Terms and Conditions ·

General Conditions

The minimum age for attendance on a course is 18 years. There is no upper age limit.
Students must decide on a course schedule at time of booking/course purchase.
Changes in schedule requests are accepted (please fill out a Change of Schedule Request Form at school reception) but are not guaranteed. Change of schedule requests are dependent on availability.
All students must have a physical course textbook in class.
General English Textbook fee is €50. This entitles students to one course book during their stay. Extra books can be purchased in the school as required. For example, in case of level change or change from General English to Examination Preparation class.
Programmes start on any Monday except where the school is closed due to School and Public Holidays. In the case of public holiday Monday closures programmes will start on the following Tuesday.
A serious misdemeanour or infringement of the laws of Ireland will result in instant dismissal from the school. Costs incurred by the student because of dismissal in these circumstances are the sole responsibility of the student and Cork English Academy will accept no liability of any kind.
Cork English Academy cannot accept responsibility for flight delays, changes in timetables by other third parties outside of our control.
The school reserves the right to change, without notice, the contents, dates, times, locations or any other details of course(s) brought about by political events, natural disasters, weather or any other events considered by the organizers to be pertinent.
When necessary, the Academy reserves the right to alter the timetable and/or transfer students from one class or course to another, from one schedule to another, to merge small classes, cancel courses or offer alternative classes.
Students will be informed at least 2 weeks in advance of course commencement and an alternative will be offered. Cork English Academy reserves the right to cancel a course if there is not sufficient demand for it. In this case, full refunds will be given.

Levels and Placement Test

Cork English Academy offers courses for Elementary A1 level to Proficient C2.
We do not offer courses for students who test as Absolute Beginner A0.
Study levels are determined by an Online Placement Test which is emailed to students 12 weeks before course start date or the week the booking is made if a booking is received with less than 12 weeks’ notice.
Students are required to take the level test the same week that they receive it by email.
The Academy’s decision as to the appropriate level of study and class, including teacher and classroom, for the student is final. No refund of tuition fees will be given if the student is dissatisfied with the allocated level of study or class.
A student who arrives in school having booked a General English group course, which we only offer at A1 to C2 level, and their starting level is outside of that range will not have a group class. Depending on availability we may be able to offer a conversion to private lessons, but this depends on teacher and classroom availability. This is not an option for Academic Year/ Stamp 2 registering (Work and Study Programme) students; such students must be at A1 level minimum when starting their course, in line with courses listed on the ILEP.
Courses for such Stamp 2 registering students who test outside of levels offered will be cancelled.

Booking Requirements

Cork English Academy requires the following details at least 4 weeks before course start date:

Online Level Test Results (Part 1 Multiple Choice + Part 2 speaking test).
Study levels are determined by an Online Placement Test which is emailed to students 12 weeks before course start date (or the week the booking is made if a booking is received with less than 12 weeks’ notice).
Students are requested to take the level test the same week that they receive it by email.
Students at very latest are required to have completed Part 1 Multiple Choice and 2 Speaking Test 4 weeks before course start date.
Failure to do so will result in an automatic booking cancellation.
Payment in full – payment needs to have reached the school account at least 4 weeks before course start date. Please send proof of payment in advance – about 32 days before course start to ensure payment is in the school account 4 weeks before start date).
Flight Arrival*
Passport (non-EU 25-week /Stamp2/ Work and Study/ Visa related bookings only)
Address in Cork – if accommodation is not booked through the school (non-EU 25-week /Stamp2/ Work and Study/ Visa related bookings only)

If accommodation is booked through the school:

Student Phone Number

If host family is booked through the school:

Host family pick up time and location

* Monday After Arrival Start Date Mandatory

It is mandatory that all Work and Study/ stamp 2/ visa related students start their course the immediate Monday after flight arrival to Ireland. (School Policy + Immigration, Relocation, and Insurance reasons).

Last Minute Booking Procedure

In the case of last-minute bookings (under 4 weeks to arrival) we will send a level test before issuing invoices.
If there is not enough time to receive a bank transfer into the school account (can take 5 to 7 working days) , we may require card details to confirm the booking.
You can make payment by Secure Payment Link: https://square.link/u/T5mTfQ6A

One-to-One / Private Lessons Scheduled Timetable

It is important that you note the hours of your prebooked lessons.
No changes to the scheduled plan can be made once the invoice is paid.
For after hour classes (classes after 17.00) your teacher will wait for a maximum of 15 minutes in case you are running late. After 15 minutes of your scheduled class time and you are not present that class will be cancelled.
Classes will not be offered at a different time in case of cancellations or students running late. You will forgo those lessons.
Lessons will not carry over onto new dates.
Additional lessons to that scheduled timetable will need to be booked and paid for separately.

