distance. English language schools and the international student societies of universities and colleges often organise day- or weekend-trips to attractions such as the following:

3 tHInGs to see and do In dublIn: 1. St Patrick’s Day Parade (www.stpatricksfestival.ie) The whole world goes a little green on March 17th of every year, and Dublin City plays host to the centrepiece event of this global festival. Besides the hugely colourful parade itself, the weeklong festival includes many other attractions such as street theatre, Irish music and dancing, and green Guinness!

2. Malahide Castle (www.malahidecastle.com) Situated in 250 acres of scenic parkland in the pretty seaside town of Malahide in North Co Dublin, this former fortress was originally built in the 12th century. Tours are available in a number of languages and the Castle also features a restaurant, craft shop, and several ghosts!

3. Guinness Storehouse (www.guinness-storehouse.com) The Guinness Storehouse is located in St James’s Gate Brewery, home since 1759 to Ireland’s most famous export. A short walk from the city centre, the Storehouse features six fl oors of fascinating exhibits, a spectacular atrium, and the rooftop Gravity Bar, which offers stunning views of Dublin City.

To read more about activities, attractions and events in Dublin, go to www.visitdublin.ie.

3 tHInGs to see and do In tHe east & mIdlands: 1. Glendalough (www.glendalough.ie) Situated in the heart of the beautiful Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, or ‘the valley of the two lakes’, is the location of a world famous monastic site and round tower, and an enchanting array of trails and walkways.

An information centre, refreshments, accommodation and activities are also available.

2. Newgrange (www.newgrange.com)

Constructed over 5,000 years ago and older than the Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, Newgrange is an ancient temple that was a place of great astrological and ceremonial importance in Neolithic Ireland. A nearby Visitor Centre will enable you to learn the secrets of this majestic, but mystifying, construction.

3. The Curragh Racecourse (www.curragh.ie) The Curragh Racecourse in Co Kildare is the jewel in the crown of Ireland’s proud horse racing tradition. The venue features numerous restaurants and bars and hosts about 20 races from March to October every year. Have a ‘fl utter’ (Irish term for bet), or just admire the magnifi cent thoroughbreds in action.

To read more about activities, attractions and events in the East & Midlands, go to www.discoverireland.ie/eastcoast.

3 tHInGs to see and do In tHe sHannon reGIon: 1. Birr Castle Demesne (www.birrcastle.com) Take a stroll around Ireland’s largest gardens, which comprise of Winter, Formal, Terrace and River Garden sections, or visit the Historic Science Centre. The Demesne is also home to many scientifi c exhibits, such as the Great Telescope, which was built in the 1840s and was the largest in the world for over 75 years.

2. The Burren (www.burrenbeo.com) The Burren is the name given to the fascinating 500 square kilometres of limestone-layered fi elds in Counties Clare and Galway. Probably Irelands most interesting natural environment, the otherworldly landscape of the Burren is home to 70% of Ireland’s native plant life and hundreds of ancient tombs and forts,.

3. Cliffs of Moher (www.cliffsofmoher.ie) Close to one million visitors per year now come to this iconic location. Looming over County Clare’s west coast, the Cliffs stretch for 8 kilometres and 214 metres over the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. An ultra modern interpretative centre is located nearby.

Visit the Department of To read more about activiEducation ties, attractions and events & Science in the Shannon region, go to website www.discoverireland.ie/ shannon.

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3 things to see and do in the North West:

Three things to see and do in the South West:

1. Glenveagh National Park (www.glenveaghnationalpark.ie) Over 16,000 hectares of beautiful wilderness and pristine lakes in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains. Beside the numerous walking and hiking trails and abundant flora and fauna on view, the Glenveagh National Park also features a fine Victorian castle surrounded by gardens and a Visitors Centre.

1. Cork Jazz Festival (www.corkjazzfestival.com) The Cork Jazz Festival is one of Ireland’s most successful arts and cultural events and one of the top three Jazz festivals in the world. It attracts over 40,000 visitors to Cork City each October bank holiday weekend to hear over 1,000 musicians perform in concerts, clubs and pubs around the city.

2. Lissadell House (www.lissadellhouse.com) This handsome 19th century mansion was once the home of aristocratic Irish revolutionary and suffragette, Constance Markievicz, who became Europe’s first woman to hold a cabinet position.

3. Carrick Water Music Festival (www.carrickwatermusic.com) The charming riverside town of Carrick-On-Shannon in Co Leitrim is the setting of this flourishing annual event.

The festival features a unique blend of classical music, jazz and opera performances.

To read more about activities, attractions and events in the North West, go to www.discoverireland.ie/northwest.

3 things to see and do in the South East: 1. Lismore Castle Arts (www.lismorecastlearts.ie) An imaginative attempt at reinvigorating a derelict section of the magnificent Lismore Castle in Co Waterford, Lismore Castle Arts features one major contemporary art exhibition every year.

2. Wexford Opera Festival (www.wexfordopera.com) The Wexford Opera Festival has been running annually since 1951, with tens of thousands attending performances by rising and established opera stars from around the world. The Festival takes place in charming Wexford Town, where the influence of its 12th century Norman founders is still easy to see.

3. Oak Park (www.carlowgardentrail.com) Oak Park Forest Park is just one of a number of tranquil garden and forest walks dotted across the small county of Carlow. The 120-acre park boasts a rich diversity of wildlife, with lakes, islands and a busy mixture of beech, oak, Scots pine, silver fir, larch and sycamore trees.

2. Skellig Islands (www.heritageireland.ie) The magnificent Skellig Islands lie 12 km off the coast of Co Kerry. Skellig Michael towers majestically 714ft (218 metres) above sea level.

3. Cork City (www.corkcity.ie) Ireland’s second largest city is famous for its proud independence. The many attractions include great shopping, restaurants and pubs, as well as the 300 year-old tower of St Anne’s Church, the delicious food stalls of the English Market, and a host of great art galleries, museums and theatres.

To read more about activities, attractions and events in the South West, go to www.discoverireland.ie/southwest.

3 things to see and do in the West: 1. Connemara (www.connemara.ie) With a national park of about 2,000 hectares featuring scenic mountains, wild bogs, and windblown heaths and grassland, Connemara is one of the best-preserved natural environments in Ireland.

2. Galway Arts Festival (www.galwayartsfestival.com) Galway Arts Festival is Ireland’s largest annual arts festival, taking place each July in the city of Galway.

Founded in 1978, the Festival features Irish and international artists who provide a programme of theatre, dance, visual arts, music, literature, and comedy.

3. Cruachan Aí Heritage Centre (www.cruachanai.com) The fascinating royal site of Cruachan, the prehistoric ritual capital of Connacht. It was here that the ancient kings and queens of Connacht were inaugurated, and where mythology dictates a doorway to the ‘Other World’ is to be found - so take care when you’re looking for the cloakroom!

To read more about activities, attractions and events in the West, go to www.discoverireland.ie/west.

To read more about activities, attractions and events in the South East, go to www.discoverireland.ie/southeast.

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study in Ireland 2010/11

Get tInG Here

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tHe aPPlIcatIon Process Applying for a course can be a complicated process for international students, so you should be completely confident in your choice before setting the process in motion. Familiarise yourself completely with the course and the institution and ensure it is the one for you.

underGraduate Application for most full-time undergraduate courses is made through the Central Applications Offi ce (CAO). An application pack and all relevant information is available from: Central Applications office Tower House Eglington Street Galway, Ireland Tel: 00 353 (0)91 509 800 Fax: 00 353 (0)91 562 344 Website: www.cao.ie Email: help@cao.ie All the following information relates to the 2010 CAO Handbook – please check the 2011 CAO Handbook for any changes that may occur in 2011.

Applicants, international students in particular, should avoid applying near to the Closing Date.

APPLICATION TYPE

FEE

CLOSING DATE

Paper Normal Late Online Normal Late Change of Mind

€45 €90 €35 €70

1 Feb (5.15pm) 1 May (5.15pm) 20 Jan (5.15pm) 1 May (5.15pm) -1 Jul (5.15pm)

International applicants for a course in one of the institutions below and who are presenting school leaver qualifi cations other than GCEs (UK) must apply by February 1st, or at least have added the course to their original application by March 1st.

Late applications in these cases will not be considered.

Athlone Institute of Technology (IT) Limerick IT IT Carlow IT Sligo Dundalk IT IT Tallaght IADT Dun Laoghaire IT Tralee Galway-Mayo IT Waterford IT Letterkenny IT Tipperary Institute People who currently reside, or have resided in the

past, outside the EU and are interested in applying for a course in one of the following institutions should contact the Admissions Offi ce of the institute in question. The offi ce will inform you whether to apply through the CAO or directly to the college.

American College www.amcd.ie Athlone IT www.ait.ie Carlow College www.carlowcollege.ie Cork Institute of Technology www.cit.ie Dublin Business School www.dbs.ie Dublin City University www.dcu.ie Dublin Institute of Technology www.dit.ie Galway-Mayo IT www.gmit.ie Grafton College of Management Sciences www.graftoncollege.ie Griffith College www.griffith.ie Independent Colleges Dublin www.independentcolleges.ie Institute of Business & Technology, Swords www.ibat.ie IT Carlow www.itcarlow.ie IT Sligo www.itsligo.ie IT Tralee www.ittralee.ie National College of Ireland www.ncirl.ie National Counselling Inst of Ireland www.ncii.ie NUI Galway www.nuigalway.ie NUI Maynooth www.nuim.ie Royal College of Surgeons www.rcsi.ie Shannon College of Hotel Management www.shannoncollege.com Tipperary Institute www.tippinst.ie Trinity College Dublin www.tcd.ie University College Cork www.ucc.ie University College Dublin www.ucd.ie University of Limerick www.ul.ie Non-EU applicants should contact these colleges well in advance of the Closing Date of 1st February, and preferably not later than the previous 15th December.

Click here to launch CAo Handbook

Click here to launch CAo Application Form

PostGraduate Applications for postgraduate courses in the following universities can be made online through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (www.pac.ie):

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• • • • • •

University College Cork (except for non-EU research students) Dublin City University NUI Maynooth NUI Galway Trinity College Dublin Waterford Institute of Technology

and applicants are usually required to attend an interview before they are accepted. Most PLC colleges invite a fi rst round of interviews in March, followed by a second round in June.

A certain amount of courses in these universities are applied for in the old-fashioned paper form fashion; contact the institution in question to see what method applies to your course.

International applicants must demonstrate a profi ciency in English to the course provider in order to be accepted on to a programme. Acceptance levels can vary, so contact the college in question to see what the exact requirements are. Students applying for a visa must also display proof of English ability to the Irish Dept of Justice. The following examinations are among those accepted for this purpose:

The PAC also facilitates online applications for two specifi c areas of fourth level study: Public Health Nursing and the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (second level teacher training).

enGlIsH lanGuaGe requIrements

cambrIdGe

For postgraduate courses in all other institutions, applicants need to contact the college in question directly.

•

There is no national deadline for applications to postgraduate courses in Ireland, however most taught programmes have a deadline in June/July, while research degrees tend to be much more fl exible with year round student enrolment.

• • • •

furtHer educatIon Applications to these courses are made directly to the course provider. Academic requirements are signifi cantly lower than for undergraduate courses

USEFUL LInKS www.cao.ie

•

•

Minimum score – First Certificate in English (FCE) IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Minimum score - 5 TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Minimum score – 500 (paper), 173 (computer), 61 (internet) ETAPP (English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes) Minimum score – B2

NB – Minimum scores refer to visa requirements only. If a college’s requirements are higher, you must still meet those scores in order to be accepted onto the course.

Central Applicaions Offi ce

www.councilofdirectors.ie Institutes of Technology www.dublinpass.ie

The Dublin Pass

www.educationireland.ie www.gaeilge.ie

Education Ireland Gaeilge

www.heca.ie Higher Education CollegeAssociation www.hetac.ie

www.fetac.ie

Higher Education & Training Awards Council (HETAC) Further Education and Training Awards Council

www.icosirl.ie Irish Council for International Students www.inis.gov.ie

Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Services

www.ioti.ie

Institutes of Technology Ireland

www.iua.ie

Irish Universities Association

www.mei.ie www.ielts.org

MEI International English Language Testing System

www.toefl.org Test of English as a Foreign Language www.acels.ie

16

The Advisory Council for English Language Schools

study In Ireland 2010/11

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name: Rui Wu natIonalIty: Chinese colleGe: Institute of Technology Carlow course: Higher Certifi cate in Business Studies; Honours Bachelor Degree in Supply Chain Management

I chose Ireland because it is one of the friendliest countries in the world and welcomes international students with open arms and warmth.

The living conditions and environment are very comfortable, and I really love the flourishing green of this beautiful island. Also, Ireland is close to many European countries, you can easily travel to other interesting places such as London and Paris.

IT Carlow is known for its high quality academic reputation. The college conducts continuous investment in both education and facilities.

Every year you can find something new and improved in course material and assessment design. Lecturers are very qualified and approachable, including outside class hours.

Assessments are well designed to engage students in complex thinking. We also gained much experience of group discussion, presentations, survey interview, case analyses, etc. As a graduate of the IT Carlow, I definitely recommend this college to other students.

After graduating from IT Carlow, I successfully entered UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School for my Master of Science in Supply Chain Management. Now I’m reading the master course, I sudden realise the enormous importance and value of my lectures at undergraduate level.

Besides the excellent standard of education, IT Carlow also maintain a high level of student services.

Nice and friendly college staff, especially those who work in the international office, are always there to solve problems for you.

IT Carlow offer English classes to international students. This was a good opportunity for us to improve language skill and get an insight of Irish culture. I would recommend other international students to join in. I think the most efficient way to overcome the language difficulty is to keep communicating in English. There are many people want to know about your mother country, so don’t be shy, just express yourself and share your stories with others. Moreover, getting a part time job also brings great help in improving your English - I’ve been working in Carlow since I lived here.

Carlow is a pretty and peaceful town; I have really enjoyed my time here. The town is compact and has everything available in close proximity.

It only takes me a few minutes to college, town center and my working place. The kindness of local people also helps me feel comfortable to live in this town.

Carlow

Independent travel has been one of my most favourite activities every summer. There are many places of great interest around Ireland, and all you need are just a detailed route plan, a backpack and a sunny day. During the college term, I can also have a lot of fun by joining my favorite sport club or society. Many interesting clubs are organized by the college. In addition, Eigse Carlow Arts Festival (www.eigsecarlow.ie) brings wonderful shows and exhibi-

study In Ireland 2010/11

17

immigration The immigration process can be long and complicated, depending on your circumstances and nationality. It is best to avoid delays and difficulties by carefully identifying all that is required of you and gathering all the information (and funds!) that is relevant to your case at the earliest stage of your application.

Who requires a Student Visa?

International students who are nationals of the countries in the table below do not need to apply for an Irish Student Visa. Students from a non-EEA country in the table below will however need to bring an acceptance letter from your Irish course provider, and they may need to show this to immigration on arrival in Ireland.

➤ Andorra ➤ Antigua & Barbuda ➤ Argentina ➤ Australia ➤ Austria ➤ The Bahamas ➤ Barbados ➤ Belgium ➤ Belize ➤ Bolivia ➤ Botswana ➤ Brazil ➤ Brunei ➤ Bulgaria ➤ Canada ➤ Chile ➤ Costa Rica ➤ Croatia ➤ Cyprus ➤ Czech Republic ➤ Denmark ➤ Dominica ➤ El Salvador

➤ Estonia ➤ Fiji ➤ Finland ➤ France ➤ Germany ➤ Greece ➤ Grenada ➤ Guatemala ➤ Guyana ➤ Honduras ➤ Hong Kong (Special Adminis trative Region) ➤ Hungary ➤ Iceland ➤ Israel ➤ Italy ➤ Japan ➤ Kiribati ➤ Latvia ➤ Lesotho ➤ Liechtenstein ➤ Lithuania ➤ Luxembourg

Applying for a Student Visa Applicants who do not come from a country listed in the table above must obtain a student visa in order to study in Ireland. Thanks to recent technical developments, it is now possible for students from most visa required countries to apply online.

Visit www.inis.gov.ie - Visas for a full list of these countries and a link to the online application form.

Visa applicants from countries where the online facility is not yet available can download a printable form on www.inis.gov.ie or obtain a paper application form from the nearest Irish Embassy, Consulate or Visa Office; contact details for all of which can be found here: www.dfa.ie - About DFA – Irish Embassies and Offices Abroad

➤ Macau (Special Administrative Region) ➤ Malawi ➤ Malaysia ➤ Maldives ➤ Malta ➤ Mexico ➤ Monaco ➤ Nauru ➤ Netherlands ➤ New Zealand ➤ Nicaragua ➤ Norway ➤ Panama ➤ Paraguay ➤ Poland ➤ Portugal ➤ Romania ➤ Saint Kitts & Nevis ➤ Saint Lucia ➤ Saint Vincent & the Grenadines

➤ Samoa ➤ San Marino ➤ Seychelles ➤ Singapore ➤ Slovak Republic ➤ Slovenia ➤ Solomon Islands ➤ South Africa ➤ South Korea ➤ Spain ➤ Swaziland ➤ Sweden ➤ Switzerland ➤ Tonga ➤ Trinidad & Tobago ➤ Tuvalu ➤ United Kingdom & Colonies ➤ United States of America ➤ Uruguay ➤ Vanuatu ➤ Vatican City ➤ Venezuela

Student Visa Guidelines

In applying for a student visa you must be able to prove the following with documentary evidence.

➤ You have paid the requisite fees to the college

➤ You are enrolled on a privately funded course

involving at least fifteen hours of organised

➤ You have the academic ability to follow your

chosen course

18

daytime tuition each week

study in Ireland 2010/11

Get tInG Here ➤ You have a level of English language suffi cient

to do so (except in the case of an application

that is solely for an English language course) ➤ You have immediate access to at least €7,000.

This is the estimated cost of living in Ireland for

a student for one academic year. ➤

You must also demonstrate that you or your sponsor has ready access to an amount

of at least €7,000 for each subsequent year of your studies, in addition to the course fees

for each of those years

➤ You have private medical insurance ➤ You can account for any gaps in your

educational history

➤ Your intention is to return to your country of

permanent residence following

completion of your studies in Ireland Examples of acceptable documentation that prove you meet the requirements above and further helpful information can be found at www.inis.gov.ie - Visas - Student Visa Guidelines

Click here to apply for a VISA online

addItIonal InformatIon ➤ For details of your application fee (if any), please

contact your local Irish Embassy or Consulate. ➤

It is strongly recommended you apply for a Visa at least two months before your planned arrival in Ireland. You don’t want to be late for your fi rst day in college!

➤ All documents you supply with your

application must be in English, or accompanied

by a notarised translation of same. ➤ Your passport must be valid for at least six

months after the expected completion of your

studies in Ireland

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All non-EEA students from non-visa or visa required countries are required to register soon after arrival in Ireland with the GNIB (Garda National Immigration Bureau) for a fee of €150.

Further details of this requirement are available at www.garda.ie - National Support Services – Specialist Units – Immigration (GNIB). A stamp placed in your passport by the GNIB will indicate whether or not you are permitted to engage in

an uPdate on PotentIal cHanGes to current reGulatIons The immigration rules for students are currently being revised and new regulations are likely to come into effect later this year. The following are the main changes that are being proposed: A limit to the amount of time a student can spend in Ireland for the purposes of attending language and non-degree programmes.

It is likely that the inspection regime will become tougher so that students really need to attend their classes. So stay in class and there will be no problems with the immigration authorities!

Keep in contact with the international office of your college, as well as websites such as www.learning.ie and www.inisgov. ie for when these, or any other changes, become law.

USEFUL LInKS www.dfa.ie

Department of Foreign Affairs

www.garda.ie

An Garda Síochána

www.inis.gov.ie

Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Services

www.justice.ie

Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform

Irish Visa Offi ces

➤ A minimum of eight weeks should be allowed for

the decision on a visa application

www.embassyofireland.cn China Embassy of Ireland www.embassyofireland.co.uk UK Embassy of Ireland www.irelandinindia.com

India Embassy of Ireland

➤ Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) study In Ireland 2010/11

19

fundInG, fees and costs Going to college is an expensive enough process in your home country, let alone when pursuing an education abroad. This is probably the one area of planning that requires the most preparation, so examine carefully your funding options and set yourself a realistic budgetary target.

tuItIon fees Course fees also vary considerably across the various higher education providers in Ireland. The table below is only an approximation of the tuition fees for university undergraduate courses.

SUBJECT AREA

ANNUAL FEE (EU)

ANNUAL FEE (NON-EU)

€6,500 - €8,000 €6,500

€25,000 - €42,000 €14,500 - €20,000 €14,500 - €20,000 €11,000 - €15,000 €11,000 - €15,000

Medicine Engineering Science & Technology Business Arts & Humanities

€6,500 €4,500 - €5,000 €4,500 - €5,000

Annual tuition fees are generally less in the case of institutes of technology: €2,250 to €3,000 for EU students, and €7,000 to €11,000 for non-EU students.

These fi gures are only a guideline; it is essential in every case that you contact the institution in question to ascertain the exact fee for the course that is of interest to you.

The huge differentiation in tuition fees for postgraduate taught and research programmes means that any attempt at estimating average is a pointless

USEFUL LInKS www.education.ie

Department of Education & Science

www.educationireland.ie www.studentfinance.ie

Education Ireland Student Finance

BANKS www.aib.ie

Allied Irish Bank

www.bankofireland.ie

Bank of Ireland

www.permanenttsb.ie

Permanent TSB

www.ulsterbank.ie

20

Ulster Bank

exercise; again you need to contact the institution in question for information regarding your course.

