Predeparture Dublin ILS 2012

Herbert Park

Merrion Square Park

National GalleryNational Museum

St. Stephen’s Green

Pearse Station

IveaghGardens

DartmouthSquare

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies

Trinity College

Custom House

City Hall

Dublin Castle

Aviva Stadium

St. Patricks Cathedral

www.ef.comImportant Note: Factual information contained in this document is subject to change.

LanguageCourses AbroadFor adults and students aged 16 & above

EF International Language Centers

Accreditations and Memberships

The EF International Lan-guage Centers in London,

Cambridge, Brighton, Oxford, Manchester, Bristol

and Bournemouth are:

EF Dublin is accredited by:

The EF International Language Centers

in the USA are members of:

The EF Internation-al Language Cent-

ers in the USA are accredited by:

The EF International Language Centers in

Sydney, Brisbane and Perth are accredited by:

EF Nice is recognized with the Label Qual-ité Français Langue

Etrangère.

EF Vancouver and Toronto are accredited by Languages Canada.

All EF Courses are certified by Southern

New Hampshire University.

EF Education is an active participant in

the Comité Européen de Normalisation.

The EF International Language Centers

in Brisbane and Perth are mem-

bers of:

The EF International Language Centers in

Cambridge, München, Cape Town and Nice are

accredited by:

The EF International Language Centers in London, Cambridge,

Brighton, Oxford, Manchester and Bourne-mouth are members of:

All EF Courses are recog-nized by Hult International

Business School.

Federation of International Youth

Travel Organizations.

DublinThe Emerald Isle may be green, but its capital is a

kaleidoscope of people, ideas and fashions, a mix of

Irish tradition and innovation. Come and find out for

yourself why Dublin is Europe’s glittering jewel.

Contact details:29-30 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2Republic of IrelandTel: +(353) 1 611 4220

EF Dublin

Watch a video

Or visit us atFacebook.com/EFDublin

Section ...... Topic

1 ............Introduction to EF

2 ............Welcome to the Ireland

3 ............Weather watch

4 ............Travel & transfer service

5 ............School information

6 ............Academics

7 ............Accommodation & meals

8 ............Money matters

9 ............Phones, faxes & Internet

10 ..........Health care & insurance

11 ..........School activities & excursions

12 ..........Transportation

13 ..........Expectations

14 ..........Irish culture & living tips

15 ..........Adjusting to a new culture

16 ..........EF school calendar & holidays

17 ..........Checklist

Contents - Dublin

Dear Student

Thank you for choosing to study English in Dublin. You have made an exciting decision since Dublin has become one of the most vibrant and fashionable cities in Europe, the perfect location in which to study our language with confidence.

Our school in Dublin opened in May 2003 and as a new, smaller school we have a friendly atmosphere where staff will know all your names and can take time to help you with any aspect of your stay, whether it involves your lessons, your accommodation or your social life. We offer classes for all abilities and have a multi-media computer lab and private study facilities.

We are situated in a beautiful Georgian townhouse that has been newly refurbished, on a prestigious square in the city centre. We are just a few minutes walk from the bustling heart of the city, Grafton Street’s famous shops, the nightlife of Temple Bar and the city’s sightseeing attractions.

Remember however, that only you can decide how much English you will learn and how much you will benefit from living in this marvelous city. As well as your passport, you will need to bring determination to study hard, an open mind and a willing-ness to learn from the myriad of experiences you will encounter.

So welcome to Ireland’s capital city; EF Dublin looks forward to meeting you.

Best wishes,Sylwia Janik, School Director EF International Language Center, Dublin

3 Dublin, Ireland

2. Welcome to Ireland!Congratulations on choosing one of the most

interesting and varied countries to study in!

Ireland today has been transformed by a surge

in economic growth and is now a very different

country to what it was even a decade ago.

Historically, Ireland has had a turbulent history

that has seen conquests from the Vikings, the

Normans and of course the British. Ireland fi-

nally became independent from Great Britain in

1921. The Northern part of the island remains

part of the UK and the Good Friday Agreement

of 1998 has brought a new stability and long-

lasting peace to the Northern region.

One of Ireland’s worst tragedies was the Great

Famine of 1845-51 during which two million

people died or were forced to emigrate be-

cause of a poor potato crop. Following the fam-

ine, the population only really began to grow

again in the 1960’s and the total population of

the island is now around 4.1 million. Ireland’s

booming economy has attracted, a wave of

immigrants for the first time, from Eastern Eu-

rope, Asia and Africa bringing new culture and

diversity to Ireland’s cities. Thankfully there are

now plenty of potatoes to go round!

Ireland’s economic revival has transformed

its capital city into a vibrant cosmopolitan

metropolis. Tourism in Dublin has increased

dramatically and visitors from all over the world

are coming to the city to explore its sightseeing

attractions, its history and museums, and the

Irish craic (good times – pronounced “crack”).

Dubliners are known for being friendly and

fun-loving and give their visitors a warm Irish

welcome.

Ireland is traditionally known as the Emerald Isle

and is renowned for its lush green landscape.

