Ireland	Cork City
Standout Features	School Facilities
Social Activities	Course List
General English	Summer Packages
IELTS	Work and Study
Medical Insurance	Relocation Information
Level Test	Accommodation
Airport Transfers	Booking Procedure
Payment and Refund	Agent Resources
Student Feedback	School Closure Dates
Jobs in Cork	Nationality Mix
Student Resources	Visa Requiring

Visa Requiring – Applying for a Visa	Visa Requiring – Booking Procedure
Visa Requiring – Level Test	Visa Requiring – Accommodation
Visa Requiring – Payment and Refund	Visa Requiring – Medical Insurance

Did you know the following people, bands and festivals are Irish?

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Top Places to go Wild in Ireland!

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Cork City

Parks and Green Spaces in Cork

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Beaches Near Cork City

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Transport in Cork City

Easy to get around: Cork city is a compact and very walkable city with lots of pedestrianized streets for walking

Cycling: Cycle lanes for bicycles and scooter

Buses: Regular bus service connecting all suburbs (Douglas, Bishopstown, Ballincollig,  Mayfield, Ballyphehane, Ballinlough)

Must Visits in Cork!

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Social Programme

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Course List

General Options

1. General English 15-hour Morning

2. General English 15-hour Afternoon

3. 6 Weeks IELTS Course 15 hour Morning

4. 6 Weeks IELTS Course 15 hour Afternoon

Work and Study Options

5. Work and Study: General English TIE Morning

6. Work and Study: General English TIE Afternoon

7. Work and Study: General English and IELTS Morning

8. Work and Study: General English and IELTS Afternoon

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Relocation Information

Once your student gets to Ireland we will help them with the important actions required for their relocation process:

• Applying for their IRP card/ Immigration registration
• How to show proof of funds
• How to show proof of address
• How to open an Irish bank account (if needed)
• Applying for a Student Leap Card/ bus ticket (if needed)

Students can familiarize themselves with detailed information on each point using these useful Click and Translate Relocation Guides which we will share with them as part of their induction:

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English Language Level Test

The school will email all students with a link to our online level test 12 weeks before course start date.

Level Test and Translatable Instructions: 

https://www.corkenglishacademy.com/english-language-placement-test

Step 1: Complete the Online Test (52 Questions)

• The first 2 questions are short writing questions.
• Please do not: copy and paste, use a translator,  use ChatGPT or any other AI system. Your result will be marked as invalid if you do.
• Use only the English language you know honestly and naturally, so we can assess your level correctly.
• You are expected to have very basic English before starting a course at CEA. Even if you have very little English you must still attempt to answer.
• The next 40 are multiple choice grammar questions
• The final 10 are multiple choice vocabulary questions

Step 2: Choose a Speaking Test Date

On completing the Online Test students will be prompted to select a date and time for a short 5 minute Speaking Test.

Book a Speaking Test Time. The Calendar will look like this:

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Do’s

• Choose a speaking test date as close as possible to completing the Online Test ( 52 Questions). This is important.
• Please ensure you complete the test carefully, by yourself and without help.
• Use only the English language you know honestly and naturally, so we can assess your level correctly.
• Please ensure your microphone / sound is turned on and working.
• Turn off your camera if you prefer. You do not need to use your video / camera.

Don’ts

• Do not use a translator, ChatGPT or any other AI system.
• Do not read from a script or rely on searching for, translating or typing answers.
• Do not reschedule your speaking test unless absolutely necessary. Please only reschedule in case of an emergency

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School Accommodation

1. Host Family with Meals (half-board)
2. Host Family Self-Catering (room only)
3. Shared Apartments (year-round)
4. Summer Apartments (25th May to 24th August 2025)

Minimum Stay: 2 weeks minimum if booking accommodation through the school. However, we strongly recommend booking at least 4 weeks in advance.

Booking Requirements: Saturday or Sunday arrival only

1. Host Family with Meals (Traditional Option)

• Enjoy a classic homestay experience with daily meals provided by your host family, giving you the chance to fully immerse yourself in local family life and culture.
• Meals are half-board (breakfast and dinner) Monday to Friday and full-board ( breakfast, lunch and dinner) Saturday and Sunday.
• €220 per week single
• €195 per person per week double/twin
• €60 placement fee

2. Host Family Self-Catering (Modern Option for Changing Needs)

Cork English Academy is excited to be the first school in Ireland to offer a unique host family self-catering option.

