What is included in the Academic Fee?
1. Academic Tuition – this is obviously a given, however we believe we are offering the best and most effective tuition possible. The Academic Tuition comprises the classes that students must take, usually 4/5 hours per subject per week – up to 6 hours for English classes if a student is taking English for Leaving Certificate.
All of our teachers are experts in their individual fields and as mentioned,
many have written text books that are used nationwide for the Leaving Certificate - Profiles of our excellent teachers can be read on this website www.ioe.ie. All our teachers are extremely approachable and willing to help students with academic difficulties. They have been dealing with International Students for many years and know the particular problems they face and how to tackle them.
Also, students are not requested to buy text books as teachers hand out Notes in every class. This saves time writing on boards and note-taking, leaving the whole hour-long class for teaching. It also minimises stress on students at the beginning of the year when they are busy finding their feet in a new school and city.
Teachers also give and correct homework regularly in every subject and give regular class tests. The results of these are the communicated to the International Office and kept on each students file. Any problems can then be reported easily and regularly back to sponsoring bodies.
Teachers also assist students with subject that contain a Compulsory Practical Element e.g.
· Physics, Chemistry, Biology Experiments
· Cookery in Home Economics
· Home Economics Journal Project
· Geography Field Trips
· Agricultural Science Field Trips
Students are expertly guided every step of the way. If they work to the best of their ability they will achieve the desired results.
2. Supplementary Tutorials in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Maths etc. – these tutorials are extra sessions held by teachers each week with small groups of students – possibly 10-12 students per tutorial group. It is here that students get specific, individual help. Students find tutorials highly beneficial.
3. Intensive Revision Courses – are held in The Institute of Education every December, March and May. These courses are excellent and are attended by students from all over the country. International students may attend these courses free of charge.
4. Arabic Class – Students have 2 hours of Arabic per week with a native speaker to prepare them for the Arabic Exam in the Leaving Certificate.
5. Mock Exams - Mock Leaving Certificate Exams are a series of Exams held under the same conditions as the real Leaving Certificate. They are held each February in The Institute of Education. Students find them an excellent way of judging progress and finding out which areas need work. It also gives them an opportunity to experience State Exam Conditions. The Exams are then sent away to external correctors and sent back fully graded within 2 weeks. This costs Irish students around €70 in total but International Students can sit Mock Exams free of charge.
6. Application Fees for all Universities and Registration for the Leaving Certificate – The Institute of Education pays the following fees and deals with all administration regarding applying to University for each International Student; this takes the responsibility of the paperwork and deadlines off the students and guarantees that they apply properly and on time. We pay:
Where will I live?
International Students can request a host family to stay with. Host families provide a friendly atmosphere and a great opportunity to improve English language skills. Please give the International Office at least two weeks notice if you wish to stay with a Host family.
Alternatively students can rent their own apartments in the city centre.
What is it like living in Ireland?
Ireland is a small multi racial, multi denominatinal country, where persons of all faiths and backgrounds are welcomed. For those of the muslim faith, please review this site for more information.
When does school start?
The first term begins around the second week of September. Please ensure that you allow plenty of time to get a study visa. You must arrange this with the Irish Embassy in your home country.
How do I get a Study Visa?
The Institute of Education can provide the necessary application forms and information for applying for a study visa. You must present yourself at the Immigration Office in Dublin within four weeks of your arrival to extend your visa. Please remember that all paper work pertaining to visas is the students responsibility. The Institute of Education can give you the guidelines but you must ensure that you follow correct procedures both in Ireland and in your home country.
What happens if my visa application is refused?
Please send the reference number to the International Office and a refund of fees will be given.