Course fees at PLC colleges are currently set at €3,563 per annum.

free fees First time undergraduates in Ireland are entitled to free fees; international students however, must pass three tests – Nationality, Residency, Previous Studies – before they can avail of them. tHe natIonalIty test: The applicant must be a national of an EU member state. tHe resIdency test: The applicant must have resided in an EU member state for at least three of the fi ve years preceding entry to an undergraduate course. tHe PrevIous studIes test: Free fees are not available to students in the following circumstances: repeating a year, having failed their end of year examinations as a result of changing courses; undertaking a second undergraduate course; or any student who has already attended but did not complete a certifi cate, diploma or degree programme.

There are no tuition fees for approved PLC courses for EU nationals – check with the college to see if your chosen course has approved status.

The free fees scheme in Ireland does not apply to postgraduate courses.

fundInG maIntenance Grants are intended to help students with their costs of living during full time study.

The local authorities in Ireland provide maintenance grants to students who are entering undergraduate or postgraduate education for the fi rst time, while the local VEC (Vocational Educational Committee) provides grants for PLC courses.

Only EU nationals who have resided in the relevant local authority since the 1st of October of the year previous

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to starting the course may apply. Candidates for the maintenance grant must also undergo a means test, as your income must be below a certain level before the grant is awarded. Application deadlines are usually in the August of your fi rst year of studies.

Visit www.education.ie - Students & Trainees - Financial Support Schemes for further details.

NB – The free fees and maintenance grant schemes only apply to publically funded institutions and not to private colleges.

International students may also utilise their academic skills to pay the bills – scholarships are another potential source of funding. A small number of scholarships from Irish colleges and the Irish government are available to international students at undergraduate and postgraduate level; contact the provider of the course in question and the Dept of Education (www.education.ie) for details of any possible funding opportunities. You should also contact the Dept of Education in your home country to enquire if there are any government exchange scholarships for which you can apply.

lIvInG costs Ireland is unarguably an expensive country to live in, however generations of wily Irish students have managed to live comfortably on a small budget and there is no reason an international student cannot do the same. In addition, the current global economic downturn will inevitably lead to a fall in prices here. Student discounts are available in a wide range of services, ranging from banks and cinemas to hairdressers and buses.

A lot of the costs are dependent upon factors such as your geographical location (Dublin City is generally seen as a lot more expensive than other regions), your lifestyle and choice of accommodation.

The following is a rough estimate of the monthly cost of living for students in Ireland: Rent in shared house/flat (average) Light/heat/power Food Travel (monthly bus/rail ticket) Books and other academic costs Clothes, laundry, medical, etc.

Social life Total

€450 €36 €250 €82 €60 €60 €180 -€1,118

A hurling game in progress

GettInG to knoW… HurlInG To the uninitiated, hurling at first appears a fairly dangerous sport: thirty men viciously swinging sticks, whacking a small leather projectile about the pitch at head height. In fact, the game is played with such skill and concentration, that it is no more dangerous than any other field game. But it as exciting as it looks. Thought to predate Christianity, hurling has been an Irish pastime for over 2,000 years. The game involves two teams of fifteen, each comprising fourteen outfield players and one goalkeeper. Each player uses a slightly curved wooden stick made of ash, called a ‘camán’, to control, pass and shoot a small leather ball called a ‘sliotar’. Scoring is achieved by goals, when the sliotar is fired into the net (worth three points), and points, when the sliotar is hit over the crossbar for a single point.

The highest level of competition in hurling is at inter county level, when traditional powers such as Kilkenny (or the ‘cats’ as they are fondly known) and Cork battle it out for the All-Ireland trophy. A trip to Croke Park, one of the finest sporting arenas in Europe, to watch a thrilling game of hurling is a memory that will stay with you for ever. But who knows? Besides being a spectator, you may even get to practice a little hurling yourself during your stay in Ireland! Visit www.gaa.ie for further information.

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21

name: Keke Song natIonalIty: Chinese colleGe: Advance International College course: Graphic Design Course

stu de nt case stu dy

I’m from China. I came to Ireland to study English. Since I came to Ireland I have been living in Cork city. I think it is a great city to live in; not too small, not too big! Irish people are very friendly and always make me feel welcome.

After improving my English I started to study Graphic Design at Advance International College. My graphic design course was very practical and as the course is taught in English, it also helped me to further improve my level of English. I completed my course last year

and I got a job as a graphic designer.

I am happy with the many opportunities that Ireland has offered me as an International student. I like my college and I think the college staff provide a friendly and supportive atmosphere, and the college ceremonies and special events for Christmas time and end of academic term are always great.

Cork City

USEFUL LInKS TRANSPORT www.ahead.ie

Association for Higher Education Access & Disability

www.buseireann.ie

Bus Eireann

www.dublinbus.ie www.ehic.ie

Dublin Bus

European & Health Insurance Card

www.irishrail.ie

Irish Rail

www.luas.ie

Luas

www.nda.ie

National Disability Authority

www.rulesoftheroad.ie

Road Safety Authority

HEALTH CARE www.dohc.ie

Department of Health and Children

www.hibernianavivahealth.ie www.hse.ie

www.quinn-healthcare.com www.vhi.ie

22

Aviva Health

Health Services Executive Quinn Healthcare

Voluntary Health Insurance

study In Ireland 2010/11

lIvInG Here

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transPort and HealtH drIvInG Driving licences from the EEA are valid for use in Ireland, while drivers from Australia, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Japan, Jersey, South Africa, South Korea and Switzerland can surrender their licence in exchange for an Irish driving licence. Anyone arriving from a country with which Ireland has no exchange agreement must apply for a provisional licence. You may use your own licence for up to a year, before you have to apply for an Irish licence.

Please note that you are required to carry your driving licence with you at all times when motoring in Ireland and that we drive on the left-hand side of the road – be careful! Check out the link below for a guide to the rules of the road in Ireland: www.rulesoftheroad.ie

PublIc transPort For those without a car, the public transport system in the cities, towns and suburbs is very studentfriendly, as colleges tend to be well serviced. In the capital you will fi nd Dublin Bus (www.dublinbus. ie); Luas (www.luas.ie), the light rail system; and the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) train network. ) train network.

Bus Éireann (www.buseireann.ie) provide national routes, and town and city services outside Dublin.

The website www.irishrail.ie supplies information on both national rail routes and the DART service.

Students can avail of reduced rates on all these services.

In terms of public health services, the eligibility of non-EEA students depends on their country of origin, duration of stay and fi nancial situation. While with regard to hospital services, non-EEA students who are enrolled in a full time course of at least one year’s duration are deemed ‘ordinarily resident’ in Ireland and therefore entitled to the same public patient service as an Irish citizen.

EEA students may avail of free public medical services in Ireland provided they carry documentation from their home country that validates this entitlement. The EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) card Bus travel in Dublin ensures you receive whatever treatment you require in the Irish public health system in the event of accident or illness. Visit www.ehic.ie for more information.

medIcal Insurance and HealtH Non-EEA students are required to hold private medical insurance when applying for a student visa to Ireland. Policies from your home country may be extended for the purposes of your stay here, or you may purchase a policy from one of the following Irish insurance providers – • Voluntary Health Insurance Board - www.vhi.ie • Quinn Healthcare – www.quinn-healthcare.com • Hibernian Aviva Health www.hibernianavivahealth.ie Some educational institutions will have pre-arranged discounts available to foreign students with

an insurance company. Contact your chosen course provider to see if they can provide you with this cheaper option.

The health system in Ireland is advanced and accessible, and there are GPs (general practitioners) widely available who will charge about €50 for a consultation. Most students however, can avail of free medical services, as all major universities and institutes of technology provide a medical and counselling services on campus. Other colleges will often have an agreement with a nearby GP, who will see students for a reduced rate.

dIsabled students The Irish education system has a good record with regard to facilities, services and supports for disabled students, with most colleges employing a dedicated access offi cer. Disabled international students should contact the course provider to see what supports are available. Services and facilities outside the campus however, are not as accessible as some other Western European countries but the situation is defi nitely improving. Two very helpful organisations include the National Disability Authority (www.nda.ie) and the Association for Higher Education Access and Disability (www.ahead.ie)

study In Ireland 2010/11

23

leGal asPects and emPloyment Part tIme Work and PPs number Part-time employment is a good way to lessen the fi nancial burden of studying abroad, improve your English in real life work situations, and build upon your academic experience if the work is related to your course subject. Student visa holders however, must ensure that they are legally entitled to hold down a casual job.

Students from the EEA (European Economic Area) are free to take up employment in Ireland.

Non-EEA students who are enrolled in a one-year (minimum) and full time course that is recognised by the Dept of Education can work for 20 hours’ a week, or 40 during holiday periods. To avail of part time work, non-EEA students need to have their passports stamped when registering with the GNIB - Garda National Immigration Bureau (see Immigration on page 19 for further information).

Casual work must not interfere with your course attendance, and entitlement to work will cease as soon as your course is completed.

All employees in Ireland are required to have a PPS (Personal Public Service) number. You must be living in Ireland before applying for your PPS number and applications should be made to the nearest Social Welfare offi ce with the following documentation.

Applicants should bring a photo id (e.g. passport, national identity card, or immigration card) and evidence of your Irish address, such as a household bill (ESB, telephone, gas, etc).

settInG uP a bank account It is strongly recommended that you open a bank account upon arriving in Ireland. This service allows you to receive payment, save money, make

USEFUL LInKS www.entemp.ie

Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment

www.garda.ie

An Garda Síochána - Ireland’s National Police Service

www.icosirl.ie

Irish Council for International Students (ICOS)

www.justice.ie

Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform

www.usi.ie

24

Union of Students in Ireland

Part time work helps ease the financial burden

transactions and is much safer than hiding your money under the bed!

Banks in Ireland provide a very modern and convenient service, with ATM machines readily available in big cities and small towns. It may prove benefi cial however, especially if you intend to study outside Dublin, to investigate which banks have a branch in your new hometown. Banking costs vary, but many, if not all, banks offer special rates to student customers. *NB – As international students often rely on transferred monies for their initial expenses, it is important to remember that it can take up to two weeks for the international transfer of money through the banking system.

relevant leGal aGe lImIts Learning Ireland is making no judgment on lifestyle choices in providing this information; we do so only in the interest of promoting awareness amongst visiting students.

Age of sexual consent in Ireland is 17 Minimum age for purchasing alcohol is 18 Minimum age for purchasing cigarettes is 18 Smokers should be aware that a workplace ban is in place in Ireland, which of course applies to bars, restaurants, etc. So get ready to cut back, or better yet, give cigarettes the boot!

study In Ireland 2010/11

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student accommodatIon In Ireland Full time education is a challenging environment that can be physically and mentally draining; ensuring a good quality of life away from the lecture halls and classrooms allows you to devote your maximum energy to achieving the best possible academic results.

Where you decide to live while studying in Ireland is obviously a key aspect of a comfortable home life; living in an apartment over a 24-hour bowling alley for instance, is not conducive to productive revision!

Once you have been accepted on to a course, you should immediately contact the accommodation offi ce of the college in question for valuable advice on living options on- and off-campus. Most institutions profi led in the Guide provide a dedicated staff whose job it is to help international students fi nd somewhere to stay.

on-camPus accommodatIon All universities and many other higher education institutions provide on-campus student residences, in effect ‘student villages’ with their own services such as shops, laundry, security, Internet coverage and parking.

Living among many other international students may help to offset loneliness and homesickness. If you wish to be right in the middle of things during your time in college, then on-campus is the place for you. However, you should also bear in mind the potential disadvantages, such as the prohibition of friends staying over.

Rent for this type of accommodation ranges typically from €550 to €600 a month, depending on the college and accommodation type in question. Payment is usually made in two lump sum instalments (September and January) and deposit of month’s rent is often required in advance.

Host-famIly accommodatIon Often referred to in Ireland as ‘digs’, staying with a host-family is a good option for international students who are young or living away from home for the fi rst time. Besides having their own room, students are normally provided with morning

and evening meals, and are generally treated as a member of the family.

Many young students who come to learn English in Ireland stay in this type of accommodation. There are strict guidelines that maintain high standards (regarding meals, cleanliness, access, etc) in hostfamily accommodation facilitated by accredited schools.

Host-family accommodation costs about €100 to €150 per week.

rented accommodatIon For the international students with an independent streak who want to ‘do their own thing’; there is always the option of fi nding rented private accommodation.

There are three main types of rented accommodation: bed sits - a one-room facility that usually combines a kitchen with a bedroom; two and threebedroom apartments; and house-sharing, which is the most economical option for students. Plus you will usually have the added luxury of a garden!

One of the (very) few good aspects of the economic downturn in Ireland has been the fall in rent prices. For example, average rents for a double room in Dublin or a two-bedroom property in Galway or Limerick fell by €1,000 between 2008 and 2009. Rents will, at worse, have stabilised since then, but more likely they have continued to fall as the recession continues. So you should be able to fi nd good quality accommodation for a very reasonable price.

Students opting for this kind of accommodation are advised to arrive in the country two or three weeks prior to the start of the academic year, in order to secure a place in a house/apartment.

You should also note it is usually not possible to reserve long-term accommodation in advance, as landlords will not hold rooms without payment of rent. The normal length of a lease is 9 or 12 months and it can be diffi cult to fi nd anything shorter.

Click here to view a rented accommodation checklist

study In Ireland 2010/11

25

stu de nt case stu dy

name: Yanjie Ba natIonalIty: China colleGe: Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology course: BA in Hotel and Catering Management

Yanjie has certainly enjoyed her time in the West of Ireland, so much so that she is currently pursuing her second qualification at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT). She originally arrived in 2006 as part of an exchange agreement with Nanchang University. After completing the final year of her Honours Bachelor of Business, she decided to stay on and is currently half way through the BA in Hotel and Catering Management.

Why the second degree? Yanjie admits to having found the topic of her first degree ‘kind of boring’ – well she did specialise in accountancy!

Nevertheless, she knows those financial skills will certainly be useful when she graduates from her current course and achieves her aim of working in hotel management.

GettInG to knoW… tHe IrIsH lanGuaGe Cén chaoi a bhfuil tú? That’s ‘how are you?’ in Irish. We don’t have the space to explore pronunciation here, but if you want to learn something uniquely Irish during your stay here, a few phrases ‘as Gaeilge’ (‘in Irish’) might be just the thing. Many readers will not even be aware that an Irish language exists, yet it was spoken by the majority up until about 200 years’ ago.

26

Aside from mental skills such as finance and strategy however, running a hotel also requires a lot of practical skills. Luckily Yanjie enjoys the ‘hands-on’ side of things, and particularly likes the practical aspects of the course such as her kitchen-based classes.

Away from college, the native of Inner Mongolia is taken with the very relaxed pace of life in the famously student-friendly Galway City. She finds the people ‘friendly and lovely’ and particularly enjoys the ‘quietness’ afforded by the laidback lifestyle.

She has also taken trips to the cities of Limerick, Belfast and Dublin, and also to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s top attractions.

So what advice does Yanjie have for fellow Chinese thinking of coming to Ireland? Well she lives in the GMIT student village and believes that the ‘very clean and convenient’ accommodation is ideal for foreign students, and although the many Chinese restaurants may not quite recapture the flavours of home, they are still pretty good!

Nowadays of course, English is the everyday language Ireland, and famous literary figures such as James Joyce and Oscar Wilde sealed our reputation for Englishspeaking in the eyes of the world. Most people you come across will know a few Irish words and phrases, as it is a compulsory subject in our school system. And in a few isolated areas, called ‘Gaeltachts’, it is still the predominant language. Irish has undergone a bit of a

study In Ireland 2010/11

renaissance in recent years with its own TV station – TG4, and more people, the young in particular, proud to use it. So you are sure to impress if you can manage a few words! So let’s get you started: Pedrito is ainm dom Pedrito is my name Tagann mé ó an Fhrainc/an Ghearmáin/an tSín I come from France/Germany/China Tá brón orm. Ní rinne mé mo obair bhaile I’m sorry.

I didn’t do my homework.

lIvInG Here

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settlInG In settlInG In

Research has shown that 50%-70% of all university students suffer from a degree of homesickness. If international students alone are considered, this percentage surely rises due to the culture shock of living in an entirely new country. Thankfully there are many tried and tested steps that will help you overcome any anxiety that you may experience.

relieved to hear that smoking is banned in all business and public premises in Ireland.

Travel for students around Ireland is also quite cheap and due its small size, journeys tend to be short. So there are no excuses for not organising day or weekend trips to some of the country’s many tourist attractions.

make neW frIends

Get actIve

Staying in regular contact with friends and family at home is an important emotional support for any international student, but it should not be relied upon as your main source of human contact. An over reliance on familial contact can lead to intensifi ed feelings of loneliness and homesickness.

Irish colleges generally provide excellent sports and exercise facilities, from gyms to sports clubs of a wide variety: soccer, rugby, Gaelic football and hurling (traditional Irish fi eld sports – not for the faint hearted!), athletics, racquet sports, and many more. If you’re sport of choice is not catered for by the college, you will not have trouble fi nding local facilities such as swimming pools available at a student discount.

Therefore, the sooner you make friends, the easier your transition to living in Ireland will be. Anxieties regarding living in a new environment can grow if they are not shared with others. Talking and spending time with friends will allow you to express your concerns and, more importantly, enjoy yourself.

Try and avoid confi ning your social life to people from your home country. Firstly, because people from the same country can tend to spend all their time talking about home rather than exploring their new surroundings, and secondly because your English will not improve if you do not use it as frequently as possible.

make Plans The daunting prospect of a long period away from home stretching out before you, can lead to homesickness in the initial days and weeks of your time in Ireland. It makes good sense therefore, to develop in the early stages a habit of making plans for your spare time.

Ireland is famous for its pubs, and years ago they were the only social outlet available to many people.

Nowadays thankfully, you will fi nd an abundance of alternative venues for socialising at the weekends: cafes, restaurants of every type and price range, sporting occasions, concert venues, cinemas, etc.

But if you do wish to sample the famous Guinness, there are still plenty of traditional Irish pubs with a warm and pleasant atmosphere to be found.

Many colleges feature student bars that provide the setting for comedy shows, concerts and more.

Non-smokers (and smokers in all likelihood) will be

The great outdoors are easily accessible no matter where you are located in Ireland. Every town and city is only a short distance from cycling routes, hiking trails, and water sports facilities.

Keeping the mind active is just as important. Irish colleges are home to a huge choice of student societies dedicated to everything from poetry to science fi ction. These societies organise lots of activities and are also an excellent opportunity to make new friends with similar interests.

Studies permitting, it might also be a good idea to fi nd part time work – whether you need the money or not. Working can be a good way to make friends, improve your English, and prepare for your future career.

Get HelP No matter what your problem - be it personal, academic or fi nancial - there will be someone in your college who can listen and offer advice. As is borne out by the numerous student case studies in the surrounding pages, teaching staff in Irish colleges are very accommodating toward international students and more than happy to help with any issues that arise.

Besides lecturers and tutors however, other staff that can help include the student welfare offi cer, staff in the college international offi ce, and medical staff such as the college nurse and counsellor. No student, be they Irish or foreign, is required to face their problems alone, so do not hesitate to access any or all of these services during your stay in Ireland.

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after graduation career opportunities While studying in Ireland you may come to the same conclusion that many others have arrived at, and decide to start your career here. With the second highest wages in the EU and a UN report that found Ireland to be the world’s fifth most desirable country to live in, it is definitely worth your consideration.

specific role held by the employee, and either party can make the application. It entitles the holder to an initial stay of two years and to apply for family reunification. The Green Card is renewable and often serves as a gateway to permanent residency status after the initial two-year period.

The current global economic downturn is affecting Ireland as much as anywhere else, and significant job losses have occurred over the past year. However, most of these redundancies have been in the lower-skilled sector, and Ireland is still a great place for well-qualified graduates of any nationality to find highly paid and secure jobs.

Not too dissimilar from the Green Card, the Work Permit Scheme enables non-EEA graduates to work in occupations with an annual salary of €30,000 or more (a lower income is sometimes accepted in exceptional cases), and which are suffering from labour shortages. The Work Permit Scheme does not apply to certain occupations, a list of which can be found on www.entemp.ie. Like the Green Card, the Work Permit is allocated on a job-by-job basis.

The following is a guide to the main schemes that enable international graduates to secure work in Ireland:

Work Permit Scheme

Employment Scheme for Researchers

*Please note that these schemes are for non-EEA nationals only, as EU nationals (except Bulgarian and Romanian nationals, who receive preferential treatment to non-EAA nationals) and graduates from Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland are free to work in Ireland.

Under this scheme, contracted researchers can work for publicly funded research organisations (including in industry). As with the previous schemes, permission is linked to a specific research role in a named organisation, but there is no obligation for the employer to seek an EEA candidate.

Third Level Graduate Scheme

The researcher must be earning a minimum of €25,000, or €30,000 if there are dependants. Holders and their dependants will be eligible to apply for long-term residence after a period of two years. Visit www.researchcareersireland.com to view the latest research positions available in Ireland.

The scheme is in effect an extension to a student’s visa, allowing graduates of a primary, masters or doctorate degree (level 7-10 on the NFQ) to remain in Ireland for six months from the day upon which they receive their exam results. Graduates are free during this time to work for up to 40 hours a week and/or seek employment, and apply for further permission to remain in the state.

Green Card Scheme This scheme is designed to allow employers in specific sectors that are suffering from skills shortages to employ highly skilled non-EEA graduates or workers.

Graduates in economically important sectors such as Information Communications Technology (ICT), Healthcare, Financial Services and Scientific Research may be able to benefit. The Green Card is available to nearly all occupations with an annual salary of €60,000 or more, and to a restricted list of occupations with annual salaries between €30,000 and €59,999 - visit www. entemp.ie for the current list of applicable occupations.