The varied scenery includes the lakes and

mountains of the midlands and the spectacular

cliffs of the Atlantic coast in the west. Irish cities

are relatively contained so the peace and quiet

of the countryside is never too far away.

When you are studying you will notice how

Ireland has changed over the years. While still

holding on to traditions such as its old Celtic

language and its traditional music and dance,

Ireland will offer you the chance to experience

varied historical, cultural and vibrant ways of

life. We believe that living abroad and learning a

language will give you valuable insights into the

culture, customs and history of your host coun-

try and give you essential skills to take home.

3. Weather WatchIn the summer, from early May until late August,

the city of Dublin can be warm and humid.

There is less rain during Dublin’s summer

months, but Ireland has a very wet climate

with changeable weather. It is not unusual for

a sunny day to quickly cloud over and turn into

a rainy day. Winters in Dublin can be damp.

Snow is infrequent, but there are often cold,

clear, frosty days.

Temperatures range from:

Spring: 4° to 14°C (39° to 57°F)

Summer: 9° to 22°C (48° to 72°F)

Autumn: 4° to 17°C (39° to 63°F)

Winter: 3° to 9°C (37° to 48°F)

4. Travel & Transfer Transfer service

Arriving at a busy airport in a foreign city can be

confusing. EF offers a one-way transfer service

from the airport to your accommodation for an

additional fee. We highly recommend that you

take advantage of this service.

At least one month before your arrival, you

must inform the EF Office in your home country

of the exact details of your flight (airline, flight

number, date and time).

When you come into Arrivals, after baggage

reclaim, wait in front of the bright white Dublin

information desk for an EF Greeter. Do not go

to another part of the airport unless an EF staff

member tells you to. If, after approximately 30

minutes you still have not met with your greeter,

telephone our emergency number. Please make

1. Introduction to EFEF Education First welcomes students of all ages from every corner of the world to learn a language where it is natively spoken. Our innovative curriculum, the EF Efekta™ System, integrates face-to-face learning in a classroom with studying outside the classroom using the interactive learn-ing tools in our online iLab. An intensively structured academic program along with an array of educational and social activi-ties results in a fast and fun way to learn a language.

EF students come from diverse back-grounds and like you, they have chosen a program to enhance their language skills as part of their academic or career plan. Many have planned for years to take advantage of this opportunity.

A large percentage of EF students apply their new language skills by taking a recog-nized exam, such as Cambridge, TOEFL, TOEIC and IELTS. Successful completion of such exams provides the necessary language qualifications for university and for professional endeavors. Many students view their time with EF as a chance to explore educational alternatives while im-proving language and study skills. Students wishing to study at university can access information and make informed academic choices through our EF University Place-ment Service.

A great aspect of an EF program is the variety of nationalities at our schools. We welcome you to join this international com-munity where you’ll experience life and language with EF. We take great pride in our continuing dedication to our mission - breaking down barriers of language and culture.

4 Dublin, Ireland

sure that you do not go with any driver who is

not holding an EF sign.

Please note: your local EF office will provide

you with important contact information such as

an emergency number before your departure.

We would ask you to be extra vigilant on ar-

rival at the airports as there have been a few

incidents where students have been picked up

by ‘Taxi Touts’ who frequently target foreign

students. They convince them they are EF Taxi

drivers, drive the students to their destination

and then charge them for the transfer telling

them that they can then claim this money back

from the school. This is obviously not the case,

so please make sure that you do not go with

any driver who is not holding an EF sign.

Independent transfer

If you wish to make your own way to your ac-

commodation or the city centre you can either

take a taxi or the Aircoach. The Aircoach costs

€8 for a single ticket and departs for the city cen-

tre every 15 minutes. You will then need to join a

connecting bus service to your accommodation.

5. School InformationThe School Director is assisted by an accom-

plished staff of teachers and administrators.

There is an Activities Coordinator who organises

a full program of EF activities and excursions.

The school offers the following facilities:

❚ Multimedia computer lab for class and self-

study

❚ Computer lab with Internet access

❚ Wi-Fi Internet – don’t forget your laptop!

❚ Student lounge

❚ Self-study room

❚ Library

❚ Pool table

❚ TV room with 50” plasma TV

❚ Payphones

❚ Noticeboards to tell you what is happening

❚ Outdoor courtyard

❚ Café ❚ Table tennis

6. AcademicsEF language courses give students the opportu-

nity to study the English language and the local

culture for as long, and with as much intensity,

as suits the student and his or her needs.

EF Level Placement Test

Within 24-hours after booking your course,

you’ll receive your personalized EF username

and password for the online EF campus called

My EF. Before traveling, you will take the EF

Level Placement test online. This test will mea-

sure your language level and ability, grammar

and listening comprehension abilities. Using

your test results, our academic team will place

you in one of six different language levels.

As your English language skills become stron-

ger, you will be promoted into the next language

level. You may speak with your teacher if you

feel you have been placed into the wrong level.

Orientation

During your orientation you will receive your

class schedule and other important information

about the school and the city. Fun activities are

planned to help you meet students and staff.

General English Classes

General English classes focus on the develop-

ment of the four skills of speaking, listening,

reading and writing. They also include work on

grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. Each

lesson is 40 minutes in length.

