Terms and Conditions

General Conditions

  • The minimum age for attendance on a course is 18 years. There is no upper age limit.
  • When necessary, the Academy reserves the right to alter the timetable and/or transfer students from one class or course to another, from one time of study to another, and to merge small classes or cancel classes and courses. Fees may also be subject to change.
  • During busy periods the school reserves the right to hold classes in a nearby satellite school.
  • Students’ study levels are determined by an Online Placement Test. We will email students with a link to the test prior to commencement of their course.
  • The first day at Cork English Academy is very important:
    Please arrive at the Academy by 08.30 for morning students
    Please arrive at the Academy by 12.45 for afternoon students
    Bring a pen and some paper, your passport or photo ID. Please come to reception to register for your course. You will have a short presentation/introduction to the school before joining your class.
  • 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.
  • Students must decide on a course schedule at time of booking/course purchase. Students cannot change their course schedule during their course.
  • 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 (Beginner) we will not have a group class to offer them but will instead convert GE20 group courses to 1 hour per day and GE15 courses to 45 minutes per day of individual tuition. This is not an option for Academic Year students. Academic Year students must be at A1 level at minimum when starting their course.
  • All students must have a course textbook in class.
  • General English Textbook fee is €45. 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.

    School Closure Dates

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

2022

March 17, 18 April, 02 May, 06 June, 01 August, 31 October. The school will also be closed for the Christmas period from 24 December 2022 to 08 January 2023.

Last day of class will be Friday 23 December 2022 and the first day back in 2023 will be Monday  09 January 2023.

2023

6th February, March 17, 10 April, 01 May, 05 June, 07 August, 30 October. The school will also be closed for the Christmas period from 23 December 2023 to 07 January 2024.

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

2024

5th February, March 18, 01 April, 06 May, 03 June, 05 August, 28 October. The school will also be closed for the Christmas period from 21 December 2024 to 05 January 2025.

Last day of class will be Friday 20 December 2024 and the first day back in 2025 will be Monday 06 January 2025.
  • Holidays can be taken by students studying for longer than 12 weeks by prior arrangement with the Academy. Two weeks’ notice is required.
  • You can not change your course and/or accommodation booking details after arrival. If you leave your course and/or accommodation early or miss any lessons, including in case of sickness you will not be refunded.
  • Students from within the EU are responsible for arranging their own insurance. By accepting Cork English Academy’s terms and conditions you agree to arrange your own insurance which is adequate for your needs and covers your entire stay.
  • Students from outside of the EU on an Academic Year Programme must have medical insurance. We can provide this if requested at time of booking through Arachas underwritten by Chubb Insurance. Once insurance has been ordered by the school and the insurance provider has processed the policy, no refund can be made for the insurance even if the student cancels their language stay in Ireland.
  • A serious misdemeanor or infringement of the laws of Ireland will result in instant dismissal from the school. Costs incurred by the student as a result 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.
  • Cork English Academy reserves the right to change course timetables/schedules when needed (General English, Business English, Academic Year,  IELTS Examination Preparation. 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.
  • Students with course bookings of more than 12 weeks are entitled to holidays.
  • Holiday entitlements for EU/EEA students:
    Course Duration Holidays Allowed
    0-12 weeks No holidays
    13-24 weeks 1 week holidays
    25-35 weeks 2 weeks holidays
    36-47 weeks 3 weeks holidays
    48+ weeks 4 weeks holidays
  • Students must return a completed Holiday Request Form at least 14 days in advance of the planned holiday dates. Please ask at reception for a Holiday Request Form.
  • School holidays can only be taken on a Monday to Friday (full-week) basis.
  • Students should only plan their holiday once they have received a Holiday request confirmation email from the school.

    • Booking Procedure Short Term & EU Students

    1. Send a fully completed Registration Form to the school. Fully completed Registration Form must include: – Student personal details – Timetable (AM/PM) – Accommodation check-in dates – Host family preferences (if booking host family)
    2. Forward flight details if available along with registration form (or alternatively as soon as you get them)
    3. Wait for invoices NET, GROSS and Registration Confirmation to be emailed to you– from our School Registrar
    4. Students will be requested to take an online placement test
    5. Provide payment at least 28 days before course start date*
    *Visa requiring students are required to provide payment as soon as possible in order to start the visa application process at the Irish Embassy. Check List – Have you supplied the following? Final travel documents and booking confirmation will be sent only when all of the following has been received by the school.
    1. Payment in Full
    • Please send a proof of payment including student’s full name and invoice number as payment reference.
    • The proof of payment helps us track the payment. Sending a proof of payment is not considered payment in full.
    • Once the payment reaches the school account this is considered payment in full.
    2. Flight Arrival 3. Accommodation check-in details 4. Level test results (students are required to complete an online placement test, once completed the school will automatically receive the test result)

