Why Learn English In Ireland?

With 1.5 billion speakers, English has long been the world’s most widely spoken language. Not only is it natively spoken in major job markets and tourist centres such as the USA, Great Britain, Ireland, Canada, and Australia, but it enjoys ‘Official Language’ status in an amazing 50 countries. Whether your goal is to expand your job possibilities, travel, or study abroad, a high level of English will prove to be an invaluable gift.

That said, it can be very difficult to achieve fluency without ever leaving the classroom. Studies have shown that an immersive experience in an English-speaking country can hugely accelerate the learning process. In fact, we’d go so far as to say that there is simply no substitute for an educational trip abroad. Famous for its hospitality, safety, culture, and scenery, Ireland is the perfect destination for taking your English to the next level, and having some fun along the way!

Why Choose IECT?

Irish Educational and Cultural Tours (IECT), formerly known as Travel Ireland, is a renowned company specialising in youth and student travel to the incredible country of Ireland for the purpose of learning English. Established in the city of Cork more than 30 years ago, we specialise in welcoming groups of students to Ireland for a variety of programmes that include education, sports, and cultural activities. Long recognised as one of the top businesses in our space, we always strive to make language-learning not only effective but fun.

At IECT, students are accommodated with welcoming local families, giving them an ideal environment in which to practice English while learning all about Irish culture. Language-learning and cultural experiences go hand in hand and we know how to put them together. In summary:

  • We have over thirty years of industry experience
  • We hire only the best EFL-trained teachers
  • We offer an unforgettable cultural experience
  • Our sites are located in some of Ireland’s most beautiful locations
  • Our trusted host families are both welcoming and experienced

Having developed a network of local organisers and host family centres throughout the country, IECT offer youth hostel and residential accommodation options to all our students.
Our key staff in our centres have been with us for many years, and have developed a wide range of skills and expertise in this area. As a small company, we offer a very personalised service to our clients, and most programmes can be tailored to suit the individual needs and interests of our clients.

We offer programmes in the following locations:

  • Cork
  • Limerick
  • Killarney
  • Galway
  • Dublin
  • Belfast

As well as short Mini-Stays (up to 3 weeks) we offer full Academic Year programs and single or multiple term (semester) enrollments in many of our centres.
Other programmes offered include Summer Home Stays with Activities and Summer School Programmes (English and Activity). All of our students reside with carefully chosen host families, who are all evaluated under strict criteria by the Irish police (Garda Vetted).

We work closely with students and leaders to ensure that a stay in Ireland is a wonderful experience. We offer a 24hr support in order to make a visit it Ireland stay a fun, safe and as enjoyable as possible.

Ireland is a great place to visit, and an ideal location in which to learn English. Immerse yourself in our spectacular scenery, rich and varied history and friendly people, whilst learing English to the highest standard.

Our Educational Programmes

Mini Stay

Running from January to June and from September to December, our Mini Stay programmes are perfect for groups of students who wish to experience an incredible educational trip to Ireland, but are limited by time or budget. These shorter programmes are based in a variety of locations, from big cities like Dublin and Cork to areas of natural beauty such as Killarney.

Summer Educational Stays

Running between July and August, our popular Summer Educational programmes allow students to spend an unforgettable summer in Ireland, staying with a host family, combining English lessons with a range of different activities, and visiting some of the most exciting destinations the country has to offer.

Academic Year/Semester

For teenage students who wish to broaden their horizons with an in-depth, immersive language experience, this programme allows you to live with an Irish host family, study at a local secondary school, and commit long-term to becoming a fluent English speaker.

Our Values

Our core values of respect, teamwork, patience, and professionalism really matter to us at IECT, and are reflected in everything we do. The well-being of our students will always be our priority, and we make sure that everyone we work with abides by these values, while showing a human touch.