Emerald Cultural Institute (ECI) Dublin
THE DESTINATION | THE SCHOOL | MAP | RACHEL’S TAKE | WHY THIS SCHOOL? | FACILITIES | THE COURSES | FROM OUR CLIENTS | HOUSING | SOCIAL LIFE | INSURANCE AND PRICING | REQUEST AN ESTIMATE | OTHER PROGRAMS | SIMILAR PROGRAMS
The Emerald Cultural Institute offers a sophisticated range of courses and professional development programs to groups and individuals from more than 50 countries. With over 30 years of experience, it provides high quality language education situated in the energetic location of Dublin.
“Friendly and fun” are the words most visitors use to describe Dublin, and as a result it has fast become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Boasting everything from ancient ruins, to fashionable shops and restaurants, to a famously vibrant nightlife, Dublin caters to everyone.
EMERALD CULTURAL INSTITUTE AT A GLANCE
- Year of foundation: 1986
- Type of location: Capital city
- Main type of public transport in Dublin: buses, trains and trams
- Approximate number of nationalities in school each year: 60
Palmerston Park
- Position in the city: 6 minutes from city center by tram
- Minimum age in adult school: 17
- Number of students in school: average 200, maximum 220
- Average age of students: 29
Marino Institute of Education (August only)
- Position in the city: 10 minutes from city centre by public transport
- Minimum age in adult school: 17
- Number of students in school: average 70, maximum 100
- Average age of students: 23
Emerald Cultural Institute:
- ECI Palmerston Park: 10 Palmerston Park, Dublin 6, Ireland
- Marino Insitute of Education: 9 Griffith Avenue, Clontarf, Dublin, D09 R232, Ireland
“I have known the owner of Emerald Cultural Institute, Mauro Biondi, for years through international school and agency events, and had the pleasure of visiting the Palmerston Park school a few years ago (the original and only location then.) Mauro has always struck me as being exceptionally polished and professional, and the villa housing the school is extraordinarily beautiful and well-kept. Unlike most other language schools in or near the center of Dublin, it has a large, beautiful, grassy garden in the back, at the back of which there is also a café for students, and there I had the only cappuccino beyond Italy’s borders that tasted as good as one in Rome (so, no, it isn’t the water!) Mauro had himself been a student in Dublin many years ago, and chose a location for his school in which students would have lots of space to relax and socialize after class. (He had attended a school in which there were not much more than classrooms, so afterwards, students were obliged to go elsewhere.) In the years since I visited the school, it is has expanded its adult and junior locations and become a member of IALC, much to my delight. Its schools have the unusual advantage of being close to both the center of Dublin, in upscale residential neighborhoods, and close to host families (to attend schools that are right in the center, students often have to travel 45 + minutes to reach them). In this way, the travel time to the schools becomes much less burdensome, but the center is also just a short distance away. ECI also offers a very wide range of programs for its students and a great nationality mix, which is very important for students in a city like Dublin, where certain nationalities can often dominate English language schools.”
Emerald Cultural Institute
Why Study English at the Emerald Cultural Institute in Dublin?
There are many English language schools in Dublin, one of Europe’s top cities for English language learning. Emerald Cultural Institute distinguishes itself in the following ways:
- ECI offers a diverse range of English courses for both educational and professional purposes
- ECI is an accredited member of Quality English, EAQUALS, and IALC, with the latter two memberships more difficult to obtain than others
- ECI schools are located within easy reach of Dublin city center, but closer to host families in residential areas with respect to schools in the heart of the center
- A broad and varied social programme provides students with a rich experience of Irish culture
- The school has a fantastic nationality mix, with 60 different nationalities of students each year
- There is a good choice of quality accommodation close to the school
The facilities
THE FACILITIES AT A GLANCE
Palmerston Park
- 22 modern classrooms
- Interactive technology
- Multi-media center
- Computers with access to internet
- Wi-Fi throughout campus
- Reading room and study space
- Self-access library
- Private landscaped garden with seating areas
- Large restaurant and coffee bar
Marino Institute of Education
- 30 classrooms and conference rooms
- Lecture theatres
- Restaurant
- Costa Coffee shop
- Reading and study rooms
- Wi-Fi
- 2 courtyard gardens and spacious grounds
- Residential accommodation in single ensuite rooms
- Gym and indoor sports facilities
- Extensive outdoor playing fields
MORE ABOUT THE FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Student Welfare Offices
The offices are located at Palmerston Park and deal with any academic, personal and physical challenges that students may face.
Libraries
Palmerston Park has a library containing useful language resources.
