Fernanda’s Story

Tell us a little bit about your course and teachers?

I take C1 level English in the morning classes. I have 12 classmates from all over the world, including Brazil, Argentina, Turkey, Spain, and Honduras.

For my first two weeks here, I had a British teacher, she was excellent, and I learned a lot from her and my classmates.

In my third week I got a new teacher, he is from Ireland. I really like my teacher, he is a really good, kind and respectful person. He encourages everybody to participate in class and helps us to understand any new topic that arises. 

What aspect of English language learning are you improving in the most?

I think the aspects that I am improving the most are my speaking and writing skills.

What aspect of English language learning are you finding the most challenging?

Even though I am improving my fluency, speaking in English is still the most challenging aspect to me.

Sometimes I don’t have all of the vocabulary I need when I want to say something, but I keep trying to do my best.

Do you get to practice your English outside of school hours?

Yes, I do. I practice my English on a daily basis, for example when I need to buy something, talk with my classmates, take the bus or train, etc.

I love the out and about school activities because I can also practice English while meeting new people and visiting interesting places in Cork City.

Why did you choose Cork City as your study abroad destination?

I chose to move to Cork City because, before coming here, I saw a reel on Instagram about the city and I immediately fell in love with Cork.

Furthermore, I have heard that in this city it is easier to find a job and accommodation.

 What is your favorite thing about Cork? 

The people. People are so friendly here. I feel welcome in Cork, and I am very happy to live here and learn more about Irish Culture.

Would you suggest Ireland as a study abroad destination to others and if so, why? 

I absolutely recommend Ireland as a study abroad destination to others because it is a lovely country, and we can really improve our English skills while enjoying an amazing experience in Ireland, the beautiful Emerald Island.

However, it would be good if the government could improve the processes for obtaining the Irish residence permit (IRP) and the PPS, so that they could be more agile and efficient, which would motivate more students to continue coming to the country.


Thank you so much for this extremely well written piece Fernanda!

We have no doubt you will turn your language challenges into motivation! Keep going! You are excelling.

Relocation Information

We totally agree that the government registration process needs to be made better for international students. The time delay in getting an Immigration registration appointment in Cork at the moment is unprecedented. Hopefully we will see changes for the better in 2024.

Until then remember that the special landing stamp you receive in your passport on arrival to the airport in Ireland will permit you to:

1. Request an Immigration meeting where you will later during your stay get your physical IRP / Immigration card (stamp 2 student visa)
2. Apply for a PPS number (official number for work purposes)
3. Apply for an Irish bank account (if you want one for proof of address or work purposes)

You do not need to wait until you have a physical IRP / Immigration card to apply for a PPS number or Irish bank account.

More Relocation Information.

BLACK-TEMBER Sale at CEA

Make a booking this November or December because it’s … Black-tember at CEA!

Limited spaces at the special offer price. Book today for a course start date anytime throughout 2023 or 2024.

Secure Your Place Today

Pay a deposit of €265 to secure your place at this special price.

Pay the remainder (in installments if you like) at least 4 weeks before course start date.

Total payment should be made at least 4 weeks before course start date.

Black-tember Sale Summary

  • Afternoon 30% discount on EU and short term bookings
  • Work and Study Morning TIE : Discount €835
  • Work and Study Morning IELTS : Discount €835
  • Work and Study Afternoon TIE : Discount €1215
  • School Registration fee €65 applies to Work and Study bookings.

Short Term or EU Student Bookings – 30% Off Afternoon timetable

Work and Study ( 8 month stay for non EU students) – First time & Renewal

1. General English leading to TIE Afternoon €1500 total includes:

School Registration fee €65 applies to Work and Study bookings.

  Classes Monday to Friday 13:15 to 16:30 
   25 weeks General English course
   General English Textbook
   TIE Exam
   Learner Protection
   Medical Insurance

2. General English leading to TIE Morning €2255 total includes: 

School Registration fee €65 applies to Work and Study bookings.

   Classes Monday to Friday 09.00 to 12:15 
   25 weeks General English course
   General English Textbook
   TIE Exam
   Learner Protection
   Medical Insurance

3. General English and IELTS (Morning Only) €2390 total includes: 

School Registration fee €65 applies to Work and Study bookings.

