Study Abroad in Ireland
Academic Year
A New Life in Ireland Awaits
Studying abroad with Munster Educational Travel is the opportunity of a lifetime for international students. Our students are treated as individuals and are encouraged to make the most of their time in Ireland by immersing themselves in the local culture, language and community. Study, make friends, explore Ireland—your year abroad will be what you make it.
Information for Students
Academic Year Programme
This programme is most ideally suited to students who are:
12-18 years old
Speak English at an intermediate level or better
Someone who wants a fulfilling experience
Ready to experience new cultures and ideas
Munster Educational Travel predominantly runs a school-year long programme. Students studying abroad are expected to be in Ireland on the last weekend of August. You will finish your trip on the last weekend of May or the first weekend of June depending on the school time tables.
Other programme lengths are available including 1 school term until Christmas or a semester starting in January until the end of the school year.
Live with a local host family
Munster Educational Travel’s programmes are home-based and family orientated. All of our International students stay with host families. Our host families are local people who live and work in the community. They will provide meals and make sure you go to school on time! However, they are not your parents.
Many of our previous international students have formed strong relationships with their host families and keep in touch 10 years after they studied abroad in Ireland. There is no better way to experience Ireland than staying with a host family.
Daily Life as an International Student
Munster Educational Trust understands that moving to a new country can be scary. However, when you study abroad in Ireland, your experience will be similar to your current situation.
You’ll spend 5 days a week at school and have the weekends to yourself! You can choose to go out and see your friends from school or come on trips with us and other international students. It’s up to you!
Typical School Day
1100-1300: Lessons
1300-1345: Lunch break
1345-1600: Lessons
1600: School day finishes
0830-0840: Tutor time
0840-1040: Lessons
1040-1100: Short break
Why Munster Educational Travel?
Munster Educational Travel prioritises our students’ health & wellbeing, and we ensure we get to know each and every student. When you arrive in Ireland, we will pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your host family’s door.
Monthly Check-Ins
We meet with students monthly to find out how they’re doing at school and with their host family. We make sure each student has the support they need to really enjoy their time in Ireland and have the best experience possible.
Easy Communication
We know how important it is that our students feel comfortable enough to reach out to us if they have any issues. We like to meet students face-to-face either at the office or over a cup of coffee, and when in-person meetings aren’t possible, we video chat and are available on the phone any time too.
Cultural Activities
We arrange weekend trips from time to time to some of Ireland’s must-see spots, and arrange cultural activities and fun days out. And, yes, this includes shopping! This is optional, but we encourage our students to join in as many as possible.
Experience One of the Most Unique Places on Earth
Ireland is full of wonders. Ireland is full of great history. Ireland is more than Dublin. We’re located in the South West of Ireland and work in 4 areas in Munster province:, Kerry, Cork, Limerick and Tipperary
With close communities, the province of Munster gives an authentic experience of Ireland, not just something approved by the tourist board. Castles and an epic coastline make the area of Munster a spellbinding place to study abroad in Ireland.
Kerry
If you’re the outdoorsy type, there’s no place better than Kerry. Every view has striking terrain and incredible coastlines. With pockets of traditional Irish-language speakers, there is nowhere else in Ireland where you can get such a genuinely authentic Irish experience
Cork
Cork is the second-largest city in Ireland and is Ireland’s foodie-capital. If you’re looking to study abroad in Ireland, Cork delivers good food and good times. Co. Cork is full of incredible wildlife and countryside for those looking to explore.
Limerick
Limerick is the cultural capital of Ireland. It’s quirky, vibrant and individual, and the best place to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. A truly unique study abroad experience.
Tipperary
Mountains. Lakes. Rivers. Farmland. County Tipperary is the quintessential Irish countryside. Perfect for any student willing to embrace and be part of an authentic Irish community.
“I had a great time in Cork and really loved everything about my experience. My host family was wonderful and really looked after me and my school was really welcoming. I made lots of friends and great memories - THANK YOU!”
— Sophie from Germany
Beginning the Student Journey with Munster Educational Travel
1.Arrival
A representative from Munster Educational Travel will pick you up from the airport. We take you straight to your new home with your host family. This will be a few days before the start of term.
2. Get Supplies
We or your host family will help you get school supplies and your school uniform. You will be ready for your first day at school!
3. Orientation
Every student is invited to attend an orientation day in Killarney where they can meet each other, get to know the area and have a first chat with our team.
4. Go to School
It’s time for school! Your teachers and classmates will help you find your way around and settle in quickly. Making Irish friends is the best way to improve your English.
5. First Check-In
After a few weeks, you will be invited to meet with one of our team (or chat on a video call) where we have a friendly chat about how your experience is going so far.
6. Enjoy Ireland!
And the rest is up to you! Make friends, explore the local area and even go further afield to see more of Ireland. We are here to provide support throughout the whole school year.
Where will I be staying when I study abroad in Ireland?
If you choose to study abroad in Ireland with Munster Educational Travel, you will stay with a suitable host family.
This host family will look after you. They will provide you with a comfortable home environment and good food.
We make sure your host family is suitable for you.
Your host family is not responsible for buying you your school uniform or other items of clothing. You will have to use your own spending money.
Will my host family be happy with my dietary requirements?
Yes! Munster Educational Travel will place you with a host family that is happy to cook to your dietary requirements. Let us know if you have any food intolerances, any food allergies or are a vegetarian or a vegan when you apply to any of our programmes.
What if staying with my host family doesn’t work out?
Munster Educational Travel understands that on occasions a placement will not work out. We’re committed to your health & wellbeing. We will endeavour to solve any problems that may arise, but if this isn’t possible, we will move you to a new host family.
Where do other students studying abroad in Ireland come from?
We accept students from all over the world but mainly from the European Union area, including Spain, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Slovakia and Holland. We do accept students from outside the EU, mainly from South America, USA and Asia.
How often do I have to have a face-to-face meeting with Munster Educational Travel?
As often as you like! We understand that some students don’t want to talk to us all the time. However, we expect to speak to you once a month, even for a quick 5 minute chat to make sure everything is ok.
Can I go home for Christmas?
Yes. We encourage students to return to their homes during Christmas and the Christmas break is not included in our prices. However, if you want to stay in Ireland, we will make the right arrangements to make sure you experience an authentic Irish Christmas!
Do I have to go on day-trips or weekend trips with Munster Educational Travel?
No! How you spend your weekends is up to you. We will always invite you on these trips, but if you don’t want to visit a castle or go paintballing with us, we won’t make you.
If you choose to come with us, there will be additional charges to cover entrance fees or any overnight stays. You will also need to bring your own spending money.