Studying for a quarter or an academic year in Ireland is about much more than just improving your English. It means immersing yourself in a new educational system, experiencing a different culture, making new friends, and learning to get by away from home. Every student lives this experience differently. That’s why choosing the right destination and school is an important part of the journey. This year, several English Summer students have chosen Ireland as their destination to embark on this international experience. Among them are Alex G., Bruna Y., Carla M., and Guillem P., who will study at different Irish schools for a quarter or an academic year.
Their destinations vary widely: from Dublin to small towns like Carrick-on-Suir or Belmullet, and even the city of Cork. This is a good example of how there’s no single way to spend a school year in Ireland.
Ardscoil La Salle: Study in Dublin in a Close-Knit Environment
Alex will spend an academic term at Ardscoil La Salle, a public, coeducational school located in Raheny, north of Dublin, approximately 15 minutes from the airport. The school has about 251 students and offers a particularly interesting feature: its relatively small size allows it to provide personalized attention to students. The school itself defines this close-knit atmosphere as one of its core values. Its philosophy is based on the idea that, when a school isn’t too large, students receive more individual attention, and it’s easier to identify their needs and support them throughout their learning journey. In addition to academic instruction, Ardscoil La Salle offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports such as soccer and basketball, as well as programs like the Cooking Club, Fitness Club, Rock School, Glee Club, and indoor soccer.
For Alex, this will be an opportunity to combine the experience of studying in Ireland with the chance to discover Dublin and daily life in a European capital—all while being part of a close-knit school community.
Comeragh College: Experiencing Daily Life in a Small Irish Town
Bruna will spend one academic term at Comeragh College, located in Carrick-on-Suir, in County Tipperary. The experience will be different from that in Dublin. Carrick-on-Suir is a town with a population of about 5,000, so daily life there offers a more peaceful and close-knit atmosphere. Comeragh College is a public, coeducational school with about 500 students. The school stands out for its commitment to academic excellence, but also for providing students with support, motivation, and a strong sense of belonging. One of its great strengths is the variety of extracurricular activities it offers. Students can participate in sports such as track and field, basketball, soccer, volleyball, badminton, rugby, swimming, and Gaelic football, as well as activities like theater, debate, Zumba, and gymnastics. And there’s plenty to discover outside of school as well. Carrick-on-Suir offers opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking in the Comeragh Mountains and cycling, as well as exploring the town’s cultural and historical sites. For Bruna, studying there will mean immersing herself in a quieter, more local side of Ireland, becoming part of a community for a few months that combines academics, sports, culture, and everyday life.
Coláiste Éamann Rís: An Academic Experience in Cork
Carla has chosen to spend an academic term at Coláiste Éamann Rís, also known as Deerpark College, located in Cork City. With approximately 760 students, it is a long-established public, coeducational school with a strong focus on the holistic development of its students. The school draws inspiration from the Gaelic concept of Uai Sleacht, associated with values such as nobility, kindness, and service to others. These principles are reflected in an educational community that emphasizes mutual respect, integrity, and positive relationships. The educational program combines academic achievement with personal growth and community involvement. In addition, students can participate in various extracurricular activities, including sports such as soccer, basketball, track and field, and volleyball. The setting also makes a difference. Cork offers an urban experience while maintaining a friendly and peaceful atmosphere.
St. Brendan's College: An Academic Year in Ireland
Guillem will take it a step further: he will spend an academic year at St. Brendan’s College in Belmullet. Unlike his classmates, his experience won’t be limited to a single quarter. Over the course of an entire academic year, he’ll have the opportunity to immerse himself in the Irish educational system, adapt to a new routine, and enjoy a full international experience for months on end. Belmullet will also give him the chance to discover a side of Ireland different from that of the big cities, in a setting far removed from the urban pace of Dublin or Cork.
Four students, four experiences
Although the four students are setting out with a common goal—to study in Ireland—their experiences will be unique.
Alex will spend her semester in Dublin at a small, local school.
Bruna will discover life in a small town in Tipperary, surrounded by nature and with a vibrant sports and community life.
Carla will study in Cork, combining an academic experience at a long-established school with life in an Irish city.
And Guillem is taking on the challenge of spending an entire academic year in Belmullet, an even longer immersion experience.
And that is precisely one of the great advantages of studying abroad for a school year: there is no single “international experience.” Some students seek out a big city, while others prefer a quiet setting. Some want to play sports, while others want to discover new activities. For some, a semester is the perfect challenge; others are ready to take the plunge and spend an entire year abroad.
Much More Than Just Learning English
When a student goes to Ireland, English is present at every moment: in class, in conversations with classmates, during activities, while shopping, when getting around, and in everyday life. But learning goes far beyond the language itself. Living in another country for a semester or a year means learning to adapt, make decisions, gain independence, and interact with people from different backgrounds. It also means facing new situations and discovering that you’re capable of getting by far from what’s familiar. That’s why an academic year in Ireland can become an experience that stays with students long after they return home.
Can you imagine studying for a semester or a year in Ireland?
We’ll guide you through the process of finding an international experience tailored to each student, their goals, and their interests. Because studying abroad isn’t just about choosing a country.
It’s about choosing the experience you want to have.