Frequently Asked Questions
General Info | Accommodation | Typical Day | Behaviour & Rules | Student Welfare | FAQs for teachers
General Information
Management: Each course has a dedicated management team in addition to all other staff; there is one Course Manager who is responsible for the overall running of the course and who is supported by two Assistant Managers.
Teachers: Teachers are a mix of highly qualified and experienced Irish teachers of French, German or Spanish and teachers who are native speakers of French, German or Spanish with experience of teaching their language to non-native speakers. Our teachers are attracted to the Euro Languages College format because they believe that language teaching goes beyond the classroom.
Animators (Activity Leaders): Animators who are involved in the recreational, sport and leisure activities are mainly from different French, German or Spanish speaking countries. They are generally trained in youth work in their own countries and provide an important linguistic and cultural dimension to our courses. The advantage of the activities being organised by these animators is that they provide a context in which it is natural to speak the language. The daily interaction between students, animators and the native teachers gives an important cultural dimension to our courses.
Assistants: Assistants are usually Irish students who have previously attended Euro Languages College and who have received special training in group leadership. All our personnel are involved in general supervision, including meal times and dormitory supervision.
- Writing materials, copybook and a dictionary (optional).
- Duvet, pillows and bed linen.
- Clothes hangers, if desired, as these are quite limited in some colleges.
- Clothes: Comfortable and appropriate clothing should be brought. Students can bring some old clothes for use in the fun filled activity nights (Fancy dress/ Casino Evening etc).
In the interest of preserving the French / German / Spanish atmosphere on our courses the following items are not allowed and they will be confiscated:
- Mobile phones.
- Any audio equipment.
- Laptops or any tablet devices.
- PSPs and Nintendo DS
- Audio or books in any language other than French / German / Spanish.
- Alcoholic beverages, tobacco, vapes, Tipp-Ex, aerosols (including deodorants).
- Knives or any sharp items.
Euro Languages College accepts no responsibility for the safekeeping of such confiscated items.
Students arriving with parents are expected to register between 4.00pm and 5.30pm on the date of commencement.
Our language rules come into force immediately upon arrival. This is because it has been our experience that in order to maintain the use of the second language it is necessary to exclude the use of English as completely as possible.
Parents are therefore requested to leave as soon as they have brought students to the reception area.
Parents should not ask to visit the dormitories or other areas of the school with a student.
Parents and students can relax in the knowledge that the staff of Euro Languages College is an understanding, caring and warm group of people. They will make every effort to ensure that all students feel welcome and secure from the moment of their arrival.
The manager and assistant manager will be available at the reception area to meet parents and discuss any further information, medical or otherwise that may have come to light since the completion of the original application form.
Students will depart early on the final day of the course. Those parents collecting students are asked to do so by 12 noon. Euro Languages College staff will not be responsible for students who have not been collected after this time.
Students are not permitted to use mobile phones and are not permitted to keep a mobile phone either on their person or with their belongings in the dorms.
On the second evening between anytime between 8.00pm and 8.45pm we will allow students to retrieve their mobile phones (if they are brought with them) from the confiscated items to call home to say they are settling in well. Students then hand back their phones to be kept in the office. Mobile phones are also given to students on Saturday between the same time period to arrange the Sunday visits.
To make contact with the course at any other time, you can call the Euro Languages College phone number (provided shortly before course start date). Students can come into the office anytime and call home if needed.
Please note that Euro Languages College accepts no responsibility for the safe keeping of phones if students decide to bring them.
All pocket money is to be banked on the day of arrival. A card system will be run so that the students won’t use cash, but can still pay for items from the tuck shop or send clothes to the launderette. Euro Languages College will not be liable for any money not lodged in the bank.
As a guide, the only pocket money requirements will be for:
- Tuck Shop sells crisps, chocolate, sweets, soft drinks, water, stamps etc.
- Laundry (if students wish to avail of this facility) – An arrangement is made with a local launderette to collect and return students’ laundry, which is charged at the usual rate.
- Swimming in colleges that do not have their own pool.
- Doctor visits in case your son / daughter should need it.
- Students must also pay for a grammar book. In summer 2022 was 31 euro.
The optional facility of sending clothes to a laundry will be available. Euro Languages College is not responsible for the damage to or loss of any clothes sent to the laundry / launderette.
Visiting time is limited to Sunday afternoon between midday and 5.30p.m. If you arrive after midday you can still take your son / daughter out of the college but the return time will still be 5.30pm.
- No student will be permitted to leave the college with other relatives, family friends or parents of friends on the course unless specific written authority to do so has been sent to the course manager by their parents.