School Closure Dates

As well as at weekends the school will be closed on the following public holiday dates:

2026 Public Holiday/School Closure Dates

02 February
17 March
06 April
04 May
01 June
03 August
26 October

2026 Christmas Holidays: 21 December 2026 to 01 January 2027. The last day of class will be Friday 19 December 2026 and the first day back in 2027 will be Monday 04 January 2027.

Holiday Requests

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

Payments

Full payment of fees must be made 28 days prior to course commencement.
Late registering students (within 28 days of course commencement) must pay fees due in full as soon as a invoice is receive.
Payments are accepted in euro only.
All bank charges are the responsibility of the student.

Standard Bank Details

Account name: TCEA Ltd
Bank name: Bank of Ireland
Bank Address: Unit 37, Douglas Village Shopping Centre, Church Street, Douglas, Cork, Ireland
Bank Sort Code: 90 27 09
Bank Account Number: 75044059
IBAN: IE16BOFI90270975044059
Swift/BIC: BOFIIE2D
All payments must be marked with an invoice number and student’s name. We cannot guarantee that we have received payment unless your bank transfer carries these important details. All bookings are subject to the school’s terms and conditions

Visa Requiring Students

For example China, Colombia, Ecuador, Mongolia, Peru and Turkey:

Under legislation in Ireland all visa requiring students advance funds will be held in a segregated account (Escrow) until your visa is approved.

Escrow Payment

Transfermate

You will need to use your invoice number as payment reference/Student ID

A safe and secure payment method for international students. There are 2 payment options via Transfermate (Wire Transfer and Credit Card).

1. Wire Transfer Option: Usual processing time 3 to 5 days but varies depending on banks.

This Wire Transfer Option through Transfermate currently seems to be a good option for all students including those from Argentina who may have difficulty with other payment methods.
Students from Brazil and China will be required to send supporting documents.
If you are paying via wire transfer, please make your payment to the instructed bank account.

2. Credit Card Option: Usual processing time 7 to 8 days but varies depending on banks.

If paying by credit card, simply enter your card details.
Confirm your personal details and “Save and Confirm” your payment to complete the booking.
TransferMate accepts: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, RuPay, Alipay, Union Pay, SoFort, Trustly and more.
You can track your payment in real time by logging into your Transfermate account with your username and password.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

General Cancellation and Refund Policy

This cancellation and refund policy applies to all new students before you start your course at CEA:

All bookings are subject to a non-refundable deposit of €265 (€200 + school registration fee of €65).
If a course and/or accommodation booking is cancelled 28 days or more before a student course and/or accommodation start date a full refund minus €265 will be processed (€200 + school registration fee of €65).
If you cancel your course 27 to 14 days before arrival, we will refund 90% of your course minus €265 (€200 + school registration fee of €65).
If you cancel your accommodation 27 to 14 days before arrival, we will refund 90% of your accommodation fees minus the accommodation placement fee (€80 for apartments, €60 for host family).
If you cancel your course later than 14 days before arrival, we will refund 90% of your course fees minus €265 (€200 + school registration fee of €65).
If you cancel your accommodation later than 14 days no accommodation fees can be refunded.
If you cancel your course and/or accommodation after arrival, leave it early or miss any lessons, including in case of sickness, refund is not given.
Notice of cancellation must be provided in writing and applies from the date it is received by Cork English Academy.
Fees, less any cancellation charges, will be returned within 20 working days of the request being communicated to us.

2. Cancellation and Refund Policy – Visa Requiring Students

This cancellation and refund policy applies to all new students before you start your course at CEA:

All bookings are subject to a non-refundable deposit of €265 (€200 + school registration fee of €65).
If a course and/or accommodation booking is cancelled 28 days or more before a student course and/or accommodation start date a full refund minus €265 will be processed (€200 + school registration fee of €65).
If you cancel your course 27 to 14 days before arrival, we will refund 90% of your course minus €265 (€200 + school registration fee of €65).
If you cancel your accommodation 27 to 14 days before arrival, we will refund 90% of your accommodation fees minus the accommodation placement fee (€80 for apartments, €60 for host family).
If you cancel your accommodation later than 14 days no accommodation fees can be refunded.
If you cancel your course and/or accommodation after arrival, leave it early or miss any lessons, including in case of sickness, refund is not given.
Notice of cancellation must be provided in writing and applies from the date it is received by Cork English Academy.
A refund can only be issued on proof of a visa refusal or confirmation that the visa application has been withdrawn or cancelled. You must apply for a refund within six months of refusal date.
Fees, less any cancellation charges, will be returned within 20 working days of the request being communicated to us (with the supporting embassy letter where applicable).