• Experience the independence of preparing your own meals while staying with a friendly local host.
• €190 per week single
• €165 per person per week double/twin
• €60 placement fee
• Students have access to the kitchen to cook food they buy themselves.

All Host Families

• Host Families are on the Cork City bus route (Cork City Bus Red Zone) 
• Cork City Bus numbers 201 to 220
• Average journey by bus from host family to school is 30 minutes
• Transfers to and from Cork airport /Cork City on your arrival and departure are included.
• Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday bookings
• Arrivals to Cork between 08.00 and 00.00 midnight only (no late arrivals). 
• Arriving to Ireland on a late or mid-week flight? Book a hostel in Cork and your host family can pick you up from that hostel on the Saturday or Sunday morning.
• Wi-Fi Internet
• Access to laundry facilities
• No security deposit required from students for Host Family Bookings

3.Shared Apartments (year -round)

• The school is partnered with Viva Ireland Apartment Provider.
• Viva Ireland have many locations across the city center  – all walking distance to the school
• Single room: €266 per week
• Twin/double room: €182 per person per week
• 1 person travelling alone can book 1 bed in a twin room
• Live availability check on the Viva Ireland website
• Saturday or Sunday arrival only ( when booked through the school)
• 24 hour self check-in
• Utility bills, TV, Wi-Fi, one duvet and bed linen set included
• Access to laundry facilities
• Security Deposit authorization link emailed to students directly by Viva Ireland on check-in date
• 1 to 7 week bookings: €100 (refundable)
• 8 + week bookings: €300 (refundable)

4. Summer Apartments (25th May to 24th August 2025)

We’ve partnered with Nido, a trusted apartment provider, to offer rooms at their modern Ashlin House location for the Summer months.

• All rooms are for solo occupany
• All rooms have a private bathroom
• 2 to 8 week bookings €250 per week
• 9 to 13 week bookings €220 per week
• High-Speed WiFi
• In-House Gym
• Social Spaces
• Study Rooms
• Communal Kitchen
• 24-Hour Security
• On-Site Maintenance
• No security deposit
• No placement fee

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Airport Transfers

Cork Airport

Cork Airport has many direct flights and is serviced by international hub airports: London Heathrow, Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt, Zurich and more.

Dublin Airport

• If flying into Dublin Airport students can get the Aircoach bus Dublin Airport to Cork City
• 3.5 hours direct bus. You can purchase the ticket online in advance or at the bus departure.

Host Family Transfers

Host family transfers to and from Cork Airport or Aircoach bus stop Cork city are included at no extra cost.

• Host Family Saturday or Sunday Arrival Only
• For Cork arrivals between 8am and 00:00 midnight (no late arrivals)

Shared Apartment Transfers (Viva Ireland)

An arrival transfer is available from Cork Airport or Cork City to the accommodation address on request: €50 one-way. Although most students staying at apartments simply jump in a taxi outside the airport. It is only a 15 minute journey to the city centre.

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Payment Policy

• Payment in full needs to have reached the school bank account at least 28 days before course start date.
• Please send proof of payment by email about 32 days before course start date to allow for banking transaction days.
• As a valued partner agent, we do not require booking deposits from you. 
• School Preferred Payment Options:

1. Full nett from the agency in one payment 
2. Full gross from the agent or student in one payment (where we would then send  commission to you after the student has started their course)

• If the student wants to pay deposits or instalments we ask that this is through your agency and to your agency bank account. You can then send us payment when full fees have been received by the agency.

If either of these payment methods don’t suit your agency please let us know at the beginning of our partnership and we can discuss a customized payment method if needed (for example 2 installments before arrival).

