The study of a language is often as much an advantage as a major need for any student or international traveller. If you have decided to come to study a language in its mother country, or you wish to improve your English, you will many opportunities
The Department of Education and Skills provide annual funding to Education and Training Boards (ETBs) from which English Language tuition may be provided to adult migrants. Some English classes are free.
Most English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) schools in Ireland are privately run and provide students with a full package of tuition, homestay accommodation and extra-curricular activities. The majority of schools offer preparation programmes for the major English language examinations, such as TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge and Trinity College (London). TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) programmes are also available at many schools and a number of universities (University College Dublin, University College Cork, NUI Galway, Dublin City University and the University of Limerick.
The Accreditation and Coordination of English Language Services (ACELS) is the national body responsible to control the standards in English Language Teaching (ELE) schools and organisations through an inspection/recognition scheme.
The list of recognised ELE organisations is published on an annual basis at the beginning of each calendar year - please see the Schools section on its website.
Private language schools in Ireland offer courses, which range from basic tuition to courses leading to an internationally- recognised qualification. Several of the schools listed in the "ACELS Recognised English Language Teaching Organisations" also offer individual language lessons.
An exchange partner is an excellent resource for practicing a new language with a native speaker. As a bonus, language exchange partners can help you understand the culture of the area and inform you of local happenings. In the best-case sceneries, an exchange partner is not only your ambassador, but a friend.
Many library services also offer conversation exchanges in Dublin, where you may be able to learn English in exchange for conversing with someone in your own language. For a list of libraries in the Dublin City Council area participating in these exchanges, please visit Dublin City Libraries website.
In addition to the above, there are many non-governmental organisations (NGO's) and voluntary organisations in Ireland who offer English languages exchanges. Many of these classes are free of charge: For example, classes are provided by:
You can also find a tandem partner through EasyExpat's forums.
In addition to attending English language classes, there are a number of things you can do yourself to help improve your English:
Update 14/10/2017
Babbel is an international success with millions of active subscribers and ranked as the world's #1 innovative company in education.
Learn and review on your own schedule: Mobile, tablet or desktop compatible, with lessons about 10-15 min.
Expert-made courses: Learn the basics or focus on topics like travel, culture, or business.
Start speaking right away: Learn to speak a new language naturally and conversationally.
Every learner is different: Each course is based on your native language and personal interests.
Remember everything: Babbel employs proven cognitive techniques that move new vocab to your long-term memory.
Refine your pronunciation: Practise speaking and improve your pronunciation with speech recognition technology.
Registration with Babbel is completely free of charge and the first lesson in every course is FREE to try (Depending on the language you choose, that's 30-80 free lessons!).
If you want full access to Babbel's courses, simply choose a subscription that works best for you. Buy with confidence: 20-day money back guarantee!