Combined English course: Belfast and Dublin

International House now offers students the possibility of combining an English language course in Belfast with another period of study south of the border in Dublin, capital of the Republic of Ireland.

This unique combination of study locations provides students with the opportunity to explore two world-famous cities and to investigate both the differences and the many similarities between the north and south of Ireland.

Dublin and Ireland

Ireland's capital city has a wide range of attractions including historic buildings (right, Christ Church Cathedral), art galleries and museums, and world-renowned pubs. The city boasts a unique and vibrant atmosphere which provides the visitor with a truly unforgettable experience.

In recent years the Republic of Ireland has become one of the top destinations for people wishing to learn English - more than 100,000 visitors come every year to learn English in Dublin. This is thanks to Ireland's reputation for extending a warm friendly welcome to overseas visitors, the country's international literary renown and our booming economy.

International House Dublin

IH Dublin's year-round centre is located in the Camden Village Quarter, an attractive district on the south side of the river within seven minutes walk of Saint Stephen's Green and Grafton Street - the cultural and commercial heart of Dublin.

The area is popular with students and there are many local bars, coffee shops and restaurants offering a wide range of food and drinks at reasonable prices. The school has a comfortable student common room with free tea/coffee where students can watch TV, a computer room with high-speed Internet access and Wi-Fi for all students.

During July and August, in addition to the Camden Street school, International House Dublin has exclusive use of Portobello College, a modern third level institute located beside the canal. The college is located just 5 minutes walk from the main school and has its own cafeteria and modern computer lab.

Combined courses in Dublin and Belfast

The combined course programme, offered in both schools, consists of 20 hours tuition per week. The course covers all aspects of the language: reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, colloquial English, etc. Great importance is placed on developing oral communication skills and a variety of stimulating study materials are used in classes.

The combined course is offered at all levels, including beginners. The maximum class size is 12 students. The minimum age required to attend a combined course is 17.

Social programme

Both schools organise a full and varied programme of social and cultural activities designed to help students get to know the location and to practise their English.

These activities include guided visits to local museums and other places of interest in each city; excursions to other locations at the weekends; visits to local pubs to hear live traditional Irish music, etc.

Guides are provided free of charge by each school but students are asked to pay entrance fees and transport where appropriate.

Accommodation

Host families: Both IH Dublin and IH Belfast can organise accommodation with local Irish families that have been carefully selected by our accommodation departments. Students are always placed in single bedrooms (unless two students request to share). Breakfast is always included.

In Dublin all families also provide students with dinner in the evenings; in Belfast students can choose between breakfast only, or breakfast and dinner ('Half Board').

Self-catering apartments: IH Dublin can organise self-catering apartment accommodation throughout the year in single bedrooms in shared apartments (3 students per apartment). Each apartment is fully equipped and has a kitchen, living area and shared bathroom. No meals are provided but students have the full use of the kitchen to prepare their own meals.

Student houses: IH Belfast can organise accommodation in single bedrooms in fully furnished student houses or apartments. The common areas - the kitchen, living rooms, bathrooms - are shared with other students. No meals are provided but students can use the kitchen to prepare their own meals.

Hotels or Guest Houses: Both Dublin and Belfast have a wide range of hotels and guest houses available. Prices vary according to the standard of the accommodation provided but International House is happy to help students find and book the most suitable option.

Travel between Dublin and Belfast

There are frequent bus and train services between Dublin and Belfast. The average journey time will be around two hours and the cost will be approximately £12. International House is happy to help students organise transport between the two cities.

Starting dates

Students with some knowledge of English can start a combined course in either Dublin or Belfast any Monday of the year (except public holidays).

Courses for complete beginners are available at fixed starting dates. Please check the details for Belfast and/or Dublin.

Course fees

• 2 weeks (1 week in each school) £357
• 4 weeks (2 weeks in each school) £661
• 6 weeks (3 weeks in each school) £994
• 8 weeks (4 weeks in each school) £1,268
• 10 weeks (5 weeks in each school) £1,561
• 12 weeks (6 weeks in each school) £1,854

Accommodation fees

Price per week

• Host family in Dublin with half board (Sept.- June) £109
• Host family in Dublin with half board (July-Aug) £123
• Host Family in Belfast with breakfast £80
• Host Family in Belfast with half board £100
• Self-catering apartment in Dublin (Sept.-June) £135
• Self-catering apartment in Dublin (July-Aug) £149
• Student House in Belfast £80
• Hotels and Guest Houses Prices available on request.

Please note that there is an accommodation placement fee of £74, which covers both schools.