MLC student language programmes

MLC has been working with Irish host families and international students since 1976. We are known for our professionalism, but because we are a family business, we have also come to know many of our host families on a personal level and can offer a friendly service and practical advice at all times. We are parents ourselves, we have hosted students ourselves… and we illustrate to our students and their parents exactly what they can expect from staying with a family in Ireland.

EDUCATION SYSTEM IN IRELAND

The Irish education system is made up of primary, secondary, third-level and further education. MLC place students in primary and secondary level schools. We work with public, private and boarding schools and have an excellent network of well established relationships with many schools across Ireland.

Types of Schools

Public Schools
These are non-fee paying schools and include secondary, vocational, community and comprehensive schools. Secondary schools are privately owned and managed; in most cases the trustees are religious communities or boards of governors. These tend to be single gender schools. Vocational, community and comprehensive schools usually offer a wider range of practical subjects and tend to be co-educational (for male and female students).

Private Schools
These are fee paying schools which are inspected by the Department of Education. Non EU students who require a visa to study in Ireland must attend a fee paying school.

Boarding Schools
These are also private fee paying schools inspected by the Department of Education, but which also offer facilities for students to reside on campus. Depending on the school, boarding can be for five or seven days, and we use host families for any boarder free weekends.

Second Level Education

Second-level education is generally for students from the age of twelve to eighteen. Second-level education consists of a three-year junior cycle followed by a two-year or three-year senior cycle depending on whether an optional Transition Year is taken after the Junior Certificate exam at the end of 3rd year.

Junior Cycle
The Junior Cycle includes first, second and third years and leads to the Junior Certificate Examination. In the first 3 years of secondary school students prepare for the Junior Certificate. Students study 7-10 subjects across the following fields; Language and Literature, Mathematical Studies, Science and Technology, Social, Political and Environmental Education, Arts Education, Physical Education, Religious and Moral Education, Guidance, Counselling, Pastoral Care. Students sit the Junior Certificate at the end of 3rd year and results are issued in September.

Transition Year
Transition Year follows the Junior Certificate examination. This year is free from formal examinations and allows students to experience a wide range of educational inputs. This is an optional year but is very well suited to international students as they study a wide range of topics, and also participate in work experience, group projects, and many cultural and activity based trips and excursions. Furthermore the Irish students are not under pressure to prepare for exams. TY is intended as a year for students to develop personally and to mature before embarking upon the two year Leaving Certificate programme.

Senior Cycle
The Senior Cycle includes fifth and sixth year and leads to the Leaving Certificate Examination. Students study English, Maths and four or five additional subjects at one of two levels; higher or lower. The Leaving Certificate is the main basis upon which places in universities, colleges and other third level institutions are issued. The Leaving Certificate is also recognised and highly regarded by academic institutions in the UK, Europe and the United States. To pass, international students must sit two higher level subjects and achieve at least a C grade (55%). They must also pass the other 4 subjects in order for the results to be con-validated in their own country. Students sit the Leaving Certificate at the end of the 6th year and results are issued in August.

THE SCHOOL YEAR

The school year runs from late August to early June. There is a midterm week in October, two weeks Christmas holidays, a midterm week in February and two weeks Easter holidays. Students usually stay in Ireland for the midterms and usually go home for Christmas and Easter but we can facilitate stays during the holidays also.

Why Choose Ireland?

HOSPITALITY

Irish families really are world renowned for our hospitality and welcoming nature; this appeals greatly to our students and their parents. Ireland has been named by an annual Lonely Planet guide as one of the top five countries in the world to visit, thanks to our “stunning landscape and incredible hospitality”. The guide describes Ireland as “the real deal” and says “the Irish themselves are inevitably at the heart of the best the country has to offer”. This make host family homestay the perfect choice in Ireland.

LANGUAGE

The Irish are a highly articulate and literate people; just think Joyce, Yeats, Swift and Wilde to name a few! From a language perspective; many European people also find the Irish accent more accessible than other English speaking countries such as the UK, USA and Australia.

CULTURE

Ireland has a fascinating and colourful history, reflected in our customs and traditions, our folklore, our gaelic sports, our music, art, theatres and festivals. We are very proud of our culture and keen to welcome students to experience it for themselves. This is at the heart of what makes Ireland so appealing.

LANDSCAPE

Ireland is of course known as the ‘Emerald Isle’, famous for its beautiful green landscapes. There are also the waterways, the blue flag beaches, and the rugged mountain ranges. Apparently 82% of visitors come to Ireland for the scenery; it’s easy to see why!