3. Accommodation Cancellation and Refund Policy for Existing Students
Current students, already taking classes in CEA who are extending their accommodation or booking school accommodation while already studying at CEA have a specific cancellation policy https://www.corkenglishacademy.com/homestay-information-for-current-cea-students

Accommodation

If your choice of accommodation is not available for the dates you wish to take your course, we reserve the right to allocate alternative accommodation without prior notification.
Accommodation is not owned by Cork English Academy and the individual providers may change their own terms and conditions at any time without notice.

Apartment & Houses

In arranging apartment and house accommodation, Cork English Academy is acting as a Viva Ireland agent.
By booking and paying for Viva Ireland accommodation you are agreeing to Viva Ireland Terms & Conditions
Cork English Academy does not assume liability for loss, damage or injury which may occur to persons or property due to fault or negligence of any company or persons engaged in carrying out these arrangements.
Self check-ins: Clients will be provided with address and full details of how to retrieve their keys and check-in at least 1 week prior to arrival.
Occasionally in the self check-in procedure email, there will be a different address, than originally confirmed. In this case the school wills end updated official documents with the new address
Students will be provided with a Viva Ireland Emergency phone number for assistance.
Extensions are subject to availability
No Smoking: It is illegal to smoke inside buildings in Ireland. You are not permitted to smoke anywhere inside the apartment building. If you do wish to smoke, please go to the designated smoking area outside.
Loss/Damage: Cork English Academy is not responsible for any loss or damage to personal items.

Host Family Bookings

Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday bookings only
Check-in window is between 08:00 to 00.00 on date of arrival (Saturday or Sunday only). Students must confirm a specific time within this window so we can organize the host family pick-up.
Your host family will collect you from apartment/ house address in Cork
Host Family pick up details including time and a contact number must be sent to the school in advance to provide a smooth host family pick up. This can be any number that can receive a text message, phone call or WhatsApp message
No mid-week check-ins.
Long term host family stays may, depending on availability, be split over two or more families and locations.
General check-out time is 11am unless the host family permits a later check-out on special request by the student.
Occasionally students are asked to vacate the room earlier than 11:00 am. In these cases the student is welcome to stay in the living room until 11:00 am (or the time assigned by the host family).
Students are not permitted to smoke in host family homes.

ILEP Policies

What is the ILEP?

The Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP), which is managed by the Department of Justice, is the complete list of courses which comply with the requirements necessary to obtain an International Student visa in Ireland. This list contains a comprehensive list of courses provided to international students by universities, colleges and English language schools in Ireland. They comprise of graduate and post graduate courses as well as English languages courses with duration of 6 months or more.
All institutions included on the ILEP have been vetted by the Irish government. The courses listed have been assessed to ensure that they meet established criteria including the mandatory provision of learner protection in respect of enrolled non-EEA students. For the English language sector, a maximum class size of 15 students applies to all ILEP listed providers and schools and colleges must also have demonstrated that their teaching staff are properly qualified.
Students on an International Student visa have special working permissions in Ireland (20 hours per week and 40 hours during university holiday periods). They are also allowed to travel freely as a tourist throughout Europe. From the date of the recent ILEP publication (20 January 2016), English Language students on an International Student visa can get a maximum of 8 months permission to study in Ireland. This visa can be renewed twice (three consecutive visas are allowed.)

ILEP Programme Admission Requirements

Students should be from a non-EU country, age 18 + with at least a basic knowledge of English (A1 level). Students are required to state examination registration choice at time of booking. Students are required to have private health insurance for the duration of the programme.
End-of-programme Exam
Students are obliged to take an exam and the obligation of the school is to enter the student for the exam.
At the beginning the 25-week tuition programme, students will be registered for their end of programme external exam by Cork English Academy. It is the responsibility of the student to present themselves for the exam on the appointed date and time. The results of the exam must be forwarded to Cork English Academy by the student no more than two weeks after they are issued to the student. Cork English Academy will retain a record of the grade/score received in the student’s file.
The following table shows details of the programmes offered by Cork English Academy, the end of course exam and the entry level required:

