English Courses in Dublin
These are the English language courses offered by the language school IH Dublin:
- General English/Exam Programmes
- English + Work Programmes
- Teachers’ Courses / CELTA
- High School Programme
- Junior Summer Programmes
- Group Programmes
General English Programmes
Available all year round, our general English language courses cover all aspects of the language – grammar, usage, reading, writing, listening and speaking. We offer:
- Standard General English (20 hours per week)
- Intensive General English (25 hours per week)
- Combination Course (General English + Individual Tuition)
- Individual Tuition
Exam Preparation Programmes
Cambridge Examination Courses
These courses prepare students for the University of Cambridge Examinations, which are among the most widely recognised English language examinations in the world. We offer preparation courses for:
- First Certificate
- Certificate in Advanced English
- Certificate of Proficiency
Registering for Exams: The Cambridge exams have set dates for registration, usually about 3 months before the examination date. Students attending the 8-week preparation course for the March examination will need to have registered in advance of their arrival. When requested, IH Dublin will register students for the requested exam.
IELTS Examination Course
The International English Language Testing System exam is a key examination for entry to English-speaking universities. The course combines a morning general English programme with afternoon sessions that focus on exam preparation and practice.
Registering for Exams: The IELTS exam can be taken every month throughout the year and students should register for the exam in advance of their arrival, at the time of enrolling for the course. During the summer months, demand for the exam increases considerably. For students wishing to take an IELTS course and examination during the busy months of July and August it is advisable to register for the exam as far in advance as possible.
English + Internship Programme
This programme combines an English language course with an unpaid work placement in an Irish company, in areas such as administration and IT. The focus is on gaining practical work experience and practicing the English language in a professional, English-speaking work environment.
| Available | Age Group | Minimum level | Minimum Length of English Course | Minimum Placement | Maximum Placement |
| October-May only | 18-28 | Upper-intermediate | 4 weeks | 4 weeks | 12 weeks |
English + Work Experience Programme
This programme combines an English language course with assistance in finding paid employment in Ireland. Employment opportunities are in the service industries such as hotels, shops, pubs and restaurants.
| Available | Age Group | Minimum level | Minimum Length of English Course | Minimum Placement | Maximum Placement |
| October-May only | 20-28 | Upper-intermediate | 4 weeks | 16 weeks | No maximum |
Application
All applicants must complete the relevant application form. Acceptance onto course will depend on relevant previous work experience and your English language level.
Interviews
Applicants for both the English + Internship and English + Work Experience programmes, will have a maximum of 2 job interviews, after they arrive in Ireland. Details of employment will be given to successful applicants, approximately 1 week prior to commencement.
Jobs
Employment opportunities are in the service industries such as hotels, shops, pubs and restaurants. Applicants may indicate a preference for the job sought but we cannot guarantee that we can fulfil your requirements.
Work Schedule
Your work schedule/roster will be arranged by your employer and it may be necessary for you to be available to work in the evening and at weekends. It is not possible for you to decide the hours that you would like to work.
Teachers’ Refresher Course (non-native teachers)
This programme is designed for teachers whose first language is not English, who wish to refresh their English language skills while at the same time, explore new methodologies and different approaches to teaching a language.
The course is designed by our Teacher Training Department, and consists of lectures, workshops, and communicative sessions and is ideal for teachers who wish to take home lots of practical ideas and activities to use with their own students.
CELTA
University of Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
This is probably the most recognised initial qualification for teachers of English in the world. Successful candidates will be able to avail of the International House World Organisation Recruitment Services, which places teachers in International House schools worldwide.
High School Programme
The High School / Academic Year programme consists of a full year, one term or two terms in an Irish secondary school. The programme is available at a wide variety of carefully chosen private and state schools in Ireland. The Irish educational system offers a broad range of academic subjects in science, technology and the arts.
The High School Programme is open to students aged 12-18 and our service includes:
- Careful selection of the school
- School visit tour for parents if required
- Selection of host family for day pupils
- Assistance with school uniform and textbooks
- Regular reports to parents
- Regular visits to the student
- Liaison with school and teachers
- 24 hour emergency contact
- Processing of documents as required for validation
- Provision of family accommodation during holidays where required
- Arrangement of airport transfers to school or family
- Arrangement of return flights if necessary
To start the application procedure you should forward the following documents by post:
- High School Application form
- Last two academic (school) reports from current school
- A letter of recommendation (an academic and character reference) from your School Head or School Director
- Level of English. Schools need an accurate indication. There can be faxed a test. Alternatively any recognised certificate or English language test taken in the two months prior to application will suffice. (This only applies to students who do not speak English as their first language)
Junior Summer Programmes
Homestay - Sutton Park School
- 15 hours tuition per week (60 minute lessons)
- Full sports and activities programme in the afternoons
- 1 full day excursion per week, packed lunch provided
- 1 evening activity per week
- Full board host family accommodation
- Hot lunch provided in the school
- Daily transport for students living more than 15 minutes walk away
- Use of textbooks and course materials
- Certificates of Attendance on satisfactory completion of the course
Residential - St. Columba’s College
Start Dates: Courses commence each Monday from the start of July – mid-August. Minimum course length is 2 weeks and the last Friday of the course is in the end of August. Students should arrive on the Saturday or Sunday before the course starts.