   Classes Monday to Friday 09.00 to 12:15  
   19 weeks General English + 6 weeks IELTS Course
   General English Textbook
   IELTS Exam
   IELTS Textbook
   Learner Protection
   Medical Insurance

School Registration fee €65 applies to Work and Study bookings.

Get in Touch with us Today for a Personalized Quotation

Contact CEA by Email

Send us an email at [email protected].

Contact CEA by Phone

Office Number: +353 21 203 8786
School WhatsApp:  +353 83 0975404

Visit us at Cork English Academy, 2 Drinan Street, Cork

Monday to Friday: 08.30 to 17.00
Saturday and Sunday: Closed

*Course Start Dates

Courses start on every Monday throughout the year except where there is a public holiday Monday in which case courses start on the Tuesday. 

Christmas Holidays

The school will close for 2 weeks at Christmas but other than that you are welcome to start afternoon classes at the 30% discount from now until March 1st 2024.

The Last day of class will be Friday 22 December 2023 and the first day back in 2024 will be Monday  08 January 2024.

30% Off Afternoon English Language Classes

Secure Your Place Today

Pay a deposit of €265 to secure your place at this special price.

Pay the remainder (in installments if you like) at least 4 weeks before course start date.

Total payment should be made at least 4 weeks before course start date.


  • Afternoon English Classes Monday to Friday 13:15 to 16:30
  • Courses start every Monday*
  • Native English speaking teachers
  • Level specific classes in small groups
  • Elementary A1, Pre-Intermediate A2, Intermediate B1, Upper-Intermediate B2, Advanced C1 and Proficient C2.

Different Course Timetables at CEA

  • 15 hour Morning Monday to Friday 09.00 to 12.15 
  • 15 hour Afternoon Monday to Friday 13.15 to 16.30
  • Intensive 22.5 Hour Monday to Friday 09:00 to 12:15 and 13:15 to 14:45

30% Off Afternoon Courses

Afternoon 30% Off Afternoon 
2 Weeks€240 €168
3 Weeks360€252
4 Weeks€480€336
5 Weeks€600€420
6 Weeks€720€504
7 Weeks€840 €588
8 Weeks€960€672
9 Weeks€1035€724.50
10 Weeks€1150€805
11 Weeks€1265€885.50
12 Weeks€1380€966
13 to 24 Weeks€100 per week€70 per week
Additional Weeks€95 per week€66 per week
25 Weeks €2375€1160 Black-tember Sale!
+ Textbook €50

Get in Touch with us Today for a Personalized Quotation

Contact CEA by Email

Send us an email at [email protected].

Contact CEA by Phone

Office Number: +353 21 203 8786
School WhatsApp:  +353 83 0975404

Visit us at Cork English Academy, 2 Drinan Street, Cork

Monday to Friday: 08.30 to 17.00
Saturday and Sunday: Closed

*Course Start Dates

Courses start on every Monday throughout the year except where there is a public holiday Monday in which case courses start on the Tuesday. 

Christmas Holidays

The school will close for 2 weeks at Christmas but other than that you are welcome to start afternoon classes at the 30% discount from now until March 1st 2024.

The Last day of class will be Friday 22 December 2023 and the first day back in 2024 will be Monday  08 January 2024.

Renewal Course

The Work and Study program is for students from outside of Europe who need to formalize their stay in Cork for Immigration purposes.

Students can renew a Work and Study 8 month stay in Ireland 2 more times (maximum stay for English language studies is then 3 x 8 months).

Cork English Academy has a limited time offer for students renewing a course for a second or third period.

Textbooks

You may already have the correct textbooks and if you do we can deduct that fee. 

  • IELTS book –  Focus on IELTS/ New Edition  by  Pearson  – €45
  • General English book – New  English File 4th Edition by Oxford University Press –  €50

Get in Touch with us Today for a Personalized Quotation

Contact CEA by Email

Send us an email at [email protected].

Contact CEA by Phone

Office Number: +353 21 203 8786
School WhatsApp:  +353 83 0975404

Visit us at Cork English Academy, 2 Drinan Street, Cork

Monday to Friday: 08.30 to 17.00
Saturday and Sunday: Closed

General English Course

The daily General English lessons covers all of the English language skills – speaking, listening, reading and writing with an emphasis on speaking and listening. The main focus of the General English courses is on communication skills in real life settings.