Special Interest Classes

Depending on your course type you may also

select a number of special interest (SPIN) class-

es. SPINs allow you to improve your English

through the study of a wide range of subject op-

tions. Admission to some of these will depend

on academic and linguistic level and availability

of places. The selection of SPIN classes varies

throughout the year and a student may not be

able to repeat the same SPIN class. Each les-

son is 40 minutes in length and two lessons are

combined into one 80-minute teaching period.

Class size

The average class size is 13 students with a

maximum of 15 students.

Class Schedule

Classes will be scheduled between 8.30 am

and 7.30 pm 5 consecutive days per week and

may be in the morning or the afternoon.

Peak Summer Season Timetabling

During the summer between the first week of

July and the third week of August, the school

is open for classes Monday through Saturday.

Your schedule will be either Monday to Friday

or Tuesday to Saturday between the hours

of 8.30 am and 7.30 pm. Your timetable will

confirm your schedule.

Peak Summer Season Timetabling

During the summer between the first week of

July and the third week of August, the school

is open for classes Monday through Saturday.

Your schedule will be either Monday to Friday

or Tuesday to Saturday between the hours

of 8.30 am and 7.30 pm. Your timetable will

confirm your schedule.

Lecture

You will have one lecture per week on a variety

of different subjects ranging from Irish Culture

and History to Literary Greats, and Irish Trivia

to Irish Popular and Traditional Music.

Attendance

You are expected to attend all classes.

Consistent failure to attend class, for what-

ever reason, may result in expulsion from the

program with no refund of course fees. In order

to be eligible for an EF certificate, students

are expected to participate in class and must

attend at least 80% of all classes.

Homework

You are expected to complete all assignments

set by your teachers in General English and

Special Interest classes. If you are taking an

examination preparation class you should ex-

pect at least one hour of homework per night.

Assessment

You will be assessed at regular intervals through-

out the course. Assessment is based on atten-

dance, participation, attitude and performance.

Course books

As part of your academic program, you’ll be

expected to buy the books and classroom

materials that you will use in class. The exact

number of books that you’ll need is determined

by your academic level, progress and choice of

special interest classes. If you wish to buy ad-

ditional books you may need more money. The

books you buy are yours to keep, write in and

take home with you for future reference.

5 Dublin, Ireland

iLab Learning

All English language school courses include six

iLab sessions per week. iLab sessions comple-

ment and reinforce classroom learning in an

interactive online learning environment.

Exams

You may enrol for several different public

examinations during your course. For example,

Cambridge, TOEIC, IELTS and TOEFL exams are

all popular with students. TOEIC can be taken at

the school itself, the others must be taken at an

external examination centre and booked several

months in advance. You will need to pay fees to

register for public exams in Ireland. This is typi-

cally €100 to €180 for each exam. Advice as to

the most appropriate examination to sit for will be

given to you by your Director of Studies.

Cancellation of course or school transfer

If you decide to downgrade, cancel or transfer

your course to another EF school, please talk to

our Customer Support team. They will advise you

of any transfer charges and visa restrictions.

EF University Placement Service

EF International Language Centers offer a

university placement service that provides expert

advice on applying for university in the UK and

Ireland. If you are interested in continuing your

studies, you are encouraged to talk with the

University Pathways Manager at your school.

University Transfer Credit

Through our partnership with Southern New

Hampshire University (SNHU), EF students may

be eligible to receive university credit for their

coursework.

7. Accommodation & MealsHost family accommodation and student

residence accommodation are available at the

EF Dublin school. All host family and student resi-

dence issues during your stay should be directed

to the Accommodation staff.

Host family accommodation

Students staying in a host family will have the op-

portunity to experience Irish life and also have the

chance to practice their new language skills with

fluent English speakers. Students who choose

host family accommodation should do so be-

cause they want to live in a family environment,

and interact with the family members and learn

more about Irish culture by immersing themselves

in a local way of life. Families choose to host in-

ternational students because they want to learn

about other cultures and people. The key word

to a great host family experience is respect. Stu-

dents who live in a host family must respect the

family and their home. Likewise, the family will re-

spect the student. As you get an in-depth look

at Irish life, you will realize that Irish culture is not

the same as your culture, and therefore, family

life may be quite different. The family routine and

the food you eat may be different from at home.

The relationship between husband and wife, the

roles of family members, the relationship with or

discipline of children and the relationship with pets

are just some examples. If you are open-minded

about these differences, life in a host family will be

a great learning experience.

Many of our families have looked after internation-

al students for many years and are familiar with

the challenges of living in a foreign country. All ac-

commodation is carefully selected and inspected

by the Accommodation Manager and our host

families are chosen for their kind welcome and

supportive attitude.

There is no stereotypical family. Hosts may

consist of 1) mother, father and children, 2) single

parent with children, 3) a couple without children,

4) retired couple, 5) widowed woman, or 6) single

host parent.

You are responsible for all transportation costs to

and from the host’s home. You may be placed

up to one hour away from the school. Dublin city

centre is a commercial and tourist zone therefore

all our host families are in the residential suburbs.

Before you leave your home country, please let

your host family know the date and estimated

time of your arrival to ensure they are at home to

welcome you when you arrive.