This Junior Summer Programme includes:
- 15 hours tuition per week (60 minute lessons)
- Full sports and activities programme in the afternoons
- Full evening activities programme
- 1 full day excursion per week, packed lunch provided
- Full board residential accommodation in school
- Hot lunch provided in the school
- Hot meals provided in the school
- Use of textbooks and course materials
- Certificates of Attendance on satisfactory completion of the course
Groups usually consist of 15 or more students accompanied by 1 group leader per 15 students. We offer free accommodation for 1 group leader per 15 students and airport transfers are free for groups of 15 or more students.
Group Programmes
Group Leaders
Group leaders should be over 18 years of age and should have a good working knowledge of the English language. Leaders are expected to assist teachers and monitors in ensuring that students are punctual and attentive in class. They should be prepared to become involved in afternoon activities and to assist in the supervision of weekend excursions and evening outings. Regular meetings are held with the Course Director to discuss the week’s events and to deal with any problems that may arise. Should a student require medical attention in a doctor’s surgery or hospital, then the group leader will escort the student.
Below are explained the group programmes that are offered by the language school IH Dublin:
- Junior Summer Programmes
- Junior Winter Programme/Mini-Stay
- High School Integration Programme
- Group Programmes for adults
- Teachers’ Refresher Programme
Junior Summer Programmes
We accept both groups and individual students on our Junior Summer Programmes at Sutton Park School and St. Columba’s College in Dublin. We accept groups only at our Junior Summer Centre in Carlow.
Junior Winter Programme/Mini-Stay
We offer programmes for young learners throughout the academic year, from September to May. Courses are on a closed-group basis and consist of English language tuition and Homestay accommodation combined with a rich programme of social and cultural activities. Courses can be specially designed to meet the needs of the group and the typical package is usually a 1 or 2 week stay with a combination of the following:
- Tuition
- Airport Transfer
- Accommodation
- Full Social Programme
- Talks and lectures
Please contact us with your specific programme requests by requesting the brochure, and we will provide you with a proposal/quotation.
High School Integration Programme
We have been offering this programme for 5 years and it has become very popular with School Groups throughout Europe. The programme is similar to the mini-stay programme with the addition of morning high school integration at selected Irish High Schools. Daily routine is established at the school and students integrate into classes and follow the curriculum as set out by the high school. The programme can be 1 or 2 weeks in length.
Group Programme for Adults
We have considerable experience in creating special courses for groups of students who have very specific English language or educational training needs.
Teachers’ Refresher Programme for Groups
This programme is designed for teachers whose first language is not English, who wish to refresh their English language skills while at the same time, explore new methodologies and different approaches to teaching a language.
The Teachers
The quality of our teaching is guaranteed by the fact that our teachers are fully qualified, native English speakers who have been carefully selected to match the high standards we set ourselves. Our teachers, who are supported by our Academic Team, use a wide range of modern approaches and techniques to meet our students’ individual needs and aims. Like all International House schools, we are committed to delivering quality instruction in the classroom and to fostering a high degree of academic professionalism.
Language Levels
We offer 7 levels from absolute beginners to advanced. Students will normally need at least 80 hours tuition at any one level at any one time, before advancing to the next class level.
Beginner |
You have just started to study English. You will learn to communicate at a basic level. |
Elementary |
You can communicate at a basic level and can deal with the situations necessary to survive in an English speaking country e.g. travel, shopping and socialising. |
Pre-Intermediate |
You are still in the early stages of learning English, but can understand and speak in simple everyday situations. |
Intermediate |
You are developing your language skills well. You are starting to express more complex ideas, but your language is not always accurate. |
Upper-Intermediate |
You can communicate quite fluently, although not always accurately. You can use English confidently and can express complex ideas. |
Pre-Advanced |
You can use a wide range of language effectively in many situations and can easily understand spoken and written English. |
Advanced |
You can understand and communicate effectively, fluently and with an extensive range of language. You may still need to be more accurate or to develop your understanding and use of very colloquial English. |
