Q. What's the Currency?

A. Ireland uses the Euro, which is easy to obtain in any foreign exchange bank.

Q. Do students have to buy textbooks?

A. We do not usually use textbooks; however textbooks are available to students for a fee of €30. This money is refunded on return of the textbook in good condition at the end of their stay. Of course if students wish they may buy and keep the textbooks.

Q. Do I get a refund if I cancel my course?

A. Full payment must be made before course commencement. No refunds are given for late arrivals or early departures or for courses cancelled less than 2 days before course commencement. Refunds will be judged on individual cases.

Q. How far is Tralee from Dublin?

A. About 320km. There are many daily bus and train services to and from Dublin. The fastest route, though a little expensive at approximately €140 return, is a 50 minute journey by plane from nearby Kerry airport.

Q. What’s the weather like?

A. Ireland has four distinct seasons. The winter doesn't get cold (0ºC) and the summer doesn't get very hot (24ºC). Ireland is famous for its rain so be sure to bring an umbrella. Tralee is beside the Atlantic Ocean so it can also get windy.

Q. Can I change my class if I am not happy?

A. Of course, if there is another suitable class for you. You need to talk to your teacher or to Anne or your teacher about changing your class and we can decide together. Remember, we want you to be happy here.

Q. Are there any school rules?

A. Yes, we have some rules. All students must try to speak English. Remember you pay a lot of money for your course. If you don’t speak English you will only waste this money. Teenage students also have a curfew – usually 9pm or 9.30pm. We are strict about this.

Q. What’s the food like?

A. Irish traditional food is healthy and filling. It’s not hot or spicy, it’s simply delicious. The three daily meals are usually different with our famous Irish breakfasts to start the day and dinner consisting of meat, potatoes and vegetables. Every family is different but if you live with an Irish family you will taste all aspects of traditional and contemporary Irish cooking. In Tralee, there are several big supermarkets where you can buy pretty much anything. There are also a few Mediterranean and Eastern European shops which are well-stocked.

Q. I am from Asia. Will I survive on Irish food?

A. It is difficult to live without noodles or rice or your local food everyday but you can do it. Many host families try to help students with the food so don’t be afraid to ask.

Q. Do I need to get a weekly / monthly bus ticket to travel to and from school?

A. No!! Tralee isn’t very big. You can easily walk to and from school. Many students who stay here for a longer period of time decide to buy bicycles (you can buy a good second-hand bike for about €100), some people even buy cars. Most of our host families live within about 10 minutes walking distance of the school.

Q. Are there any hidden expenses?

A. No!! You chose your course and you pay that amount. That’s it! We will not force you to buy a book, we will not charge you for a certificate, we will not cancel classes at the last minute at your expense. You pay for the classes you attend.

Q. Should I have insurance?

A. Celtic School of English is fully insured but it is advisable that students have their own medical and travel insurance.

Q. Will I make friends?

A. Of course you will!! In Ireland ‘everybody knows everybody’. Within hours, you will have your own network of friends. Tralee isn’t very big so it’s easy to meet people and as a student of Celtic School of English, you automatically become a member of our own little community!