All Cork English Academy (CEA) students receive a school certificate upon completion of their English course.

However, if you are enrolling in the 8-month Stamp 2 related Work & Study Programme, you are also required to take an external English language exam as part of your immigration requirements in Ireland.

CEA offers two exam options: IELTS and TIE. Here’s how they compare to help you choose the one that’s right for your goals.

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🎓 What is the IELTS Exam?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is widely recognized and used to assess English language proficiency for study, work, and migration.

At CEA, students take the IELTS Academic Exam, which evaluates your readiness for higher education or academic training.

Key Features:

• 💼 Best suited for: Students preparing for University or professional environments
• 📘 Exam Structure: Reading, writing, listening, and speaking
• 🧑‍🏫 Speaking Test: One-to-one with a live examiner
• 🕒 Duration: 2 hours and 45 minutes
• 📝 Writing Test: 1 hour, academic tasks like interpreting graphs or data
• 🎯 Results: Scored on a scale of 4.0 to 8.9 (no pass/fail)
• ⏳ Validity: 2 years
• 🎓 Course Structure (25 weeks total):
  • 19 weeks General English
  • 6 weeks IELTS preparation

Students must have at least A2 level at the beginning of their Work and Study course or B1+ level to enter the 6-week IELTS preparation course.

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🗣️ What is the TIE Exam?

The Test of Interactive English (TIE) focuses on practical and communicative English skills, ideal for general learners from A1 to C2 levels.

Key Features:

• 🌍 Best suited for: Students looking to improve interactive and practical English for everyday life
• ✍️ Exam Structure: 1-hour written test + 30-minute oral test
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Speaking Test: Includes project presentation, book/news story discussion, and interactive task with a partner
• 📖 Preparation Tasks:
  1. Complete a personal project
  2. Read a book in English
  3. Follow a news story (TV, radio, or newspaper)
• 📚 Course Structure: 25 weeks General English (no specific preparation course)

There is no grammar section in the TIE – the focus is entirely on communication and interaction, both spoken and written.

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❗Important: Exam Choice Must Be Confirmed at Time of Booking

Before booking your Work & Study Programme, please decide whether you will take the TIE or IELTS exam.

According to Irish Immigration rules, no changes can be made to your exam choice after your course has started.

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✅ Summary Table

Feature	IELTS	TIE
Suitable for	Academic/University	General English learners
Levels Accepted	B1+ (for IELTS prep)	A1 to C2
Course Length	25 weeks (19 General + 6 IELTS prep)	25 weeks General English
Speaking Test	1-to-1 with examiner	Paired task + presentation
Writing Task	Academic writing	One prepared + one spontaneous
Grammar Section	Yes	No
Certificate Validity	2 years	Permanent certificate
Score	4.0 to 8.9 scale	Pass/fail with CEFR level

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If you’re unsure which exam is best for you, contact our Student Services Team – we’ll be happy to advise you based on your level and future goals.

Two weeks ago, our students from Cork English Academy had an amazing time during one of our weekly extra activities — a fun and relaxing visit to the Marina Market Cork!

At Cork English Academy, we believe that learning English goes beyond the classroom. That’s why we offer a variety of weekly social and cultural activities designed to help students:

✅ Practice English in real-life situations

✅ Make new international friends

✅ Explore Irish culture and local attractions

✅ Build confidence in a fun and relaxed environment

This time, our students enjoyed delicious food, great conversations, and a lively atmosphere at one of Cork’s most popular weekend spots — Marina Market!. Our extra activities are available every week and are open to all enrolled students. Whether it’s a city tour, market visit, pub night, or museum trip, you’ll have the chance to improve your English while making unforgettable memories!

Summer is the perfect time to visit Cork city and this year, there are more flight options than ever! Whether you’re coming from nearby European cities or from further afield, Cork Airport offers a range of connections to make your journey easier. Read on to find out which cities and international hubs can help you get to Cork this summer.