Study Club
A study club is available every afternoon in school Monday-Friday where it is possible to study with the assistance of an ECI teacher.
Language Laboratory at Palmerston Park
The Language Laboratory and Resource Room is open from 14:00-17:00 with a teacher present from 14:00-16:00 Monday-Friday.
Transport
ECI can provide a single or return transfer service each way from the airport at an additional cost (see price list). Students who are staying in Dublin for 3 + months can also purchase a Visiting Student Travel Card from the Student Union.
The courses
GENERAL ENGLISH AND EXAMINATION COURSES
The General English Courses focus on improving students’ fluency and accuracy from Elementary to Advanced levels. Absolute beginners can take advantage of the specially designed courses, which start on specific dates throughout the year.
General Course Information
- Minimum age: 17 years
- Length of each lesson: 60 minutes
- Ongoing academic support and monitoring with regular progress reports
- Use of multi-media facilities
- Free supervised study sessions in the afternoons
- Study Plans designed with academic mentors for long-term students
- Free programme of workshops and seminars
- Welcome pack including maps and student handbook
- Course Diploma with student report upon completion
General English
ECI offers a wide range of General English courses to suit each individual’s needs and purposes for studying English as a Second Language.
Intensive Courses
The intensive courses cover the four basic skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking). Two class teachers work closely together on these in order to provide learner-focused lessons and quickly build students’ confidence, accuracy and fluency. Classes are held in the mornings.
Intensive Course Key Points:
- 20 x 60 minute lessons per week
- 9:00-11:00 and 11:20-13:20 Monday to Friday
- Maximum 14 students per class, minimum 9
- Minimum 2 weeks duration
- Start dates most Mondays
- Beginner to Advanced levels
- Available at all locations
Combined Course
Students participating in the Combined Course follow a morning Intensive Course with an additional five hours of individual tuition.
- 20 x 60 minute lessons per week plus 5 hours of one-to-one tuition
- 9:00-11:00 and 11:20-13:20 Monday to Friday plus private tuition
- Maximum 14 students per group class, average 9
- Minimum 2 weeks duration
- Start dates most Mondays
- Available at all locations
Individual Tuition
This course is tailor-made to suit the individual needs of any student who wishes to work with as many as three different teachers a day to focus on specific areas of language development. If desired, extra lessons can be arranged during the evenings and weekends.
- Up to 6 hours a day of individual tuition
- Flexible timetable
- Minimum 1 week duration
- Start dates every Monday
- Available at all locations
Intensive Plus Speaking Skills
The Intensive Plus Course is designed for students who wish to supplement their Intensive Course with extra conversation classes in small groups in the afternoons. The afternoon conversation classes are available at three levels, starting from pre-intermediate.
- 26 x 60 minutes of group tuition per week
- 9:00-11:00 and 11:20-13:20 Monday to Friday, 14:15-16:15 Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
- Maximum 14 students per class, average 9
- Afternoon classes have a maximum of 8 students
- Minimum 2 weeks duration
- Start dates every Monday
- Pre Intermediate (A2), Intermediate (B1) and Upper Intermediate (B2) levels
- Available at all locations
Intensive Plus English for Academic Purposes
This Course is designed to help students preparing to join an undergraduate or postgraduate programme in an English speaking university. Topics covered include participating in tutorials and seminars, academic writing skills for essays and reports, examination techniques, academic reading skills and critical thinking.
- 26 x 60 minutes of group tuition per week
- 9:00-11:00 and 11:20-13:20 Monday to Friday, 14:15-16:15 Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
- Maximum 14 students per class, average 9
- Maximum class size 8 students for afternoon lessons
- Start dates: see dates and fees
- Minimum Upper Intermediate (B2) level
- Available at Palmerston Park
Examination Courses
The Examination Courses are designed to prepare students for one of the following examinations: Cambridge (First Certificate, Advanced Certificate) and IELTS. An Intensive Plus IELTS option is also available.
- 20 x 60 minutes of group tuition per week (26 x 60 minutes for Intensive Plus IELTS)
- 9:00-11:00 and 11:20-13:20 Monday to Friday (plus 14:15-16:15 Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for Intensive Plus IELTS)
- Maximum 14 students per class, average 9
- 6-12 weeks duration for Cambridge exams, minimum 2 weeks for IELTS
- Start dates: see dates and fees for Cambridge exams, most Mondays for IELTS course
- Available at Palmerston Park, Intensive Plus IELTS also available at the Marino Institute
- These courses are subject to a placement test
Academic Year Programmes
The Academic Year Programme allows students to combine different courses and modules with ECI staff designing a study path to suit each student’s starting level, academic needs and learning objectives. Students enrolled in the Academic Year Programme usually begin with the Intensive Course and then move to another 20-hour course, such as Cambridge or IELTS Exam preparation.