Our syllabus is task-based, with students carrying out tasks in class to provide you with the necessary skills to manage using the English language in real-life situations. 

IELTS Course

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is designed to examine your ability to work, study, or live in an English speaking environment.

The IELTS Academic specifically measures whether your level of English language proficiency is suitable for an academic environment. It reflects aspects of academic language and evaluates whether you’re ready to begin training or studying for example on an Undergraduate or Masters course delivered through English. 

The course includes preparation for Academic Reading, Academic Writing, Listening with regular timed examination practice as well as preparation and practice for speaking exam.

You can start any Monday throughout the year as you will start your course with General English, however starting your 25-week leaving your 6 weeks IELTS course towards the end of the 25-week course period is best.

IELTS Course Dates 2024*Paper Based Exam Dates 
08 January to 16 February 17 Febraury 
08 April to 17 May18 May
08 July to 16 August17 August
07 October to 15 November16 November

*Dates are subject to change in line with external exam centre dates and availability

Exam Registration

  • IELTS Academic
  • TIE ( General English Exam)

Your final exam will be linked to your official student enrollment documents for Immigration purposes. Therefore, no changes to your course or final exam can be made after you start your course. Something to consider when you are making a booking!

Learner Protection / PEL

Learner Protection insurance is provided by Arachas and underwritten by Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC. Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC trading as Aviva, is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

Medical Insurance

  • Cork English Academy offers Medical Insurance to students. If booking through an agency your agency might book this for you through the school or directly themselves.
  • Cork English Academy can order MediCover insurance for you. MediCover is provided by Arachas and underwritten by Chubb Insurance.
  • This insurance cover provides financial protection and medical assistance during your Work and Study/Academic Year Course.

Right to work

Work and Study in Ireland at the same time. Students can work in Ireland during their language abroad stay. This allows you put what you have learned in class into practice in real life work settings.

While registered on an Academic Year (Work & Study) Programme you will be permitted to work 40 hours per week during the months of June, July, August and September and from 15 December to 15 January inclusive. At all other times you can work up to 20 hours per week.

Awards

You will receive a Cork English Academy school certificate and an external exam result (TIE or IELTS) which may be be more recognizable to employers when looking for a job, or Universities, if looking to go onto further study such as an Undergraduate, Masters or PHD through the English language.

Requirements

Check out these important Work and study/Academic Year Policies which are in line with Government and Immigration guidelines in Ireland. Let us know if you have any questions.

Immigration Status 

This course is for students from outside of the EU. The course fulfills the Government requirements, as set out by stamp 2 student Immigration status.

Kelly’s Story

Can you tell us a little bit about your course and teachers?

It’s beyond my expectations, actually. I’m having classes with Heather and she is absolutely amazing. She is dynamic and has patience to teach us and we can see that she gives us her best. I really love her! About the course: if you are really interested in learning, you will. You must pay attention at classes, do the exercises, then you’ll have a good experience.

What aspect of English language learning are you improving in the most?

My speaking for sure. But also my grammar. And every day we learn some new words. So I guess it is a mix of all. There’s no way to improve just one thing. It’s all set. 

What aspect of English language learning are you finding the most challenging?

Grammar, but I know that I’ll get there! 

Have you worked in Cork City? If so, can you tell us a little about your job?

Yes, I am working. I work as a SPA Therapist at The Imperial Hotel. I absolutely love it. As it is the same profession that I have in my Country, I’m really happy. 

Do you get to practice your English outside of school hours?

Yes, everyday at my work, also I live in a house with my housemates who are from another countries, we all have to talk in English.  

Why did you choose Cork City to move to?

‘Cause here we (my husband and I) imagined the city would be quiet, which it really is, and we love it. The safety too. 

What is your favourite thing about Cork? 

Quietness is our top one. But also the safety, people are so friendly, and the quality of life.  

Would you suggest Ireland as a study abroad destination to others and if so, why?

Yes because it is an AMAZING opportunity, it’s a beautiful place to live, rich in culture, with friendly people.   

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Thank you Kelly. We wish you all the best with your study and work and life in Cork 🙂