The Green Card features a named employer and the

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Employment of Students Pursuing a Professional Accountancy Qualification If you are a student pursuing an accountancy qualification, you may be able to work full time in an accountancy/finance role with an approved employer without the requirement to obtain a work permit. ACA, ACCA, CIMA and CIPA have an agreement with the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) to facilitate the full-time training in an accountancy/finance role, of non-EEA students.

Such students are granted a renewable stamp for up to twelve months at a time.

Visit www.employmentrights.ie for information regarding the legal rights and entitlements of employees in Ireland.

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studyInG Here

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certIfIcatIon Understanding the certification system of your study destination is crucial. You need to be sure that the award provided by your chosen course meets your academic and career goals.

Three years studying in a foreign country is a long time if the qualification at the end of it is not what you were looking for! Irish qualifications meet the highest international standards, and are well received by employers and colleges around the globe.

Ireland has a transparent and easy to understand certifi cation system called the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) – see image below. The vast majority of further and higher education courses in Ireland are recognised by the Irish Dept of Education (make sure yours is too!), thus ensuring the quality of the award and transparency regarding your learning path.

in a job scenario. This award is suitable for the upper end of technical occupations (e.g. electronic engineering), limited roles within the professions (e.g. accountancy) and junior management.

Honours Bachelor Degree & Higher Diploma (level 8) - Awarded by HETAC, Institutes of Technology and Universities This qualifi cation incorporates a full knowledge of the fi eld of study, with a focus on adaptability, innovation and problem solving. In terms of work, the graduate is suitably prepared for a role as an independent knowledge-based professional (e.g. teacher, solicitor) and positions in management.

Masters Degree & Postgraduate Diploma (level 9) - Awarded by HETAC, Institutes of Technology and Universities

The following is a brief description of awards, based on the ‘one’ to ‘ten’ levels of certifi cation that are outlined in the National Framework of Qualifi cations (NFQ):

Certificate (level 5) – Awarded by FETAC

These courses require students to demonstrate their expertise on the subject by researching an area that is related to their course material.

Suitable for the senior professions (e.g. actuary) and management with responsibility for worker performance.

The certifi cate gives the student a solid grounding in a specifi c occupation; he/she learns to use the instruments and techniques that come with the job. This award enables the graduate to take a job where he/she works independently, but not in a management or supervisory role.

Higher Certificate (level 6) – Awarded by HETAC and Institutes of technology Advanced Certificate (level 6) - Awarded by FETAC

Doctoral Degree (level 10) - Awarded by HETAC, Institutes of Technology and Universities

The Higher or Advanced Certifi cate equips the graduate with supervisory/management and administrative skills in a specifi c occupation. There is a particular focus on the ability to learn new skills within a job. Occupations at this level would include supervisor, junior technician, and upper end of craft industry (e.g. textiles, furniture).

Through intensive research, the graduate will have uncovered and interpreted new fi ndings relating to his/her fi eld of knowledge. The Doctoral Degree is related to occupations requiring specialist skills (e.g. psychologist) and high-level research work.

Click here to view an expanded version of the nFQ Fan

Ordinary Bachelor Degree (level 7) – Awarded by HETAC, Institutes of Technology and Universities The student learns the laws and principles within a fi eld of study, and how they are critically applied

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further or higher? making your decision Post secondary school education in Ireland is divided into two main areas: further and higher education. There are significant differences in terms of fees, academic requirements and course duration; so understanding the purpose and characteristics of the two sectors is certainly worth your while.

Further Education Further education, or ‘PLC’ (Post Leaving Certificate) courses, are vocational (i.e. they prepare you for a specific career) and usually one year or two years in duration. The courses focus on the technical knowledge and core skills and always include work experience.

FETAC (Further Education and Training Awards Council – www.fetac.ie) is the national award body for a wide range of vocational and technical training programmes in public and private colleges.

FETAC courses occupy levels one to six on the NFQ fan (see page …), with the completion of levels five or six providing the opportunity to pursue higher education in dozens of institutes of technology, universities and private colleges across Ireland.

Alternatively, graduates of further education are suitably qualified to progress directly into employment.

Some of the vocational areas covered by further education include: Business and Secretarial Skills, Computer Studies, Computer Animation, Construction, Art Craft and Design, Multi-Media Production, Theatre and Stage Production, Performing Arts, Child-care and Community Care, Sport and Leisure, Tourism and Hotel and Catering, Sport and Leisure, Equestrian Studies, Horticulture, Applied Languages, and Information Technology.

Focus on Further Ed… Pre-Nursing A highly popular course, and widely available across Ireland, Pre-Nursing programmes prepare students for careers such as care assistance, while also facilitating entry into nursing degree programmes in Irish universities and institutes of technology, as well as colleges in the UK. During this one-year programme students tackle subjects such as Introduction to Nursing, Anatomy & Physiology,

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and Human Growth and Development. All in all, an excellent choice for those with a caring nature!

Higher Education For those with bigger academic goals, higher education in Ireland comprises undergraduate (third level) and postgraduate (fourth level) courses. The latter typically take three to four years complete and are available in a huge range of subjects, from agriculture to IT. Postgraduate courses are usually one year in length and available in taught or research-based formats.

It ought to be remembered that while third and fourth level programmes provide a greater level of knowledge and skill, they are also significantly more expensive than further education courses. The following are the awarding bodies involved: HETAC (Higher Education and Training Awards Council) – www.hetac.ie The qualifications awarding body for third-level educational and training institutions that are outside the university sector. Qualifications from level 6 (Higher Certificate) to level 10 (Doctoral Degree) in the NFQ are awarded by the Institutes of Technology and a number of independent colleges.

Focus on Third Level…

Software & Computer Game Development Despite the economic downturn, Ireland remains one of the world’s largest exporters of software; and a major reason for this is the quality of software graduates produced by our institutes of technology and universities. Courses are available in a number of specialised areas, including software development, web development, and computer networking. One area of study that is particularly popular at the moment is computer game development. Graduates will readily find employment in one of the world’s fastest growing industries. For the gaming enthusiasts among you, the words ‘dream’ and ‘job’ spring to mind!

Institutes of Technology – www.councilofdirectors.ie Fourteen institutes, located nationwide, produce graduates for Ireland’s booming technological sector (the second largest exporter of software

study in Ireland 2010/11

studyInG Here name: Darryl Oliver country: Canada colleGe: University of Limerick Ireland is well known for its history of emigration, and to North America in particular.

Forty million people from across the US and Canada profess Irish ethnicity, which is nearly ten times the current population of Ireland. It is no surprise therefore that many American and Canadian students cite a curiosity about their ancestral roots as a motivation for choosing Ireland as their exchange destination.

Darryl, an English undergraduate from Nipissing University in Ontario, is one such student. ’I wanted to delve into my historical roots,’ he explains. On my mother’s side they emigrated from Ireland to Canada, and my father’s side is strictly English - I’m planning on visiting England as well. All my family history is right in these islands, so it’s quite easy to get around and find that history.’

Limerick and its location in the rural West was an ideal base for this journey of self-discovery: ‘I’m more interested in the grass roots than the urbanised cities,’ says Darryl, whose many

in the world). Qualifi cations from level 6 (Higher Certifi cate) to level 10 (Doctoral Degree) in the NFQ are awarded by either HETAC, or the institutes of technology themselves.

Universities – www.iua.ie The large amounts of graduates who progress to employment in the numerous multinationals that operate in Ireland are testament to the quality of Ireland’s seven universities. University degrees are conferred from level seven (Ordinary Bachelor Degree) to level 10 (Doctoral Degree) in the NFQ.

trips about the region have helped him ‘to get a good taste of what it means to be from Ireland.’

The ‘Green Economy’, based on environmentally sustainable and technologically innovative solutions, has been a stated goal of the Irish Government for some years now, and this is refl ected by the increasing variety of state-of-the-art , ‘green’ postgraduate courses that are available. From sustainable

stu de nt case stu dy

A course in Irish Cultural Studies has provided Darryl’s investigations with an academic backbone, and he’s full of praise for the University of Limerick.

Besides the staff; ‘they made my transition here extremely easy’; he was pleasantly surprised by the Irish tradition of student societies formed specifically for students of certain courses. Thus Darryl has found it easy to get to know and mix with his new classmates through the English Students Society.

Darryl is particularly impressed with UL’s green campus. Having at one time studied in a downtown university back in Canada, which he and friends nicknamed the ‘concrete jungle’, the pleasant nature and river walks of his new campus are particularly welcome.

A peaceful atmosphere perfectly suited for a laid back and thoughtful student like Darryl.

engineering to renewable energies, and waste management to environmental protection, a host of cutting edge taught and research options await you in Ireland. So why not join the green revolution!

USEFUL LInKS www.inab.ie www.nfq.ie

Irish National Accreditation Board National Framework of Qualifi cations

www.nsai.ie National Standards Authority of Ireland www.qualifax.ie

The National Learners’ Database

www.cao.ie

Central Applicaions Offi ce

www.councilofdirectors.ie Institutes of Technology www.fetac.ie

focus on fourtH level…

GoInG Green

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Further Education and Training Awards Council

www.gamedevelopers.ie Software & Computer

Game development Poece www.hetac.ie

Higher Education and Training Awards Council

www.ioti.ie

Institutes of Technology Ireland

www.iua.ie

Irish Universities Association

www.nursingboard.ie

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pre nursing piece

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qualifications cross borders Remarkable progress has been made in recent years in the area of international recognition of qualifications. It is now possible for people from all over the globe to identify the equivalent of their award in any other country.

various international second level qualifications with Ireland’s Leaving Certificate.

This information can be found at www.cao. ie - Applicant Scoring - Other School-Leaving Examinations (Institutes of Technology ONLY).

It is highly advisable that an international student should find out the Irish equivalent of any qualification he/she was awarded already before applying for a course in Ireland. This way you can assure yourself that you meet the minimum academic entry requirements for a course.

International students, applying for a course not provided by the Institutes of Technology, need to contact the college in question directly. The admissions office will inform the student as to the value they attach to the student’s second level award.

The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI) provides a service whereby the equivalent level from the National Framework of Qualifications (please see the NFQ table on page 29) of an international award may be made known to the applicant.

The NQAI is in the process of compiling a database of the second and third level educational awards in other countries. Prospective students, from the countries listed at www.qualificationsrecognition. ie - International Qualifications Database, can work out their current educational level in an Irish context at this web location.

It is also important to know what the Irish qualification you are applying for is worth in your home country, particularly if you plan to return home and work on completing your course in Ireland.

Contact the relevant qualifications authority in your own country in order to do this. Visit www. enic-naric.net for an extensive directory of national qualification bodies from around the world.

The following guidelines are for those students with an award not from a country listed in the NQAI’s database.

Second Level qualification holders The Central Applications Office (CAO) is the body responsible for processing school-leavers’ applications to undergraduate courses in Ireland.

International students applying to any of Ireland’s Institutes of Technology (EXCEPT DIT - Dublin Institute of Technology) can avail of a scoring system on the CAO’s website that compares the

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Third Level qualification holders International students, who are seeking the value that is attached to their third level qualifications in Ireland, need to send the following information to the NQAI: ➤ Completed application form (application forms can be downloaded from www. qualificationsrecognition.ie - Recognition of Foreign Qualifications in Ireland) ➤ Certified photocopy of the qualification in its original language ➤ An official English translation of the qualification ➤ Certified photocopy of transcript/mark sheets/ list of subjects passed in original language ➤ An official translation of transcript/mark sheets/ list of subjects passed NQAI contact details: Qualifications Recognition - Ireland, The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, 5th Floor Jervis House, Jervis Street, Dublin 1, Ireland.

This service is free of charge and applications take 8 to 12 weeks to process.

Holders of UK awards can find the Irish equivalent of their qualification by downloading the document Qualifications Can Cross Boundaries in the Publications section of www. qualificationsrecognition.ie.

NB Exam Scores – It is important to remember that although you may have a qualification that meets the minimum entry requirements of an Irish college, entrance to courses is competitive so it is often necessary for you to have achieved a good score in

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GettInG to knoW… GuInness The social life of Irish people is thankfully not as reliant on alcohol as it once was, but for many of you the famously black stout (a type of beer made from roasted malt or barley) Guinness is still synonymous with Ireland. It is something of an acquired taste, and perhaps not best suited to the taste buds of a young international student, but as an occasional drinker this writer would describe the experience as a slightly burned (from the roasted barley) and bitter taste underlying a creamy head, with a hint of coffee in the aftertaste.

your exams for your application to be successful.

For example, enrolling in a degree course in Medicine in Ireland will require a very high score in your public (school) examinations and successful completion by EU applicants of the HPAT-Ireland (Health Professions Admission Test-Ireland). Non-EU applicants must fulfi l other additional criteria.

A Master’s degree programme usually requires a good second class honours degree.

Some courses will require supplementary work in the form of interviews, research proposals, portfolios of previous work, etc. It is highly recommended that you contact the college to inquire about these various aspects of your chosen course.

The drink has a long history that is closely entwined with the famous brewery in Dublin City’s St James’s Gate, which opened for business in 1759 and is today a very popular tourist attraction (www. guinness-storehouse.com). Guinness is one of Ireland’s most successful exports, and is today popular in countries all over the world, such as the UK and Nigeria. It’s not the only ‘black stuff’ you will come across in Ireland however; other stouts include Beamish and Murphy’s - a competitor to Guinness from Cork City (which competes fiercely with Dublin on most fronts!) that has a slightly sweeter taste.

euroPass Students coming from within Europe can avail of Europass, a relatively new, and free, service that enables people to make their skills and qualifi cations clearly and easily understood in Europe. The Europass documents have been designed in such a way as to help people chronicle their skills and competences in a coherent manner, whether they are planning to enrol in an education or training programme, looking for a job, or getting experience abroad. Visit www. europass.ie for further information.

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Guinness is synonomous with Ireland

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sHort term stays erasmus Students from the EU have a marvellous opportunity to live, study and work for up to a year in Ireland under the Erasmus scheme. Over 1.7 million students have made use of this excellent and easily accessible programme since its inception in 1987.

The Erasmus Programme has been in existence since 1987 offering students and teachers the opportunity to spend periods studying and teaching in higher education institutions in 30 other eligible member states.

The Erasmus programme presents a golden opportunity to spend between three and 12 months in a European higher education institution (HEI) or enterprise, broadening your cultural and educational experiences.

In order to apply for and investigate Erasmus, students should contact the International Offi ce of their college.

Students who are enrolled on programmes equivalent to level 6 and higher on the Irish National Qualifi cations Framework are eligible to apply. In the case of study visits, applicants must be on at least the second year of their course of studies. For work placements, students of all years are eligible to apply.

There are 31 eligible countries: the 27 EU countries; 3 EEA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway); and Turkey.

Three major benefi ts of the Erasmus scheme are: ➤ You may apply for an Erasmus grant, which are provided to many thousands of student participants every year. ➤ You are not required to pay any university fees to the institution you are visiting. ➤ Full academic recognition will be given by your ‘home’ university to the courses you pursue while abroad.

Work Placement In addition to study visits, Erasmus now supports students who want to spend periods on work placement.

The work placement must form an integral part of the student’s educational programme, and will be part of a Training Agreement that has been agreed between the home HEI and the host organisation.

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Applicants need to check with their International Offi ce regarding whether their HEI is a participant of this programme.

erasmus Grant The Erasmus grant is not intended to cover all expenses, but to help the student with the costs of studying/working abroad such as travel expenses, language preparation costs and the cost of living in the host country.

Application procedures vary from country to country; students should contact the International Offi ce of their college for further details.

The Erasmus grant does not affect the status of any grants a student is already receiving for his/her education at home.

euroPean credIt transfer system (ects) The majority of European universities have adopted the ECTS; it facilitates the recognition of credits earned by an Erasmus student while studying abroad, e.g. one full year of studies generally amounts to 60 credits.

students WItH dIsabIlItIes The Erasmus programme is strongly focused on the principle of the mobility of European students, including students with severe disabilities. Particular attention is therefore given to the guidance, reception, physical accessibility, pedagogical/technical support services and extra fi nancial costs for disabled students. Further information is available from the International Offi ce of your HEI.

study In Ireland 2010/11

studyInG Here furtHer InformatIon www.esn.org - The Erasmus Student Network provides plenty of helpful advice to students at all stages of the Erasmus programme: applying, studying abroad and after the trip. www.studyabroadwithoutlimits.eu - Lots of information for EU students with a disability who are seeking to study in Ireland.

The Erasmus programme provides an incredible scope of opportunities for students to work and study abroad and Ireland is a leading economic, educational and cultural performer within the EU. The Guide to Education in Ireland recommends you use Erasmus to pay us a visit; we promise you won’t regret it!

non eu eXcHanGe ProGrammes Some international students prefer not to commit to the full three or four-year duration of a higher education course in a foreign country. Exchange programmes provide the opportunity for non-EU students to enhance their educational experience by spending a semester or full academic year living and studying in Ireland Students who are not attending university in a country signed up to the Erasmus scheme may study in Ireland for a semester as part of a short-term international exchange programme.

When investigating this option, you should fi rst con-

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tact the international offi ce of your college. They will give you all the relevant information regarding any current exchange agreements your college has with institutions in Ireland, or put you in contact with one of the many private companies around the world that run this type of programme.

An exchange programme represents an excellent opportunity to expand your academic horizons; students often take the opportunity to select a module in a course outside of their normal area of study in order to experience interesting new subjects. Importantly, the credits you accumulate in Ireland will count toward your overall score in your home college.

However, it’s not all about hitting the books of course; a six or 12-month stint in Ireland is a great chance to make new friends, see new places, and gain memories that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

USEFUL LInKS www.cao.ie

Central Applications Offi ce

www.enic.naric.net www.esn.org

www.europass.ie

International Exchange Erasmus Student Network Europass

www.qualificationsrecognition.ie International

Qualifi cations Database www.studyabroadwithoutlimits.eu Study Abroad

with Limits

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study in

ireland

• Architecture • Business • Computing • Education • Engineering • Humanities • Languages • Law • Mathematics • Medicine • Music • Science • Information Technology •

‘Ireland’s most dynamic university’

Former Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern (Prime Minister of Ireland)

International Education Division University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland Tel: +353 61 202414 • Fax: +353 61 213062 Email: amanda.glennon@ul.ie Website www.ul.ie/internationaleducation

Applicants can apply directly to the International Education Division and the closing date for receipt of application forms is the 1st July.

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IntroducInG IrIsH unIversItIes Universities are the biggest institutes of higher education in Ireland and traditionally sit at the top of the Irish education system. They are third level educational institutions, granting academic and technical degrees in a variety of subjects.

They are also the largest hubs of research activity and providers of postgraduate courses.

The Republic of Ireland contains seven universities, three in Dublin: Trinity College Dublin (TCD), University College Dublin (UCD), and Dublin City University (DCU); and four more to the west and south: University College Cork (UCC), NUI Galway (NUIG), University of Limerick (UL), and NUI Maynooth (NUIM).

Irish universities are fi nanced by a mixture of state and private funding and Irish or EU undergraduate students do not have to pay tuition fees. The universities are self-governing and largely independent.

They interact with their local and national communities and have many links with businesses, social groups and other educational institutions both in Ireland and abroad. Strategic agreements, particularly with regard to research activity, are increasingly common among the universities, with UL and NUIG for example recently having formed a comprehensive alliance.

facIlItIes Ireland’s universities offer a wide range of modern facilities to their students. These include state of the art lecture halls, libraries, laboratories and IT services to ensure that students are provided with an environment in which they can learn, both successfully and comfortably. Universities also have

sporting, social, religious, crèche and health amenities to ensure that time spent at third level is a fully rounded experience.

Recent years have seen massive investment in facilities at many of Ireland’s third level institutions.

Universities have benefi ted both from government funding and from the gifts of private businessmen or alumni giving something back to their old place of study. New facilities include study, social and cultural buildings. Examples of structural development last few years include the Ussher library in Trinity, the Lewis Glucksman Gallery at UCC, the Helix arts venue in DCU, and the UL Sports Arena.

learnInG Classroom and lecture hall facilities at Irish universities range from huge theatre style rooms with tiered seating for nearly a thousand students, to smaller, more basic rooms which are fairly similar to your average post-primary school classroom. Blackboards are still important but, these days, lecturers employ a wide range of IT, audio-visual and presentation technology.

Library facilities are very important to students and staff at a university. Modern university libraries house much more than books and photocopiers, with web terminals or wireless internet access, DVD and video viewing spaces, online study resources and private group study rooms all available. Most third level students spend a lot of time at the library, and Irish universities aim to provide a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere with enough space for students to study at their ease.

scIence & tecHnoloGy Students taking some courses (e.g. science, engineering etc.) will probably spend as much time in the laboratory as in a lecture hall or the library. Irish universities laboratories are high tech and of the highest international standard.

Irish universities have developed dedicated facilities for different subjects. For example, sports science students at UL can use the ‘University

Click here to launch e-brochures from Irish Universities Click here to see virtual campus tours of Universities

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Arena’, which houses the National Strength and Conditioning Centre and the Cardio-Fitness Centre; IT students at NUIG have the use of the Irish Centre for High End Computing, and the Music Technology Laboratory at NUI Maynooth is a centre of study and research in Sonic Arts and Computer Music.

Students studying architecture, medicine, veterinary, language, or other subjects also have their own facility requirements, which are catered for by the universities offering the courses.

All university students need computer facilities and all Irish universities have dedicated computer labs where students can work. High-speed Internet access is now standard at Irish universities, with some offering wireless access at places around the campus and in the student residences.

sPorts & socIal We shouldn’t forget the non-course related facilities at Irish universities, which are very important for the student to consider. All Irish universities offer sports, social, health, crèche and religious services to their students.

