Galway Cultural Institute
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Galway Cultural Institute is located in the west of the country, the “real” Ireland, as the Irish themselves put it, and is one of the finest language schools on the English language teaching market. A quaint and walkable city center, a lively university student body, many festivals and events, sweeping vistas of year-round greenery and the sea, and the friendliest people on the planet make for a study travel experience to be cherished for a lifetime.
Salthill, where the school is located, is one of the most sought after areas of Galway city. The neighborhood has all the services students need on a daily basis. These include banks, post office, supermarkets, restaurants, coffee shops, bars, pharmacies, dry cleaners, a medical center, dental clinic, police station, taxi rank, bus stops, city bikes, promenade, beach, aquarium, gyms, swimming pools, diving tower, and a golf course.
GALWAY CULTURAL INSTITUTE AT A GLANCE
- Year of foundation: 1989
- Type of City: University City (population 100,000 with 25,000 university students)
- School’s position in the city: 20 minutes walking distance to city center
- Minimum age in adult school: 16
- Number of students in school: Average 200-250, maximum 450
- Approximate number of nationalities in school each year: 36+
Galway Cultural Institute: GCI House Salthill, Galway, Ireland
“This is one of my favorite schools on this whole website. I have been working with GCI for more than ten years, and the service and quality it has delivered to both my clients as students and to me as agent has never been less than excellent. I have visited the school and Galway twice, and was each time more impressed by both. I was first recommended this city by an elderly Irish couple outside the Blarney Castle near Cork, when I asked them which places I should visit in Ireland. They responded, “You have to go to the west. That’s the real Ireland, Galway and those places around there.” “Those places around there” have some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, with brilliant green grass that stays that way all year round, rugged coastlines, castles, blue waters and stone ruins. It is a place to experience the friendliness of the Irish people in every person you meet (many of whom speak Irish Gaelic at home). For this reason, for my clients, I don’t ever recommend an accommodation in this city that is not host family. It is the best place in the world to stay with one, and in fact, many of the students I sent to Galway had initially inquired about Dublin, but I convinced them to go to Galway when I told them that the host families would be much closer to the school. (Many Irish tourists also stay with these same host families.) To me, Galway also has other advantages over Dublin. The city is much more compact and walkable, but as the third city in Ireland, the home of two universities, and a seat of tourism for the country, there is plenty to do there, even for a long stay. The surrounding area is also much more beautiful, and getting there is no problem. There are buses that go directly from the Dublin airport to the city center, leaving every few minutes. The ride through the countryside is also very scenic, and in the few places it isn’t, the buses have WIFI.
As a school, Galway Cultural Institute has always exceeded every expectation I have ever had of quality, professionalism, and friendliness. The staff is very accommodating to students’ needs and resolve any problems immediately. The social activities they organize in a city in which there is already so much to do go beyond those I have seen on offer in many good schools. Each client I have sent here has been extremely satisfied with his or her experience. When a prospective student asks me for a recommendation for a language school with no particular other preference, this is always one of the first ones I mention, if not the very first.”
Galway Cultural Institute
Why Study at this School?
- The school is in a large, modern, airy, and light-filled building in a fantastic location in Galway, a residential neighborhood near not far from the town center and not directly in it. The building overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.
- Galway Cultural Institute and Galway Business School (located in the same building) together offer a full study pathway from language to foundation and degree programs.
- Both schools have expert staff and offer high levels of student support.
- GCI offers a rich social and cultural program with opportunities for volunteering.
- The schools host over 30 nationalities year round, including Irish students at GBS, giving international students the opportunity to make friends with local students directly in the school.
- The school has many national and international accreditation, including IALC and EAQUALS, which are more difficult to attain than others for language schools. The director Celestine Rowland is also the president of IALC worldwide, a role she has had in the past as well.
- Students can access the school from 8:00 to 21:30 and on Saturday mornings during low season.
- The classrooms are technology-enhanced with flexible e-learning tools.
- The school has a record of excellent student progression and final results, including high pass rates on international English exams.
- The school offers superb customer and agent service students give consistent good feedback.
The facilities
THE FACILITIES AT A GLANCE
- A stunning location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
- 30 spacious classrooms with lots of natural light
- Latest Interactive Display Screens in every classroom
- Free 4G Wi-Fi and access to PCs and printing
- Bright open foyer and a large common room that can seat 120 + students
- Full library with access to virtual and conventional resources
- Café restaurant offering hot food and drinks
- Landscaped gardens and deck overlooking Salthill beach
MORE ABOUT THE FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Airport Transfers
The school can organize a private taxi transfer from all airports or from the bus station directly to the student’s accommodation. A Meet and Greet service is also available, in which a school representative meets a student at an airport or train station and directs him or her to a public transport option to Galway. The school will then organize a private transfer from the center of Galway to the accommodation. Booking this service is mandatory for students under the age of 18.
Language Level Placement Test
A Placement Test is obligatory. It is an online test in grammar and vocabulary and must be completed at least two weeks before the course start date
Cambridge and IELTS Testing Centers
For students enrolled in exam courses, GCI is a Cambridge and IELTS exam testing center, meaning that they can take their exams directly at the school at the end of their courses. All Galway Cultural Institute students will receive a GCI certificate of attendance at the end of their course showing the dates they attended the school and the final language level achieved.
Emergency Number
The school has an emergency telephone number 24/7.
