International Students Irish Language Summer Course 2025
Intensive Irish Language Summer Programme for International Students 2026
Course dates: 29 May – 19 June 2026
Eolas/Information: |
Participants in this immersive course experience the Irish language and culture in an unforgettable way, surrounded by the natural beauty and heritage of An Cheathrú Rua in the Conamara Gaeltacht, Co. Galway. Daily sessions provide intensive, in-class instruction designed to build fluency in the Irish language, allowing students to strengthen their skills and confidence in a supportive and engaging environment. Outside the classroom, students take part in traditional Irish singing and dancing workshops, offering a lively and authentic introduction to Ireland’s musical traditions. The programme also includes introductory lectures on a range of topics, such as the history of the Irish language, folklore, literature, music and Irish-language media, which provide valuable cultural and historical context. A major highlight of the course is the series of excursions to Irish-speaking locations, where participants have the chance to hear and use the language in real-life settings. These visits include trips to Ros Muc, An Spidéal and a day trip to one of the Aran Islands. In addition, students visit the renowned Kylemore Abbey and spend time in Clifden, a lively town at the edge of Connemara known for its charm and local culture. |
||||||
Na Cúrsaí Teanga/Language Courses:Course Objective and Description:
|
Four language levels based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) will be offered, subject to demand. University of Galway lecturers in Applied Irish will teach the language classes, providing expert instruction and an immersive learning experience. Students will be invited to take a placement test to determine the level that best suits their proficiency. Complete Beginner (A1): Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help. Elementary Course (A2): Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need. Intermediate Course (B1): Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. In ann déileáil le bunús na gcomhráite a d’fhéadfadh a bheith ann le linn dom bheith ag taisteal i gceantar a bhfuil an teanga á labhairt ann. Ní theastaíonn aon réamhullmhúchán uaim le gur féidir liom dul i mbun comhrá ar ábhair a bhfuil taithí agam orthu, a bhfuil spéis phearsanta agam féin iontu nó a bhaineann leis an ngnáthshaol (mar shampla, an teaghlach, obair, taisteal agus cúrsaí an lae). Upper-Intermediate Course (B2): Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. Sách líofa agus sách spontáineach chun gur féidir liom idirghníomhú le cainteoirí dúchais go rialta. Is féidir liom a bheith rannpháirteach i bplé ar bith ar ábhair a bhfuil taithí agam orthu agus is féidir liom mo thuairimí féin a mhíniú agus a chosaint. |
||||||
Course Assessment/Examination: |
Examinations are optional. Students who choose to participate and pass will earn 12 ECTS credits |
||||||
Lóistín/Accommodation: |
You will stay with local, Irish-speaking host families, providing an authentic cultural and language immersion experience. Your stay includes:
|
||||||
Cúrsaí Iompair / Transportation: |
Daily bus transport is provided between your accommodation and An tAcadamh (Language Centre), as well as to all scheduled excursions, workshops and activities. |
||||||
Application Deadline / Spriocdháta: |
Friday, 27 February 2026 (5pm Irish time) |
||||||
Apply online: |
You can apply for the course using this online form. |
||||||
Fees / Táillí: |
Full payment (Tuition and Accommodation) is required on acceptance of a course offer. All relevant documentation must also be submitted to secure your enrolment before 7 March 2025. Methods of payment: Credit card by calling the office at 00 353 91 494600 or 00 353 91 494606 (Monday – Friday from 9.30am – 4.30pm Irish time) with your card details. or Electronic Transfer Information: Bank Name and Address: Bank of Ireland, 43 Eyre Square, Galway, Ireland, H91 D6X9. Please email caitriona.uichualain@universityofgalway.ie when payment has been processed and forward a copy of the transfer documentation. Transfers must be made in Euros, payable to University of Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland, H91 TK33. Please ensure "A/C no. D0720, Acadamh, University of Galway & Your Name" is referenced on all bank transfers.
Please note the cancellation and refund policy below regarding tuition, transportation and extracurricular fees.
Please note the cancellation and refund policy below regarding accommodation.
|
||||||
Contact details:
|
Lisa Ní Fhlatharta |