Irish universities take sports very seriously, with many offering scholarships and incentives to attract leading athletes.

Each university boasts a mixture of outdoor playing fi elds, indoor courts, gyms, and tracks and fi eld facilities for athletics. Students compete at university level in Gaelic

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football, hurling, soccer, rugby, basketball, tennis, hockey, athletics and other sports. Saunas, climbing walls, aerobics, yoga, swimming, squash facilities and basically everything barring an egg-and-spoon racing course are also part of the sports centres at most universities.

While the social side of university life is often a big attraction for students, Irish universities have always been very aware of their responsibility to develop and promote Irish art and culture.

Social and cultural facilities available at different Irish universities include student bars and cafes, theatres, exhibition spaces - and there is even an opera house at the University of Limerick. All universities have restaurants and canteens that offer food and meals at relatively low prices.

your Welfare University staff understands that students, and international students in particular, need help from time to time and that everybody’s personal circumstances are different. Irish universities are kitted out to help students with health, counselling and crèche facilities. Many have a doctor or nurse on call at the campus medical centre, and all have professionals who can help when students run into personal problems or are having trouble with their studies. Crèche facilities for students are a relatively new but very welcome addition to Irish university campuses.

The particular needs of international students are met by well-staffed and experienced international student offi ces. Irish university campuses also have religious or inter-faith centres where students can practice their faiths or just get a bit of peace and quiet.

Hockey is a popular sport

study In Ireland 2010/11

All Irish universities offer purpose-built student accommodation on or near the campus.

There has been a building boom lately, with lots of modern and comfortable student housing being built.

unIversItIes

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unIversItIes ProfIles dublIn cIty unIversIty (dcu) Address: Dublin City University, Dublin 9.

Phone: + 353 (0)1 7005000 Fax: + 353 (0)1 8360830 Email: registry@dcu.ie Web: www.dcu.ie International Office: international.offi ce@dcu.ie Year Established: 1980 Faculties: DCU Business School; Faculty of Engineering & Computing; Faculty of Science & Health; Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences; Oscail – Distance Education No. of students: Over 10,000 No. of international students: 1,200 Student Accommodation: Yes DCU is located on an extensive 85-acre campus just three miles north of Dublin city centre. It is one of Ireland’s youngest universities, opening its doors in 1980. Its introduction of work placements (INTRA) as part of degree programmes is one example of how it has achieved this. There are over 80 programmes to choose from, split almost equally between degrees and postgraduates, with over 10,000 students.

DCU has developed its own research specialisms, creating a number of national centres of excellence that collaborate with other universities and industry internationally. These research centres have transcended traditional boundaries and have been extended to include combinations of academic disciplines such as biotechnology, electronic engineering, physics and chemistry.

Academic importance is combined with an emphasis on sports and recreation with the presence of the University Sports Hall. There are over 40 sporting clubs to get involved with.

‘The Hub’ is home to great student activity; the students’ union and recreational areas make it a lively social centre for all students. Information about accommodation (over 2,000 students can be accommodated on-campus) and the numerous student societies (upwards of 60) can be found here.

natIonal unIversIty of Ireland, GalWay Address: University Road, Galway Phone: + 353 (0)91 524411 Web: www.nuigalway.ie Email: admissions@nuigalway.ie International Office: international@nuigalway.ie Year Established: 1845 Faculties: College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies; Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge; College of Business, Public Policy & Law; College of Engineering & Informatics; College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences; Science No. of students: Over 16,000 No. of international students: Over 2,000 Student Accommodation: Yes NUI Galway provides an extensive choice of programmes across fi ve Colleges and also offers a range of part-time and distance learning programmes. The University focuses hugely on continually developing and enhancing available options for potential applicants.

World leading research drives teaching forward at NUI Galway; the learning environment is enhanced as students are taught by academics working at the forefront of their subject area. However, NUI Galway places great emphasis on student life as well as on education.

A €400 million investment programme was undertaken recently, the single largest capital development plan ever undertaken by the University. This included an impressive new Sports Centre and Swimming Pool, a Cultural Centre and a stunning new Engineering Building to bring the Engineering Departments together under one roof. The University’s location in the heart of Galway City means NUI students will benefi t from all the facilities that a modern city has to offer. Galway has always had a reputation as a young and student-friendly city, with students accounting for 20% of the population.

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natIonal unIversIty of Ireland, maynootH Address: International Offi ce, Humanity House, NUI Maynooth, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland.

Phone: + 353 (0)1 708 3868 Fax: + 353 (0)1 708 6113 Web: http://international.nuim.ie/ Email: international.offi ce@nuim.ie International Office: Facebook: NUIM Study Abroad Year Established: 1975 Faculties: 3 faculties with 26 departments and 9 institutes No. of students: Over 8,000 students No. of international students: more than 500 international students from 50 different countries.

Student Accommodation: Yes. International students are guaranteed on campus accommodation for the fi rst year of their study at NUI Maynooth.

Maynooth is the only university town in Ireland. The campus is the home of 8,000 students from more

40

than 50 different countries. Building on a tradition of scholarship and excellence in all aspects of its teaching, learning and research activities within the liberal arts and sciences tradition, NUI Maynooth is committed to being a fi rst class research-led centre of learning and academic discovery.

A wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes are provided by 26 academic departments and research institutes.

Popular courses include science, social science, humanities, as well as cutting edge new courses like biomedical sciences, immunology, global health, and renewable energy systems.

International students are also welcome to study at NUI Maynooth for one semester or one year under the study abroad scheme. A wonderful Maynooth experience with top quality teaching and learning facilities, friendly staff, a beautiful campus, and a very fun and social time are promised to all our students.

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unIversItIes

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trInIty colleGe dublIn

unIversIty colleGe cork

Address: College Green, Dublin 2 Phone: + 353 (0)1 8961000 Web: www.tcd.ie Email: admissions@tcd.ie International Office: international@tcd.ie

Address: Western Road, Cork Phone: + 353 (0)21 490 3000 Web: www.ucc.ie Email: admissions@ucc.ie International Office: + 353 (0)21 4904734

Year Established: 1592 Faculties: Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Faculty of Engineering, Mathematics and Science; Faculty of Health Sciences No. of students: Over 15,000 No. of international students: 2,300 Student Accommodation: Yes

Year Established: 1845 Faculties: Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences; Business and Law; Medicine and Health; Science, Engineering and Food Science No. of students: Over 16,000 No. of international students: Over 2,000 Student Accommodation: Yes

Trinity College Dublin is Ireland’s oldest university (founded in 1592), and is ranked as the 25th best university in Europe. The college is situated in Dublin’s city centre, and its campus combines beautiful old buildings with modern laboratories and lecture theatres. Trinity’s main library enjoys the privilege of receiving a copy of every book published in Ireland and the UK, a right it has held since 1801.

University College Cork (UCC) was founded in 1845. The campus is home to a diverse population of over 16,000 students, including over 2,400 international students representing around 80 countries worldwide. The International Education Offi ce is the ‘one stop shop’ that will guide you through your application procedure, answer your questions and offer practical support during your time in UCC.

Trinity is one of the world’s leading researchintensive universities, ranked 13th in Europe and 43rd in the World. Research is conducted across all major academic disciplines, with a strategic focus on the following areas: European & International Integration, Culture & Creative Arts, Materials & Intelligent Systems, Biosciences & Translational Research and Transport, and Energy & Environment.

In each of these areas Trinity has signifi cant research activities with national and international links.

There are 50 sports clubs at Trinity and approximately 100 student societies. There are many facilities such as bars, restaurants and a Students’ Union on the campus. Recent developments include the new Sports Centre.

Introduced this year was www.tcdlife.ie - a website that seeks to provide information for students about societies and services. The TCD student residences are located on and off campus. Oncampus apartments are usually reserved for fi nalyear students, while there are a large number of off-campus rooms reserved for non-EU students.

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UCC has seven faculties: Arts & Celtic Studies, Commerce, Engineering, Food Science & Technology, Law, Medicine & Health, and Science.

UCC has established itself as a leading research institution and is the highest research income earner in Ireland.

There are over 110 student societies and two student bars on campus. UCC is also home to the Mardyke Arena, a sports centre that contains swimming pools, saunas, steam rooms, gyms, soccer and hockey pitches, tennis courts and tracks. Students can also get involved with the UCC’s Students’ Union with its radio station, Campus Radio, and newspaper.

The University is also home to the Lewis Glucksman Gallery, which promotes the visual arts.

UCC Campus Accommodation consists of fi ve complexes: Castlewhite Apartments, Farranlea Hall, Victoria Lodge, The Spires and the brand new rooms available in University Hall, which opened in 2006.

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unIversIty colleGe dublIn (ucd)

unIversIty of lImerIck

Address: Belfi eld, Dublin 4.

Phone: + 353 (0)1 7167777 Web: www.ucd.ie Email: admissions@ucd.ie International Office: international@ucd.ie Year Established: 1854 No. of students: Over 23,000 No. of international students: Over 3,500 Student Accommodation: Yes UCD is a sprawling and leafy campus located four kilometres south of Dublin city centre. It was founded over 150 years ago and today upwards of 22,000 students attend the college in Belfi eld.

There are over 70 degree courses to choose from and are all available through the following faculties: Agri-Food, Nutrition & Environmental Science; Architecture & Landscape Architecture; Arts; Business; Engineering; Law; Medicine & Health Sciences; Nursing & Mid-Wifery; Science; Social Sciences; and Veterinary Medicine.

More than 25% of the current student population is engaged in graduate research and scholarship.

Each of the fi ve colleges at the university has its own dedicated graduate school with the explicit task of enhancing postgraduate training to match the national strategy of establishing Ireland as a premier source of 4th level education and research.

Courses aside, UCD offers an impressive range of other amenities. Facilities on the campus include a sports centre, which consists of a number of sports halls, a gym, a sauna and a squash court. Around 60 Sports clubs benefi t greatly from the vast amount of rugby, soccer and GAA pitches on campus.

For the less sporty and more social there are a huge number of societies on offer; everything from comedy to chess is catered for.

On-campus accommodation is provided in Belfi eld and Blackrock for approximately 2,500 students. 630 on-campus rooms are set aside for international students.

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Address: Limerick, Ireland.

Phone: + 353 (0)61 202414 Fax: + 353 (0)61 213062 Web: www.ul.ie Email: int.ed@ul.ie International Office: As above Year Established: 1972 Faculties: Kemmy Business School, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences and the Faculty of Science and Engineering No. of students: 10500 No. of international students: 1100 Student Accommodation: Yes. 5 residential villages on campus offering 2,400 rooms The University of Limerick is an independent university established by the Government of Ireland in 1972 as the National Institute for Higher Education, Limerick and classified as the University of Limerick in 1989.

UL is an independent, internationally focused university with over 10,500 students and 1,200 staff. It is a young, energetic and enterprising university with a proud record of innovation in education and excellence in research and scholarship. Its mission is to promote and advance learning and knowledge through teaching, research and scholarship in an environment which encourages innovation and upholds the principles of free enquiry and expression.

Particular attention is paid to the generation of knowledge which is relevant to the needs of Ireland’s continuing socio-economic development.

UL offers a range of programmes up to doctorate and postdoctorate levels in the disciplines of Business, Education, Engineering, Humanities, Informatics & Electronics, and Science. It has academic links with Mary Immaculate College, Limerick.

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InstItutes of tecHnoloGy

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IntroducInG tHe InstItutes of tecHnoloGy The Institutes of Technology offer a very attractive option to international students looking to study at third level, and a growing number of Irish school leavers choose to further their education at an IT every year. There are fourteen Institutes of Technology (ITs) in Ireland: • Athlone Institute of Technology

(Co Westmeath) • Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown

(Co Dublin) • Institute of Technology, Carlow • Cork Institute of Technology • Dundalk Institute of Technology

(Co Louth) • Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design

and Technology (Co Dublin) • Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology • Letterkenny Institute of Technology (Co Donegal) • Limerick Institute of Technology • Institute of Technology, Sligo • Institute of Technology Tallaght, Dublin • Institute of Technology Tralee (Co Kerry) • Waterford Institute of Technology They offer qualifi cations of a vocational nature that tend to be less academic than university degree programmes. Originally established to focus on producing science, technology and engineering graduates, the scope of the courses supplied has widened considerably. Students can now choose from a range of courses in areas such as business studies, humanities, languages, healthcare, art & design, tourism and leisure. ITs also run both taught and research postgraduate programmes.

ITs are more easily accessed than universities with a qualifi cation system that allows students to initially take certain higher certifi cate courses (NFQ Level 6), which normally last for two years, and then gain entry on to ordinary degree and subsequent honours degree courses.

facIlItIes Facilities at Irish ITs meet the highest European and international standards.

Classroom and lecture hall facilities are modern and comfortable. Institute of Technology classrooms range from tiered theatres fi tting in hundreds of students to smaller seminar rooms.

Given their traditional emphasis on technology and practical subjects, it is no surprise that Ireland’s ITs boast excellent laboratory facilities. Many of these have been built or overhauled in the last decade to meet the highest international standards. For example, Sligo IT, Cork IT, and Athlone IT have all opened Engineering blocks, while IT Tallaght recently unveiled a Pharmaceutical Training Centre.

Information technology and computing facilities are vital to Institutes and all have excellent IT infrastructure and networks. Projects and essays have to be typed up and printed out, and there are dedicated computer labs on all campuses.

Broadband Internet access for students is standard on all Ireland’s third level campuses.

Many Institutes of Technology specialise in particular areas of study. For example, Dundalk IT hosts a Nursing, Midwifery and Health-Studies Centre; there is a Learning Resource Centre including a Radio/TV studio and Multimedia Development Laboratory at IT Carlow; Dun Laoghaire IADT has a dedicated Centre

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43

for Creative Technologies and Applications; and IT Tralee has a Hotel, Catering and Tourism facility.

Other Institutes of Technology have purpose-built facilities on campus.

Library facilities have improved in recent years, as authorities recognise the importance of a technologically up to date, comfortable and relaxed study environment for students. The Luke Wadding Library at Waterford IT is 6,000 sq. metres in size, has over 1,200 reader spaces and boasts a collection in the region of 200,000 items. Other ITs around the country boast similarly impressive libraries, with Internet access and considerable video, language and multi-media collections as standard.

sPorts & socIal Non-course related facilities are also very important for the student to consider. Each IT campus provides a range of sports, social, health, crèche and religious services to their students.

ITs take sports seriously and compete on a regular basis both amongst each other and against universities in Gaelic football, hurling, soccer, rugby, basketball, tennis, hockey, athletics, and other sports. Most have modern fl ood-lit, all-weather pitches and courts to host competitions.

Casual players and beginners are also welcome and most campuses have dedicated sports centres and

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gyms with trained staff to provide advice and training.

The recent building boom on Ireland’s IT campuses also extended to new cultural and social facilities.

All ITs have restaurants and canteens that offer food and meals at relatively low prices, as well as student bars and cafes, exhibition spaces, and theatres - such as the Millennium Theatre at Limerick IT. Students occasionally need help with matters outside their studies. All of the ITs have a range of student services available to help students with personal, health and counselling needs. Many have a doctor or nurse on call, inter-faith or religious centres, and crèche facilities for students who have small children. Similarly to universities, all ITs have dedicated international student offi cers and services.

There is purpose built student accommodation on or near to all campuses. Lots of modern and comfortable student housing has been built recently to compensate for the extra numbers attending ITs. Students attending the Institutes of Technology benefi t from the full spectrum of on-campus facilities and amenities. The classroom, laboratory and library facilities give excellent career preparation, while the equally important sports and social amenities help make student life at IT a fulfi lling and rewarding experience.

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InstItutes of tecHnoloGy

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GalWay-mayo InstItute of tecHnoloGy

Address: Dublin Road, Galway, Ireland Phone: +353 (0)91 742456/742149 Fax: +353 (0)91 751107 Email: international@gmit.ie Web: www.gmit.ie Year Established: 1972 Faculties: Engineering (Mechanical, Energy, Civil, Electronic), Science (Life & Physical Science, Maths & Computing), Tourism & Hospitality, Humanities, Business, Health Sciences.

Number of Students: 9,000 (5,200 ft and 4,000 pt) Number of International Students: 225 Student Accommodation: Yes Other: Yes Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) is proud of the achievements of its graduates. All of our programmes are internationally recognised and have a professional orientation.

GMIT offers undergraduate degrees in Computing, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Chemical and Biopharmaceutical Science, Physics and Instrumentation, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Heritage Studies, Business and Accountancy. Taught Masters are offered in Computing, Business and Environmental Systems.

Research programmes at Masters and Doctorate level are also offered with notable specialisms in mechanical engineering and aquatic science.

The wide range of social, cultural and sporting clubs and societies of GMIT will give you the opportunity to build skills, competencies and friendships which will enhance and enrich your personal and professional development.

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Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology galway-mayo institute of technology (gmit) is a multi-campus institute with a community of over 9,000 students spread over five campuses in Galway and mayo. the institute offers a range of programmes including taught masters in Computing, environmental Systems and Business, and honours degree programmes in Hospitality, Business, Life & Physical Sciences, Computing, Civil, energy, electronic and mechanical engineering.

www.gmit.ie

For more information on gmit programmes, see www.gmit.ie, email: international@gmit.ie or phone 00353 91 742456 or 742149.

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atHlone InstItute of tecHnoloGy

cork InstItute of tecHnoloGy (cIt)

Address: Dublin Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath Phone: +353 (0)90 6468000 Fax: +353 (0)90 6468148 Web: www.ait.ie Email: info@ait.ie International Office: international@ait.ie

Address: Rossa Avenue, Bishopstown, Cork Phone: +353 (0)21 4326100 Fax: +353 (0)21 4545343 Web: www.cit.ie Email: admissions@cit.ie

Year Established: 1970 Faculties: Business School; School of Engineering; School of Humanities; School of Science No. of students: Over 6,000 No. of international students: Over 600 Student Accommodation: No

Year Established: 1974 Faculties: Faculty of Business and Humanities; Faculty of Engineering and Science; CIT Crawford College of Art and Design; CIT Cork School of Music; National Maritime College of Ireland No. of students: 17,000 Student Accommodation: No

Athlone Institute of Technology is a thriving, vibrant college located in the heart of Ireland.

Home to over 6,000 students, AIT has four schools of business, humanities, engineering and science. Ten per cent of the institute’s full-time students come from overseas, and in fact, AIT has partnership agreements with 220 universities and colleges worldwide.

Cork IT is comprised of two constituent Faculties and three constituent Colleges. The constituent Faculties are Engineering and Science; and Business and Humanities. The constituent Colleges are the CIT Crawford College of Art and Design, the CIT Cork School of Music and the National Maritime College of Ireland.

Many courses feature work placement opportunities, where students get to apply what they are learning in lectures to the real world.

This is of enormous benefi t when it comes to looking for work in today’s competitive jobs market. Three-quarters of AIT’s honours degree graduates were in full-time employment a mere six months after completing their course in 2008. AIT is also home to three focused research institutes in Materials, Biosciences and Software.

Students can avail of world-class sporting facilities that include an IAAF-approved athletics track, a FIFA 2-star astro-turf pitch, as well as GAA and rugby grounds, indoor sports arena and gym. An attractive sports scholarship scheme worth €6,000 over four years is also available. Finally, with so much focus on moneysaving measures at present, students should be aware that Daft.ie has reported that Athlone has some of the most competitively priced student accommodation in the country.

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The college encompasses four campuses, of which Bishopstown is the largest. It concentrates on business and science and is also home to the CIT Student Centre, which harbours a variety of services, such as the Students’ Union and a supermarket.

The 200 year-old Crawford College, located in Cork City, has a proud tradition in the fi elds of fi ne art, ceramic design, art teacher training, and art therapy. Another of the CIT campuses is the recently redeveloped Cork Music School.

It includes a library, over 50 studios, an auditorium, a theatre, a recording studio, and an electronic music studio.

The National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) is located in Ringaskiddy in Cork Harbour, and boasts training facilities that are on par with international standards. Specialist areas include survival techniques, fi re fi ghting, and jetty and lifeboat facilities. Between all separate campuses there are 42 student societies. Sports facilities, situated at Bishopstown, include a sports hall, gym, playing pitches, and tennis courts.

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InstItutes of tecHnoloGy

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dublIn InstItute of tecHnoloGy (dIt) Address: Admissions Offi ce, 143-149 Rathmines Road, Dublin 6 Phone: +353 (0)1 4027501 Fax: +353 (0)1 4027533 Web: www.dit.ie E-mail: admissions@dit.ie International Office: international@dit.ie Year Established: 1992 Faculties: Faculty of Applied Arts; Faculty of the Built Environment; Faculty of Business; Faculty of Engineering; Faculty of Science; Faculty of Tourism and Food No. of students: 22,000 Student Accommodation: Yes The DIT Act of 1992 formed DIT, bringing together six colleges of higher education to create the largest third level institution in Ireland today. There are now eight DIT venues scattered around Dublin city centre at the locations of Mountjoy Square, Bolton Street, Cathal Brugha Street, Aungier Street, Kevin Street, Adelaide Road, Rathmines, Portland Row, Temple Bar, Chatham Row, Grangegorman and Pembroke Street.

It’d be diffi cult for someone not to fi nd a course of interest to them considering the vast number of options available at each of these colleges.

Six main areas of education are provided for: Applied Arts, Built Environment, Business, Engineering, Science and Tourism & Food. These are all divisible into more specifi c subjects.

DIT is home to very impressive sporting facilities.

DIT Bolton Street plays host to a fully furbished gym and sports hall while DIT Kevin Street is the site of a 18m swimming pool and a gym. There are over 40 sports clubs in existence in DIT. The Students’ Union (DITSU) is the largest in the country and encompasses over 150 societies ranging in theme from the political to the performing arts.