Laundry and Facilities

Your host family will change your towel and

sheets every week. You are responsible for your

own clothes. If you want your host family to

wash your clothes for you, there will usually be a

charge of approximately €5- €10.

You are responsible for your personal items such

as shampoo, conditioner, soap and other items.

You will probably share the bathroom with others.

This means that you may need to be flexible

about shower and bath times. Very few students

have their own bathroom. If you want to take

a long time in the bath or shower check to see

that nobody else is waiting to use the bathroom.

Most private houses in Ireland have hot water

tanks of a limited capacity. You may be asked to

be considerate of other people in the house and

limit your time in the shower.

Always remember to keep your room clean and

tidy. Make your bed, and put your belongings

away. You are also responsible for cleaning up

after snacks and for washing your own dishes

after breakfast. It is also polite to help clear the

table after dinner.

6 Dublin, Ireland

Telephone use

To call your friends and family you will need to

use a prepaid telephone card, which is available

at the school. Your family can telephone you, but

please ask them not to call too late. Remember

that you are sharing the telephone with the rest

of the people in the home. Do not spend more

than 15 minutes on the phone at any time.

Requests for change

Host family accommodation is booked for your

entire course. You may only change for very

serious reasons. Requests for change will be

considered on an individual basis. No refunds

will be granted for students who choose to

leave their host family for personal reasons.

Meals in a homestay

Your host family provide breakfast and dinner

Monday through Friday, and all meals on the

weekends. You are responsible for your own

lunch during the week. Meals will only be

provided when you are home to participate.

Please be sure to call your hosts if you are

going to be late or if you are not going to be

home for a meal. There will be no refund for

meals not taken at home with your family.

There are many sandwich shops close to the

school, as well as our own Café, where you

can buy lunch and snacks.

Life in a student residence

You may have chosen to live in our self-cater-

ing student residences as they offer clean safe

city-centre accommodation with the benefits of

independent living and the privacy of en suite

facilities.

Charming apartments containing twin bedrooms

with one to two bathrooms per apartment. All

residences are self-catering, have laundry facili-

ties, Internet access and shopping nearby.

Students will be provided with a set of bed linen

upon arrival but must bring their own towels and

are expected to clean up after themselves. The

important thing to remember about living in the

residence is to respect your fellow roommates,

and the rules of the residence, which will be

explained to you by the EF Residence Manager.

Our year round residence Lad Lane is a 2-minute

walk to the school.

Residence deposit

Every student must agree to and sign a copy

of the rules of the residence as well as paying

a deposit of €150 to the EF Reception desk on

the first day of school, which will be refunded

to them before their departure, provided there

has been no breech of the rules or damage to

the apartment.

8. Money MattersCurrency

Irish currency is in Euros. The symbol for this

currency is €. The euro is divided into 100

cents (sometimes referred to as euro-cents,

especially when distinguishing them from other

currencies).

Banknotes come in denominations of €5, €10,

€20, €50, €100. They will each be a different

color to allow you to tell them apart more eas-

ily. Coins come in denominations of 1c, 2c, 5c,

10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2.

Spending money

We recommend that you bring about €150 for

your first days in Ireland to cover costs such as

travel to school, lunch, and telephone calls. You

will also need to take money for learning materi-

als used in class.

We recommend that you bring €150 - €250

for each week you plan to stay in Ireland. This

should cover lunches, laundry, travel to and

from school, and EF Activities mid week. For

weekend excursions, shopping and depending

on what you choose to do during your leisure

time, you may need to bring more. Please

also remember you will need to pay for any

language proficiency exams you plan to take.

Only carry as much money as you need for

one day and don’t leave money unattended–

remember thieves exist everywhere in the

world! The safest way to carry money is travel-

ler’s cheques. Many places also accept major

credit cards. Money cannot be changed at the

school, but please ask staff where you are able

to change money or traveller’s cheques.

Changing money

When changing money in Ireland, always go to

a recognised bank or travel agent. Commis-

sion rates will vary so check first for the best

rate. We regret that we are unable to change

money in the school.

Credit cards

EF strongly recommends that students travel

with either a Visa or MasterCard. Credit cards

enable you to rent cars, reserve hotel rooms,

and do various activities, which may be more

difficult with cash or traveller’s cheques.

9. Telephones, fax & InternetTelephone

All long distance calls must be collect calls,

charged to the person you are calling, or

charged to a prepaid telephone card, which can

be purchased at the EF school. We recommend

that students expecting to stay for a long period

of time come with or purchase a mobile phone.

Fax

Unfortunately there are no fax facilities in the

school at the moment, however there are

some places close to the school that send

faxes and charge for the time used. Ask the

front desk for directions to the nearest fax

machine you can use.

Internet

The school is equipped with Wi-Fi wireless

Internet. Students are highly encouraged to

bring their personal laptop computers for email

and Internet use on the wireless network.

10. Health care and InsuranceThe EF staff can recommend nearby hospitals

and doctors offices if you need medical atten-

tion. Please ask the EF staff or your host family

for assistance if you need medical attention. If

you have any personal problems there is always

someone who you can talk to confidentially.