Programme Title	Award	Hours	Entry Level	Exit Level
General English GE15 (Programme 10) TIE A2+ /ILEP Number 0309/0010	TIE	15	CEFRL A1	CEFRL A2
General English GE15 (Programme 11) TIE B1 /ILEP Number 0309/0011	TIE	15	CEFRL A2	CEFRL B1
General English GE15 (Programme 12) TIE B2 /ILEP Number 0309/0012	TIE	15	CEFRL B1	CEFRL B2
General English GE15 (Programme 13) TIE C1 /ILEP Number 0309/0013	TIE	15	CEFRL B2	CEFRL C1
General English GE15 (Programme 17) TIE C2 /ILEP Number 0309/0017	TIE	15	CEFRL C1+	CEFRL C2
General English GE15 plus IELTS (Academic 5.0) Preparation (Programme 14) /ILEP Number 0309/0014	IELTS	15	CEFRL A2	CEFRL B1
GEIELTS15 (General English 15 Plus IELTS Academic Preparation) (Programme 23)/ /ILEP Number 0309/0023	IELTS	15	CEFRL A2+	CEFRL B1+
General English GE15 plus IELTS (Academic 6.5) Preparation (Programme 15)/ /ILEP Number 0309/0015	IELTS	15	CEFRL B1	CEFRL B2
General English GE15 plus IELTS (Academic 7.5) Preparation (Programme 16) /ILEP Number 0309/0016	IELTS	15	CEFRL B2	CEFRL C1

Minimum Levels

As part of the Academic Year, students need to be registered for an official examination in line with their course starting level.
Cork English Academy offers courses from Elementary level (CEF A1) to Advanced level (CEF C2).
Students who test at A1 will be registered on an Academic Year course leading to TIE
Students who test at A2 or higher can be registered on an Academic Year course leading to IELTS

Medical Insurance

Cork English Academy offers Medical Insurance to students.
This MediCover is provided by Arachas and underwritten by Chubb Insurance.
This insurance cover provides financial protection and medical assistance during your Academic Course.
It offers no protection in your home country.

Pre-Requirements for the cover to apply as outlined by insurance provider:

The Insured Person must not be currently under treatment, taking medication, or receiving follow up consultation 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.

Punctuality and Attendance Policy

It is important that students attend all of their scheduled classes. For non-EU students who are attending Cork English Academy on a course of 25 weeks listed on the ILEP, an attendance rate of 85% is required.
A register is taken before and after the break each day and attendance is calculated on the basis of both registers.
Attendance by students is defined as attending the full designated tuition hours – i.e. arriving more than 10 minutes late, or leaving before the class has concluded, means the student is marked absent for the class / class segments.
You will be marked as absent in all cases other than having a doctor’s sick certificate. This means you will be marked absent (without a doctor’s certificate), where you miss class due to bank or immigration appointments. Even though these procedures are part of your relocation process the school is required by Immigration to mark you as absent when you are not in class.

Absenteeism and Expulsion Policy

If a student misses more than one class a week, they must report to the Director of Studies to explain their absence before they are allowed to re-enter their class. Students who are absent for five consecutive days without prior arrangement or without having provided a medical certificate to explain their absence will be contacted by email to arrange to meet with the Director of Studies to discuss why they have not attended their course. The student will be reminded of their obligations under the terms of their visa to attend a minimum of 85% of their course.
The student will receive a verbal warning from the Director of Studies when projected attendance reaches 95%. The student will be reminded of their obligations under the terms of their visa to attend a minimum of 85% of their course.
A First Letter of Warning is issued by email when the student’s projected attendance percentage reaches 92%. The student will be asked to attend a meeting with the Director of Studies to discuss the consequences for their status of non-attendance, including being reported to GNIB and to again explain their obligations under the terms of their visa to attend at least 85% of their course.
A Second Letter of Warning will be issued by email when the student’s projected attendance reaches 88%. The student will be asked to attend a meeting with the School Director to where they will be advised that they are at serious risk of being reported to GNIB and that they need to attend the remainder of their course in full.
Once the student has reached the point in their course where it is impossible for them to attain 85% attendance, they will receive an expulsion letter from Cork English Academy informing them that they are being immediately removed from the school register and that the GNIB are being notified.
The GNIB will then be notified. Cork English Academy will log all calls and emails/letters to the student along with their attendance record should they wish to appeal the decision to expel them from the school.