Refund Policy

• We need at least 28 days notice of cancellation in order to avoid late cancellation charges (external charges like accommodation or insurance).
• If a course and/or accommodation booking is cancelled 28 days or more before a student course and/or accommodation start date a full refund is issued.
• If you cancel your course 27 to 14 days before arrival, we will refund 90% of your course minus €265 (€200 + school registration fee of €65 where applicable).
• If you cancel your accommodation 27 to 14 days before arrival, we will refund 90% of your accommodation fees minus the accommodation placement fee (€80 for apartments, €60 for host family).
• If you cancel your course later than 14 days before arrival, we will refund 90% of your course fees minus €265 (€200 + school registration fee of €65 where applicable).
• If you cancel your accommodation later than 14 days no accommodation fees can be refunded.
• If you cancel your course and/or accommodation after arrival, leave it early or miss any lessons, including in case of sickness, refund is not given.
• Notice of cancellation must be provided in writing and applies from the date it is received by Cork English Academy.
• Fees, less any cancellation charges, will be returned within 15 working days of the request being communicated to us.

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Important Booking Procedures

Here are some important booking procedures which might be specific to Cork English Academy. We would appreciate if you could take your time to familiarize yourself with the following:

28 Day Booking Policy

The following details need to be finialed at least 28 days before arrival and before final confirmation or schools letters can be issued.

If all details are not received at least 28 days before arrival the booking will automatically be cancelled (refunds will be processed where applicable). 

1. Online Level Test Results 

• The test is emailed to students 12 weeks before course start date
• Students are requested to take the level test the same week that they receive it by email.
• Please encourage students to take the test as soon as they get it.
• If the student tests as A0 you will have the choice of: Cancellation or choosing alternative dates & allowing time for self-study at home (at least 3 months after original course start date

2. Payment in full

3. Flight Arrival

4. Passport (Stamp 2 and visa applicants only)

5. Address in Cork (if accommodation is not booked through the school)

If accommodation is booked through the school:

6.Student Phone Number

If host family is booked through the school:

7. Host Family pick-up time and location

Monday After Arrival Start Date Mandatory

It is mandatory that all Stamp 2 and visa applicants start their course the immediate Monday after flight arrival to Ireland.

Levels

We offer courses from Elementary level (CEF A1) to Advanced level (CEF C2).

• Absolute Beginner A0 –  we do not offer courses for A0 
• Elementary A1
• Pre-Intermediate A2
• Intermediate B1
• Upper Intermediate B2
• Advanced C1 
• Proficient C2

Last Minute Booking Procedure

• In the case of last-minute bookings (under 5 weeks to arrival) we will send a level test before issuing invoices. 
• If there is not enough time to receive a bank transfer into the school account (can take 5 to 7 working days) , we may require card details to confirm the booking.

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Student Resources

Students can familiarize themselves with detailed information on each point using these useful Click and Translate Relocation Guides which we will share with them as part of their induction:

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Student Feedback

Read Student Stories including reasons for learning English, what they are enjoying about their language learning and what they find most challenging!

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Nationality Mix

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Visa Requiring Specific

Suitable for partner agencies with clients from visa requiring countries for example Colombia, Ecuador, Turkey, China, Mongolia, Peru.

Applying for a Visa – What to show the Embassy?

Students will need to fill out an online visa application form that will go directly to their nearest Irish Embassy for consideration: www.visas.inis.gov.ie/avats/OnlineHome.aspx

The Irish Embassy official will ask you to show/prove the following:

• You are enrolled on a privately funded course involving at least 15 hours of organised daytime tuition – your official school letter
• You have paid the requisite fees to the college – your official school letter
• Proof that you have immediate access €10000 for a student applying for a long-term Study D visa and €4680 for a short-term Study C visa (of 1 to 12 weeks) – your bank statement
• You have private medical insurance – your medical insurance document
• You have the academic ability to follow your chosen course – your official school letter will state that you have the minimum level required
• 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

Reasons why a visa application can be refused can include:

• You have had a visa refusal from another country
• No financial evidence of having savings in the bank. Usually, €10,000 for a student applying for a long-term Study D visa and €4680 for a short-term Study C visa (of 1 to 12 weeks). These amounts can vary depending on the Embassy  you are in contact with. 
• No proof of where savings came from. Irregular lump sums or unexplained lodgments.
• The Immigration Officer believes your reason for coming to Ireland is something other than for study purposes.
• No proof that the student will return home after the study period in Ireland. Usually, the Embassy will ask for a letter from a University or employer in the student’s home country stating they are resuming studies or work after your stay in Ireland.
• There are gaps in the student’s education history
• If your educational documents aren’t authentic. For example, if a diploma certificate from your home country does not look authentic.
• The student cannot fully demonstrate why they need to study abroad in order to move on with their job or University course at home.
• The student has not enough knowledge about the study visa for Ireland or doesn’t know the minimum requirements it sets out. 