    Booking Procedure Academic Year  (non-EU) Students

      1. Send a fully completed Registration Form to the school. Fully completed Registration Form must include: – Student personal details – Timetable (AM/PM) – Final exam choice – Insurance(yes/no) – Accommodation check-in dates – Host family preferences (if booking host family)
      2. Forward flight details and passport copy if available along with registration form (or alternatively as soon as you get them)
      3. Wait for invoices NET, GROSS and Registration Confirmation to be emailed to you– from our School Registrar
      4. Students will be requested to take an online placement test
      5. Provide payment at least 28 days before course start date*
      *Visa requiring students are required to provide payment as soon as possible in order to start the visa application process at the Irish Embassy. Check List – Have you supplied the following? Final travel documents and booking confirmation will be sent only when all of the following has been received by the school.
      1. Payment in Full
      • Please send a proof of payment including student’s full name and invoice number as payment reference.
      • The proof of payment helps us track the payment. Sending a proof of payment is not considered payment in full.
      • Once the payment reaches the school account this is considered payment in full.
      2. Flight Arrival 3. Accommodation check-in details 4. Address in Cork (if accommodation is not booked through the school) 5. Student address in home country 6. Passport number 7. Level test results (students are required to complete an online placement test, once completed the school will automatically receive the test result)

    Placement Test Procedure

    Students will need to complete a 2 part online level test before we can confirm a booking space for them. Part 1: Online Multiple Choice & Short Written Exercises – There are 50 multiple choice questions covering English grammar and vocabulary, and 2 written assignments. – During Part 1 of the test you will be asked to arrange Part 2: the Speaking Test via Zoom. Part 2: Speaking Via Zoom This speaking assessment will evaluate your communication skills before you are finally placed in the appropriate level.
    • The school offers group courses for students from Elementary level (CEF A1) to Adanvanced (CEF C2). We do not offer courses for students who test as Absolute Beginner (CEF A0).

    Apartment & Houses Check-in Procedure

    • Self check-ins only at this time – clients will be provided with full details of how to retrieve their keys and check in prior to arrival. They will be provided with an EazyCity or Viva Ireland Emergency Phone number for assistance.

    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. Students must confirm a specific time within this window so we can organise 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 in order to provide a smooth host family pick-up. This can be any number that can receive a text message, phone call or WhatsApp message.

    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 received.
    • Payments are accepted in euro only.
    • All bank charges are the responsibility of the student.

    Visa Requiring Students

    • 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 must be made through Transfermate/PaytoStudy: https://corkenglishacademy.paytostudy.com.
    • Once your visa is approved you must send a copy to Pay To Study.
    • If a visa is refused, a refund, minus any fees (see cancellation policy), will be made visa Transfermate/PaytoStudy.

    Non Visa Requiring Students

    • Non visa requiring student payments may be made by Bank Transfer, Credit Card or Paypal.
    • To pay by Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) please provide card number, expiry date, security code, and cardholder’s signature. You may also pay by credit card over the phone where the same information will be required.
    • To pay by Bank Transfer the following school bank details are required:
    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

