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Why Study in Ireland
There are a number of attractive factors luring students to Ireland. Probably one of the most common reasons cited is that the Irish have a genuine welcoming and friendly approach towards visitors. Ireland has long been known as the “emerald isle” by visitors because of its unspoiled and lavish green landscape. In 2006 over 7 million tourists visited the Irish shores.
Language
Although Irish is the official language of Ireland, English is the language in daily use for centuries. Ireland is listed as one of the seven designated native English speaking countries in the World today.
Society
In Irish life and culture, the family and local community are very important and are key elements to this often mystic country. Ireland now enjoys a healthy balance between the metropolitan cities of the “New Ireland” combined with the scenery and slower paced lifestyle of rural Ireland. Ireland has low crime rates in comparison to Europe and North America while unemployment is at its lowest levels ever.
Population
Ireland’s population is currently around 4.25 million with nearly one third of the countries total population living in or around the capital, Dublin. Other major population centers in Ireland include Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Galway and Belfast.
Economy
Ireland enjoys close to total employment. It is one of the most prosperous countries in the world with its robust economy known internationally as the “Celtic Tiger”. Ireland was ranked the second wealthiest country per capita in the world by the UN Development Programme (2005) and voted “Best place in the world to Live” Economist 2005.
Education
Ireland was once known as the “Island of Saints and Scholars”. With English being the mother tongue to almost all the Irish population it makes the perfect location for studying English or studying your courses through English. All studies, business and research undertaken in Ireland are done so through English.
Ireland’s education system includes the following stages;
· Primary Schools (Elementary Schools)
· Secondary Schools (High Schools)
· Third Level Colleges & Universities
· Professional Institutions
Geography of Ireland
Ireland has a diverse and beautiful topography, including the Burren, Giants Causeway, Mitchelstown & Allwee Caves, the Golden Vale and many other natural landmarks of true Irish beauty. Ireland is the modest sized island to the west of the UK. Ireland consists of four provinces; Leinster, Munster, Connacht, Ulster and are in turn are broken down into thirty-two counties. Refer to Links for reference sites on local areas across Ireland.
Sports & Recreational Activities
· Soccer
· Rugby,
· Gaelic Games,
· Athletics,
· Swimming,
· Water Sports,
· Boxing,
· Hill walking & mountain climbing
· Tennis
· Golf
Nightlife & Restaurants
Ireland is famous for a number of culinary dishes such as Irish stew, Irish Lamb, traditional Irish breakfasts and the internationally acclaimed Bacon or Corned Beef & Cabbage. For a list of restaurants log onto ……. The cinema scene is alive and well in Ireland with the Irish film industry producing a number of internationally acclaimed box office films. Of course you can see all your favorite Hollywood movies at any cinema in Ireland. Ireland is probably best known for its pub scene and of course Guinness Stout. You can relax and unwind in any number of traditional Irish pubs across Ireland. Look out of the traditional Irish music nights in the pubs!
Cost of Living
· Tuition Fees – Vary from course to course. Contact Us today to find out more about relevant course fees.
· Daily Living Expenses e.g. food, utilities, transport etc. circa €5000 per annum
· Airfares to and from home country again vary from country to country. You may want to contact the following airlines;
Aer Lingus
Ryanair
British Airways
Lufthansa
Air France
KLM
Qantas
American Airlines
United Airlines
China Airways
· Insurance – It is recommend that students take out private medical insurance before traveling
Working in Ireland
One of the major benefits of studying in Ireland is that students may be allowed to take up casual employment of up to 20 hours per week. The minimum wage in Ireland is €8.30 per hour which means students can sustain themselves very easily in Ireland by earning between €800 - €1,200 per month. The Irish job market is very healthy and part time jobs are very plentiful. You should check with GNIB if you are unsure about working casually in Ireland.
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