- The Parent / Guardian email addresses given will be the only email addresses from which written permission for Sunday visits etc will be accepted.
- Parents and students must leave the college grounds for the full duration of such visits.
- Visitors may not go beyond the reception area of the college while they await the student they are visiting.
The same person who signs a student out must sign the student back in to the college.
Any student who returns to the college under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be liable for immediate expulsion. (see rules).
At the time of booking you must provide the name, address and telephone number of relative / friend (in Ireland) to act on behalf of the parent(s)/guardian(s) if contact cannot be made in the case of emergency / expulsion. Please provide a suitable responsible adult and inform them that they have been nominated by you and that they WILL be contacted should an emergency arise and / or in the case of a breach of the rules or expulsion only if the parent(s) / guardian(s) cannot be contacted. You may choose to enter the details of a relative, neighbour or family friend.
No payments will be refunded.
Only in the case of illness and on receipt of a medical certificate, a proportion of the fees may be returned as follows*:
8 weeks before the course commences:
– The final payment plus 50% of the deposit.
Between 30 and 7 days before the course start date:
-You will forfeit your deposit
Less than 7 days prior to the course start date:
-You are responsible for paying us the full fee
*Note: Please be aware that for the purpose of our refund policy, “medical reasons” do not include situations where a student is exempt from doing the language at school for any reason. Our refund policy considers valid medical certificates to be those confirming an illness or medical condition that directly impacts the student’s ability to participate in the summer course. Exemptions or non-participation in language exams at school, irrespective of the reasons, will not be considered as valid grounds for refund eligibility under our policy. We kindly ask all participants and parents to take this into account when assessing refund requests based on medical grounds. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter.
Please be aware that for any refund requests based on medical reasons, a valid medical certificate must be provided prior to the commencement of the course. Failure to submit the medical certificate before the course start date will result in the standard refund policy being applied.
From the date of commencement of the course:
No refund will be made to any student who opts to go home on arrival at the course or who leaves the course for any reason, medical or otherwise.
Refund Request Process:
All refund requests, including those based on medical reasons, must be made in writing via email to info@elc.ie. Please ensure to include the full name of the student, course details, and supporting documentation, such as a valid medical certificate, when applicable. We will review all refund requests promptly and respond to them in a timely manner.
Transfer of Fees Option:
If a student is unable to attend the registered course, and we receive prior notice, the fees paid can be transferred to either:
- Another available course within the same summer, subject to availability and approval.
- A course scheduled for the following summer or academic year, subject to availability and approval.
Requests for fee transfers must be made in writing to info@elc.ie and are subject to our approval based on course availability.
Euro Languages College reserves the right to amend this refund policy at its discretion. Any updates or changes to the policy will be communicated to all enrolled participants in a timely manner. We value your understanding and cooperation in adhering to this policy as it allows us to continue providing high-quality summer camp experiences. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the refund policy, please do not hesitate to reach out for assistance.
Accommodation
The language courses take place in carefully selected boarding schools with spacious grounds and a variety of sporting facilities:
- St Flannan’s College, Ennis, Co.Clare
- Wilson’s Hospital School, Multyfarnham, Co.Westmeath
- Villiers School, Limerick
- Bandon Grammar School, Co.Cork
You can learn m0re about our Colleges here.
Yes, the courses are mixed and the students will sleep in dormitories that are split into male and female. Some colleges have dormitories that sleep between six and eight although there are some with small bedrooms that sleep two or three.
As the dorm situations in each school can vary, we can not promise all students sharing preferences will be accommodated. We will do our utmost best to ensure all students get to dorm with at least one friend. We kindly ask that all student sharing preferences be put in the Special Request box during the booking process in order to ensure early allocation of rooms and preferences.
Assistants are members of staff who are 16/17 and they might be allocated a bed in a dorm with students. This is to ensure all members of the dorm are behaving accordingly and mixing well while keeping up the immersive nature of the course.
Male and female dormitories are completely separate. All staff members sleep on site in the college.
Anyone who has completed one year of French, German or Spanish at secondary school can attend the courses. We will assess you when you arrive so that you will be placed in a class with students of equal ability to yourself.
We have students who attend the courses from all over the country and some who attend from abroad as well. Usually, where you live will probably determine which course you choose so as to be able to get there easily.
FAQs for Teachers
Every year we get a large number of Students through scholarship funding. The majority of the scholarships are provided by the VEC (Vocational Education Committee). Privately organised scholarships are becoming increasingly popular in schools; often Board of Management groups support Students to attend Euro Languages College.