    Cancellations

    • Notice of cancellation must be provided in writing and applies from the date it is received by Cork English Academy.
    • For non visa requiring applicants the cancellation policy is as follows:
      • If a course and/or accommodation booking is cancelled 28 days before student arrival a full refund is returned.
      • If a course and/or accommodation booking is cancelled less than 28 days and more than 14 days before arrival date full fees are returned subject to a €200 cancellation charge and the registration fee charge of €65.
      • If you cancel your course and/or accommodation later than 14 days before the arrival date we will refund 90% of your fees subject to a €200 cancellation charge and the registration fee charge of €65.
      • 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.
    • For visa requiring applicants the cancellation policy is as follows:
      • All visa requiring student bookings are subject to a non refundable deposit of €200 and school registration fee of €65.
      • If you cancel your course and/or accommodation before arrival due to visa refusal or you are refused entry to Ireland, we shall refund your fees in full subject to a €200 cancellation charge and the registration fee charge of €65.
      • You must apply for a refund within six months of refusal date. You will be required to submit the original letter of refusal to us for us to give you the refund.
      • If a course and/or accommodation booking is cancelled for reasons other than visa refusal less than 28 days and more than 14 days before arrival date full fees are returned subject to a €200 cancellation charge and the registration fee charge of €65.
      • If you cancel your course and/or accommodation later than 14 days before the arrival date for reasons other than visa refusal we will refund 90% of your fees subject to a €200 cancellation charge and the registration fee charge of €65
      • 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.
    • The school will process the refund within 15 working days of receiving written cancellation notice.
    Bus Ticket Refund Terms and Conditions
    • Only 1 ticket per person will be refunded. This can either be a single ticket or a return ticket.
    • Refunds will be provided for Aircoach and GO BE / GO Bus tickets only. Irish Rail and Bus Eireann Tickets will not be refunded.
    • Students attending on certain special offers are not entitled to the refund e.g. bookings via a coupon booking site, afternoon special offer summer bookings.

    Accommodation Terms and Conditions

    • In arranging accommodation, Cork English Academy is acting as an EazyCity or Viva Ireland agent. 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.
    • 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.

    Student Apartments & Houses Terms and Conditions 

    • Extensions are subject to availability
    • Accommodation Cancellations:
      • Accommodation bookings should be cancelled not less than 4 weeks before the arrival date to avoid incurring a cancellation fee.
      • Cancellation of accommodation bookings less than 4 weeks before the arrival date will incur payment in full of the booking.
      • Once a client has commenced an accommodation stay with EazyCity no refunds will apply.
    • Address Confirmation:
      • The address will be confirmed 1 week before arrival. In this case you may need an updated school letter with new address. Please check with the school.
    • The apartments are self-catering, and students need to supply their own cleaning products, food etc.
    • 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.
    • Apartment/Room Inspections: EazyCity and Viva Ireland Student Accommodation reserve the right to conduct spot checks on all apartments at any time without notice. You will permit representatives of Cork English Academy and EazyCity and Viva Ireland Accommodation to enter, service or inspect all rooms at reasonable times.
    • Damage to Property: All residents are liable for the cost of the damage to  accommodtaion that may occur in your apartment during the fixed dates of your accommodation agreement. If you are not responsible for any damage caused you must report it to the school reception to discuss the matter with the accommodation manager. Should anyone fail to take responsibility for damages, all cost will be divided evenly between residents. Any cost added to your account for damages must be paid immediately.
    • Overnight Guests/Anti-Social Behavior: You are not allowed to have overnight guests at the Accommodation. Any kind of anti-social behavior will not be tolerated. Please be respectful of other students in your apartment and in the complex.
    • Rubbish/Recycling: All rubbish must be disposed of correctly in the designated area bin area.
    • Maintenance: Any broken or faulty items should be reported immediately to the accommodation provider.
    • Condition of Apartment: The apartment must be kept in a clean and hygienic state at all times by residents. A regular cleaning service is provided for all communal areas. The cleaner will not enter your bedroom as that is your responsibility.
    • Departure Check out is strictly 11:00 am on the date of your departure. Please turn off all lights and appliances.
    • Check out time is 11.00 on date of departure. You must vacate your room by 11am. If you do not do so your belongings will be removed without notice.
    • The accommodation is restricted for yourself and no subletting permitted.
    • Under no circumstances can residents part with their keys to anyone for the purpose of gaining access to the building and the resident shall immediately report any loss of keys to the accommodation provider.
    • Students are not permitted to hold parties in the apartments
    • Not to use, nor allow others to use, the premises or any part of it for activities which are dangerous, offensive, noxious, noisome, illegal or which are or may become a nuisance or annoyance to the Management or the owner of any neighboring property.
    • Not to behave within Student Apartments, or in the vicinity of it, in a manner that is anti-social nor allow anyone else to do so.
    • Not to store or keep any unlawful substances or materials on the premises at any time and to report possession of such substances to the accommodation provider.
    • To leave the premises on termination of occupancy howsoever determined in good, clean order, repair and condition as given to you on occupation.
    • To report all damage to the building or to the fixtures and fittings in the building or any leaks or other problems in the building to accommodation provider.
    • Residents shall be furnished with keys to the premises on arrival. The resident agrees to keep keys in safe keeping and in the event of the resident losing the keys, the resident agrees to pay the accommodation provider for replacement keys.
    • Not to keep any animal of any kind in the apartment.
    • The accommodation provider reserves the right to terminate the agreement immediately if for any reason they wish to do so. Nothing in this agreement will constitute a Landlord/Tenant relationship within the meaning of the Landlord and Tenants Acts or Otherwise.
    • The accommodation provider reserves the right to move residents to other apartments should a situation arise to deem it necessary. This is at the sole discretion of the accommodation provider.

