***  Gold Programme  -  New for 2013  ***

The Gold Programme is an interesting language and cultural activities course developed to suit the over 50s age group. It is a special tailor-made programme combining enjoyable language practice while discovering Ireland and in particular, Cork and its culture. The programme is flexible and aims to suit the needs and interests of the group.

The English course focuses on developing practical communication skills both inside and outside the classroom. The relaxed and productive atmosphere in class, will enable participants to develop their skills, increase their vocabulary and become a more confident speaker.

The 2-week programme includes:

• 2 full day tours
• 2 afternoon tours
• Walking tour of Cork city
• 2 afternoons Introduction to Irish Culture: music, history, literature, sports

The school is a magnificent setting for learning English, occupying two adjacent Georgian buildings which have been renovated in such a way as to retain their elegant 18th Century character.  Founded in 1975, the school enjoys an international reputation and is committed to offering individual attention to every student.  Your progress is monitored to ensure that courses are sufficiently challenging and that your objectives are met.  A stimulating social programme gives you the opportunity to make friends from all over the world, and the school's efficient and friendly administration staff make sure that your stay is enjoyable and rewarding.

School facilities

• 24 teaching rooms
• Study room, equipped with listening stations and self-access files 
• an extensive library containing books, magazines, newspapers and DVDs
• cinema room
• Computer rooms with CD-ROMS for self-study and internet access
• Wi-fi access
• Coffee room
• An attractive garden where students can relax

Several different types of accommodation are offered:

• Homestay
• Executive Homestay
• Student Apartments
• Student Residences
• Local Hotel and Guest Houses

Homestay accommodation is ideal for you if you wish to immerse yourself in the unique culture of Ireland. Living in an Irish home is an excellent way of improving your English and experiencing everyday life in Ireland in a welcoming and supportive environment. You stay in a good residential area of Cork, close to a bus route. You live in a home selected on the basis of a warm friendly atmosphere and clean comfortable surroundings. Accommodation is on a half board basis from Monday to Friday and on a full board basis at the weekend. To ensure that you practise English, you are the only speaker of your mother tongue placed in your homestay.

Single room:  € 175 per week          high season (11th June to 11th September):  € 207 per week

Extra nights' accommodation may sometimes be available at a cost of € 30 per night.

Executive Homestay is available in more spacious houses, which have two or more bathrooms . It is often chosen by more mature business executives or professional people.

Single room:  € 245 per week         

Extra nights' accommodation may sometimes be available at a cost of € 40 per night.

For students who want to be more independent, there are comfortable modern student apartments located in a complex about 5 minutes' wallk from the school and the city centre. Accommodation is a single room in an apartment shared with one or two other students.  Each apartment has a fully-equipped kitchen, a sitting room with a television, a bathroom and either two or three bedrooms.  These  apartments are available all year round.

Coppinger Court     € 165 per week

Ard Patrick      € 185 per week

extra night:  € 30

Student residence apartments are also available. You have a single room in an apartment which you share with other students. Each apartment has a fully-equipped kitchen, a sitting room with a television and a bathroom.

extra night:  € 30

The school has special arrangements with nearby guest houses and hotels and can help you to find a hotel to suit your preferences.

There is a non-refundable administration fee of € 65 for arranging accommodation.