- Each student is assigned a mentor to provide academic guidance, advice and support as well as assess students’ progress and assist with career planning
- Frequent seminars and career guidance events
- Internship option to gain valuable work experience
- Choice of 20 or 26 hour programmes
- 25-35 weeks duration
- Beginner to Advanced levels
- Students of appropriate level can incorporate an afternoon option into the study programme
- Available at Palmerston Park
Business, Professional and Executive English Courses
Intensive Plus Business
The Business English Course combines the Intensive Course with afternoon lessons. Topics covered include the language of meetings, negotiations and presentations, marketing, sales and advertising and techniques for telephoning and e-communication. The smaller afternoon groups facilitate interaction in realistic business settings.
- 26 x 60 minutes of group tuition per week
- 9:00-11:00 and 11:20-13:20 Monday to Friday, 14:15-16:15 Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
- Maximum 14 students per class, average 9
- Maximum class size 6 students for afternoon lessons
- Minimum 2 weeks duration
- Start dates every Monday
- Minimum Upper Intermediate (B2) level
- Available at Palmerston Park
Personal Intensive Course
This course is designed for the professional who wishes to concentrate on particular language skills or work on specific areas of English. The course is tailor-made to suit the exact requirements of the client and all participants complete a Needs’ Analysis before arrival.
- Minimum age 21
- 20, 25 or 30 x 60 minutes of individual tuition per week
- 4-6 hours per day Monday-Friday
- Minimum 1 week duration
- Start dates every Monday
- Available at all locations
Mini Group for Executives and Professionals
This intensive mini-group course is designed for executives and professionals. The maximum class size is six and participants can choose to combine this programme with individual lessons in the afternoons. The content of the courses includes simulated discussions and business meetings, telephone conversations, negotiations, report writing, problem solving and role plays.
- Minimum age 21
- 20 x 60 minutes of small group tuition per week
- 9:00-11:00 and 11:20-13:20 Monday to Friday
- Maximum 6 students per class, average 3
- Minimum 1 week duration
- Fixed start dates
Intensive Combined Course
This course offers a combination of group and individual classes and makes full use of the limited time available during a short stay.
- Minimum age 17 for morning lessons, 21 for afternoon lessons
- 20 x 60 minutes of group tuition per week plus 10 hours of individual tuition
- 9:00-11:00, 11:20-13:20 and 14:15-16:15 Monday to Friday
- Maximum 14 students per class, average 9
- Minimum 1 week duration
- Start dates every Monday
- Beginner to Advanced levels
Internship Program
The Internship Program guarantees an initial study period at the Emerald Cultural Institute followed by an unpaid placement in a company. This programme allows students to gain valuable experience in their chosen field working in an English-speaking environment.
The Emerald Cultural Institute cooperates with partner organisations to provide students with a range of internship possibilities including placements in the following sectors; Accounting, Administration, Architecture, Beauty, Preschool Education, Engineering, Environmental, Digital Media Marketing, Food and Beverage, Hairdressing, Hotels, Horticulture, Human Resources, Information Technology, Journalism, Landscaping, Law, Logistics, Marketing, Mechanics, Non Profit Organisations, Publishing, Retail, Sales, Sound Engineering, Telecommunications, Tourism.
- Minimum age 18
- Minimum 4 week language course and 4 week internship
- Start dates every Monday
- Minimum level of Intermediate English (B2) required
- Available at Palmerston Park
COURSES FOR TEACHERS
These practical courses have been specifically designed for non-native teachers of English at primary and secondary school level or for teachers who would like to use CLIL (Content and Language and Integrated Learning).
- 25 x 60 minutes of lessons, seminars and cultural activities per week
- 9:00-10:45 and 11:20-13:20 Monday to Friday- afternoon seminars and cultural programme provided on designate afternoons and evenings
- Maximum 15 students per class
- Minimum of 2 weeks duration for Primary and Secondary and 1 or 2 week options for CLIL courses
- Fixed start dates
- Possibility of funding from Erasmus+ programme
- Available at Palmerston Park
Modern Methodology and Language Development for Primary School Teachers of English
This two-week course provides language-development classes and methodology modules focusing on the teaching of English in the primary classroom and on the needs of young learners. The main focus is on practical ideas and materials’ development. Modules include: Songs and Games in the Language Classroom; Drama and Role-Play; Tasks and Activities for Language Learning; English Across the Curriculum; Developing Listening and Speaking Skills and Internet Resources for Language Teachers. Practical workshops focus on helping participants to devise materials and lessons for their own teaching situations. A minimum Intermediate (B1) level is required for this program.