Insurance

All students traveling to Ireland are required

to have medical and accident insurance upon

starting their program of study. You will still

have to pay for some treatment if you see a

doctor but you can claim the money back from

the insurance company. Please note: You will

need to keep all receipts in order to receive

money back from the insurance company.

All students are required to bring proof of insur-

ance in English to show that they have proper

health insurance when a medical emergency

occurs. Students who do not bring proof of in-

7 Dublin, Ireland

surance will be required to purchase insurance

through EF at the school.

Erika Travel Insurance

Because security is EF’s number one priority,

we have negotiated a comprehensive tailor-

made travel insurance package for EF students

with Erika Travel Insurance, an international

insurance expert. The policy protects you

against expenses incurred through accident

or illness, and provides coverage for loss or

theft of baggage and personal effects. It also

provides coverage against interruption of your

EF program due to illness as well as liability

and legal expenses.

The EF staff is trained to assist with your Erika

Travel Insurance questions and claims. When

you are sick or injured the last thing you want

to do is deal with such issues. Let us help you!

European Health Insurance Card

If you are an EU/EEA national and are travel-

ling or staying temporarily in another state of

the European Economic Area (EEA), you are

entitled to receive medical care if you become

ill or have an accident. Please ask the Adminis-

tration staff at the school for more information.

11. Activities & ExcursionsExtracurricular activities contribute greatly to your

social and academic success. They not only

help you to relax after a day studying, they also

provide you with an opportunity to meet and

make friends from other classes, other countries

and other cultures. Your school’s activities and

trips give you the opportunity to apply your life

skills, practice English in real situations and learn

about the Irish history and culture.

Activity Programme

Your full time Activities Coordinator will arrange

a new schedule each week of different activi-

ties during the afternoon and evening that will

suit all types of interests.

Weekly Activities

Our weekly activities will consist of visits to

popular tourist and cultural attractions. The Ac-

tivities Coordinator will also organize socializing

events such as the weekly EF party or sporting

activities such as soccer, tennis or golf.

Weekend Excursions

EF arranges weekend excursions and day

trips to local attractions. At least one trip will

be advertised each week to different locations

around Ireland and even Europe. Our excur-

sions are organized at a minimum cost, are

great fun and extremely good value. Excur-

sions can be paid in cash or with credit cards.

Typical activities and excursions

Excursions could range from day trips to

the Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough

or ‘eye-opening’ history-filled city of Belfast

(cost between €20 and €40) to weekend trips

to Galway, London or Northern Ireland (cost

between €120 and €200). These prices are

subject to change at any time.

Example of the Dublin activities schedule

These activities may differ from those on offer

during your stay here with us.

Monday

❚ Afternoon: Dublin City Walking Tour

❚ Evening: Discover Temple Bar for a night of

Irish music

Tuesday

❚ Afternoon: Visit to the Jameson Distillery

❚ Evening: Irish Comedy Night

Wednesday

❚ Afternoon: Visit to the historic Malahide Castle

❚ Evening: A night at the dog races!

Thursday

❚ Afternoon: Visit the Guinness Storehouse.

❚ Evening: Irish Music Pub Crawl

Friday

❚ Afternoon: Soccer Competition

❚ Evening: EF Party Night in Dublin’s hottest

nightclub

Saturday

❚ Day trip to Wicklow Mountains and Kilkenny.

Enjoy the beautiful Irish countryside!

Sunday

❚ Take the DART and spend a day on the

beach if the weather is nice. Talk to the Activi-

ties Office for details.

Let us help you have fun!

Parties and pub nights are held each week to

help you mix with the locals and discover the

brilliant night life that Dublin has to offer.

Dublin has many galleries and museums. You

can see the famous Book of Kells at Trinity

College (said to be “the most beautiful book in

the world”), visit the Natural History Museum,

the National Gallery or Dublin Castle to name

but a few. Some charge a small entrance fee

whereas others are completely free of charge.

You are not limited to the scheduled activities.

However EF Dublin has developed a strong

relationship with many companies to pro-

vide discounts to our students. Whether it’s

booking the theatre through one of EF’s ticket

agents or finding the best place to hire a car

we have the means to help you.

12. TransportationDublin is a comparatively easy city to get

around. The centre of Dublin is a compact area

and many of the sights are within easy walking

distance of each other.

Buses

Dublin has a large and reliable network of

buses, which are usually blue and yellow

double-decker buses. The majority of the

buses start in the centre of Dublin city. Fares

are normally very affordable, which provides an

inexpensive and useful way to travel. Although

the bus driver will accept inaccurate fares, you

will have to collect your change at the central

office in Dublin, as indicated on your ticket.

This ensures that transactions are quick and

keeps the buses running on time.

8 Dublin, Ireland

Current bus pass prices are:

Weekly Bus Pass €26.50

Weekly Bus/Luas Ticket €29

Weekly Bus/Rail Ticket €34.50

Student Weekly Bus Pass €18

Student Weekly Bus/Luas Ticket €24

Monthly Bus €100

Monthly Bus/Luas Ticket €113

Monthly Bus/Rail €119

Student Monthly Bus/Rail €93

Student Monthly Bus/Luas Ticket €82

Nitelink Bus €5

Latest prices can be found at:

❚ www.irishrail.ie

❚ www.dublinbus.ie

Taxis

It is very easy to hail taxis on the street and

they are not too expensive. You can also find

them at taxi stands at train stations, bus sta-

tions or outside some hotels. Prices are based

on metered mileage and there is a minimum

charge. If a group of you are going home to-

gether at night it is a good idea to share a taxi.