Please note this is not an exhaustive list and the embassy official can ask for any supporting information or documentation that he/she wants. 

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Visa Requiring Booking Procedures

28 Day Cancellation Policy

• We need at least 28 days notice of cancellation in order to avoid late cancellation charges (external charges like accommodation or insurance).
• To keep within the 28 day policy and avoid late cancellation charges and if the visa application process has been delayed; simply email the school to request a change of dates or open enrollment. We can hold a booking as open for you with no specific dates and once you receive a visa we can then check availability again before the student books flights.

The following is a list of details needed before a booking can be fully confirmed:

1.  Online Level Test Results 

• Students are requested to take the level test the same week that they receive it by email.
• Students must take Part 1 of the test before the Official School letter can be issued.
• Students must take Part 2 , the Speaking test the same week that their visa has been approved.
• Once you send us the visa approval notification, we will send the students a link to book an online speaking test date.

2. Payment in full

3. Flights

4. Passport

5. Address in Cork (if accommodation is not booked through the school)

If accommodation is booked through the school:

6. Student Phone Number

If host family is booked through the school:

7. Host family pick up time and location

Visa Requiring Payment

• Payment in full needs to have reached the school bank account before an official school letter can be issued.
• Please send proof of payment by email and allow for banking transaction days.
• As a valued partner agent, we do not require booking deposits from you. 
• We would like to receive either of the following:

1. Full nett from the agency in one payment 
2. Full gross from the agent or student in one payment (where we would then send  commission to you after the student has started their course)

• If the student wants to pay deposits or instalments this must be through your agency and to your agency bank account. You can then send us payment when full fees have been received by the agency.

Refund

• If in the case of a visa refusal and sufficient notice is given to the school (at least 28 days) a full refund minus a non-refundable deposit of €200 will be issued.
• If a course and/or accommodation booking is cancelled 28 days or more before a student course and/or accommodation start date a full refund minus €200 will be processed.
• If you cancel your course 27 to 14 days before arrival, we will refund 90% of your course minus €200.
• If you cancel your accommodation 27 to 14 days before arrival, we will refund 90% of your accommodation fees minus the accommodation placement fee (€80 for apartments, €60 for host family).
• If you cancel your course later than 14 days before arrival, we will refund 90% of your course fees minus €200.
• If you cancel your accommodation later than 14 days no accommodation fees can be refunded.
• If you cancel your course and/or accommodation after arrival, leave it early or miss any lessons, including in case of sickness, refund is not given.
• Notice of cancellation must be provided in writing and applies from the date it is received by Cork English Academy.
• A refund can only be issued on proof of a visa refusal or confirmation that the visa application has been withdrawn or cancelled.  You must apply for a refund within six months of refusal date.
• Fees, less any cancellation charges, will be returned within 15 working days of the request being communicated to us (with the supporting embassy letter where applicable).

Monday After Arrival Start Date Mandatory

It is mandatory that all Stamp 2 and visa applicants start their course the immediate Monday after flight arrival to Ireland.

Levels

We offer courses from Elementary level (CEF A1) to Advanced level (CEF C2).

• Absolute Beginner A0 –  we do not offer courses for A0 
• Elementary A1
• Pre-Intermediate A2
• Intermediate B1
• Upper Intermediate B2
• Advanced C1 
• Proficient C2

Medical Insurance

• All students enrolled in a Work and Study English language program in Ireland are required to have medical insurance covering their 8-month stay.
  
  Options:
  
• Cork English Academy can arrange insurance through Study and Protect/Arachas (€120).
• Alternatively, you can set up an account with an insurance provider to secure preferential rates as a new customer.
• While the school or agency can book insurance please note students must have either Guard.me or Study and Protect – Arachas insurance. These are familiar to Immigration in Ireland
  
  Key Notes for Agency-Ordered Insurance:
  
• The insurance start date must match the student’s flight arrival date in Ireland.
• The end date of the insurance must cover the full duration of the 8-month program as indicated on the official school letter. If insurance dates are incorrect, the agency must adjust and reorder to match the school letter.
• The insurance company should allow for address changes, as many students relocate during their first few months in Cork. Immigration will require matching addresses on the insurance document, bank letter, and school letter for GNIB registration. Students will have to show the insurance document during their Embassy appointment and again when in Ireland during their Stamp 2 IRP card application.
• It must be medical insurance . Travel insurance will not suffice.

