School Year Abroad in Ireland

It depends on the route. On the classic school exchange, the school and the town are assigned once the student's profile has been assessed: families can state needs and preferences, but cannot reserve a particular town or school. On the selected state day school, private day school and boarding school routes, the family considers the schools available and states a preference. On every route the school decides on admission, depending on places, subjects and year group: the placement is confirmed only when the school makes an offer, and a first choice cannot be guaranteed.

From one term to the full school year, depending on the route. On the two state school routes, students can choose one term, a term and a half, two terms or the full year of three terms. At a private day school the programme lasts one, two or three terms, depending on what the chosen school offers. Boarding school is normally offered for the full school year: a shorter stay is not a standard option and is considered case by case with the school. Exact dates depend on the school's calendar: there is no single calendar for every school.

The 2027/28 school year starts in late August or in September, depending on the school. A January start is also possible, but only on the routes and at the schools that offer it. Arrival and departure dates follow the calendar of the school the student joins.

The student attends the normal subjects of an Irish secondary school in the year group they join: it is not a separate language course. The year group and subjects depend on age, school results, goals and availability, and are confirmed by the school after admission. Junior Cycle, Transition Year and Senior Cycle are structured differently; students aiming at the state examinations or the Leaving Certificate need an individual assessment.

On the day-school routes, that is the classic school exchange, the selected state day school and the private day school, the student lives with a host family in a single room, on full board during the programme: lunch on school days is normally a packed lunch, and the house rules are shared once the family has been matched. At a boarding school the student boards at the school, also on full board. Five-day and seven-day boarding have different weekend arrangements, and in five-day boarding weekends are normally spent with a host family; the room and the weekend arrangements depend on the school.

The programme includes guardianship for the student and the support of a local adviser, who meets the student regularly and keeps the family updated on their wellbeing. An emergency contact is available at all times. For day-to-day life the points of reference remain the school and, on the host-family routes, the host family.

Flights are not included; we can arrange them through our partner agency. Transfers at the start and end of the programme are included under the programme conditions, that is when the student arrives at and departs from Dublin Airport on the dates given. Travel on other dates and transfers during the stay may carry an additional charge.

The programme's accommodation does not cover the Christmas and Easter holidays: students who wish to stay in Ireland can request a host-family stay as an extra. For boarding students, a host-family stay is arranged for the boarding closures covered by the programme. Holiday dates are those of the calendar of the school the student attends.