    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. The school and student must sign an agreement at the beginning of the programme stating that the school will enter the student for the programme exam and that the exams are mandatory. The student will sign the agreement stating that (s)he understands the exam is mandatory and agrees that (s)he will sit the exam.
    • During the 25 week tuition programme, students will be registered for their end of programme external exam by Cork English Academy. The student needs to inform the school at least 6 weeks before they plan on taking their exam. The details of the time and date of the exam will be sent to each student by email one month in advance of the exam date. 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 students file.
    • The following table shows details of the programmes offered by Cork English Academy, the end of course exam and the entry level required:
    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+ 15 hours CEFRL A1 CEFRL A2
    General English GE15 (Programme 11) TIE B1 15 hours CEFRL A2 CEFRL B1
    General English GE15 (Programme 12) TIE B2 15 hours CEFRL B1 CEFRL B2
    General English GE15 (Programme 13) TIE C1 15 hours CEFRL B2 CEFRL C1
    General English GE15 (Programme 17) TIE C2 15 hours CEFRL C1+ CEFRL C2
    General English GE15 plus IELTS (Academic 5.0) Preparation (Programme 14) IELTS 15 hours CEFRL A2 CEFRL B1
    GEIELTS15 (General English 15 Plus IELTS Academic Preparation) (Programme 23) IELTS 15 hours CEFRL A2+ CEFRL B1+
    General English GE15 plus IELTS (Academic 6.5) Preparation (Programme 15) IELTS 15 hours CEFRL B1 CEFRL B2
    General English GE15 plus IELTS (Academic 7.5) Preparation (Programme 16) IELTS 15 hours 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). Here you will find important Academic Year Policies  including minimum language levels associated to Academic Year programme numbers (stated on official school letters). The school sends all Academic Year students an Online Level Placement test at time of booking in order to ascertain student levels and provide course and examination options before confirming booking details.
    • Cork English Academy offers courses from Elementary level (CEF A1) to Advanced level (CEF C2)
    • Students who test at A0 can not be registered on an Academic Year programme at Cork English Academy
    • 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
    • Students who test at B1+ will have the option of being registered on an Academic Year course leading to IELTS or Cambridge FCE
    • Students who test at B2+ will have the option of being registered on an Academic Year course leading to IELTS or Cambridge CAE

    Health 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 COVER TO APPLY.
      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 students who are attending Cork English Academy on a course of 25 weeks, from January 20th 2016 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. Students who arrive more than 10 minutes late for class or leave more than 10 minutes early from class in either period will be marked absent for that period.

    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 21 427 6012. 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

    Students studying on courses of 25 weeks or longer on courses on the ILEP may, by prior agreement with the school, take holidays of up to a maximum of 2 weeks (10 working days plus two weekends) during their course. The following terms and procedures apply:
    • Holidays should be prearranged at the time of booking.
    • All holidays must be taken over the duration of a full week that is, starting on a Monday and finishing on a Friday.
    • When the student returns from holiday they will re-take a placement test (Oxford Online Placement test plus oral assessment) and will be placed in a class at the appropriate level.
    • Holiday periods cannot at any point exceed 1/3 of the total weeks elapsed and front loading of holidays will not be permitted.

    Implementation and Monitoring of Student Holidays:

    Step 1 The student requests a Holiday Request Form from reception. The student then completes and returns the Holiday Request Form to reception who pass it to Student Liaison Manager. Step 2 The Director of Studies reviews the request and arranges an appointment with the student to discuss the procedure to be followed when taking holidays and returning to class after holidays. The student is advised that, on returning from holiday, they will be required to retake the Online Oxford Placement Test and have an oral assessment to confirm their re-start level. An appointment time is set for the re-test to take place, on the first morning after the holiday, before class begins. Step 3 The Director of Studies informs the relevant Class Teachers of the holiday break and records the details on the student’s file and in the school management system. Step 4 The students will be emailed a holiday request confirmation. Step 5 Students are not permitted to take holidays of longer than two weeks and are advised of this when booking a course. Students who are absent without prior agreement with the school (including taking longer holidays than the agreed 10 working days allowed) will be marked absent and the procedures described in the Attendance Policy will apply. Step 6 On their return from holiday the student must arrive at the school at the agreed appointment time to sit the re-test and take the oral assessment. The Director of Studies will then determine which group the student will join to recommence their course.

