Ireland has becoming a very important destination for international students looking to improve their English language skills. The combination of a high-quality and strictly regulated education system, booming economy, beautiful landscape and fascinating culture prove very attractive, with almost 200,000 international students traveling to Ireland to take an English language class each year.

The Irish government is keen to build on this and attract further numbers to study here. They have encouraged the development of a number of organisations that help to attract and look after students, while also putting in place firm structures that regulate and organise the growing numbers of schools that provide English language courses.

A very wide range of different English language course programmes has been developed to cater for the requirements of different students. All levels of proficiency are welcome, and schools will usually test a student in advance before placing them in a class among other students of a similar level.

The Test of Interactive English (TIE) is an international English language proficiency examination developed in Ireland and recognised by the Irish Government Department of Education and Science. The TIE is offered in Junior and Senior formats. Many schools also offer preparation programmes for the major international English language examinations including TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge ESOL, and Trinity College London.

Some international students decide to come to Ireland and enrol in an English language course here, prior to applying to an undergraduate or postgraduate programme at an Irish college or university. Other students join the Irish school system at Leaving Certificate level, with the aim of entering university after completing this examination.

There are many other course options ranging from absolute beginners’ classes to classes designed to improve the English language skills of those who already have a good level of proficiency – for example Business English courses that teach specific vocabulary used in Irish offices. Classes aimed at children are also popular, and may include extra sporting or leisure activities.

International students who come to Ireland to improve their English language skills also have the choice of a wide range of different schools. There are now English language programmes held at institutions all around Ireland, which offer a variety of courses to suit different students requirements. Some students might prefer a very intensive programme in a large institution, while others might learn better at a more relaxed course in a smaller school.

It is a good idea to choose a school recognised by the Irish government. The Advisory Council for English Language Schools (ACELS) is the official body charged with maintaining standards at English language schools in Ireland. It inspects language schools to ensure that instruction and facilities meet the required standards.

International students who require visas to stay in Ireland must undertake a recognised English language capability exam before they are granted a visa.  Further information is available from the Irish Government Department of Justice.