More Flights in the Summer Months

As the summer travel season kicks off, airlines are increasing their services to Cork. With more flights available during this period, you’ll have no trouble finding a convenient flight option that fits your schedule.

Cities with Direct Flights to Cork, Ireland

Here’s a list of European cities by country offering direct flights to Cork:

France

• Bordeux
• Carcasonne
• La Rochelle
• Lyon
• Paris (Charles de Gaulle)

Germany

• Frankfurt
• Munich

Greece

• Corfu
• Rhodes

Netherlands

• Amsterdam (Schiphol)

Spain

• Alicante
• Barcelona
• Bilboa
• Fuerteventura
• Gran Canaria
• Girona
• Lanzarote
• Madrid
• Malaga
• Palma de Mallorca
• Reus
• Seville
• Tenerife
• Valencia

Portugal

• Lisbon

Croatia

• Dubrovnik
• Zadar

Belgium

• Brussels

Italy

• Alghero
• Milan
• Pisa
• Rome
• Venice

Poland

• Frankurt
• Gdansk
• Poznan
• Warsaw

Portugal

• Faro

Austria

Salzburg

Sswiterland

• Zurich

International Hubs for Connecting Flights

If you’re flying from countries outside the European Union, major international hubs are available to make your connection to Cork seamless. These hubs will connect you to direct flights to Cork from around the world:

• London (Heathrow, Gatwick): With flights from destinations like New York, Dubai, Toronto, and more.
• Paris Charles de Gaulle: Offering connections from cities like Tokyo, Beijing, and Johannesburg.
• Amsterdam Schiphol: Connecting flights from regions like Asia, the Middle East, and North America.

By flying through these international hubs, travelers from further afield can easily reach Cork and enjoy everything the beautiful city has to offer.

Plan Your Summer Trip to Cork

With so many flights available this summer, there’s no better time to plan your trip to Cork. From direct flights to easy connections through major international hubs, getting to Cork has never been easier. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience one of Ireland’s most charming cities!

Traveling from Dublin Airport to Cork City

If you’re arriving at Dublin Airport and need to travel to Cork City, the best option is to take the Aircoach.

Ticket Booking

You can pre-book your ticket online via the Aircoach website or purchase one directly when boarding the bus.

Bus Features

• Comfortable seating
• Charging sockets for devices
• Onboard Wi-Fi
• Toilets

Journey Duration

The journey takes approximately 3.5 hours from Dublin Airport to Cork City.

Cork City Stop

The Aircoach bus makes one convenient stop in Cork City at: 1 Lower Glanmire Rd, Cork, T23 XWY9 (in front of Moody’s Cafe).

Host Family Bookings

If a host family has been booked, this single stop makes it easy for host families to pick up students upon arrival.

Communication with Host Families

• Students and host families should exchange WhatsApp numbers before traveling.
• The bus’s onboard Wi-Fi allows students to notify families of any delays.

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Suggested Travel Plan

1. Flight Arrival at Dublin Airport
   Allow at least 2 hours after landing to collect baggage and pass through immigration.
2. Aircoach Departure
   Book your bus departure 2+ hours after your flight’s arrival.
3. Aircoach Arrival in Cork City
   Expect to arrive in Cork approximately 3.5 hours later.

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Students are responsible for booking their own Aircoach tickets. For more information and to reserve your seat, visit www.aircoach.ie.

Starting your journey at Cork English Academy is an exciting experience! We understand that your first day can be full of anticipation, and we’re here to make sure you feel welcomed, informed, and ready to begin your English learning adventure. Here’s what you can expect on your first day at our school.

Induction Day: A Warm Welcome to CEA

Your first day begins with an Induction Day, designed to ensure you have all the information you need to settle in comfortably and begin your course with confidence.

• Arrive at Reception: When you arrive at the academy, please head to reception to register for your course. It’s important to bring a pen, some paper, and your passport or photo ID for verification purposes.
• Presentation: After registration, you’ll attend a brief presentation about the school, our facilities, and your course. This will give you an overview of everything you need to know, from our teaching methods to the range of services we offer to students.
• Joining Your Class: Once the presentation is complete, you’ll be introduced to your class and your teacher. It’s time to meet your fellow students and get ready to dive into your English lessons!