Hackney cabs, which also operate in the city, do

not have roof signs and most are not metered,

so it is important to establish the fare beforehand.

Trains

The electric railway system in Dublin is better

known as the DART, which stands for Dublin

Area Rapid Transit. This fast, efficient system

serves 25 stations with several stops in Dublin

city centre. Dublin has three main train sta-

tions: Connolly Station, Heuston Station and

Pearse Station.

Transportation from accommodation to school

You are responsible for all transportation costs

to and from your accommodation.

Depending on where your host family is locat-

ed, you will come to school on the bus or the

DART (Dublin’s suburban rail link) or the LUAS

(tram system). The longest time the journey

should take is one hour. Your hosts will tell you

which is the best way of getting to school.

13. ExpectationsExpectations are a normal part of anticipating a

new experience. Remember that many of your

expectations may have been formed by the

unreal world of TV and movies. Arrive at your

course center with an open mind!

What you can expect from EF:

❚ Supportive staff, available for guidance and

encouragement.

❚ An academic program which combines lan-

guage, special interest, and culture-oriented

classes.

❚ Full program of local activities and excursions

at special EF rates.

❚ Accommodation in a host family or residence.

❚ All designated meals.

❚ EF Academic Year Abroad Diploma for

Academic Year Abroad students with 80%

attendance per term and good academic

standing and academic records

❚ EF Course Certificate for International Lan-

guage Students with 80% attendance and

good academic standing.

❚ Preparation classes and/or materials for appro-

priate standardized language exams and avail-

ability of University Placement Service (UPS).

What EF expects of you:

❚ To develop a greater understanding of the

world around you.

❚ To attend at least 80% of all classes and to

do your best in class at all times.

❚ To be respectful of your host family, your class-

mates, your teachers and your community.

❚ To keep your room and shared areas clean.

❚ To speak English at all times.

❚ To abide by all laws, rules and regulations of

your host country, state, campus and school.

What you can expect from your host family:

❚ A comfortable, clean place to live.

❚ Prepared meals or accessibility to food to

prepare yourself according to the meal plan.

❚ Access to the school in approximately one

hour by public transportation. All transporta-

tion costs are your responsibility.

14. Irish culture & living tipsVisas and registration with immigration

If you require a visa to enter Ireland, or are

from a non-EEA country, you will be required

to register with immigration if your course is

longer than 12 weeks. In order to register with

the immigration authorities you will have to

open a bank account and deposit €1000 into

it to prove that you have sufficient funds to

support yourself in Ireland during your stay. At

the immigration office you will have to pay an

administration fee of €150 for your Certificate

of Registration, unless you are under 18 at

the time of registration. Please speak to the

Administration Staff at the school for more

information about the registration process.

Dos and Don’ts

You will be required to abide by national laws

as well as the rules of the EF school. Violations

will lead to a verbal warning, then written warn-

ings and then possible disciplinary action by

the School Director.

The following are illegal in Ireland:

❚ Drugs (non-medicinal)

❚ Purchasing alcohol if you are under 18 years

of age, or purchasing alcohol for someone

else who is under 18 years of age

❚ Buying tobacco if you are under 18 years

of age, or buying tobacco for someone else

who is under 18 years of age

❚ Shop-lifting

❚ Driving without insurance or a valid driving

license

❚ Offensive weapons (including pocket knives)

Please don’t break the law. If you do, you will

almost certainly be sent straight home on the

next available flight and you may even risk be-

ing sent to prison.

Travel outside of Ireland

If you are planning to travel outside Ireland during

your course you may need a visa. Please ensure

that you check any visa requirements before you

leave your country to avoid disappointment.

If your passport has a single entry visa and

you are studying for six months or less then

you will be unable to travel outside the Ireland.

This visa cannot be changed in Ireland. You

may need a UK visa if you wish to visit Belfast

or other locations in Northern Ireland and a re-

entry visa to return to the Republic of Ireland.

Please note: if you are under the age of 18 you

will need to provide the school with a parental

consent. The document will confirm that

your parents allow you to travel and take full

responsibility.

9 Dublin, Ireland

Tipping

Tipping is customary for taxi drivers and in

restaurants where no service charge is added to

the bill. 10% is normally acceptable. In restau-

rants where service is included, bars, pubs and

cafes, there is no need to leave a tip.

Appliances and electricity

Remember that the mains voltage in Ireland

is 220V. You may need to bring an adaptor if

you wish to use any of your own electrical ap-

pliances. Plug sockets are the three pin British

style.

Recommended reading

❚ Let’s Go Ireland (or Let’s Go Dublin), Harvard

Student Agencies, Inc. Great student travel

guide for where to go, how to get around,

where to stay and what to eat.

