All students enrolled in a Work and Study English language programme in Ireland are required to have medical insurance for the duration of their 8-month stay, as per Immigration Policy.

Cork English Academy can arrange insurance on your behalf through the insurance provider Study and Protect / Arachas (€120).

This MediCover insurance, provided by Arachas and underwritten by Chubb Insurance, offers medical assistance during your Work and Study or Academic Year Course. Please note that it does not provide coverage in your home country.

You can find details about the coverage here: https://studyandprotect.com/student-medical-insurance-medicover/

To be eligible for cover, the insured person must not be currently under treatment, taking medication, or receiving follow-up consultations for any of the following conditions:

1. cancer;
2. any heart / circulatory-related condition (including hypertension, angina, stroke etc); or
3. any chronic lung / breathing-related condition (excluding asthma suffered in isolation and controlled by the use of one or two inhalers); or
4. a clinically diagnosed psychiatric disorder, anxiety or depression;

The Insured Person must not be:
1. receiving or waiting for medical treatment at a hospital or nursing home;
2. waiting for investigation or referral, or the results of any investigation, medical treatment or surgical procedure, for any condition, whether diagnosed or undiagnosed.
3. choosing not to take prescribed medication, or the correct dose of prescribed medicine.
4. travelling against the advice of a medically qualified doctor;
5. travelling to obtain medical, dental or cosmetic treatment;
6. travelling with a terminal condition;

This Policy will not cover claims directly or indirectly arising from, relating to or in any way connected with COVID-19 or any mutation or variation of COVID-19. We will not therefore cover claims relating to any inability to travel, any decision not to travel or any changes to travel plans, nor any medical or health related loss or expense incurred, as a result of COVID-19 or any mutation or variation of COVID-19.

It is the Insured’s and the Insured Person’s responsibility to accept honestly and with reasonable care all questions posed by the Insurer. Failure to do so may (i) affect the Policy terms and/or claims under the Policy; and/or (ii) entitle the Insurer to terminate the Policy or treat the Policy as if it never existed.

Having the right insurance ensures peace of mind and ensures compliance with Immigration policy.

Keep Exploring

At Cork English Academy, we offer group courses for students of Elementary level (A1) and higher. Our structured assessment and monitoring process ensures that each student is placed in the appropriate level and supported throughout their language learning journey.

---

Student Levels

We follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) to structure our levels:

• Elementary (A1)
• Pre-Intermediate (A2)
• Intermediate (B1)
• Upper Intermediate (B2)
• Advanced (C1)
• Proficient (C2)

A1 Minimum

CEA does not offer courses at Absolute Beginner level (A0).

At A1 level you should be able to introduce yourself in English and be able to answer very basic questions about yourself for example:

• Your name
• Your age
• Where you live
• People you know (family members, friends)
• Things you like (activities, hobbies)

---

Assessment and Monitoring Process

1. Initial Assessment

Before arriving, students complete an independent online placement test to assess their English usage and listening skills. The test results provide a starting point, but they are only one part of a broader process to ensure the most suitable placement.

• Language skills are evaluated against CEFRL level descriptors.
• On the first day, students participate in an induction session where placement results, levels, and progression are explained in detail.

2. Continuous Monitoring

We continuously monitor student progress to ensure they are on track to achieve their learning goals:

• Spoken Skills: Assessed through regular communication activities in class.
• Weekly Progress Tests: These evaluate grammar, vocabulary, reading, and writing skills, and results are reviewed and discussed in class.
• Individual Feedback: Teachers provide weekly oral feedback, offering guidance on strengths and areas for improvement.

3. External Summative Tests

For students in specific courses, such as IELTS or TIE preparation, external tests serve as summative evaluations at the end of the course.

4. Academic Support

Our Academic Directors are available for private meetings to provide additional support and strategies for language improvement at any stage of the course. Meetings can be arranged at the school reception.

---

Progression Through Levels

Advancing through levels depends on each student’s individual strengths, weaknesses, and effort. While some students progress quickly, others may need additional time to meet the learning outcomes.

---

Criteria for Level Advancement

Students move to the next level based on a combination of continuous assessment and formal testing.

• Spoken Skills: Teachers continuously observe communication activities in class.
• Weekly Tests: These formative assessments evaluate grammar, vocabulary, reading, and writing.

Teachers use CEFRL level descriptors to compare each student’s performance at their current level and the next higher level. Once a student demonstrates consistent ability to meet the criteria for the higher level, they are promoted.

---

Supporting Your Progress

Our structured approach ensures that every student has a clear path to success. If you have questions or concerns about your level or progress, you can speak with your teacher or arrange a meeting with the Academic Team.

Start your English language journey with confidence at Cork English Academy!