A team of highly qualified and skilled Programme Directors ensure that the courses are constantly reviewed and updated. These Programme Directors devise the language programme and complement the curriculum by reinforcing what is learnt in the classroom. Euro Languages College was awarded the European Language Label (now known as the European Award for Languages) for innovation in language teaching and learning. This was awarded jointly by the European Commission and the Department of Education and Science.
You will see an increased confidence in the pupil’s language skills as the courses aim to nurture fluency and love of the chosen language. The classes in the morning are tailored to improve all language skills, and as the pupils will be mixing with native speakers of French, German or Spanish, this will enhance their oral and aural proficiency.
From the feedback we receive from parents and students who have had previous experience of an exchange programme, 90% said that our courses are at least as good, if not better than going on an exchange programme. As the courses are based in Ireland they eliminate the expense and anxiety sometimes involved in going abroad. Another factor is that the courses are so well structured and organised that we ensure the Students are learning the language at all times.
Typical day & activities
| 8:15 – 9:00 | Wake up / showers |
| 9:00 – 9:30 | Breakfast |
| 9:30 – 1:00 | Class (breaks 10:30-10:45 & 11:45-12) |
| 1:00 – 1:45 | Lunch |
| 1:45 – 2:00 | Dorm (preparation for activities) |
| 2:00 – 3:15 | Activity 1 |
| 3:15 – 4:00 | Tuck shop |
| 4:00 – 5:15 | Activity 2 |
| 5:15 – 5:45 | Dorms / showers |
| 5:45 – 6:30 | Dinner |
| 6:30 – 7:00 | Assembly |
| 7:00 – 8:00 | Activity 3 |
| 8:00 – 8:45 | Tuck shop |
| 8:45 – 10:00 | Activity 4 |
| 10:00 – 10:30 | Supper & Bed |
| 9:15 – 9:50 | Wake up / showers |
| 9:50 – 10:20 | Breakfast |
| 10:20 – 1:00 | Class (Break: 11:30-11:50) |
| 1:00 – 1:45 | Lunch |
| 1:45 – 1:55 | Pastoral Care Group |
| 1:55 – 2:45 | Class |
| 2:45 – 3:00 | Dorm (preparation for activities) |
| 3:00 – 3:45 | Tuck shop |
| 3:45 – 5:15 | Activity 2 |
| 5:15 – 5:45 | Dorms / showers |
| 5:45 – 6:30 | Dinner |
| 6:30 – 7:00 | Assembly |
| 7:00 – 8:00 | Activity 3 |
| 8:00 – 8:45 | Tuck shop |
| 8:45 – 10:00 | Activity 4 |
| 10:00 – 10:30 | Supper & Bed |
| 10:00 – 10:30 | Breakfast |
| 10:30 – 11:00 | Dorm clean up |
| 11:00 – 11:30 | Free time |
| 11:30 | Mass (Optional) |
| 12:00 – 5:45 | Parents visit |
| 1:00 – 1:45 | Lunch |
| 1:45 – 2:00 | Dorm (preparation for activities) |
| 2:00 – 3:15 | Activity 1 |
| 3:15 – 4:00 | Tuck shop |
| 4:00 – 5:15 | Activity 3 |
| 5:15 – 5:45 | Dorms / showers |
| 5:45 – 6:30 | Dinner |
| 6:30 – 7:00 | Assembly |
| 7:00 – 8:00 | Activity 3 |
| 8:00 – 8:45 | Tuck shop |
| 8:45 – 10:00 | Activity 4 |
| 10:00 – 10:30 | Supper & bed |
In the afternoons, there are numerous activities to choose from such as:
- Tip Rugby
- GAA
- Football
- Basketball
- Racket Sports (badminton, tennis, unihoc, rounders)
- Arts & Crafts
- Music
- Zumba
- Board games
- Yoga
- and many more…
The range of activities available depends on the facilities at the college. Swimming is available where there is access to a pool. See the Our Colleges page for details.
Following the evening assembly, students can look forward to an evening of activities all carried out through the target language.
A selection of these activities is listed below:
- Table Quiz: Many questions on different trivia themes! May the best team win!
- Speed Dating: The perfect way of breaking the ice for students on the first week. Students get to know each other by filling out questionnaires in 2 minute slots and trying to make new friends.
- Cluedo: Students watch a short ‘murder mystery’ film prepared by our staff. The ‘suspects’ are then questioned by the students in an attempt to find out ‘Who dunnit?’
- Festival de Cannes: Students get a chance to make a short film with their classmates. Films are then shown and compete for an award in the “Festival de Cannes”.