❚ Lonely Planet Ireland - a great user-friendly

travel guide for where to go, how to get

around, where to stay and what to eat.

Recommended websites

❚ www.visitdublin.com

❚ www.entertainment.ie

❚ www.tourismireland.com

❚ www.temple-bar.com

❚ www.dublin.ie

❚ www.goireland.com

❚ www.ireland.ie

❚ www.dublinevents.com

❚ www.indublin.ie

❚ www.dublintourist.com

15. Adjusting to a New Culture The EF community is more than a group of

students who have come together to learn

English. It is also a multi-cultural group of

young adults who are eager to share their

own culture and learn the culture of their host

country and fellow classmates.

One’s culture is made up of values, beliefs, arts,

traditions and practices of a specific community

or population. Our culture affects how we view

ourselves, how we relate to others and what we

value as important in life. We are often unaware

of how much our culture affects our lives.

You may have already had some exposure to

the new culture you are about to experience.

You may have seen television shows, read

books, or studied in school about Ireland.

While some parts of this culture may already

seem familiar to you, experiencing a new

culture first-hand will prove exciting. You will be

meeting students from all over the world who,

like you, are looking forward to spending a year

learning and living a language, both inside and

outside the classroom.

As a visitor to a new culture, you may experience

periods of fatigue and discomfort when you are

uncomfortable. Culture shock is what some-

times happens when we try to meet challenges

of our new culture by using the values, beliefs,

and attitudes of our own culture. As visitors to

a new culture, we must learn that cultural differ-

ences are merely different - not right or wrong.

It is a good idea to bring traditional objects from

your culture to share with other students and

your host to teach them about your country.

Tips on coping with change

Remember that change does not come with-

out some effort! We humans need a certain

amount of stress to motivate us to learn new

ways of being. Learning always involves some

form of change. You should try the following:

❚ While you might be tempted to surround

yourself with things that are familiar to you, try

not to isolate yourself by being only with others

from your home country. Keep reaching out to

your host, roommates and other students.

❚ Put off making major decisions such as an

accommodation change, until you feel more

“at home” with the culture in general.

❚ Talk to us about your worries or problems.

EF Staff are here to help and would prefer to

know about any problem you may have so

that we can help you.

❚ Set goals, no matter how big or small, and

accomplish them! You will feel good about

yourself in doing so, and you will reduce the

negative feelings associated with culture

shock. For example, set a goal that you will

speak English at all times.

❚ Remind yourself that you came to this

country to experience a new culture, to meet

others and to explore your new surroundings.

Relax, take a deep breath and reflect back on

the days before leaving your home country

when you were excited about your new ad-

venture. Try to refocus this former excitement

towards your experience.

Keeping a journal

One way to keep track of emotions and

changes that take place over the year is to

keep a journal. By recording your experiences

and feelings on a regular basis, you will be able

to reduce the impact of culture shock. You will

have a record of your academic and personal

progress to look back on in days and years to

come. Be sure to note changes in:

❚ Language skills

❚ School performance and involvement

❚ Campus/host adjustment

❚ Individual learning and growth

Keeping a journal will help to remind you that

culture shock is truly a temporary phase

of adjustment.

Bring pictures and Items from home

If you have room in your suitcases for some

music, a costume, pictures, or some typi-

cal crafts, it would be good to show other

students, as well as to decorate your room

to make it seem like home. We have seen

costumes and drums from Korea, dancing and

music from Austria and a piñata and tortillas

from Mexico. Please bring pictures of your

friends, family and surrounding area.

Important telephone numbers

16. EF School CalendarAcademic Year Schedule

The Academic Year is divided into three terms.

(See the applicable start date below for your

program’s specific term and break schedule).

January 2012

Academic Year and Semester Program

Orientation: Fri 6 Jan - Sun 8 Jan

Term 1: Mon 9 Jan - Fri 9 Mar

Holiday: Sat 10 Mar - Sun 25 Mar

Term 2: Mon 26 Mar - Fri 1 Jun

Semester Departure: 2 Jun 2012

Holiday: Sat 2 Jun - Sun 10 Jun

Term 3: (Year) Mon 11 Jun - Fri 17 Aug

Departure: 18 Aug 2012

April 2012


Orientation: Fri 13 Apr - Sun 15 Apr

Term 1: Mon 16 Apr - Fri 1 Jun


Term 2: Mon 11 Jun - Fri 7 Sep

Semester Departure: 8 Sep 2012

Holiday: Sat 8 Sep - Sun 23 Sep

Term 3: (Year) Mon 24 Sep - Fri 30 Nov

Departure: 1 Dec 2012

June 2012


Orientation: Fri 8 Jun - Sun 10 Jun

Term 1: Mon 11 Jun - Fri 7 Sep

Holiday: Sat 8 Sep - Sun 23 Sep

Term 2: Mon 24 Sep - Fri 14 Dec

Semester Departure: 17 Nov 2012

Holiday: Sat 15 Dec - Sun 6 Jan

Term 3: (Year) Mon 7 Jan - Fri 8 Feb

Departure: 9 Feb 2013

September 2012


Orientation: Fri 21 Sep - Sun 23 Sep

Term 1: Mon 24 Sep - Fri 14 Dec

Holiday: Sat 15 Dec - Sun 6 Jan


Semester Departure: 9 Mar 2013


Term 3: (Year) Mon 25 Mar - Fri 31 May

Departure: 1 June 2013

January 2013


Orientation: Fri 4 Jan - Sun 6 Jan



Term 2: Mon 25 Mar - Fri 7 Jun

Semester Departure: 8 Jun 2013


Term 3: (Year) Mon 17 Jun - Fri 16 Aug

Departure: 17 Aug 2013

Please note: there will be no classes on

public holidays.