    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 must be made through PaytoStudy: https://corkenglishacademy.paytostudy.com. Once your visa is approved you must send a copy to Pay To Study. If a visa is refused, a refund, minus any fees which (see below), will be made visa Pay to Study.

    Student Refund Policy

    • Notice of cancellation must be provided in writing and applies from the date it is received by Cork English Academy.
    • For visa requiring applicants the cancellation policy is as follows:
      • All visa requiring student bookings are subject to a non refundable deposit of €200 and school registration fee of €65.
      • If you cancel your course and/or accommodation before arrival due to visa refusal or you are refused entry to Ireland, we shall refund your fees in full subject to a €200 cancellation charge and the registration fee charge of €65.
      • You must apply for a refund within six months of refusal date. You will be required to submit the original letter of refusal to us for us to give you the refund.
      • If a course and/or accommodation booking is cancelled for reasons other than visa refusal less than 28 days and more than 14 days before arrival date full fees are returned subject to a €200 cancellation charge and the registration fee charge of €65.
      • If you cancel your course and/or accommodation later than 14 days before the arrival date for reasons other than visa refusal we will refund 90% of your fees subject to a €200 cancellation charge and the registration fee charge of €65
      • 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 usually given but a credit may be considered at the discretion of the Academy.
    • For non visa requiring applicants the cancellation policy is as follows:
      • If a course and/or accommodation booking is cancelled 28 days before student arrival a full refund is returned.
      • If a course and/or accommodation booking is cancelled less than 28 days and more than 14 days before arrival date full fees are returned subject to a €200 cancellation charge and the registration fee charge of €65.
      • If you cancel your course and/or accommodation later than 14 days before the arrival date we will refund 90% of your fees subject to a €200 cancellation charge and the registration fee charge of €65.
      • 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 usually given but a credit may be considered at the discretion of the Academy.
    • The school will process the refund within 15 working days of receiving written cancellation notice. The Managing Director, Catherine O’Connor ([email protected]) is responsible for operating the refund system.

    Learner Protection

    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 Emergency Contact Cork English Academy is open from 08.30 to 17.00 from Monday to Friday. Staff are available at reception at all times to assist in emergency matters. Students may contact the school during the above hours by visiting in person, or calling 00 353 21 4915654. Outside of these hours, an emergency telephone number is available and is answered by a senior member of staff at all times, during the evenings/nights and at weekends and public holidays. The emergency contact number is 00 353 86 7900 860. This number is also contactable by WhatsApp for students who do not have telephone accounts in Ireland but can access WiFi.

    Complaints & Grievances

    Cork English Academy is committed to delivering an excellent service to all of its stakeholders. In order to ensure continued quality Cork English Academy strives to recognise the value of both positive and negative customer feedback. In the event that services are deemed unsatisfactory and a student wishes to make a complaint, the following complaints procedure is to be followed: A complaint is defined as a student formally expressing that they are dissatisfied with or unhappy about any part of their programme at Cork English Academy. Step 1 Firstly, informally address the issue with the relevant individual(s) and attempt to resolve the situation. Should this prove unsuccessful, progress the next step. Step 2 Complainant requests and fills out a Complaints Form, ensuring to provide full details of the nature of the complaint. The complaints form is returned to the Managing Director Catherine O’ Connor in person or by email at [email protected], along with any relevant documents, who takes the written complaint to the directors of the organization. The complaint is dealt with confidentially. The complaint is then reviewed by the directors and a response is made in writing within seven working days. Where appropriate the board will provide a full explanation of any relevant errors and details of any remedial action taken. Step 3 After step two has been completed, Cork English Academy will consider the matter resolved. If the complainant remains dissatisfied Cork English Academy will advise the complainant to bring the matter to the attention of The Department of Education and Science. Contact details for relevant administrative staff in the department will be provided.