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English Language Level Test

All students must take the school online level test before we can issue an official school letter needed for the visa application.

The school will email the student the link to our online level test.

Level Test and Instructions: https://www.corkenglishacademy.com/english-language-test-vr

Part 1: Multiple Choice Questions – needs to be completed before a school letter can be issued.

Part 2: Short Speaking Test – After the visa has been approved, the school will email the student a link to an online appointment calendar.

Link and Translatable Instructions: Book a Speaking Test Time

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Visa Requiring Accommodation Options

You can if you wish pre-book accommodation with Cork English Academy along with the course. 

Alternatively you as the agent or the student directly can book your own accommodation in Cork independently of the school. In this case the agency needs to give the school the address in Cork and we will add it to the official school letter needed for the visa application.

The school offers 3 types of accommodation:

• Host Family Half-board (with meals)
• Host Family Self-Catering (room only)
• Shared Apartments/ Houses (only available to book after a visa has been approved).
  
  Most students book 4 weeks accommodation with the school on first invoice and before the visa has been approved.

Accommodation Booking Procedures

• On first booking and invoice we can offer host family accommodation. We will give a provisional host family address for the school letter.
• Once the visa is approved, we will start the accommodation search for secured accommodation . The provisional host family address  on the letter will change.
• On first booking and invoicing we cannot offer apartment rooms. We need to avoid late changes or cancellations due to visa application delays. We can search for apartment rooms after the visa has been approved on special request.
• Once the visa is approved, please send us preferred travel dates before booking a flight, so we can search accommodation availability.
• The visa granted will have a 3-month date period on it. Students can travel to Ireland any date within that 3-months to start their course.
• Students will be issued an 8 month stay in Ireland based on their course start date (and not based on the 3-month date period on the visa in their passport).
• So, if accommodation is booked through the school  –  please allow as much notice as possible between visa approval and flight arrival.
• If the specific accommodation type requested is not available after the visa has been approved, we will search for alternative accommodation options.
• In the case where the school can not find accommodation for the specific dates requested due to short booking notice, we will offer course only and refund the accommodation fees paid. This is a rare occurrence.

Host Family

1.Host Family with Meals

• A Classic homestay experience with daily meals provided by your host family
• Half-board Monday to Friday (breakfast and dinner)
• Full-board Saturday and Sunday (breakfast , lunch and dinner)
• €220 per week single room
• €60 placement fee

2.Host Family Self-catering (room only)

• Experience the independence of preparing your own meals while staying with a friendly host.
• Self-catering option
• €190 per week
• €60 placement fee

Host Family Details

• There is no security deposit required from students for Host Family Bookings
• Host Families are on the Cork City bus route (Cork City Bus Red Zone) 
• Cork City Bus numbers 201 to 220
• Average journey by bus from host family to school is 30 minutes
• Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday bookings
• Arrivals to Cork between 08.00 and 00.00 midnight only (no late arrivals). 
• Arriving to Ireland on a late or mid-week flight? Book a hostel in Cork and your host family can pick you up from that hostel on the Saturday or Sunday morning.
• Transfers to and from Cork airport /Cork City on your arrival and departure are included.
• Wi-Fi Internet
• Access to laundry facilities

Shared Apartments/ Houses

The school can only look for availability and make a booking after the visa has been approved.

• The school has partnered with Viva Ireland Apartment Provider.
• Viva Ireland have many locations across the city center  – all walking distance to the school
• Single , twin, double rooms
• 1 person travelling alone can book 1 bed in a twin room
• Live availability check on the Viva Ireland website
• Self-check-in (24 hours, 7 days per week)
• Utility bills, TV, Wi-Fi, one duvet and bed linen set included
• Access to laundry facilities
• Security Deposit authorization link emailed to students directly by Viva Ireland on check-in date
• 1 to 7 week bookings: €100 (refundable)
• 8 + week bookings: €300 (refundable)

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With your expertise and support, we are confident that this partnership will bring more opportunities and benefits to students, enriching their language stay and overall educational experience.