School holidays

The EF International Language Center in Ireland

recognizes the following public holidays when

there will be no classes. If your arrival falls on

one of these dates, please check with the

school staff upon your arrival for an exact orien-

tation schedule.

2012

1 January - New Year’s Day

17 March - St. Patrick’s Day

9 April - Easter Monday

7 May - May Bank Holiday

4 June - June Bank Holiday

6 August - August Bank Holiday

29 October - October Bank Holiday

25 December - Christmas Day

26 December - Boxing Day

2013










17. Checklist ■ Valid passport (with visa where neces-

sary) It’s a good idea to make copies of

these and pack them in your suitcase

just in case. You don’t need to carry your

passport with you while you are in Ireland

but you must keep it and your other docu-

ments in a safe place while you are in the

country.

■ Passport Photos (4) for EF student

identification cards, travel cards and other

possible documents

■ Flight ticket

■ Luggage correctly labeled

■ EF Confirmation letter & other

EF documents

■ Make sure all EF forms are complete,

especially the Health Certificate

■ Medical and travel insurance documents

with proof of insurance in English, if you

have secured Erika Travel Insurance from

EF, you do not need to have anything

translated.

■ Basic medical supplies, any medication

you take regularly and a spare pair of con-

tact lenses or glasses if you wear them.

■ An International Driving License if you are

planning on hiring or buying a car.

■ Local currency for first week and for any

learning materials that are not included in

the cost of the course.

■ Money in the form of an ATM card

(Automatic Transaction Card), credit cards

and/or traveler’s checks (Do NOT bring

large amounts of cash in any currency!).

■ Electric adaptor for any electrical appli-

ances you plan to bring with you.

■ Pencil and/or pen and notebook.

■ Items from your hometown or country so you can share your culture with friends, host family and teachers.

■ Personal sports equipment.

■ Favorite books, photos and a camera.

■ Host family or student residence details and emergency numbers.

Host family’s or student residence name:

________________________________________

Host family’s or student residence address:

________________________________________

Host family’s or student residence telephone number(s):

________________________________________

EF Sales Office telephone number:

________________________________________

EF School telephone number:

+(353) 1 611 4220________________________________________

EF School emergency telephone number:

+(353) 87 130 0357________________________________________

Important telephone numbers

Ch

eckl

ist

16. EF school calendar & holidays

School holidays

The EF International Language Centers in the

UK recognize the following public holidays

when there will be no classes. If your arrival

falls on one of these dates, please check with

the school staff upon your arrival for an exact

orientation schedule.

2012










2013










17. Checklist ■ Valid passport (with visa where neces-

sary) It’s a good idea to make copies of

these and pack them in your suitcase

just in case. You don’t need to carry your

passport with you while you are in Ireland

but you must keep it and your other docu-

ments in a safe place while you are in the

country.

■ Passport Photos (4) for EF student

identification cards, travel cards and other

possible documents

■ Flight ticket

■ Luggage correctly labeled

■ EF Confirmation letter & other

EF documents

■ Make sure all EF forms are complete,

especially the Health Certificate

■ Medical and travel insurance documents

with proof of insurance in English, if you

have secured Erika Travel Insurance from

EF, you do not need to have anything

translated.

■ Basic medical supplies, any medication

you take regularly and a spare pair of con-

tact lenses or glasses if you wear them.

■ An International Driving License if you are

planning on hiring or buying a car.

■ Local currency for first week and for any

learning materials that are not included in

the cost of the course.

■ Money in the form of an ATM card

(Automatic Transaction Card), credit cards

and/or traveler’s checks (Do NOT bring

large amounts of cash in any currency!).

■ Electric adaptor for any electrical appli-

ances you plan to bring with you.

■ Pencil and/or pen and notebook.

■ Items from your hometown or country so you can share your culture with friends, host family and teachers.

■ Personal sports equipment.

■ Favorite books, photos and a camera.

■ Host family or student residence details and emergency numbers.

Host family’s or student residence name:

_________________________________________

Host family’s or student residence address:

_________________________________________

Host family’s or student residence telephone number(s):

_________________________________________

EF Sales Office telephone number:

_________________________________________

EF School telephone number:

+(353) 1 611 4220 _________________________________________

EF School emergency telephone number:

+(353) 87 130 0357_________________________________________

Additional notes or numbers:

_________________________________________

Homestay host’s or student residence address

_________________________________________

Homestay host’s or student residence telephone number(s)

_________________________________________

EF Sales Office telephone number

_________________________________________

EF School telephone number

_________________________________________

EF School emergency telephone number

_________________________________________

Predeparture Dublin ILS 2012

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