About living in Ireland
History
Ireland’s proud history of education and learning is centuries old; for 300 years leading up to the invasion of the Vikings in the 9th century, Irish monasteries were the major source of education in Northern Europe. Education was so highly valued among the impoverished population during the anti-Catholic Penal Laws in the 18th century, that illegal ‘hedge schools’, held at secret outdoor locations, provided the education of a majority of Catholic schoolchildren.
In the decades leading up to the economic miracle of modern day Ireland, a very high standard of education was always maintained, but unfortunately economic conditions would force thousands of skilled workers to emigrate. Thanks to the emergence of the ‘Celtic Tiger’, which has been chastened by the recent downturn but remains unbowed, this is no longer the case. Today, over 100,000 students are in Irish third level colleges, the majority will find well-paid and challenging careers awaiting them in Ireland’s knowledge economy.
International students play a valuable role in this success story, enriching the Irish education system with different cultures and life experiences – why don’t you play a part?
Location
North west Europe, at about the 50° and 60° north latitude
Time zone
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
Population
4.2 million; one of the fastest growth rates in Europe
Average Age: 35.6yrs
Foreign Nationals: 420,000
Density: 71 people/km²
Official Languages
English & Irish
Economy
Currency: Euro (€)
GDP: €176 billion
Political Status
Neutral
Climate
Winters are mild and summers temperate due to the prevailing southwesterly winds and the influence of the warm waters of the North Atlantic Drift. Ireland has a mild climate all year-averaging 35°-45°F in winter and 65°-75°F in summer. May and June are the sunniest months with an average of over 7 hours of sunshine per day.
Perhaps the most important thing to remember about the Irish weather is that it can be extremely changeable. A day that starts bathed in sunshine can easily finish drenched in a downpour, and vice versa. So you would be well advised to invest in a wide selection of clothing, especially a raincoat!
Highest Point
Carrauntoohil (Co Kerry): 1,041m
Setting up a Bank Account
It is strongly recommended that you open a bank account upon arriving in Ireland. This service allows you to receive payment, save money, make transactions and is much safer than hiding your money under the bed!
Banks in Ireland provide a very modern and convenient service, with ATM machines readily available in big cities and small towns. It may prove beneficial however, especially if you intend to study outside Dublin, to investigate which banks have a branch in your new hometown.
Banking costs vary, but many, if not all, banks offer special rates to student customers.
To open an account you will need two forms of identification: one with your photograph and another with of proof address in your home country.
*NB – As international students often rely on transferred monies for their initial expenses, it is important to remember that it can take up to two weeks for the international transfer of money through the banking system.
Part time work and PPS number
Earning some money through part-time employment is a good way to lessen the financial burden of studying abroad, but student visa holders must ensure that they are legally entitled to hold down a casual job.
Students from the EEA (European Economic Area) are free to take up employment in Ireland. Non-EEA students who are enrolled in a one-year (minimum) and full time course can work for 20 hours’ a week or 40 during holiday periods. All employees in Ireland are required to have a PPS (Personal Public Service) number.
You must be living in Ireland before applying for your PPS number and applications should be made to the nearest Social Welfare office with the following documentation. Applicants should bring a photo id (e.g. passport, national identity card, or immigration card) and evidence of your Irish address, such as a household bill (ESB, telephone, gas, etc.).
Driving Licence and Laws
Driving licences from the EEA are valid for use in Ireland.
Drivers from the following designated countries: Australia, Gibraltar, Isle of Man, Japan, Jersey, South Africa, South Korea and Switzerland, are also recognised and holders may surrender their licence in exchange for an Irish driving licence.
Anyone arriving from a country with which Ireland has no exchange agreement must apply for a provisional licence. You may use your own licence for up to a year, before you have to apply for an Irish licence.
Please note that you are required to carry your driving licence with you at all times when motoring in Ireland and that we drive on the left-hand side of the road – be careful!
Check out the link below for a guide to the rules of the road in Ireland:
http://www.rulesoftheroad.ie
Public Transport
Getting around in Ireland without a car has become a lot easier in recent years after significant investment in the public transport system. In the capital you will find Dublin Bus (www.dublinbus.ie); Luas (www.luas.ie), the light rail system; and the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transport) train network.
Bus Éireann (www.buseireann.ie) provide national routes, and town and city services outside Dublin. The website www.irishrail.ie, supplies information on both national rail routes and the DART service.
Students can avail of reduced rates on all these services.
Relevant Legal Age Limits
Learning Ireland is making no judgment on lifestyle choices in providing this information; we do so only in the interest of promoting awareness amongst visiting students.
Age of sexual consent in Ireland is 17
Minimum age for purchasing alcohol is 18
Minimum age for purchasing cigarettes is 18
Smokers should be aware that a workplace ban is in place in Ireland, which of course applies to bars, restaurants, etc. So get ready to cut back!
Medical Insurance and Health
Non-EEA students are required to hold private medical insurance when applying for a student visa to Ireland. Policies from your home country may be extended for the purposes of your stay here, or you may purchase a policy from one of the following Irish insurance providers –
· Voluntary Health Insurance Board - www.vhi.ie
· Quinn Healthcare – www.quinn-healthcare.com
· Hibernian Aviva Health - www.hibernianavivahealth.ie
Some educational institutions will have pre-arranged discounts available to foreign students with an insurance company. Contact your chosen course provider to see if they can provide you with this cheaper option.
In terms of public health services, the eligibility of non-EEA students depends on their country of origin, duration of stay and financial situation. While with regard to hospital services, non-EEA students who are enrolled in a full time course of at least one year’s duration are deemed ‘ordinarily resident’ in Ireland and therefore entitled to the same public patient service as an Irish citizen.
EEA students may avail of free public medical services in Ireland provided they carry documentation from their home country that validates this entitlement. The EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) card ensures you receive whatever treatment you require in the Irish public health system in the event of accident or illness. Visit www.ehic.ie for more information.
The health system in Ireland is advanced and accessible, and there are GPs (general practitioners) widely available who will charge about €50 for a consultation. Most students however, can avail of free medical services, as all major universities and institutes of technology provide a medical and counselling services on campus. Other colleges will often have an agreement with a nearby GP, who will see students for a reduced rate.
Disabled Students
The Irish education system has a good record with regard to facilities, services and supports for disabled students, with most colleges employing a dedicated access officer.
Irish life in general however, is not so accessible but the situation is definitely improving.
Disabled international students should contact the course provider to see what supports are available. Two other very helpful organisations include the National Disability Authority (www.nda.ie) and the Association for Higher Education Access and Disability (www.ahead.ie).
