ARE THE PROGRAMMES SUITABLE FOR INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS? The majority of our programmes are designed for group tours, but we also offer summer language courses to individuals in our Cork centre. IS THERE A MINIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS REQUIRED FOR A GROUP? We accept groups from 10 people and upwards. ARE THERE ANY AGE LIMITS FOR HOST FAMILY ACCOMMODATION? We accept participants aged 13-18 years, but they must of course be accompanied by adult supervisors. CAN I ORGANISE A MINI-STAY IN MORE THAN 1 CENTRE? Yes, we can organise 2 or 3 centre stays. DOES HOST FAMILY ACCOMMODATION INCLUDE MEALS? Yes, accommodation in host families is on a full board basis, with continental breakfast, packed lunch and evening meal provided. HOW ARE HOST FAMILIES RECRUITED? All families are Garda (Irish police) vetted before hosting students. We also visit all our host families regularly to ensure that high standards of accommodation are maintained. HOW MANY STUDENTS CAN BE PLACED IN A HOST FAMILY? For school tours/mini-stay programmes, we place 2, 3 or 4 students per family with a maximum of 4 students per family. For summer language programmes, we place a maximum of 4 students per family. For an additional fee, students can choose to be the only French-speaker or Spanish-speaker in the family, although there will normally be students of other nationalities in the host family. CAN YOU BOOK VISITS FOR MY GROUP? Yes, for a small fee, IECT can advise on the programme for your group, book the visits and provide vouchers so you don’t have to worry about carrying cash or trying to pay by credit card on the day. FOR WHAT AGE RANGE IS HOST FAMILY ACCOMMODATION SUITABLE? For mini-stay/school tour groups, we accept students who are in 2nd level schools. For summer programmes, we accept students aged 13 -18 years. WHO SHOULD I SPEAK TO IF I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY ACCOMMODATION? The local organiser/liaison person will be in daily contact with you. If you have any queries or issues, please mention it to this person who will address the issue with you. CAN YOU BOOK MY FLIGHTS OR FERRY TRAVEL? No, IECT does not arrange your travel to Ireland. We take charge of your group once you arrive in Ireland. CAN YOU BOOK LOCAL TRANSPORT FOR MY GROUP? Yes, IECT can arrange local coach hire for transfer and tours for your group. CAN I SPEND ALL DAY IN THE HOST FAMILY? No. Students are expected to be on excursion each day; meeting time each morning is usually 8am and return to the host families is usually at 6.30pm. WHAT IS A HOST FAMILY LIKE? Host families can be couples (with or without children), or single parent families with children, or occasionally individuals selected for their hospitality and interest in integrating students into their home and day-to-day life. WILL I HAVE TO SHARE A ROOM? Yes, in most cases you will share a twin room with someone else from your group. IS THERE LOCAL SUPPORT IN EACH CENTRE? Yes, there is a local organiser/liaison person in each centre. S/he will meet your group each day to ensure that everything is running smoothly and to help sort our any small issues that might arise. WHAT TYPE OF ACTIVITIES CAN I LOOK FORWARD TOO? We provide a wide choice, ranging from cultural visits to historic places of interest and sports. HOW WILL I GET TO SCHOOL? All our accommodation is either within easy walking distance of the school or within easy reach by public transport. WHERE IS THE SCHOOL LOCATED? In Cork, the School is located on The Old Youghal Road, Mayfield Community School. In Limerick it is in the heart of Limerick City, Limerick Tutorial and in Killarney St Brendan’s is also centrally located in the town. All schools are within walking distance or by local public transport. WILL I GET A CERTIFICATE AT THE END OF MY COURSE? You will receive an official recognition of your achievement. WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO THE INTERNET? Most families have internet connection, families will give access codes on arrival. WHAT WILL I DO ON SUNDAYS? Sundays is a day to spend with either friends or your host family. FOR MINI-STAY/SCHOOL TOUR GROUPS, HOW DO THE STUDENTS GET TO THE MEETING POINT EACH DAY? Except for Dublin and Galway centres, students are brought to the meeting point each morning and collected each evening. In Galway and Dublin, students walk to and from the meeting points. Several meeting points are arranged with the coach for pick-ups and drop-offs so that students are within a 5-10 minute walk from the families in these 2 centres.