Thursday, 01.01.1970
Course Options
English language schools in Ireland offer a very wide range of different English language course programmes, which have been developed to cater for the requirements of different students. All levels of proficiency are welcome, from those who do not yet speak any English at all to those who wish to prepare for recognized qualifications to prove their high level of English language proficiency.
Students are free to choose whichever course suits their particular level of competency and requirements. They will usually be asked to take a test in advance, which will allow the school to place them in a class among other students of a similar level.
Most English language courses, regardless of level, will feature similar elements. Schools are regulated by ACELS and their curricula must be approved to gain full recognition. Many programmes will feature a high proportion of conversational practice which means students get to practice what the have learned in a realistic environment.
Each class at English language schools in Ireland typically lasts 50 or 55 minutes and most courses feature 30 – 30 hours class-time a week. The duration (i.e. number of weeks) of each course will depend on the course level and requirements of the student. Some advanced courses feature one–on–one tuition between the student and teacher. Other classes accommodate ten to fifteen students.
The most basic courses will look at the ‘building blocks’ of the English language. Listening, speaking, reading and writing are the most basic elements of all courses. Some programmes are especially designed for adult learners, and others concentrate on younger students.
A large number of English language courses available in Ireland are designed to suit the requirements of international students preparing to enter undergraduate or postgraduate programmes in Ireland. Other students join the Irish school system at Leaving Certificate level, with the aim of entering university after completing this examination.
Academic preparation courses should also include extra elements such as an introduction to the Irish education system, essay writing skills, exam preparation and presentation skills, as well as intensive instruction in advanced grammar, syntax, vocabulary etc. Graduates of these courses will then have the listening, speaking, reading and writing skills to communicate effectively and accurately in academic situations.
Advanced English courses are available for students who already have a good level of English and who wish to move towards full fluency, and use English in all aspects of their personal or working lives. These courses look at the difficult grammar and syntax issues and many programmes feature advanced interactive listening, role-play and problem solving techniques and activities.
Very popular are Business English programmes, which prepare students for using English in their professional lives. These can provide dedicated training in areas such as telephone English, customer service, sales techniques, making presentations and business English writing. Other courses concentrate on using English in particular careers such as medicine, nursing, legal, engineering, IT, aviation etc.
Other advanced English language courses look at cultural and social uses of English in Irish society. Classes might concentrate on the works of famous Irish writers such as Oscar Wilde or James Joyce, or learn more about Irish cinema or history, while all the time teaching new vocabulary and practicing the words and grammar you already know.
Residential English language courses are also available which offer a mix of tuition, accommodation and extra-curricular activities. These can include a holiday, featuring sightseeing or outdoor adventure pursuits along with daily English language conversation classes, or more intensive month long residential courses where the main focus is to improve your English language competency.