- Treasure Hunt: Students looking for hidden treasure throughout the college grounds. However, getting to the gold isn’t that simple as teams, equipped with clues, students must overcome a series of riddles and games to come up trumps!
- Céilí (run through French, German or Spanish): Students get the opportunity to learn well-known Irish dances.
- Casino Night: Black Jack, Roulette, 21 and many more all to be enjoyed with our very specially designed ELC currency! With our fake wedding certificates, some students may even take the plunge and get hitched in Vegas!
- Olympics: Series of tournaments and relay races in an atmosphere to mimic the Ancient Olympic Games.
- Horror Night: Students first watch an horror movie, followed by a spooky tour of the school.
- Eurovision Song Contest: Each class creates a song in the target language and then perform it for their peers.
- Last Night Disco: Students get the chance to put their dancing shoes on and say au revoir / adios / auf wiedersehen to their peers.
- and many more…
Unfortunately we cannot provide one to one supervision for swimming or any other activity and students cannot train unsupervised for reasons of welfare and safety.
Euro Languages College provides all sports equipment needed for activities. Students should bring their own sports gear (shoes, swimwear and swimming caps etc.). Please ensure that these are clearly marked.
Students are requested to bring musical instruments to add to the evening’s entertainment. Again please ensure that these are easily identifiable.
Euro Languages College does not take responsibility for any damage or loss.
Behaviour & Rules
A high standard of behaviour and good manners is required at all times. Students must obey the direction of staff. Disrespect, persistent disobedience, unruly behaviour or bullying towards staff or fellow students will not be tolerated and warrants expulsion, and there will be no reimbursement of fees. No exceptions will be made.
Students must make the effort to communicate in French / German / Spanish at all times in accordance with their ability.
If students fail to do this, they will be given a detention (where they will work on different linguistic aspects). If the student continues to not make an effort, he or she will receive a warning and their parents will be advised. If the situation repeats itself, then the student will be sent home.
No reimbursement of fees applies. No exceptions will be made
Smoking: is a health hazard and a fire risk. It is strictly forbidden in our schools and on our school grounds. Students who smoke are liable to immediate expulsion. Vaping is not permitted.
Alcohol and Drugs: the possession and consumption of alcohol and the use of drugs are strictly forbidden and warrant immediate expulsion.
Visits: students who return to college after a visit, under the influence of alcohol or drugs are liable for immediate expulsion.
Theft and Vandalism: any pupil found stealing or vandalizing property is liable to be expelled. Pupils will be charged for damages or graffiti to the college buildings, equipment, furniture, or to another students belongings. If a group is involved and individuals not identified, the cost of repair will be apportioned by the Course Manager.
Out of Bounds: in the interest of providing a high level of supervision for the students own safety and for insurance purposes as well as supervision of the language of the following out of bounds rules apply:
(a) No student may leave the grounds of the college unless on an official organized college outing. Euro Languages College will not be liable for any loss or injury that might occur should a student do so.
(b) Certain areas within each College are out of bounds at different times of the day and / or evenings. Students will be advised of all these areas upon arrival. No students may enter these out of bounds.
-No boy may visit any of the girls’ dormitories, and no girl may visit any of the boys’ dormitories at any time.
-Students who leave their dormitory area after lights out are considered out of bounds.
(c )Swimming (where applicable): other than at allotted supervision times, swimming is forbidden and warrants expulsion.
To maintain a safe and supportive social environment at all times, Euro Languages College does not tolerate any kind of bullying. This implies physical bullying such as intimidation and aggression; or more subtle and relational such as verbal intimidation, slagging, exclusion, or the silent treatment. Any of these offences warrant direct expulsion. No refund of fees will apply, and no exceptions will be made.
If a student is in breach of the above rules so as to warrant expulsion, the Course Manager will immediately contact the parents (or the contact they have provided in the event of their being away from home) to advise them of the situation.
After the decision has been made that the student will be sent home, the student will either be collected by his / her parents, or the person designated on the day of expulsion. Otherwise, the student will be sent home by public transport (Students under 16 will be accompanied by a staff member).
It is the parents’ responsibility, or the responsibility of the person designated to act on their behalf, to ensure that a responsible adult will be available to receive a student thus expelled. Euro Languages College accepts no responsibility for any student following expulsion.
An expulsion comes into effect from the moment that the student is advised that he / she is being expelled. Students therefore are not advised of their expulsion until shortly before the time they are due to depart the college. It should be noted that once a student has been advised of their expulsion, he / she will not be allowed any further association with the other students. We therefore ask both parents and students to read our rules and the section on general procedures and other information prior to making a booking for our courses.