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dun laoGHaIre InstItute of art, desIGn and tecHnoloGy (Iadt) Address: Kill Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin Phone: +353 (0)1 2394000 Fax: +353 (0)1 2394700 Web: www.iadt.ie Email: info@iadt.ie Year Established: 1997 Faculties: School of Business & Humanities; School of Creative Arts; School of Creative Technologies No. of students: 2,000 Student Accommodation: No IADT offers innovative programmes focusing on visual and media arts, digital media and technology, and business and cultural sectors.

It consists of three schools: Business and Humanities, Creative Arts, and the School of Creative Technologies. IADT is also home to the National Film School.

There is a wide range of specialist and exciting courses available. For instance: Animation, Entrepreneurship, Applied Psychology, Film & Television Production, Design for Stage & Screen, Audio Visual Media Technology, Arts Management and Photography. IADT also offers a range of extra-mural courses in its summer and autumn schools, such as portfolio preparation courses.

Students attending IADT enjoy excellent library, computing, studio, and other specialist facilities.

Student services offered include a health centre, counsellor, access offi cer, careers offi cer, writing and research tutors, and a sports and recreation offi cer. A number of clubs and societies cater for all interests from rugby and martial arts, to music and acting.

There is no on-campus accommodation at IADT; however, college and Students’ Union offi cials provide assistance to students seeking digs or private rental accommodation in the locality.

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dundalk InstItute of tecHnoloGy (dkIt)

InstItute of tecHnoloGy, slIGo

Address: Dublin Road, Co. Louth Phone: +353 (0)42 9370200 Fax: +353 (0)42 9333505 Web: www.dkit.ie Email: info@dkit.ie International Office: international@dkit.ie

Address: Ash Lane, Sligo Phone: +353 (0)71 9155222 Fax No: +353 (0)71 9160475 Web: www.itsligo.ie Email: admissions@itsligo.ie International offi ce contact details: +353 (0) 71 9155222

Year Established: 1970 Faculties: School of Business and Humanities; School of Engineering; School of Informatics, Music and Creative Media; School of Health and Science No. of students: 4,500 No. of international students: 450 Student Accommodation: Yes

Year Established: 1970 Faculties: Business and Humanities, Engineering and Science Number of Students: 3914 FT, 1395 PT Number of International Students: 80 International Students Student Accommodation: Yes

DkIT has over 4,000 full-time students undertaking programmes such as Music Technology, Nursing, Health & Physical Activity, International Management, PR, and Early Childhood Studies. The Institute is currently the only Institute of Technology offering a Level 8 Midwifery Degree in Ireland. With a recently completed 250-seater Performing Arts Theatre, the Institute is now offering a new threeyear Degree in Performing Arts. And in response to the economic downturn, the Institute is offering Higher Diplomas in Business and in Computing.

Student supports on campus include an extensive Library and Information Resource Centre, a gym, jogging track, new restaurant, sports hall, shop, Access Offi ce and health centre. A new Nursing and Health Studies Building is equipped with hi-tech, simulated hospital wards, an interactive A&E unit and a sensory garden. Key areas of research in DkIT are Ageing and Health, Informatics and the Environment, Creative Media, Music, and Entrepreneurship.

Facilities in Dundalk Town include retail parks, shopping centres, a sports bowl and soccer dome, cinemas, theatre and restaurants. Purpose-built student apartments, with spaces for 192 students are a short walk from the main campus. There is also a large supply of newly built apartments and houses, which are suitable for renting, beside the campus. Apartments are priced at approximately â‚Ź75 a week, per person sharing.

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IT Sligo, founded in 1970, is one of Ireland’s premier third level institutions. In 2010, over 6,000 students are studying one of the comprehensive range of full time and part time programmes at IT Sligo. International students make up 8% of the student population, coming from Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, the UK, China, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Belarus, Ukraine, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Ivory Coast, Zambia and Somalia.

All IT Sligo qualifi cations are Bologna compatible and internationally recognised through the European Qualifi cations Framework. The institute confers awards at Higher Certifi cate (2 years); Bachelor Degree (3 years); and Honours Bachelor Degree (4 years) including designated Masters and Doctorate degrees. There is a state-of-theart learning environment with lecture theatres, laboratories, studios and workshops equipped with advanced technology; where students gain training on sophisticated scientifi c, engineering and business equipment. Many programmes are delivered on-line. There are superb sports and recreational facilities, including fl oodlit championship playing fi elds and training pitches, a brand new athletics track and a large indoor sports hall with gym. There is also a dedicated student centre, health, counselling, careers and graduates services and an international offi cer.

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InstItute of tecHnoloGy, tralee (Itt)

InstItute of tecHnoloGy tallaGHt, dublIn (Itt dublIn)

Address: Clash, Tralee, Co. Kerry Phone: +353 (0)66 7145638 Fax: +353 (0)66 7125711 Web: www.ittralee.ie Email: info@staff.ittralee.ie International Office: 066 7191718

Address: Tallaght, Dublin 24 Phone: +353 (0)1 4042000 Fax: +353 (0)1 4042700 Web: www.ittdublin.ie Email: info@ittdublin.ie International Office: internationaloffi ce@ ittdublin.ie

Year Established: 1977 Faculties: School of Business and Social Studies; School of Engineering & Construction Studies; School of Science and Computing No. of students: Over 3,500 No. of international students: 300 Student Accommodation: No ITT is at the forefront of educational providers in the southwest, possessing a student population of over 3,500 students. It’s based on two campuses, both of which offer easy access to the town of Tralee.

There are three schools in ITT. The School of Business & Social Studies is divided into the Business Informatics Department, the Business Studies & Humanities Department, and the Hotel, Catering & Tourism Department.

The School of Engineering & Construction consists of the Agricultural and Manufacturing Engineering Department, the Civil Engineering and Construction Studies Department, the Apprentice Section, and the Accelerated Technician Section.

The School of Science & Computing is made up of the Computing and Mathematics Department, the Chemical and Life Sciences Department, the Health and Leisure Studies Department, and the Nursing and Health Care Studies Department.

College facilities include an aerobics studio and a fully equipped gym, and a sport and leisure Complex adjacent to the campus features a swimming pool and other amenities. The success of the GAA football team refl ects the importance of sport: they won the Sigerson Cup three years in a row.

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Year Established: 1992 Faculties: School of Business & Humanities; School of Engineering; School of Science & Computing No. of students: Over 2,500 Student Accommodation: No ITT Dublin began as an educational institution in 1992 and is currently providing programmes for upwards of 2,500 students. Awards given include higher certifi cates, ordinary degrees and honours degrees in each of the Institute’s three schools: Business & Humanities, Engineering and Science & Computing.

The National Certifi cate in Professional Cooking might be of interest to the budding Jamie Olivers out there; this two-year course includes a 10-month paid work placement and gives great insight and experience of the chaotic world of gastronomy.

ITT Dublin is in possession of the most ultra modern computing facilities. Students can freely access industry standard hardware: personal computers, printers, scanners, etc. Other benefi cial services include the Disability and Access Offi ce, in addition to the health, chaplaincy and library facilities provided.

A huge range of societies and clubs are available, catering for everything from adventure clubs to volleyball, and provision is also made for the more mainstream sports such as swimming and soccer.

There is no on campus accommodation in place for the students; however, a register is in place that lists all of the different housing available in the vicinity.

This is provided by the Accommodation Service in the college.

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InstItute of tecHnoloGy blancHardstoWn

letterkenny InstItute of tecHnoloGy (lyIt)

Address: Blanchardstown Road North, Dublin 15 Phone: +353 (0)1 8851000 Fax: +353 (0)8851001 Web: www.itb.ie Email: info@itb.ie

Address: Port Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal Phone: +353 (0)74 9186000 Fax: +353 (0)74 9186005 Web: www.lyit.ie Email: info@lyit.ie

Year Established: 1999 Faculties: Computing, Engineering, Humanities, Business, Interdisciplinary Studies Number of Students: 1556 Full-time Student Accommodation: No At the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown, we know that learning is an evolving and ongoing process and so we are creating a suitably vibrant, innovative and fl exible learning environment.

Our mission at ITB is to enhance educational opportunity and access. We want to make a signifi cant contribution to the ongoing prosperity and economic development in the immediate locality and the Kildare, Fingal and Meath areas.

The ITB campus is on the M50 Corridor, and so our catchment area encompasses Blanchardstown and the neighbouring suburbs of North West Dublin as well as the counties of Fingal, Meath and Kildare. These are areas with a diverse range of communities and academic activity. Some of Ireland’s traditionally fi nest agricultural and horticultural lands are here.

At ITB we welcome and support our students, and strive to provide an environment of learning that is inclusive and accommodates all ages and backgrounds. The bricks and mortar of a campus are important. Having state of the art technology and facilities are important.

At ITB we feel that what is equally important is creating an environment that is stimulating; that develops and nurtures its students and staff.

If it’s time for you to take the next step, why not take it at ITB?

Click here to launch the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown website

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Year Established: 1971 Faculties: School of Business; School of Engineering; School of Science; School of Tourism No. of students: Over 3,000 No. of international students: 100 Student Accommodation: No The Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT) is home to over 3,000 students. The college offers courses in the areas of Business, Engineering, Science, Nursing, Computing and Design.

In 2007 the Tourism College of Killybegs (TCK) became a school of LYIT, combining the food and hospitality sectors with those of technology and science. There is a strong demand for courses in the region. Recently added programmes include Creative Digital Media, Architectural Technology, Early Childhood Care, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Security and Digital Forensics, International Tourism, and International Culinary Expertise. LYIT is also home to applied research centres in the areas of marine biotechnology, wireless sensors, and electronics production.

Sports and recreation facilities are provided for in a new, multi-purpose centre, which houses the Students’ Union and the offi ces of the Institute’s clubs and societies, including those for diving, hill walking, canoeing, basketball and law. In addition, the nearby town of Letterkenny provides plenty of opportunities for socialising.

A free health service is available to all students, and other facilities include a two-fl oor library with seating for 377 and 93 networked PCs. The Institute is central and so there are lots of accommodation types within a 20-minute walk of the campus. The Students’ Union compiles and updates a list of available accommodation each year.

Click here to launch the Letterkenny Institute of Technology website

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InstItutes of tecHnoloGy

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lImerIck InstItute of tecHnoloGy (lIt)

Waterford InstItute of tecHnoloGy (WIt)

Address: Moylish Park, Limerick Phone: +353 (0)61 208208 Fax: +353 (0)61 208209 Web: www.lit.ie Email: information@lit.ie

Address: Cork Road, Waterford Phone: +353 (0)51 302000 Web: www.wit.ie Email: info@wit.ie International Office: international@wit.ie

Year Established: 1975 Faculties: Limerick School of Art & Design; School of the Built Environment; School of Business & Humanities; School of Science, Engineering & Information Technology No. of students: Over 4,000 Student Accommodation: Yes

Year Established: 1970 Faculties: School of Business; School of Education; School of Engineering; School of Health Sciences; School of Humanities; School of Science No. of students: 10,000 No. of international students: Over 600 Student Accommodation: Yes

Over 4,000 full-time students attend the Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) in one of its four schools: Art & Design, Engineering & IT, Business & Humanities, and the Built Environment.

LIT is an evolving institution of education with a €9.5 million refurbishment of the Limerick Arts & Design and a further development of €12.9 million for a new Learning and Information Resource Centre. The Millennium Theatre facilitates over 350 people for events such as recitals and other live entertainment.

Research activities in LIT include Biotechnology, Renewable Energy, Construction Technology, International Business, and Art & Design.

Insofar as sports and recreation are concerned, LIT doesn’t hold back. It encourages activities such as hurling, camogie, golf and Tae Kwon Do. The Institute also prides itself on its clubs with GAA, soccer and rugby being just a handful of examples. Sporting interests are catered for with the existence of three full size pitches and one all-weather pitch.

On the more social side, activities like taking part in the running of the student radio station are popular. The Student Union building at the Moylish Park campus is also a centre of activity, as are the two restaurant facilities. An accommodation service is also available to students.

Click here to launch the Limerick Institute of Technology website

Nearly 10,000 people are enrolled in the Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) on a part-time and full-time basis, making it the leading educational provider in the Southeast and the largest Institute of Technology outside of Dublin. Programmes are developed in the areas of Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, and Science. WIT is based in four locations across the city. The recently introduced Strategic Plan of 2007-2010 will aim to establish and implement further developments to meet the demands of the increasing amount of entrants to the Institute.

There are over 30 sports clubs fl ourishing at WIT, popular examples include the kayaking, judo and sailing clubs. All students enjoy access to the Waterford Crystal Sports Centre, as well as free entry to the Waterford Regional Sports Centre.

With regard to the all-important social aspect of the college, there are a vast number of choices with 25 societies providing ample opportunity for participation. Some of the more active societies such as the Business and Social Care groups organise balls throughout the year.

There are three accommodation options in the guise of College Fields, Manor Village and Balcea & Calder, and students are also in close proximity to the lively Waterford city, the fi fth largest city in Ireland.

Click here to launch the Waterford Institute of Technology website

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51

InstItute of tecHnoloGy, carloW College Name: Institute of Technology, Carlow Address: Kilkenny Road, Carlow Phone No: +353 (0)59 9175205 Fax No: +353 (0)59 9175201 Email address: int.cord@itcarlow.ie Web URL: www.itcarlow.op-ireland.com Year Established: 1970 Faculties: Business & Humanities, Science & Computing, Engineering & Build Environment Number of Students: 4,000 Number of International Students: 400 Student Accommodation: No Other: Yes The Institute of Technology, Carlow welcomes you to join our student population on one of our broad range of undergraduate programs.

The Institute has 40 years’ experience in delivering and developing programs that lead

to internationally recognised awards relevant to international industrial and commercial sectors. The Institute benefits from continuous investment by the Government in the student learning environment and boasts excellent computing, multimedia and library facilities in our state-of-the-art Learning Resource Centre.

The Institute is also internationally renowned for research in the areas of Science, Engineering and Business.

We have a dedicated International Office and have developed long standing cooperation links with universities around the world, including the United States, China, Malaysia, South Korea and throughout the EU. Undergraduate and Postgraduate students from all over the world are welcome to experience study in the safe and supportive environment of Carlow.

Click here to launch the Institute of Technology, Carlow website Click here to launch the ebrochure

The Institute of Technology Carlow World Class Facilities Dedicated International Office Degree programmes in Business, Sport, Engineering, Science and Computing Located just 1 hour from Dublin

Dedicated to Excellence For further information please contact: The International Coordinator (Non-EU), Institute of Technology, Kilkenny Road, Carlow Office: 00353 (0) 59 917 5205 Email: int.cord@itcarlow.ie Website: www.itcarlow.ie E-Brochure: www.itcarlow.op-ireland.com 52

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colleGes of educatIon

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IntroducInG tHe colleGes of educatIon If you want to become a primary school teacher in Ireland, you must train at one of the eight Colleges of Education around the country.

➤ Church of Ireland College of Education (Co Dublin) ➤ Coláiste Mhuire, Marino (Co Dublin) ➤ Froebel College of Education (Co Dublin) ➤ Mary Immaculate College (Co Limerick) ➤ Mater Dei Institute of Education (Co Dublin) ➤ St Angela’s College (Co Sligo) ➤ St Patrick’s College (Co Dublin) ➤ St Patrick’s College (Co Tipperary) All colleges provide students with a Bachelors Degree in Education (BEd) and prepare students to teach subjects at primary level. They also provide teaching skills to look after a class of children.

The courses are generally full-time in duration and take three years. The core courses study the Irish and English languages, as well as language development and mathematics. Other areas taught within the primary curriculum include music, art, physical education and environmental studies.

Some Colleges of Education offer full-time degree courses, which provide full training and preparation for a career as a post-primary Home Economics or Religion teacher..

The Colleges of Education are either attached to, or have links with, a university. The university oversees standards and offi cially sanctions the degrees.

Historically, religion has played a huge role in the Irish education sector, and the Colleges of Education have traditionally had very close links with the major churches. As Irish society becomes more ethnically diverse, teacher training is adapting to these changes in society.

As the Irish language is very important in Irish primary schools, a good standard of Irish is currently an entry requirement for courses in primary teacher education. In certain cases, allowances can be made to get around this restriction.

Colleges of Education can offer the opportunity to study for an honours degree, which entails a fourth year of study. Students may work as full-time teachers while taking this fourth year of study.

Not all courses are directly related to teacher training. Some Colleges of Education provide other courses besides Education degrees – these alternative fi elds of study include the Arts & Humanities, Religious Studies and Nursing (St Angela’s College).

facIlItIes The range of facilities available at a College of Education is designed to specifi cally cater to the needs of students. They include well-stocked libraries, comfortable study areas and IT facilities at each college. Colleges that offer specialised training (e.g. in Home Economics) will have modern laboratories and facilities to aid learning.

Sports and recreational activities are highly supported, with pitches, gyms and social amenities provided for students to use. Colleges of Education enter sports teams in the inter-varsity competitions, and there are also links with other third level colleges through clubs and societies such as drama and music.

Most colleges have purpose-built student accommodation on or near their campuses. Students usually have their own rooms and share both cooking and living room space with three or four others.

Many of these residences are newly built and provide a modern and comfortable living environment.

As Colleges of Education are more specialised than larger university size institutions, they don’t offer quite the range and scope of facilities, but if the college has links with a university, its students can take advantage of facilities (e.g. library, gym, student bar) on the campus of their nearby sister institution.

Click here to launch e-brochures from the Colleges of Education

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53

colleGe of educatIon ProfIles cHurcH of Ireland colleGe of educatIon (cIce)

colÁIste mHuIre / marIno InstItute of educatIon

Address: 96 Upper Rathmines Road, Dublin 6 Phone: +353 (0)1 4970033 Fax: +353 (0)1 4971932 Web: www.cice.ie Email: info@cice.ie

Address: Griffi th Avenue, Dublin 9 Phone: +353 (0)1 8057700 Fax: +353 (0)1 8335290 Email: info@mie.ie Web: www.mie.ie

Year Established: 1811 No. of students: 200 Student Accommodation: Yes

Year Established: 1904 Faculties: Teaching Practice; The Arts, Religion and Physical Education; Teaching, Learning and Research (plus Mathematics); English, Early Childhood and CPD; Gaeilge; Inclusive Education, SESE and External Links No. of students: 400 No. of international students: 50 (International Summer School) Student Accommodation: Yes

The Church of Ireland College of Education (CICE) concentrates on accommodating the training of primary school teachers for Church of Ireland and other Protestant denominational schools. It is one of the fi ve Irish colleges that can provide a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree; the qualifi cation that is necessary to teach in Irish primary schools.

The primary focus of CICE is to provide a profi cient supply of teachers to these schools; the B.Ed programme is taught jointly with the Department of Teaching Education in Trinity College (TCD). The ordinary degree runs over three years, with a further option of applying for an honours degree that would be achieved upon completion of a fourth year of study within TCD. The subjects developed over the three-year programme include childhood education, drama and music, religious and social education, and personal and health education (SPHE).

CICE is located in Rathmines, a popular student area. The campus boasts a library, resource centre and sports facilities for a number of interests.

Accommodation is also available. Each student has an individual study-bedroom, while meals and food preparation areas are also available.

The college’s affi liation with TCD means that CICE students are permitted to take advantage of the amenities on offer, including participation in TCD’s 50 sports clubs and 80 student societies.

Click here to visit the CICE website

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The Marino Institute of Education is a Catholic college that seeks to encourage and support the teaching and learning community of Ireland. It is a primary teaching training college with Catholic affi liations.

There are approximately 400 students enrolled in the college studying under the B.Ed degree course or the postgraduate diploma in primary teaching.

St. Mary’s (Coláiste Mhuire) is the central building on campus. A new education and catering complex is under construction; upon its completion it is planned that it will consist of fi ve lecture rooms, a gym, and modern catering facilities. A library and restaurant are already components of the campus at Griffi th Avenue.

The building of the student apartment complex was fi nished in 2005 and is now open for applications; it consists of 320 rooms, in addition to various common rooms.

Various interests are catered for in the extracurricular aspects of life at the Marino Institute.

There is provision for participation in Gaelic football, camogie, basketball and soccer.

Click here to visit the Institute’s website

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colleGes of educatIon

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froebel colleGe of educatIon

st. anGela’s colleGe

Address: Sion Hill, Blackrock, Co. Dublin Phone: +353 (0)1 2888520 Fax: +353 (0)1 2880618 Web: www.froebel.ie Email: admin@froebel.ie International Office: 01 2888520 Year Established: 1943 Student Accommodation: No The Froebel College of Education, along with Coláiste Mhuire and the Church of Ireland College of Education, is associated with Trinity College in awarding the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) and Higher Diploma in Education (for primary teaching).

The name of the college transpires from the 19th century German educator and founder of Kindergarten: Friedrich Froebel, who advocated methods like learning through activity, the importance of exploration of environment, and acceptance of the individual. The college teaches students the benefi ts of creating a progressive child-centred educational environment and an atmosphere in which work and play are treated as complementary rather than opposites. Froebel College is a member of the College of Education Research Committee (CERC).

The extensive library on campus encompasses a collection of over 15,000 items; any further resources can be attained at the Trinity library that is, along with all other Trinity facilities, available for the use of Froebel College students.

The undergraduate B.Ed degree lasts three years and allows graduates to teach in any Republic of Ireland school; applications are made through CAO. Another option to consider is the Socrates-Erasmus programme, which involves exchange agreements with 17 teacher education schools across Europe.