Modern Methodology and Language Development for Secondary School Teachers of English
This course focuses on the teaching of English in the secondary-school classroom. Different learning theories and their applications are presented and practical modules include: Teaching the Four Skills; Use of Authentic Materials; Tasks and Activities for Language Learning and Drama and Role-Play in the Language Classroom. Participants are also given the opportunity to improve their confidence and competence in English by means of language development classes. Afternoon seminars are provided in Education and in Irish Culture. A minimum Upper Intermediate (B2) level is required for this program.
Introduction to CLIL: Theory and Practice (with Language Development Option)
This course is for teachers who are new to, or have recently begun teaching CLIL. It is a practical introduction to the CLIL approach for all secondary teachers and primary teachers of pupils aged 10+. The course combines lectures and practical workshops and it presents the key concepts of CLIL, using a selection of practical activities for various subjects at late primary and secondary level. The course is available as a one-week intensive CLIL only option, or as a two-week CLIL and Language Development option. A minimum Upper Intermediate (B2) level is required for CLIL programs.
HOST FAMILY
One of the best ways to experience full immersion into Irish culture is to choose homestay accommodation. All homestays are carefully selected and visited regularly to ensure consistently high standards. In 30 years of operation, the school has amassed a large selection of host families in Dublin, and homestays are in fact the accommodation of choice for the majority of ECI students. The school and Marshall Language Services recommend this form of accommodation the most for language learning. Family life is informal and the people are welcoming, friendly and talkative, so students will have plenty of opportunities to practise their English with native speakers. By booking homestay accommodation, students will also not have to worry about shopping for food and preparing meals every day. Mealtimes are often the occasions in which families converse most with the students.
Additional homestay provisions and information:
- Single or twin bedrooms with study facilities (twin rooms are available only for 2 people booking together)
- Breakfast and evening meal served every week day and full board during the weekend
- Only one person of the same nationality per home
- All families are within easy access to each school (by foot or on bus/tram routes)
- Rooms cleaned on a weekly basis
- Laundry on a weekly basis
- Families available to cater for special accommodation, dietary or other needs
STUDENT RESIDENCES
St Raphaela’s Residence
Situated in the spacious grounds of St. Raphaela’s School, the residence can accommodate up to 30 students. Shared rooms cater for 2 to 4 students in the summer months and single or twin rooms are available for adult students throughout the year.
- Free Wi-Fi
- Coin-operated laundry facilities
- Spacious and comfortable lounges
- Excellent location – 30 minutes from the city center and located close to Palmerston Park
- Bed linen and towels provided and changed on a weekly basis
- All living areas cleaned daily
- Rooms are cleaned twice per week
- TV rooms, study room, kitchen, bicycle parking
- Kitchen facilities available
SELF-CATERING APARTMENTS
Students also have the option of high quality self-catering accommodation, which may be suitable for families or for executive and professional students.
- Located approximately 15 minutes from ECI schools
- Option of two different locations
- Cleaning services and Wi-Fi included
- Can choose from one, two, three bedroom or penthouse suites
- Available for short and long term stays
NO ACCOMMODATION
It is possible to book only the course at ECI Dublin. For students who would prefer to stay in a hotel or bed and breakfast, the ECI can offer special rates for a number of guesthouses or hotels 5-15 minutes from the schools, and can assist in making these arrangements.
Insurance
Insurance covering medical and travel assistance, personal liability and trip cancellation is not included in the price of the program. Marshall Language Services has a policy available through Guard.Me that covers these elements, as well as an additional policy through CareMed that covers cancellation under a wider range of circumstances, including the need to repeat school exams. A summary of these policies may be downloaded below.
Dates and Fees
Calculate your own approximate quote
The following tool will help you to get a good idea of the cost of a language course and accommodation, if requested, at this school. It may not include all the courses and accommodation options available or take into account promotional offers or costs associated with student visas, insurance, study materials or exam fees. For these reasons, the availability of any course, accommodation option (especially in the high season) and the final price of a package will always have to be verified with Marshall Language Services prior to enrolment.
Contact us for information about dates & prices
Other Programs by this School
Emerald Cultural Institute Dublin Junior Summer Programs
Emerald Cultural Institute offers a variety of English Plus Activity summer programs for juniors aged 11 – 17. Please contact us for more information.
Other Similar Programs