Arriving on Your First Day

Your timetable depends on whether you’ve registered for a morning or afternoon course:

• Morning Courses: If you are enrolled in a morning course, please arrive at the school by 08:45 on your first day.
• Afternoon Courses: For those with afternoon courses, please arrive at 13:00 on your first day.

Course Timetables

• Morning Timetable: Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 12:15
• Afternoon Timetable: Monday to Friday, 13:15 to 16:30

Meeting the Academic Team

The Academic Team will conduct your induction session. They will explain your starting level, discuss your course progression, and answer any questions you may have. You’ll also hear about the social activities and free workshops available that week. We encourage students to participate, as it’s a great way to practice English outside of class and connect with others.

Starting Your Classes

Excitingly, you’ll start your lessons on your very first day! This is the perfect opportunity to meet your teacher and classmates, get familiar with the classroom environment, and begin learning. You will also receive your textbooks, which will be your companions throughout your course.

City Walking Tour

On their first day, students are encouraged to sign up for our guided city walking tour on the Social Activity Board located on the ground floor. This tour offers a great introduction to Cork, highlighting key landmarks, places of interest, and historical sites to help students feel at home in their new city. The Social Activity Board also displays all activities available throughout the week.

Immigration Registration (stamp 2/non-EU applicants)

If you’re in Ireland on a student visa and need to register with immigration for Stamp 2 purposes, don’t worry! This will be taken care of during a second meeting on your second day of class. This meeting will guide you through the relocation procedures and ensure you’re all set for your stay in Ireland.

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We look forward to seeing you on your first day! At Cork English Academy, we’re committed to making sure you feel at home while you learn English in a friendly, supportive environment. Your journey to language proficiency starts now, and we’re here to help every step of the way.

Taking breaks during a long-term course can significantly enhance the learning experience. Holidays offer students a chance to recharge, explore Ireland, and return to their studies refreshed and motivated.

At Cork English Academy, we encourage students to make the most of their holidays to enrich their overall experience while maintaining focus on their language goals.

Eligibility for Holidays

• Courses of 13+ Weeks: Students may take 1 week holiday during their stay.
• Courses of 25+ Weeks: Students may take up to 3 weeks holiday (15 working days + 3 weekends).

Holiday Terms and Procedures

• Holidays must be prearranged with at least 2 weeks’ notice.
• Holidays must align with a full week (Monday to Friday).
• Approved holiday weeks are added to the end of the course duration.
• As per Immigration policy, Stamp 2/Study Visa holders must have completed at least:
• 3 weeks of their course before taking 1 weeks holidays
• 6 weeks of their course before taking 2 weeks holidays
• 9 weeks of their course before taking 3 weeks holidays

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Steps for Requesting and Monitoring Holidays

• Request Submission: Get a Holiday Request Form from reception. Complete and return the form to reception.
• Approval Process: The Director of Studies reviews the request.
• Notification: The Director of Studies informs the relevant Class Teachers and updates the student’s file and the school management system. The student receives an email confirmation of the holiday request.
• Non-Adherence: Students absent without prior approval or taking longer holidays than permitted will be marked absent. Missed classes will not be added to the end of their course.

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For any questions or clarifications regarding holiday requests, please contact reception or the Director of Studies directly [email protected].

Public Holidays

Please also keep in mind the public holiday dates in Ireland. The school will be closed on the following public holidays. If a holiday falls on a Monday, courses will start on the following Tuesday:

2025 Public Holiday/School Closure Dates:

• 03 February
• 17 March
• 21 April
• 05 May
• 02 June
• 04 August
• 27 October

2025 Christmas Holidays:

• 22 December 2025 to 02 January 2026. The last day of class will be Friday, 19 December 2025.

Choosing holidays that coincide with public holidays can maximize your fun and allow you to explore more of what Ireland has to offer.