Click here to visit the Froebel College website

Address: Lough Gill, Sligo Phone: +353 (0)71 9143580 Fax: +353 (0)71 9144585 Web: www.stangelas.com Email: admin@stacs.edu.ie Year Established: 1952 Faculties: Nursing & Health Studies; Education; Home Economics; Arts No. of students: 900 Student Accommodation: Yes St. Angela’s College is a college of the National University of Ireland (NUI), Galway. This partnership is in place to expand the provision of university level education and research in the North-West of Ireland.

In 1952, St. Angela’s College was founded as a College of Education for Home Economics Teachers and it is now the sole provider of the Bachelor of Education in Home Economics in the country. In recent years the College has expanded its profi le of academic programmes in other areas and now includes the following: Nursing & Health Studies, Education, Special Needs Education, Theology, Food & Consumer Studies, Irish, Science, Economics and Social Studies.

St. Angela’s has introduced a Bachelor of Applied Science in Food and Consumer Studies in order to cater for the increasing demand in Ireland for information relating to food and how it is consumed. The provision of such a broad range of programmes attracts students from all over Ireland and has lead to a dramatic increase of student numbers on campus.

There is on-campus accommodation available and other facilities include a convenience store, a cafeteria, a fi tness centre and a late night bus service that runs to and from the nearby Sligo town.

Click here to visit the St Angela’s website

study In Ireland 2010/11

55

st. PatrIck’s colleGe of educatIon

st. PatrIck’s colleGe, tHurles Address: Cathedral Street, Thurles, Co. Tipperary Phone: +353 (0)504 21201 Web: www.stpats.ie Email: offi ce@stpats.ie

Address: Drumcondra, Dublin 9 Phone: +353 (0)1 8842000 Fax: +353 (0)1 8376197 Web: www.spd.dcu.ie Email: admissions.offi ce@spd.dcu.ie International Office: 01 8842214 Year Established: 1875 Faculties: Faculty of Education; Faculty of Humanities No. of students: Over 2,000 Student Accommodation: Yes St. Patrick’s College of Education was fi rst established in 1875 as a teacher training institution for denominational primary schools, and it retains a Catholic affi liation. Dublin City University (DCU) accredits all courses and so students can benefi t from the universities facilities while retaining its sense of independence.

There are a number of different centres on the campus: the Drumcondra Education Centre, the Educational Research Centre, the Centre for Early Development & Education, and the Educational Disadvantage Centre. Also available is a new Pilot Project on Induction. This has been undertaken on behalf of a national collaboration with UCD, the Department of Education and Science (DES) and the primary and secondary teacher unions.

The three undergraduate programmes on offer are a Bachelor of Education, a BA in Humanities, and a Certifi cate in Religious Studies. Programmes available to international exchange students include courses in Education, Humanities, and specially designed courses on Irish Culture and Society, and Irish Landscapes and Culture. Facilities on campus include a library, gym, language labs, art room and IT equipment. The Students Union has an abundance of clubs and societies on offer to students, and accommodation information/ advice can be obtained at the administration offi ce. The College recommends that international students stay in the on-campus accommodation during their studies in Ireland.

Located in Thurles, County Tipperary, St. Patrick’s College has a rich history of learning dating back to 1837. In recent times it has established itself as one of the newest Colleges of Education in the country.

The College offers a winning combination of stateof-the-art facilities, dedicated staff and a unique and friendly atmosphere. Students benefi t from a stimulating and inclusive learning environment in a picturesque setting steeped in history and culture.

The College now offers two full-time BA (honours) in Education programmes in collaboration with Tipperary Institute, which fully qualifi es graduates as second level teachers. The College’s popular BA (honours) in Education, Business Studies and Religious Studies trains graduates to teach Business Studies, Accountancy and Religious Education to honours Leaving Certifi cate level.

A new programme has recently been added to the prospectus – a BA (honours) in Education, Irish and Religious Studies, which will train students to become second level teachers of Irish and Religious Education.

The College is extremely accessible due to its central location just off the Dublin to Cork motorway (M8) and under a mile from Thurles train station which is also on the main Dublin to Cork route.

Click here to visit St Patrick’s College website

Click here to visit the College’s website Thurles Cathedral

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study In Ireland 2010/11

state/otHer

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state/otHer colleGes all HalloWs colleGe

natIonal colleGe of art & desIGn

Address: Drumcondra, Dublin 9 Phone: +353 (0)1 8373745 Web: www.allhallows.ie Email: info@allhallows.ie

Address: 100 Thomas Street, Dublin 8 Phone: +353 (0)1 6364200 Fax: +353 (0)1 6364207 Web: www.ncad.ie Email: fi os@ncad.ie

Year Established: 1842 No. of students: 700 Student Accommodation: Yes All Hallows College is a college of Dublin City University and all degrees are accredited by DCU. The college specialises at undergraduate level in the teaching of Theology, Philosophy, Psychology, and English Literature. The postgraduate range of programmes focuses on leadership and management in the pastoral arena and the community and voluntary sector.

The college also offers research opportunities at Masters and PhD level.

All Hallows College is proud of its international links and welcomes students of all countries and nationalities. Students from over 35 countries world-wide have come in recent years to study at All Hallows. Such a diversity of people provides students with an opportunity to study in an environment, which is multicultural and international. Among the countries participants come from are: England, France, Germany, Malta, Scotland, Africa, Korea, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, the United States, Singapore, India, Brazil, Spain, China, Kenya, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Recent infrastructural development has seen the College Library double in size, with 90 generously sized study desks and increased access to information technology. Among the various leisure amenities and services provided are sports, concerts, excursions and student societies (including debating, fi lm and drama societies).

Year Established: 1746 Faculties: Faculty of Design; Faculty of Education; Faculty of Fine Art; Faculty of Visual Culture No. of students: 1,500 Student Accommodation: No The National College of Art and Design has been a recognised college of the National University of Ireland since 1996 and is the foremost provider of art and design degrees in Ireland at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels; over 1,500 students are in attendance.

A tutorial system is in operation throughout the College, and many of the courses on offer are project based. A student’s progress is monitored on project completion and at the end of the year with examinations.

Current research priorities within the College include user-centred design practice; creative and critical pedagogies; participatory culture; modern Irish design history and material culture; and contemporary art and philosophy.

NCAD has no student residences. However, medical services, a student counsellor, a careers advisory service, a canteen and a Students’ Union are all available to NCAD students. The NCAD Library houses a collection of over 81,000 books and exhibition catalogues, the issues of 300 journals, and also the National Irish Visual Arts Library (NIVAL) - a major collection of material relating to Irish art and design.

All Hallows combines a commitment to the achievement of academic excellence with all the advantages of a small campus, and is committed to the individual development of its students.

NCAD students mount regular exhibitions where they can show the work they have produced during the year. In the past, many of the most successful Irish artists, designers and art teachers have studied or taught at the College.

Click here to visit the All Hallows website

Click here to visit the nCAD website

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57

Maynooth town centre

PontIfIcal unIversIty, st PatrIck’s colleGe

in a number of important academic programmes.

Address: St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland Phone: +353 (0)1 7084772; +353 (0)1 7083391; +353 (0)1 7083892 Fax: +353 (0)1 7083441 Web: www.maynoothcollege.ie Email: theology.offi ce@may.ie

The College seeks to provide its students with a solid academic foundation, a strong spiritual base and a value-added research and recreational environment, capable of generating graduates who are equipped with the requisite knowledge and leadership skills to excel in their career fi elds.

Year Established: 1795 Faculties: Theology; Canon Law; Philosophy No. of students: 400 approximately Student Accommodation: Yes St Patrick’s College, Maynooth opened its doors as an educational institution in 1795 and, over the intervening two centuries, it has established for itself an impressive reputation for scholarship and learning.

The Pontifi cal University has close links with the National University of Ireland, Maynooth. The two universities share the same campus and co-operate

Maynooth Town The town of Maynooth is situated in north County Kildare. It is 15 miles/25 km west of Dublin city centre. Maynooth preserves much of its rural ambience and provides easy access to large tracts of peaceful countryside. At the same time, it is within easy reach of Dublin and is close to the hightechnology industrial parks on the western edge of the city. It is home to a vibrant local community and offers students and others abundant opportunities to enjoy a busy and varied social life.

Click here to visit the Pontifical University website

Pontifical University, st Patrick’s college, Maynooth

Undergraduate Degree Programmes • BA in Theology & Arts • BA in Theology Postgraduate Programmes • Doctorate in Theology (PhD) • Postgraduate Diploma in Christian • Master’s in Theology (MTh) Communication & Development • Master’s in Pastoral Studies (MPS) • Higher Diploma in Pastoral Liturgy • Higher Diploma in Theological Studies

Information on all courses may be obtained from the Admissions Office: T: +353 1 708 4772 F: +353 1 708 3441 E: theology.office@may.ie W: www.maynoothcollege.ie 58

study In Ireland 2010/11

state/otHer

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natIonal colleGe of Ireland (ncI)

royal colleGe of surGeons In Ireland

Address: Mayor Street, Dublin 1 Phone: +353 (0)1 4498500 Fax: +353 (0)1 4972200 Web: www.ncirl.ie Email: info@ncirl.ie International Office: +353 (0)1 4498653

Address: 123 St. Stephen’s Green Dublin 2 Phone: +353 (0)1 4022100 Web: www.rcsi.ie Email: info@rcsi.ie

Year Established: 1951 No. of students: 5,000 No. of international students: 50 Student Accommodation: Yes The modern campus of the National College of Ireland (NCI) is situated in Dublin’s IFSC, and has 40 other centres located around Ireland.

The college was established in 1951 and now consists of three schools: the School of Business, the School of Computing and the School of Community Studies. Over 5,000 students are pursuing full-time and part-time programmes at certifi cate, diploma, degree and postgraduate levels. Subject areas include Business, Management, Human Resource Management, Financial Services, Technology, Computing, Informatics, and Humanities.

The National College of Ireland extends a warm welcome to International students and is delighted to receive applications from interested candidates. While the number of college places is limited, the NCI will consider applications from qualifi ed candidates who meet the appropriate requirements. Small class sizes and approachable staff help students from 56 countries feel at home.

All of the programmes provided are accredited by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC). NCI recognises the changing face of education by running distance learning and online courses that cater for a more diverse range of demands.

NCI’s fi ve-storey campus features lecture theatres, IT laboratories and library facilities, as well as excellent social and recreation amenities including a fully equipped gym and childcare facilities. There is on-campus accommodation in purpose-built student apartments.

Click here to visit the nCI website

Year Established: 1784 Faculties: Dentistry; Nursing; Radiology; Sports & Exercise Medicine; Medicine; Physiotherapy; Pharmacy; Healthcare Management No. of students: 1,500 No. of international students: Over 1,200 Student Accommodation: Yes For over 200 years the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) has played a key role in the provision of Irish surgical and medical education. There are over 60 different countries represented in its student population of over 1,500. The RCSI is now a recognised college of the National University of Ireland and is generally recognised as one of Ireland’s most important medical research centres.

There are four faculties: Dentistry, Nursing, Radiology and Sports & Exercise Medicine; and five schools: Medicine, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Nursing and Health

care Management. There is also an open recognition of specialities with subjects like anaesthesia to ophthalmology covered. The RCSI also has a considerable international presence with schools in Malaysia and Bahrain.

The campus is situated in the very centre of Dublin City on St Stephen’s Green and features modern facilities, including wellequipped lecture theatres, seminar rooms and laboratories, and an extensive medical library. Close links with Beaumont Hospital were also implemented when its Smurfit Clinical Sciences Building was opened in 2000.

Student accommodation is available in either an apartment-style complex or a hall of residence, while various sports facilities are available both on the main campus and at Dardistown in suburban Dublin.

Click here to visit the RCSI website

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59

sHannon colleGe of Hotel manaGement

tIPPerary InstItute (tI) Address: Nenagh Road, Thurles, Co. Tipperary OR Cashel Court, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary Phone: +353 (0)504 28000 Fax: +353 (0)504 28001 Web: www.tippinst.ie Email: info@tippinst.ie

Address: Shannon Airport, Co. Clare Phone: +353 (0)61 712210 Fax: +353 (0)61 475160 Web: www.shannoncollege.com Email: admin@shannoncollege.com Year Established: 1951 No. of students: 360 No. of international students: 180 Student Accommodation: Yes The Shannon College of Hotel Management provides courses for those wishing to enter the Irish hotel industry. Since its conception in 1952, it has developed into a leading centre for the training of hotel managers with an international reputation for excellence. It is a college of the National University of Ireland.

Shannon College offers two degree routes to an international business and hotel management career. The fi rst, the Bachelor of Business Studies Degree in International Hotel Management, is a four-year programme that includes professional work placements. The Bachelor of Commerce Degree is varied in that students spend two years in Shannon, one year on professional placement, and a year attending NUI Galway. Both are recognised by The International Hotel and Restaurant Association and The Irish Hotel and Catering Institute.

English language education is also available in the Shannon College of Hotel Management.

The course caters specifi cally for the English language needs of students who intend to enrol on the BBS programme in Shannon College of Hotel Management. It is ideally suited to students who have attained the academic requirements for their chosen degree but who need to improve their spoken and written English.

The college is residential and provides accommodation for students as well as advice on private rental. Various sports and social facilities are also provided and a leisure complex and swimming pool is within walking distance.

Click here to visit the Shannon College website

60

Year Established: 1998 Faculties: Rural Development; Information and Communications Technology (ICT); Business No. of students: Over 950 Student Accommodation: Yes Tipperary Institute fi rst opened its doors in 1999, and in this relatively short period of time it has achieved the admirable task of becoming an important education provider.

It consists of two campuses in Clonmel and Thurles, which both offer courses within the three departments of the college: Business, Information Communication and Technology (ICT) and Rural Development. Full time and part time programmes are available.

Subjects include Business, Rural Development, Software Development, IT Support and Multimedia & Communications; this list is expanded on a regular basis. Work placements are actively encouraged and assisted at TI, recognising the need for practical experience in ensuring future success in employment.

Facilities available for students at the Institute include the Library and Knowledge Resource Centre, and computer facilities including multimedia packages and specialised language laboratories.

Student services include careers, childcare, medical and accommodation assistance, along with a Students’ Union. The Thurles campus has two purpose built student villages, while there is a plentiful supply of accommodation available at very reasonable rates in Clonmel.

Sporting success is common at TI with the male and female GAA teams winning the AllIreland titles in 2006/07 season.

Click here to visit the Tipperary Institute website

study In Ireland 2010/11

state/otHer kImmaGe develoPment studIes centre Address: Kimmage Manor, Whitehall Road, Dublin 12 Phone: + 353 (0)1 4064380 / 4064386 Fax: + 353 (0)1 4064388 Email: info@kimmagedsc.ie Web: info@kimmagedsc.ie Year Established: 1974 Faculties: Development Studies No. of students: 71 No. of international students: 38 Since its foundation in 1974, Kimmage DSC has facilitated education and training for international development professionals working in a range of occupations from over sixty fi ve countries.

Programmes are offered at undergraduate (BA Degree) and postgraduate (MA and PG Diploma) levels, with options to study on a full-time or parttime basis.

KDSC offers a unique combination of studies

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which aim to combine the practical and the theoretical, the academic and the skill based.

Traditional development studies courses such as Development Economics, Sociology of Development, and Anthropology are complemented by subjects which have a large training, active learning and skills based component, such as Adult Education, Leadership Skills, and Project Planning and Management.

KDSC offers courses at different levels, facilitating people already holding higher level qualifi cations as well as those without. The KDSC is particularly keen to provide an opportunity to mature learners with some prior work experience to acquire new skills and to obtain an internationally recognised higher level qualifi cation. Vacancies also exist for postgraduate level students interested in pursuing a career in some aspect of development work either in Ireland or abroad.

All programmes run in KDSC are accredited by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council of Ireland (HETAC).

Click here to visit the Kimmage DSC website

Ha’penny Bridge, Dublin

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colleGes of furtHer educatIon IntroducInG tHe colleGes of furtHer educatIon Colleges of Further Education, or PLC Colleges as they are sometimes known, are noteworthy for their sheer numbers, with well over one hundred located in the towns and cities of Ireland. Designed to meet the education and training needs of local communities, their accessibility is a real advantage to the international student who is relocating to Ireland.

Further education courses provide education and training for specifi c occupations. Over the last twenty years or so the post leaving certifi cate sector has introduced excellent courses in areas such as business studies, arts and crafts, information technology, construction and electronics. Lately there have been more courses offered in new subject areas including childcare, community care, teleservices, e-commerce, tourism, sports, and leisure. These are only a few examples from the huge variety of options available.

The facilities may not meet the same standard as universities and institutes of technology, but the lower fees, guarantee of work experience, and provision of access to higher education are real bonuses. Plus the communal atmosphere of a College of Further Education, where a high proportion of students come from the same locality, can be a less unsettling environment than the crowded campus of a large university or institute of technology.

facIlItIes Adequate facilities and a suitable learning environment are just as important to students in further education as undergraduates. Each further education college has a well-stocked library, comfortable study and classroom space and up to date IT facilities.

The range of facilities available at a College of Further Education is obviously linked to the courses offered. Some subjects such as science, engineering, IT or media courses require specialised up to date laboratories or studios and Colleges of

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Further Education endeavour to provide the best learning environment for their students. In common with the investment ongoing in other third level institutions in Ireland, the last few years have seen a substantial improvement in the facilities and services available to students.

Education in many subjects requires the use of specialist facilities. Advanced equipment and resources are in place for students taking a wide range of subjects at Colleges of Further Education around the country. For example the Ballyfermot College of Further Education’s facilities for its music technology students include Analog and Digital Recording Studios, a Multi-Media Computer Room, Sound Programming Room, 24 Individual Midi Terminals, and 8 Recording Booths.

Other colleges provide similarly impressive facilities for their students. Sports and recreational activities are also highly supported, with pitches, gyms and social amenities available for students to use at many Colleges of Further Education.

Some Colleges of Education also have theatre or exhibition spaces for students to perform or display their work. There is generally an ample canteen and social space for students to relax between classes.

Everyone realises that from time to time students may have problems not directly related to their studies. Colleges of Further Education also provide facilities and services to help students with personal, health and counselling matters. There are also many links between local employers and industry and the careers services at the Colleges of Further Education.

Click here for a full list of Colleges of Further Education in Ireland Click here to download e-brochures from Colleges of Further Education Click here for a list of college websites

study In Ireland 2010/11

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colleGe of furtHer educatIon ProfIles bray InstItute of furtHer educatIon Address: Novara Avenue, Bray, County Wicklow.

Phone: +353 (0)1 2829668 Fax: +353 (0)1 2760653 Email: enquiries@bife.ie Web: www.bife.ie Year Established: 1980 No. of students: 1350 No. of international students: 100 Student Accommodation: Yes Bray Institute of Further Education is one of Ireland’s most prestigious Colleges of Further Education. It has 1,200 full-time students studying at Degree, Diploma and Certifi cate level.

Over the past few years, graduates of Bray Institute have achieved honours degrees in Graphic Design, Animation & Interactive Media, Fashion Design, TV & Film (Moving Image), Performing Arts Theatre, Performing Arts Dance, Fine Arts, Psychology, Social Science, Health & Social Care, Interior Design, Psychology, Social Science and Health & Social Care. This year, for the fi rst time, students also have the opportunity to complete an Honour Degree programme in Architectural Technology or Music Production.

Bray beach

Bray Institute of Further Education

Full-time Degree, Diploma and Certificate programmes available approved by Department of Education for non EU learners

DEGREE PROGRAMMES IN: Art ● Design ● Business ● TV ● Sound ● Animation ● Psychology Acting ● Dance Tel: (+353)12829668 Email: enquiries@bife.ie Web: www.bife.ie

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lImerIck colleGe of furtHer educatIon (lcfe) Address: Mulgrave Street, Limerick Phone: +353 (0)61 414344 Fax: +353 (0)61 414186 Email: hilary.mccann@lcfe.ie Web: www.lcfe.ie Year Established: 1963 Faculties: Business,IT& Media; Childcare & Healthcare; Hairdressing & Beauty; Visual Arts; Adult Education No. of students: 1200 Student Accommodation: No LCFE specialises in further education courses, validated by fetac. Entry level is level 5. Some level 6 courses are available, with more planned.

There has been a signifi cant increase in demand for programmes in the past 2 years. Most of this is due to the progression opportunities. Holders of a fetac level 5 award can score up to 400 cao points, thus affording them the opportunity to take a course up to a level 8 degree level.

Entry requirements for fetac level 5 are leaving certifi cate, lca or mature students without either. All applicants are interviewed. Early application is essential, as spring interviews are held. There are no tuition fees. Means-tested maintenance grants are available, up to â‚Ź7,400 per annum.

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Limerick Abbey

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enGlIsH lanGuaGe scHools

IntroducInG enGlIsH lanGuaGe scHools In Ireland English Language Schools provide the perfect opportunity for foreign students who wish to combine learning English with a holiday in Ireland. Situated in attractive locations all over the country, they make learning English for practical purposes a highly enjoyable experience.

Dept of Education approved English language schools are a very popular option for international students seeking to take a short intensive course in English that does not interrupt their academic career at home. Courses are available to the young and old, and at levels of diffi culty suitable to the beginner, intermediate and advanced speaker. One thing to remember when considering this option is that you are not going to miss out on having an enjoyable and relaxing summer by enrolling in an English language school. Apart from the basic language classes, which are designed to be fun and interesting in their own right, the schools provide many sporting, social and cultural activities.

locatIon A very important aspect to consider when selecting an English language school is location. Some schools are in remote but stunning rural areas.

But if ‘city-living’, and all the urban conveniences that go with that, such as shopping in the trendiest boutiques, is the student’s preference, then an English language school in the cities of Cork, Galway, Limerick or Dublin would be more suitable.

For the best of both worlds, a student may choose a school that is located in a mid-sized town, e.g.