Student Welfare
We do not encourage students to leave the course as it interrupts the continuity of the language experience; if it is necessary that your child leave the course for any reason, you must give the Course Management team all the details in advance by email (including when the student is leaving the course, when and how he / she will return).
Euro Languages College runs fully immersive programs. We advise that students attend for the full duration of the course in order to reap the maximum benefits and improve their proficiency. However, if a student needs to leave the course early, this can be accommodated.
Please note that in the event of early departure, Euro Languages College cannot offer a reduction in course fees.
Students can only leave the College with their parents / guardians / designated person in charge. For those parents who feel they must visit, visiting time is limited to Sunday afternoon between midday and 5.30 p.m. Parents will sign students out of the college and sign them back in when they return.
Photos and / or footage may be taken of your child during the course for certain activities or to document life in ELC. Consent is given to use your child’s image in promotional material and publicity.
The following is the standard wording with respect to the Employers / Public Liability Insurance which will be put in place through our insurance agents.
EMPLOYERS LIABILITY INSURANCE
Legal liability to pay compensation to all our personnel in respect of death, bodily injury or disease sustained by them and arising out of and during the course of their duties and caused by the negligence of the company, our servants and agents.
PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE
Legal liability to pay compensation as follows:
- Death, bodily injury or disease to any third party person, caused by the negligence of the company, our servants or agents, and arising out of and during the course of the business.
- Damage to third party property, caused by the negligence of the company, our servants or agents, and arising out of and during the course of the business.
- You will note that students attending Euro Languages College courses will be considered third parties in the event of a claim; indemnity on any one claim is 6,500,000 Euro.
PLEASE NOTE, STUDENTS’ BELONGINGS ARE NOT INSURED UNDER EURO LANGUAGES COLLEGE INTERNATIONAL LTD.’S INSURANCE POLICY.
Euro Languages College International Ltd. accepts no responsibility for students’ belongings. We suggest that parents should investigate the possibility of arranging an extension of their household insurance policy to cover students’ belongings. We would also like to advise students to leave items of value at home that are not suitable for a summer camp environment, as Euro Languages College is not responsible for replacing items that get broken and/or lost.
A nurse will attend the college daily. Students requiring medical attention will be brought to the doctor or nearest hospital. Medical costs will be deducted from the student’s bank account. Please ensure that pocket money is adequate to cover such deductions. Please note any special medical care that might be needed in our booking form, or notify us directly prior the commencement of the course. All medicines must be handed over during registration. These will be dispensed as necessary throughout the course.
“All organizations involved with children have an obligation to provide them with the highest possible standard of care in order to promote their well-being and safeguard them from abuse.”
Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children, 2011
ELC has administrative systems in place to ensure child protection e.g. new staff providing a police clearance certificate: Casier jusiciare / Führungszeugnis / certificado de antecedentes penales.
On site code of behaviour should be adhered to by all staff:
- Appropriate staff supervision and ratios: no adult staff member should be on their own with a student at any time.
- Appropriate relationships and boundaries between staff and students in relation to physical contact and language. You should never shout at students and outside of the normal contact one would expect in sports activities. Staff members should not make physical contact with the students e.g. it may seem cold but hugging a student is not appropriate.
- Appropriate behaviour when addressing challenging behaviour. Remain calm and seek help from other staff.
- Dealing with bullying. ELC has an antibullying policy that is available upon request.
- Considerations for off-site activities: supervision on the bus and in the pool where students leave the college to use a pool.
- Safe use of technology, including cameras. Students may use cameras and images taken should be appropriate and if activities are suitable e.g. no sexual content etc the images will also be safe.
First of all, you must inform us if your child has any special medical conditions or if your child needs to take medication during the course. Medication should be given during registration at the beginning of the course, and will be dispensed to the student when needed. A nurse visits the college daily and liaises with the management team to ensure that each student’s medical requirements are met.
Yes, we are strict in enforcing the language rule but this is the reason that our courses are so successful. In order to provide the necessary French / German / Spanish speaking atmosphere and to ensure total immersion, we must insist that students’ make an effort to speak the language at all times to the best of their ability. Generally, students adapt very well to this after a few days.
Every effort is made to help the students settle in and enjoy our courses. Students are allowed to ring home if they feel homesick. On the first evening of assembly, students are advised to approach any member of staff if they are experiencing difficulties in settling in. There are pastoral care meetings held twice weekly where the students discuss any problems they may have. Students can also speak to the management team in the office in English if they are having problems.