Sick Leave

All sick leave of more than two days must be accompanied by a Doctor’s certificate.
On the 1st day of illness where a student cannot attend school, the student is required to notify the school of illness before scheduled class time or as soon as possible. Students can do this by [email protected] or ringing the school phone on +353 (0) 86 7900860. Students are required to report the general nature of the illness and expected return to school date.
On the 3rd day of illness where a student cannot attend school the student must forward a Doctor’s Certificate to the school.

Holidays and Breaks

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

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.

Visa Requiring Payment

Under new legislation in Ireland all visa requiring students advance funds will be held in a segregated account (Escrow) until your visa is approved.
Payments can be made through the school Escrow account at https://corkenglishacademy.transfermateeducation.com/
If a visa is refused, a refund, minus any fees which (see below), will be made.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

General Cancellation and Refund Policy

This cancellation and refund policy applies to all new students before you start your course at CEA:

All bookings are subject to a non-refundable deposit of €265 (€200 + school registration fee of €65).
If a course and/or accommodation booking is cancelled 28 days or more before a student course and/or accommodation start date a full refund minus €265 will be processed (€200 + school registration fee of €65).
If you cancel your course 27 to 14 days before arrival, we will refund 90% of your course minus €265 (€200 + school registration fee of €65).
If you cancel your accommodation 27 to 14 days before arrival, we will refund 90% of your accommodation fees minus the accommodation placement fee (€80 for apartments, €60 for host family).
If you cancel your course later than 14 days before arrival, we will refund 90% of your course fees minus €265 (€200 + school registration fee of €65).
If you cancel your accommodation later than 14 days no accommodation fees can be refunded.
If you cancel your course and/or accommodation after arrival, leave it early or miss any lessons, including in case of sickness, refund is not given.
Notice of cancellation must be provided in writing and applies from the date it is received by Cork English Academy.
Fees, less any cancellation charges, will be returned within 20 working days of the request being communicated to us.

2. Cancellation and Refund Policy – Visa Requiring Students

This cancellation and refund policy applies to all new students before you start your course at CEA:

All bookings are subject to a non-refundable deposit of €265 (€200 + school registration fee of €65).
If a course and/or accommodation booking is cancelled 28 days or more before a student course and/or accommodation start date a full refund minus €265 will be processed (€200 + school registration fee of €65).
If you cancel your course 27 to 14 days before arrival, we will refund 90% of your course minus €265 (€200 + school registration fee of €65).
If you cancel your accommodation 27 to 14 days before arrival, we will refund 90% of your accommodation fees minus the accommodation placement fee (€80 for apartments, €60 for host family).
If you cancel your course later than 14 days before arrival, we will refund 90% of your course fees minus €265 (€200 + school registration fee of €65).
If you cancel your accommodation later than 14 days no accommodation fees can be refunded.
If you cancel your course and/or accommodation after arrival, leave it early or miss any lessons, including in case of sickness, refund is not given.
Notice of cancellation must be provided in writing and applies from the date it is received by Cork English Academy.
A refund can only be issued on proof of a visa refusal or confirmation that the visa application has been withdrawn or cancelled. You must apply for a refund within six months of refusal date.
Fees, less any cancellation charges, will be returned within 20 working days of the request being communicated to us (with the supporting embassy letter where applicable).

3. Accommodation Cancellation and Refund Policy for Existing Students
Current students, already taking classes in CEA who are extending their accommodation or booking school accommodation while already studying at CEA have a specific cancellation policy https://www.corkenglishacademy.com/homestay-information-for-current-cea-students

Centre/ In-House Terms and Conditions

Food Policy

The student common area on the ground level is where students can meet between classes, have a light snack or study. There are vending machines with hot drinks and snacks and a water dispenser available here.
Use the dedicated snack area on the ground floor for light snacks between classes / at breaktimes
No food to be eaten in class
No hot meals/full dinners on the school premises

Personal Belongings

Take care of your personal belongings. There is no storage area in the school for personal belongings. Management takes no responsibility for the loss or theft of personal belongings left unattended in the school.
No scooters, bikes, skateboard storage on the school premises
No large luggage storage on the school premises

Classroom

To maximise your class time ad English progress, and out of respect for your classmates and teacher, please follow these classroom rules:

Time

Arrive to class on time
Stay in class during class times
Only leave class in case of emergency (tell your teacher why you are leaving)

Food

No food to be eaten in class
Only covered cups or water bottles allowed in class Fill your water bottle or coffee cup before class or at break time – not during class time.
No hot meals/full dinners on the school premises
Use the dedicated snack area on the ground floor for light snacks between classes / at breaktimes

Phone

Phones not to be charged in class
Phones not to be used in class