Sligo or Newbridge. No matter where the school is located however, some pleasant surprises await the international student. Rural locations do not necessarily lack the opportunities for lively social occasions that exist in the cities. Irish villages and towns are world-famous for the ‘craic’ (Irish term for slightly rowdy good fun). While English language schools located in the cities often provide weekend trips to beautiful rural locations of cultural or historical value.

teacHInG ProGramme Many forms of English language programmes are taught in the various English language schools. In terms of the teaching method, besides the standard classroom format, many schools offer ‘one-to-one’ (one teacher, one pupil) teaching. This method may be more expensive, but is a great way to make dramatic improvements to your English capability in a short amount of time. Students enrolling in English language schools are usually placed in classes according to their standard of English, from elementary to advanced, so that everyone’s educational needs are catered for.

Many schools, which cater for adults (usually defi ned as 19+) and junior students, divide their classrooms according to these two categories also. For specifi c details on the teaching programmes, students are advised to contact the English language school in question.

sPecIalIsatIon Stunning views at Waterford

Some of the English language schools specialise in specifi c aspects of teaching English. These include learning English in a business context; this is extremely useful for business students, students who wish to work in an English-speaking country in the future, and people who currently work in the international fi nance industry.

Click here for a list of English Language Schools Click here to download e-brochures

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Other special interest schools provide English language exam preparation and pre-university courses. These options are of great value to an international student who is considering pursuing a full-time higher education course in Ireland. Career specifi c English courses available in English language schools include Law, Medicine, Aviation, Tourism and Teacher Training. Check out the profi les in this section to fi nd an English language school with a specialisation that meets your needs.

Kilkenny Castle

actIvItIes English language schools offer a huge range of activities to their students. A list of the sporting activities on offer includes: canoeing, golf, horse riding, hurling and Gaelic football (traditional, action-packed Irish fi eld sports), kayaking, tennis and soccer. Among many other pursuits provided are: art classes, hill walking, Irish dancing, music and

theatre. Many schools also organise weekend and day-trips to places of cultural and historical interest (e.g. Kilkenny Castle) and to areas of great scenic beauty (e.g. the Aran Irelands). Contact the English language school directly to fi nd out what activities they provide for students.

accommodatIon USEFUL LInKS www.acels.ie

The Advisory Council for English Language Schools

www.cambridgeesol.org

www.ets.org www.ielts.org

www.tie.ie www.toefl.org

University of Cambridge ESOL ETS

International English Language Testing System Test of Interactive English Test of English as a Foreign Language

www.coe.int/T/DG4/Linguistic/CADRE_EN.asp Common European Framework of Reference for

Languages (CEFR)

There are different types of accommodation on offer: host-family, school residence and others such as hotels, B&Bs and cottages.

Younger students may prefer the ‘home comforts’ (meals cooked, clothes washed, etc. in a reassuringly familial environment) that come with staying in host- family accommodation. English language school residential facilities often involve students staying in single or shared twin bedrooms in a well-facilitated student residence block with large shared living, studying and kitchen areas, Please see the Student Accommodation in Ireland section for more details.

Language Centre (English as a Foreign Language) University College Cork ➤ Full-time and part-time English language programmes year-round. Flexible stays. ➤ Courses for general, academic and professional purposes. ➤ ONLY Examination Centre in the south of Ireland for IELTS & Cambridge Examinations. ➤ English Language Summer School includes a social programme. One-to-one tuition can be arranged. ➤ Pre-sessional/Foundation courses for

international students intending to study at an Irish or UK University. ➤ Group enquiries (for adult and junior learners) very welcome. ➤ Teacher Training Programmes: CELTA and DELTA together with teaching skills courses and workshops. ➤ Lonely Planet has selected Cork as one of the top 10 cities (in the world) to visit in 2010 and the University is referred to in the Guide.

Recognised by the Department of Education & Science for the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language.

The Language Centre, University College Cork, an excellent place to learn!

For details contact: The Language Centre (English as a Foreign Language), University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.

Tel.: +353 21 4902043/4902898 • Fax: +353 21 4903223 • Email: info@langcent.ucc.ie • Web: www.ucc.ie/esol

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enGlIsH lanGuaGe scHools name: Xia Chen natIonalIty: Chinese colleGe: The Joyce English Language School course: English (IELTS exam preparation course)

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Students come to Ireland to learn English for many reasons: to improve their level of English for a course or career in their home country, to gain entry to a college in Ireland, or as is the case with Xia, to start a career in Ireland.

cialise with other nationalities, of which there are many in her school – Mauritian, Italian, and Russian to name just a few. And they surely appreciate her too, as one of Xia’s favourite pastimes is to cook for her friends and classmates.

A practising nurse back in China, Xia is currently undergoing a preparation course for the IELTS exam in Dublin’s Joyce English Language School. She requires an overall score of 7.0 in order to register with An Bord Altranais (the Irish professional nursing body) and begin her exciting new career and life in Ireland. And judging by the clarity with which she spoke to this interviewer, things are going very well indeed.

She finds the cost of living and rent in Dublin City Centre quite high, but one of the few advantages of the current recession is that these costs, and rent in particular, have begun to fall at a steady rate.

Xia finds the course to be challenging, but useful. The various sections that make up the IELTS exam – reading, writing, speaking, listening – all combine to help her engage in ‘real’ conversations; an essential skill for nursing, where clear communication with every patient is vital.

So what advice does Xia have for fellow English language students thinking of making their way to Ireland? ‘I recommend living with other foreign students,’ she says, ‘because you get to practice your English all the time and learn about other cultures.’

Dublin

Aside from the course itself, Xia is full of praise for her school, which allows her the freedom on any given day to attend a morning or evening class. ‘This is suitable for our jobs,’ she explains.

‘As part time students we need the flexibility in order to work part time and support our lives.’

Xia also appreciates the opportunity to so-

J

The Joyce English Language School The Joyce School is a premier English language school situated near Dublin city centre overlooking the River Liffey. We offer General English classes and exam classes. The tuition is of a very high quality and you will have fun and meet other students from different nationalities. Our prices are also very competitive.

study In Ireland 2010/11

The Joyce English Language School 3 Ellis Quay, Dublin 7 T: (01) 6337947 F: (01) 6337948 E: joycecollege@eircom.net W: www.thejoyce.com

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English Language Education in Ireland English is the world’s pre-eminent language of politics and trade. Many thousands of international students visit Ireland every year to enrol in top quality English language schools, which offer a wide range of internationally recognised qualifications to suit every academic, personal or professional need.

Ireland has one of the youngest populations in Europe and an impressive tradition of learning, and has become an important destination for international students looking to improve their English language skills. The combination of a regulated high-quality education system, stable economy, beautiful landscape and vibrant cultural scene, means that almost 100,000 international students each year come to Ireland to take English language classes.

There are many course options: from absolute beginners’ programmes to classes designed to improve the English language skills of those who already posses a good level of proficiency. Specialised English courses are also available that teach the specific vocabulary of particular professions such as Healthcare and Business. Courses are available for young and old learners, and through group or one-to-one formats.

International students generally learn English for two reasons: on the one hand to gain admittance to a university or college programme at an Irish or other English speaking institution; and on the other, to develop English language skills that will improve career prospects.

Many students come to Ireland and enrol in an English language course prior to an undergraduate or post-

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graduate programme whilst other students join the Irish school system at Leaving Certificate level, with the aim of entering university afterwards. Irish universities have stringent admission requirements for international students. Candidates must be able to demonstrate in advance that they have the necessary proficiency in English to play a full part in their college programme.

Requirements and accepted English language qualifications can vary a good deal from one course to another, so it is highly recommended you contacting the International Office or Admissions Office of the institution in question for further information.

Irish English language schools offer preparation programmes for the major international English language examinations such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Test of English for International Communication (TOIEC), the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and the Cambridge ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) examinations; and for two awards recently developed in Ireland: the Test of Interactive English (TIE) and the English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP). Schools will usually register the student with the examining body automatically, but individual candidates can also apply to take an exam independently.

These qualifications all relate to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Valid all over Europe, the CEFR provides a basis for the mutual recognition of language competence, thus facilitating educational and occupational mobility. It is increasingly used in the reform of national curricula and by international consortia for the comparison of language certificates.

study in Ireland 2010/11

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enGlIsH lanGuaGe scHools name: Ahmed natIonalIty: Omani colleGe: Kenilworth Language Institute course: General English plus IELTS Exam Preparation I was in Ireland before in 2000 for a summer course and really liked it. The people are really kind and helpful. Living here helps my English, as the Irish accent is very clear. I am currently doing an exam preparation course as I require a score of six in my IELTS exam in order to be accepted for a Commercial Pilot License course.

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ing than going on our own. You feel it’s more valued. And you learn about the city and its history.

There are differences between Ireland and Oman. The food and religion for example, are very different but what is similar is the friendliness and helpfulness of the people.

I’ve really enjoyed the study and seeing improvements in my English day-by-day. The school is in a good location and I like being able to walk around the city and feeling safe.

I can compare the practice tests I did when I arrived with my scores now, and I am happy to see the improvements in my English. The teachers put in a lot of hard work. They give us all the information and preparation we need to pass the exam.

I find picking up new vocabulary and reading to be a challenge, but it’s all about practice. Our teachers give us different methods to help us.

Dublin nightlife

I like visiting places of interest in the city with the school in the afternoons. It’s more interest-

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ProfIled enGlIsH lanGuaGe scHools alPHa colleGe of enGlIsH Address: 4 North Great George’s Street, Dublin 1, Ireland Phone: + 353 (0)1 8747 024 Fax: + 353 (0)1 8747 031 Email: admin@alphacollege.com Web: www.alphacollege.com Year Established: 1989 Courses: General English, Business English, Examination Preparation, Professional Work Experience, Executive English, English for Special Purposes, Junior Summer Courses (Host Family & Residential) No. of students: 100 - 250 Alpha College offers General English; General Business English; Examination Preparation; Executive English Programmes; Internship (Work Experience) programmes (for EU students only); courses for overseas teachers of English; and Junior Residential and Host Family Programmes.

Opportunities to extend the learning experience are provided through extra-curricular activities such as our weekly video club and regular evening activities.

atlas lanGuaGe scHool Address: 67 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2 Phone: + 353 (0)1 4782845 Fax: + 353 (0)1 4781490 Email: info@ atlaslanguageschool.com Web: www.atlaslanguageschool.com Year Established: 2003 Certification: Recognised by ACELS, MEI-RELSA Courses: General Englsih courses, Exam Preperation Courses (Cambridge, IELTS, TOIEC), Business English Courses, Junior Programme Courses No. of students: 200 Atlas Language School in Dublin was established in 2003 and has grown quickly in size and reputation in that time. We are a young, vibrant and professional language school committed to providing a unique learning experience and excellent English courses in a friendly and motivating environment. Our teachers and academic support staff all work to create a school ethos and atmosphere that encourage the highest standards of work and learning.

• Fun, vibrant school in a great city centre location • Part-time and full-time courses • Junior Summer courses • Teacher training courses Atlas Language School, 67 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 478 2845 Email: info@atlaslanguageschool.com Web: www.atlaslanguageschool.com

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enGlIsH lanGuaGe scHools InternatIonal busIness scHool Ireland/ dublIn tutorIal centre

Joyce scHool

Address: 19 Upper Mount Street, Dublin 2 Phone: + 353 (0)1 6612209 Fax: + 353 (0)1 6618362 Email: admin@dublintutorialcentre.com Web: www.dublintutorialcentre.com Year Established: 1978 Certification: GCE A & O Levels, GCSEs, IGCSEs Courses: A Levels, O Levels, GCSES - one & two year courses No. of students: 130 Centrally located in historic Georgian Dublin, IBSI/ DTC was established in 1978 and is the only offi cially accredited A Level Centre in Ireland for all the Examining Boards in the UK. A wide range of subject options are available, in the sciences, arts and humanities. A Levels are accepted for University entrance in Ireland, the UK, the US and elsewhere overseas.

GalWay lanGuaGe centre Address: The Bridge Mills, Bridge Street, Galway Phone: + 353 (0)91 566468 Fax: + 353 (0)91 564122 Email: info@galwaylanguage.com Web: www.galwaylanguage.com Year Established: 1987 Certification: IELTS, Cambridge ESOL, TIE, ETAPP, TOEIC, TOEFL Courses: General English, Exam preparation, Business English, Teacher Training (CELT Comenius/ Grundvig) No. of students: Max 150. Max 10 per classroom Established in 1987 we are the oldest family run language school in Galway. We offer courses to students from 16 years upwards. We are located in Galway city centre. All students get free student cards, welcome packs and free WIFI in school.

Address: 3 Ellis Quay, Dublin 7 Phone: + 353 (0)1 6337947 Fax: + 353 (0)1 6337948 Email: joycecollege@eircom.net Web: www.thejoyce.com Year Established: 2004 Courses: General English, Exam English No. of students: 200 The school is a high-quality institution offering classes at a good price. We are situated near the center of Dublin, overlooking the river Liffey. We have students from many different countries and we offer exam classes and General English classes

kenIlWortH lanGuaGe InstItute Address: 4, Kenilworth Square, Rathgar, Dublin 6 Phone: + 353 (0)1 4971499 Fax: + 353 (0)1 4971499 Email: info@kenilworthinstitute.ie Web: www.kenilworthinstitute.ie Year Established: 1996 Certification: ACELS/NQAI, MEI, TIE Courses: General English, English for Specifi c Purposes, Young Learners, Exam Preparation, Teacher Development No. of students: Maximum number of students year round: 80. In Summer: 180 approx.

Kenilworth is a lively, friendly school just 15 minutes from Dublin City centre. We have high quality English Programmes. Students can sit for international exams or improve their language skills for work, further studies or leisure. We organise excursions and activities, so that learning continues outside the classroom in a fun, cross-cultural environment.

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tHe lanGuaGe centre unIversIty colleGe cork Address: O’Rahilly Building, University College Cork, Cork. Ireland.

Phone: 353(0)21 4902043 Fax: 353(0)21 4903223 Email: info@langcent.ucc.ie Web: www.ucc.ie/esol Certification: ELTS, Cambridge ESOL (FCE, CAE, CPE & BEC) Courses: Full and part-time General, Business, Exam preparation (Cambridge and IELTS), ESP, one-to-one and small group English classes together with teacher training programmes.

Centre is the only exam centre for Cambridge and IELTS examinations in southern Ireland. It offers a warm and welcoming learning environment set on a beautiful campus, with excellent facilities and extremely highly qualifi ed and experienced teaching staff.

On offer year-round from the Language Centre (EFL), University College Cork, are general, academic and professional courses (full and part time) together with teacher training programmes. The

u-learn

Exam Preparation (CAE, FCE, IELTS), 1 year visa courses (non-EU students) No. of students: 150

Address: 6 Gardiner Place, Dublin 1 Phone: + 353 (0)1 87 87 339 Fax: + 353 (0)1 87 87 334 Email: info@u-learn.ie Web: www.u-learn.ie Year Established: 1988 Certification: ACELS, MEI Relsa Member, TiE, IEAI Courses: General English (morning, afternoon & evening), Individual Classes, Business English,

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Established in 1988, U-Learn is based in Dublin city centre. We are close to public transport, bars, restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions. U-Learn has courses to suit all students at all levels; experienced, certifi ed teachers; and great fun; all at a very competitive price! Contact us or visit our website for

study In Ireland 2010/11

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enGlIsH lanGuaGe scHools name: Susana Garcia Madrigal natIonalIty: Mexican colleGe: Language College Ireland course: English Language course to prepare for Cambridge exam I decided to come to Ireland to improve my English. I have always wanted to go to Ireland as I have some family here and have heard a lot about Irish culture. My interests are in music and theatre and as Ireland has such a great history in these areas, Ireland was the perfect place for me to improve my English.

I have made so many friends in Language College Ireland from many different cultures who I will stay in contact with for the rest of my life. At the beginning it was scary as my level of English was quite low but once I started classes my English improved quickly.

My teachers and the staff in the college have been so helpful to me. I worked as an au-pair for a couple of months with an Irish Family which helped improve my English and to see Irish culture and humour.

I have travelled many parts of Ireland and

lanGuaGe & busIness colleGe Ireland Address: 10 - 14 Quinsboro Road, Bray, Co Wicklow Phone: + 353 (0)202 1896/2865627 Fax: + 353 (0)2765806 Email: info@languagecollegeireland.com Web: www.languagecollegeireland.com Year Established: 2006 Certification: Exam Preperation for TIE, TOEFL, Cambridge and IELTS Courses: ILM, General English , TEFL Hospitality and Tourism No. of students: 300 Language and Business College Ireland is a highly

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seen some of the most beautiful places such as, the cliffs of Moher, Kylemore Abbey, the Connemara lakes and the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. Wicklow the county where I live is known as the Garden of Ireland and it is full of stunning landscapes, mountains and waterfalls, as well as nice cafes and restaurants. I like Ireland because I feel safe here compared to my home country and would recommend it to anybody that wants to have an enjoyable experience while learning English.

regarded institute of excellence for further education. The college is keen to provide opportunities for our students to network, share ideas and develop as they further their education both in the English language and in Business studies in a comfortable, effective and professional atmosphere.

We are situated in the centre of Bray, Co Wicklow.

The general post offi ce is next door to the college and we are just a few minutes’ walk away from banks, restaurants and shops. A picturesque seaside town on the edge of Dublin, Bray (below) boasts a wonderful Victorian promenade along the coast, a quaint harbour, and a swan sanctuary.

Transport services to and from Bray are excellent.

Bray is a vibrant town that hosts a range of indoor and outdoor sports centres and is surrounded by beautiful walks.

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name: Élodie Silva natIonalIty: French colleGe: Alpha College of English course: General English

My stay in Ireland is going very well and I’m really enjoying it. The Irish people I’ve met, including the teaching staff, are all really nice and helpful. I also got on very well with my host family and, even though I’ve since moved into rented accommodation, I still keep in contact with them. My English is progressing very well. The classes are very well organized and I find the interactive nature of the teaching in particular very useful. Our teachers’ patience knows no boundaries! They give clear explanations, help us when we have letters to write, and offer to stay after class if we need any additional explanation.

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Every Friday morning students take a test to brush up what they learnt during the week and we are regularly given homework. I believe the combination of the two is essential to improve one’s English. The College also organise excursions around Dublin City and surroundings; I plan to see more when I do a tour of Ireland. My English is improving by the day and I would not hesitate to recommend Ireland, and Alpha College as a learning destination. My future plans?

I would like use my English by starting a career in Ireland.

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furtHer resourses tourIst resources The links provided in this section provide all the information a visitor to Ireland could possibly need. They also provide information regarding activity options and upcoming cultural events for international students coming to live in Ireland. The 2009/2010 Guide

www.discoverireland.ie/west From the buzzing streets of Galway City to the lonely hills in Connemara, you’ll fi nd a pace that suits you in Ireland’s West.

www.discoverireland.ie/shannon Dotted with lakes and criss-crossed with rivers, the Shannon resources to education in Ireland Tourist Resources | Driving Distance Chart for Ireland Region has over 400km of Atlantic coastline. www.discoverireland.ie A comprehensive online

guide to accommodation, festivals and events, acwww.discoverireland.ie/southeast Experience a tivities, visitor attractions, and travel. The following wonderful holiday you’ll never forget with the sunnihe links provided in this secFrom the first tee to the 19th hole, www.discoverireland.ie/lakelands are region-specifi c sections of the site: est climate in Ireland, unique heritage, vibrant cities tion provide all the information it’s a golfers dream, but for those Discover what relaxation really

and towns, and a scenic landscape. a visitor to Ireland could possibly who may like to relax and unwind means on the rivers and lakes of need.

They also provide informayou will be spoilt for choice: from Ireland's Lakelands. www.discoverireland.ie/southwest Take a mo tion regarding activity options and relaxing spa breaks, to waterside www.discoverireland.ie/islands ment out and savour the variety and subtlety of www.discoverireland.ie/lakelands Discover what upcoming cultural events for inter- and woodlands walks with breathIreland's islands are steeped in national students coming to live taking scenery.

Cork & Kerry. relaxation really means on the rivers and lakes of history, with beautiful beaches, an in Ireland.

Ireland’s Lakelands. www.discoverireland.ie/northwest abundance of wildlife and wideIreland's North West offers endless open spaces. www.visitdublin.ie www.discoverireland.ie -Dublin offers an eclectic mix A comprehensive online guide to opportunities to immerse yourself Activity Specific Tourism of city, countryside and coastline. Explore, relax www.discoverireland.ie/islands Ireland’s islands accommodation, festivals and events, in nature, culture and history. resources activities, visitor attractions, and travand delight in the beautiful surroundings of Dublin are steeped in history, with beautiful beaches, an www.discoverireland.ie/west www.discoverireland.ie/golf el. The following are region-specific City, Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown, Fingal and South From the abundance of wildlife and wide-open spaces. buzzing streets of sections of the site: www.discoverireland.ie/equestrian Galway City to the lonely hills in Dublin County! www.discoverireland.ie/ Connemara, you'll find a pace that www.discoverireland.ie/walking

actIvIty sPecIfIc southwest suits you in Ireland's West. www.discoverireland.ie/ Take a moment out and savour the rst www.discoverireland.ie/eastcoast From the fi tourIsm resources www.discoverireland.ie/shannon volvooceanrace variety and subtlety of Cork & Kerry. lakes and criss-crossed tee to the 19th hole, it’s a golfers dream, but for Dotted withwww.discoverireland.ie/golf www.visitdublin.ie with rivers, the Shannon Region has www.discoverireland.ie/spa those who may like to relax and unwind you will www.discoverireland.ie/equestrian Dublin offers an eclectic mix of city, over 400km of Atlantic coastline. www.discoverireland.ie/cruising be spoilt for choice: from relaxing spa breaks, to www.discoverireland.ie/walking countryside and coastline. Explore, www.discoverireland.ie/southeast www.discoverireland.ie/familyfun relax and delight in the beautiful waterside and woodlands walks with breathtaking www.discoverireland.ie/volvooceanrace Experience a wonderful holiday surroundings of Dublin City, Dun you’ll never forget with the sunniest www.discoverireland.ie/adventure scenery. www.discoverireland.ie/spa Laoghaire/Rathdown, Fingal and climate in Ireland, unique heritage, www.irelandsislands.com South Dublin County!

www.discoverireland.ie/cruising vibrant cities and towns, and a www.discoverireland.ie/northwest Ireland’s North www.discoverireland.ie/familyfun www.discoverireland.ie/ scenic landscape. eastcoast West offers endless opportunities to immerse yourwww.discoverireland.ie/adventure self in nature, culture and history. www.irelandsislands.com

83

Tourist resources

T

driving distance Chart for Ireland

T dIstance cHart drIvInG for Ireland his chart shows the driving distances between Irelands major cities and towns. The distances are displayed in kilometres. To convert kilometres to miles simply divide by 1.609

Dundalk

Kilkenny Killarney Limerick Portlaoise

Rosslare Shannon Airport

234

111

227

425

219

Derry

428

118

209

69

402

180

183

Dublin

222

237

257

167

126

86

158

158

350

84

145

Galway

238

219

204

272

209

306

93

172

198

117

309

335

148

285

126

198

193

352

309

407

441

87

436

232

113

105

241

198

296

328

105

323

121

114

225

52

150

151

84

257

282

174

253

74

106

151

264

158

82

151

146

151

211

251

224

32

241

135

211

275

98

274

246

163

391

397

208

330

209

155

138

24

135

137

92

266

222

283

351

129

346

134

Roscommon

Wicklow

Cork

Donegal

this chart shows the driving distances between Ireland’s major cities and towns. the distances are displayed in kilometres. to convert kilometres to miles, simply divide by 1.609

Waterford

Athlone Belfast

Sligo

219

327

85

191

232

343

245

138

167

217

66

135

335

206

118

293

153

82

208

100

128

193

48

221

243

158

357

383

130

333

174

Wexford

63

307

214

19

222

114

190

253

80

253

227

142

372

378

187

309

188

90

142

162

261

116

123

198

227

335

124

270

138

51

275

288

187

219

177

This article has been translated on www.learning.ie

Guide to Ed_FINAL_v6.indd 83

study In Ireland 2010/11

3/29/09 3:43:12 AM

75

maPs

Donegal Regional Airport

City of Derry Airport

Letterkenny

Derry

Donegal

Antrim Belfast

Tyrone

Sligo Mayo

Belfast City Ariport

Down

h h ut ag Lo m Ar an gh na Mo

Leitr Ferma nag im h

Sligo Regional Airport

Port of Belfast

Cavan Roscommon

Knock Airport

g Lon

Galway Airport

ford

Offaly

Galway

b Du

Dun Laoghaire Port

Arklow

Carlo w

y nn

Tipperary

Limerick

Dublin City

Wicklow

ke

Kil

Limerick City

Dublin Port

Kildare

Laois

Clare

Shannon Airport

lin

Westmeath

Galway City

Dublin International Airport

Meath

Wexford

Tralee Waterford Kerry International Airport

Kerry Killarney

Rosslare Port

Waterford Waterford Regional Airport

Cork

Cork City

Cork Airport Port of Cork

Airport Seaport

Click on a ‘county’ on the map to find out more about that part of Ireland

76

Leinster Munster

Major City/Town

Connaught

Capital City

Ulster

Railway

Ulster (Northern Ireland)

study In Ireland 2010/11

return to contents

furtHer resourses 12

Derry

Donegal

Antrim

Tyrone Leitr Ferma na im

gh

Sligo Mayo

Cavan Roscommon g Lon 1

b 6

Galway

ford

5

Meath in bl u d3a D 8

Westmeath

c

7

Offaly

Kildare

Laois

Clare

Down

h h ut ag Lo m Ar an gh na Mo

9

10

f

4

Wicklow 8

Carlo w

13

g

y nn

Tipperary

ke

Kil

Limerick

Wexford

11

Kerry

Waterford

14

Click on the icon to open the website for that institution

e

Cork

2

Institutes of Technology

Leinster Munster Connaught Ulster Ulster (Northern Ireland)

Universities a Dublin City University b National University of Ireland, Galway c National University of Ireland, Maynooth d Trinity College Dublin e University College Cork f University College Dublin g University of Limerick

1 Athlone Institute of Technology 2 Cork Institute of Technology 3 Dublin Institute of Technology 4 Dun Laoighre Institute of Art, Design & Technology 5 Dundalk Institute of Technology 6 Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology 7 Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown 8 Institute of Technology, Carlow 9 Institute of Technology, Sligo 10 Institute of Technology, Tallaght, Dublin 11 Institute of Technology, Tralee 12 Letterkenny Institute of Technology 13 Limerick Institute of Technology 14 Waterford Institute of Technology

study In Ireland 2010/11

77

contacts dIrectory unIversItIes

Dublin City University www.dcu.ie NUIG +353 (0)91 524411 National University +353 (0)1 7083868 of Ireland, Maynooth Trinity College +353 (0)1 8961000 University College Cork +353 (0)21 490 3000

International Offi ce: +353 (0)21 4904734 University College Dublin +353 (0)1 7167777 University of Limerick +353 (0)61 202414

+353 (0)1 7005000

Click on the email or web address to communicate with the Institution of your choice registry@dcu.ie / international.offi ce@dcu.ie

admissions@nuigalway.ie / international@nuigalway.ie www.nuigalway.ie international.offi ce@nuim.ie www.nuim.ie/international admissions@tcd.ie / international@tcd.ie admissions@ucc.ie

www.tcd.ie www.ucc.ie

admissions@ucd.ie / international@ucd.ie www.ucd.ie amanda.glennon@ul.ie www.ul.ie/internationaleducation

InstItute of tecHnoloGy

Athlone Institute of Technology +353 (0)90 6468000 info@ait.ie / international@ait.ie www.ait.ie Cork Institute of Technology +353 (0)21 4326100 admissions@cit.ie www.cit.ie Dublin Institute of Technology +353 (0)1 4027501 admissions@dit.ie / international@dit.ie www.dit.ie IADT +353 (0)1 2394000 info@iadt.ie www.iadt.ie Dundalk Institute of Technology +353 (0)42 9370200 info@dkit.ie / international@dkit.ie www.dkit.ie GMIT - International Dept +353 (0)91 742456 / 742149 international@gmit.ie www.gmit.ie Institute of Technology, +353 (0)1 8851000 international@itb.ie www.itb.ie Blanchardstown Institute of Technology, Carlow +353 (0)59 9175205 int.cord@itcarlow.ie www.itcarlow.ie /

E-Brouchure www.itcarlow.op-ireland.com Institute of Technology, Sligo +353 (0)71 9155222 admissions@itsligo.ie www.itsligo.ie IT Tralee +353 (0)66 7145638 / info@staff.ittralee.ie www.ittralee.ie International Offi ce: +353 (0)66 7191718

ITT Dublin +353 (0)1 4042000 info@ittdublin.ie / internationaloffi ce@ittdublin.ie www.ittdublin.ie Letterkenny Institute of Technology +353 (0)74 9186000 info@lyit.ie www.lyit.ie Limerick Institute of Technology +353 (0)61 208208 information@lit.ie www.lit.ie Waterford Institute of Technology +353 (0)51 302000 info@wit.ie / international@wit.ie www.wit.ie

colleGes of educatIon

Church of Ireland College +353 (0)1 4970033 info@cice.ie www.cice.ie www.mie.ie of Education (CICE) Froebel College of Education +353 (0)1 2888520 admin@froebel.ie www.froebel.ie St. Angela’s College +353 (0)71 9143580 admin@stacs.edu.ie www.stangelas.com St. Patrick’s College, Thurles +353 (0)504 21201 offi ce@stpats.ie www.stpats.ie St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra +353 (0)1 8842000 admissions.offi ce@spd.dcu.ie www.spd.dcu.ie

International Offi ce: +353 (0)1 8842214

state & otHer colleGes

All Hallows College +353 (0)1 8373745 info@allhallows.ie www.allhallows.ie Kimmage Development +353 (0)1 4064386 / 4064380 info@kimmagedsc.ie www.kimmagedsc.ie Studies Centre National College of Art & Design +353 (0)1 6364200 fi os@ncad.ie www.ncad.ie National College of Ireland, IFSC +353 (0)1 4498500 info@ncirl.ie www.ncirl.ie Pontifical University +353 (0)1 7084772 theology.offi ce@may.ie www.maynoothcollege.ie St Patrick’s College, Maynooth Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland +353 (0)1 4022100 info@rcsi.ie www.rcsi.ie Shannon College of +353 (0)61 712210 admin@shannoncollege.com www.shannoncollege.com Hotel Management Tipperary Institute +353 (0)504 28000 info@tippinst.ie www.tippinst.ie

colleGes of furtHer ed

Bray Institute of Further Education +353 (0)1 2829668 enquiries@bife.ie www.bife.ie Limerick College of +353 (0)61 414344 apply@lcfe.ie www.lcfe.ie Further Education (LCFE)

78

study In Ireland 2010/11

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furtHer resourses otHers

Ielts

www.ielts.org

enGlIsH lanGuaGe scHools

county carloW

Carlow International English +353 (0)59 9142066 ciels@esatclear.ie Language School (CIELS) Dolmen English Language School +353 (0)59 9182536 delscarlow@hotmail.com English Language Ireland +353 (0)59 9140227 ruth@englishlanguage.ie county clare Clare Language Centre

+353 (0)65 6841681 info@clarelc.ie

county cork

ATC Language & Travel +353 (0)1 2845512 Atlantic School of English +353 (0)28 28943 & Active Leisure Carraig Linguistic Services +353 (0)21 4300722 Cork English College International +353 (0)21 4551522 / Language & Activity Holidays Cork International Language +353 (0)21 4251765 Academy Ltd Cork Language Centre International +353 (0)21 4551661 Eden Hill +353 (0)22 21143 Executive Language +353 (0)23 44730 Training Ireland (ELTI) Interconnection Ltd Unit +353 (0)21 4551320 The Language Centre University +353 (0)21 4902043 +353 (0)21 4902898 College Cork Language Learning International (LLI) +353 (0)1 2143314 Midleton Camp International +353 (0)21 4505836 North Mon Language Institute Trust +353 (0)21 4394458 Sunfort English Language College +353 (0)22 48116 Travel Ireland +353 (0)21 4275911 / Summer Educational Courses Youghal International College +353 (0)24 93939

bristol@afuera.com

county doneGal

Atlanticside College +353 (0)71 9833959 Donegal Language School +353 (0)71 9841288 LLI - Language Learning International +353 (0)1 2143314

info@atlanticsidecollege.ie info@donegallanguageschool.com eugene@lli.ie

county dublIn Abbey College Active English Active Language Learning Alpha College of English Annalivia School Of Languages Applied Language Centre, Asociaci贸n Colegio P. Altabella

ATC Language & Travel Atlas Language School Berlitz Language Centre CELT Centre of English Studies D4E Dalmac Language Institute

www.dels.ie www.englishlanguage.ie www.clarelc.ie

info@atcireland.ie info@atlantic-english.com

www.atcireland.ie www.atlantic-english.com

carraigls@eircom.net info@lah.ie

www.carraigls.ie www.corkenglishcollege.ie

info@cilagroup.com info@corklanguagecentre.ie info@edenhillireland.com info@elti.net fi ona@i4s.eu info@langcent.ucc.ie eugene@lli.ie jil@iol.ie info@nmli.ie info@sunfort.com mary@travire.iol.ie

www.cila.ie www.corklanguagecentre.ie www.edenhillireland.com www.elti.net www.i4s.eu www.ucc.ie/esol www.lli.ie www.jonikireland.com www.nmli.ie www.sunfort.com www.afuera.com www.atlanticsidecollege.ie www.donegallanguageschool.com www.lli.ie

+353 (0)1 6791352 dos@abbeycollege.ie www.abbeycollege.ie +353 (0)1 6219039 info@active-english.com / activeng@indigo.ie www.active-english.com +353 (0)1 2843420 info@all.ie www.all.ie +353 (0) 1 8747024 admin@alphacollege.com www.alphacollege.com +353 (0)1 2301100 info@annaliviaschool.com www.annaliviaschool.com +353 (0)1 7167900 info@alc.ucd.ie www.ucd.ie/alc +353 (0)1 6762240 info@altabella.org +353 (0)1 4974947 +353 (0)1 2845512 info@atcireland.ie www.atcireland.ie +353 (0)1 4782845 info@atlaslanguageschool.com www.atlaslanguageschool.com +353 (0)1 6449742 dublin@berlitz.ie www.berlitz.ie +353 (0)1 2107639 info@celtltd.ie +353 (0)1 6714233 info@ces-schools.com www.ces-schools.com +353 (0)1 2755798 info@dublin4english.ie www.dublin4english.ie +353 (0)1 8431697 jose@dalmaclanguage.ie www.dalmaclanguage.ie

study In Ireland 2010/11

79

DBL College Ltd +353 (0)1 6857271 admissions@dblcollege.com www.dblcollege.com Delfin English School +353 (0)1 8722037 info@delfin.ie www.delfin.ie Dorset College +353 (0)1 8611111 eleanor.ocarroll@dorset-college.ie www.dorset-college.ie Dublin City University +353 (0)1 7005678 english@dcu.ie www.english.dcu.ie Language Services DCU-LS Dublin Cultural Institute +353 (0)1 8728470 info@dublinci.com www.dublinci.com Dublin International +353 (0)1 4738120 info@difc.ie www.difc.ie Foundation College Dublin School of English +353 (0)1 6773322 admin@dse.ie www.dse.ie Dublin Summer Language School +353 (0)1 2870656 DSLS@Eircom.net +353 (0)85 7076594

Eden School of English +353 (0)1 8783684 info@edenschool.org www.edenschool.org Eden College +353 (0)1 8792359 English@edencollege.ie www.edencollege.ie EF International Language Schools +353 (0)1 6114220 aine.magennis@ef.com www.ef.com ELTA (English Language) +353 (0)1 6799715 hello@elta.ie www.elta.ie Tutorial Academy Emerald Cultural Institute +353 (0)1 4973361 emerald@eci.ie www.eci.ie English Academy, The +353 (0)1 8726600 admissions@theenglishacademy.ie www.theenglishacademy.ie English in Dublin +353 (0)1 6613788 info@englishindublin.ie www.eidschool.ie English Language Academy +353 (0)1 8054909 info@elaireland.com www.elaireland.com English Language Institute Ltd +353 (0)1 4752965 info@englishlanguage.com www.englishlanguage.com GEOS English Academy Dublin +353 (0)1 4789897 info@geos-dublin.com www.geos-dublin.com Grafton College +353 (0)1 8726597 nicholaskelly@graftoncollege.ie www.graftoncollege.ie Griffith College Dublin +353 (0)1 4150453 diarmuid@gcd.ie www.gcd.ie Griffith Institute of Language High Schools International +353 (0)1 6784800 dmillar@hsinet.org www.hsinet.org Infinity Business College +353 (0)1 6796464 info@ibcollege.com www.ibcollege.com International House Dublin +353 (0)1 4759277 marketing@ihdublin.com www.ihdublin.com International Language Services +353 (0)1 4574837 moyllang@iol.ie www.marist-brothers.ie International Business School +353 (0)1 6612209 info@intbusschoolirl.com www.intbusschoolirl.com Ireland (Dublin Tutorial Centre) Irish College of English +353 (0)1 8453744 info@iceireland.com www.iceireland.com iStudy International (ISI) +353 (0)1 8727888 brianburns@isi-ireland.ie www.isi-ireland.ie The Joyce English Language School +353 (0)1 6337947 joycecollege@eircom.net www.thejoyce.com Kaplan International Colleges +353 (0)1 6727122 jonathan.duignan@kaplan.com www.kaplanaspect.com Kenilworth Language Institute +353 (0)1 4971499 info@kenilworthinstitute.ie www.kenilworthinstitute.ie Language and Leisure +353 (0)1 2804586 info@lal.ie www.lal.ie Language Centre of Ireland (LCI) Ltd +353 (0)1 6716266 info@lci.ie www.lci.ie LLI - Language Learning International +353 (0)1 2143314 eugene@lli.ie www.lli.ie London College Dublin +353 (0)1 6612474 gocallaghan@londoncollegedublin.com www.londoncollegedublin.com MLI International School +353 (0)1 6627677 info@mli-group.com www.mli-group.com Success College +353 (0)1 8828885 info@successcollege.ie www.successcollege.ie Swan Training Institute +353 (0)1 6775252 oliver@sti.ie / dos@sti.ie www.sti.ie +353 (0)87 7991893

The Bristow School of English +353 (0)46 9242657 markbristowschool07@gmail.com The Horner School of English +353 (0)1 6622911 admin@hornerschool.ie www.hornerschool.ie The International Study Centre +353 (0)1 4782845 office@iscdublin.com www.iscdublin.com +353 (0)1 4782766

The Language House School of English +353 (0)1 6614460 info@the-language-house.com www.the-language-house.com The Linguaviva Centre +353 (0)1 6789384 info@linguaviva.com www.linguaviva.com U-Learn Language School +353 (0)1 8787339 info@u-learn.ie www.u-learn.ie

county galway Atlantic Language Galway +353 (0)91 566053 info@atlanticlanguage.com www.atlanticlanguage.com Bridge Mills Galway Language +353 (0)91 566468 info@galwaylanguage.com www.galwaylanguage.com Centre City of Galway VEC +353 (0)91 549400 kieran.harrington@cgvec.ie English Language Centre +353 (0)91 492264 englishlanguage@nuigalway.ie www.nuigalway.ie/englishlanguage Galway Cultural Institute +353 (0)91 863100 info@gci.ie www.gci.ie MLI International School +353 (0)1 6627677 info@mli-group.com www.mli-group.com Shannonside Language Centre +353 (0)67 22300 slcenglish@eircom.net www.shannonside.org

80

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furtHer resourses county kerry Celtic School of English Killarney School of English Asana School Of English

+353 (0)66 7180088 +353 (0)64 6636630 +353 (0)66 9472458

celticschoolofenglish@hotmail.com ksoe@eircom.net info@asanaireland.com

www.celticschoolofenglish.com www.ksoe.com www.asanaireland.com

county kIldare ATC Language & Travel Divine Word School Of English

+353 (0)1 2845512 info@atcireland.ie +353 (0)1 6289512 dwes_irl@eircom.net

www.atcireland.ie www.dwes.or

county kIlkenny ATC Language and Travel

+353 (0)1 2845512 info@atcireland.ie

www.atcireland.ie

county lImerIck ATC Language & Travel HIS Limerick Business School / HSI English Language School Kilfinane Education Centre Limerick Language Centre LLI - Language Learning International MLI International School Travel Ireland - Summer Educational Courses University of Limerick Language Centre

+353 (0)1 2845512 info@atcireland.ie +353 (0)61 317822 kdonnelly@hsi.ie

www.atcireland.ie www.hsi.ie

+353 (0)63 91161 info@kilfi naneoec.com +353 (0)61 415292 langctr@iol.ie +353 (0)1 2143314 eugene@lli.ie +353 (0)1 6627677 info@mli-group.com 353(0)21 4275911 mary@travire.iol.ie +353 (0)61 202777 language.centre@ul.ie

county loutH Dundalk School of English

Edgewater College at EPTI

+353 (0)42 9323025 info@dsoe.ie +353 (0)87 1272702 +353 (0)41 9846500 admin@edgewater.ie

county mayo Killala School Of English Parlez Pronto Langauge School

+353 (0)96 32308 healym@iol.ie +353 (0)94 9024565 parlezp@iol.ie

county meatH Centre of English Studies county slIGo Native Speaker

www.ul.ie/languagecentre

www.dsoe.ie www.edgewater.ie www.kseirl.com www.parlezpronto.com www.ces-schools.com

+353 (0)71 9147728 info@nativespeaker.ie

www.nativespeaker.ie

county WestmeatH

Belvedere Institute of Education, +353 (0)44 9329777 info@belvedereinstitute.com Mullingar Shannon Academy of English +353 (0)906 493457 sslanguages@hotmail.com

county WIckloW ATC Language & Travel Brook House School Language & Business College Ireland Pace Language Institute Ltd

www.mli-group.com

+353 (0)1 6714233 info@ces-schools.com

county Waterford

EFL Ireland +353 (0)51 385483 info@e -ireland.com Travel Ireland +353 (0)21 4275911 mary@travire.iol.ie / Summer Educational Courses Waterford English Language Centres +353 (0)51 877288 welc@iol.ie

county WeXford Einstein 2 The Slaney Language Centre

www.kilfi nanelanguage.com www.english-in-limerick.com www.lli.ie

+353 (0)404 25890 lizq@eircom.net +353 (0)53 9120881 info@wexford-language.com

+353 (0)1 2845512 +353 (0)1 2862686 +353 (0)1 2865627 +353 (0)1 2869524 +353 (0)1 2760922

info@atcireland.ie brookhouseschool@eircom.net info@languagecollegeireland.com info@paceinstitute.ie

study In Ireland 2010/11

www.e -ireland.com www.welc.ie www.belvedereinstitute.com www.shannonacademy.com www.einstein2.ie www.wexford-language.com www.atcireland.ie www.languagecollegeireland.com www.paceinstitute.ie 81

notes

82

study in Ireland 2010/11

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1 Search Ireland’s National Education Database at www.postgrad.ie for a course near you

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