The courses
KEY FACTS ABOUT GALWAY CULTURAL INSTITUTE COURSES
- Minimum age: 16 years
- Maximum number of students in class: 14 (high season) 12 (low season)
- Lesson duration: 45 minutes
- All classes are from Monday to Friday and during the high season, classes operate on a double schedule, mornings and afternoons
- Classes begin at 8.30 (high season) or 9:00 (low season)
- A1 Beginners must book a minimum of 30 lessons per week for a maximum of 4 weeks
GENERAL ENGLISH COURSES
General 20, General 26 and General 30:
- Minimum age: 16
- English levels: A1 Beginner/Elementary to C2 Advanced
- Course length: 2+ weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 20 lessons (15 hours), 26 lessons ( 19.5 hours), or 30 lessons (22.5 hours)
- Start dates: Any Monday
- Class size: 12 in low season (14 in high season)
General English Summer Afternoon Classes
Galway Cultural Institute offers summer-only afternoon General English courses at a reduced rate.
- Number of lessons per week: 20 lessons (15 hours), 26 lessons ( 19.5 hours), or 30 lessons (22.5 hours)
- Start dates: see dates and fees
- Timetable: classes start at 13:00 (G26, G30) or at 15:30 (G20)
Combination Course
A combination course is a great solution for a student who wants to make maximum progress in a limited time.
- Course content: 20 group General English lessons (morning) + 6 or 10 individual lessons (afternoon)
One-to-One Course
GCI’s private lessons offer students the personalized attention of an expert teacher for 20, 30, or 40 lessons per week. The teacher identifies the areas on which the student needs improvement and works with him or her on individual language goals
English for University
GCI also offers 3-week English courses in preparation for university for students whose language level is at least B1.
EXAM PREPARATION COURSES
PET (Cambridge Preliminary English Test)
Galway Cultural Institute offers a Cambridge Preliminary Test preparation course of 20 lessons per week.
- Number of lessons per week: 20
- Course duration: 6 weeks
- Start dates: see dates and fees
FCE (Cambridge First Certificate in English)
FCE-Cambridge First (B2 level) is widely accepted by employers and universities as proof that the student’s English level is high enough to live, work and study in an English-speaking environment.
CAE (Certificate of Advanced English)
CAE- Cambridge Advanced (C1 level) is accepted by over 6,000 educational institutions, business and government departments worldwide as proof that a candidate’s level of English is high enough to study at postgraduate level or work in a managerial position.
IELTS Exam Preparation
IELTS (International English Language Testing Systems) is the most widely used Academic English language assessment tool for acceptance into higher-level education and global migration in English speaking countries.
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- Course length: 6 or 4 weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 20 or 30
- Start date: see dates and fees
- Additional Information:
Regular practice tests prepare students for the exam and build their familiarity with the exam format. Students can expect to achieve a score of 6.0-8.0 upon complete attendance of the course. GCI is a IELTS Testing Centre, meaning students can take the exams directly in the school at the end of the course. Students will receive their GCI course and IELTS certificates directly after the exam.
Linguaskill
Linguaskill offers English classes for beginner students.
ENGLISH FOR BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONALS
Business Communications
The Business English program is designed for executives who wish to share a learning experience with their peers.
- Course content: General English (mornings), Business English topics such as marketing, finance, management (afternoons)
- Minimum level: B1
- Course length: 1+ weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 20, 26 or 30
- Start date: Any Monday
SUMMER CERTIFICATES
Leadership & Management
This course focuses on team building, decision making, and motivation and communication.
Marketing & Social Media
This course focuses on customer relations, social media strategy, and the development of an online business.
Business & Entrepreneurship
This course focuses on business planning, negotiation skills, and market research.
Key facts for all courses:
- Minimum age: 18
- Minimum level: B1
- Course length: 2 – 3 weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 20
- Start date: July and August
- Class size: Maximum 16
FOUNDATION AND PRE-MASTERS PROGRAMS
Galway Cultural Institute’s University Foundation Programs are designed to prepare students for independent academic study at an English-speaking university at an undergraduate or post-graduate level. Both courses focus on mastering the student’s English language skills and on his or her ability to communicate in an environment that emphasizes the importance of academic writing and thinking.
University Foundation Program
At the end of the program, students will be able to communicate effectively, write critically, analyze coherently and research thoroughly across a range of modules and topics. They will be confident expressing opinions and be able to do a presentation that shows a fundamental grasp of the material while being engaging.
Course facts:
- Course content: Academic English including IELTS exam preparation and four modules at year one university level in Galway Business School (GBS)
- Minimum level: IELTS 5.0
- Course length: 30 weeks over 2 semesters
- Number of lessons per week: 30
- Start date: September and January (see dates and fees)
End of course goals:
- Students will attain required University admission standards in English language (6.5+ IELTS)
- Students will be able to demonstrate effective communication skills in Academic English
- Students will be able to progress onto Galway Business School programs or other universities and colleges
- Students will receive an IELTS certificate
- Students will receive a GCI and GBS Program Certificate with subject certificates for the subject-specific modules
Pre-Master’s Program
GCI’s program ensures the student’s mastery of English language communication and higher education skills and it prepares him or her for independent study and success at post-graduate level. This is an academically challenging program, designed for international students who wish to achieve high grades in their chosen field of study at Master’s level.
Course facts:
- Course content: Academic English including IELTS exam preparation and four modules at degree university level in Galway Business School (GBS)
- Minimum level: IELTS 5.5
- Course length: 30 weeks over 2 semesters
- Number of lessons per week: 30
- Start date: September and January (see dates and fees)
End of course goals:
- Students will attain required University entrance at Master’s level
- Students will be able to demonstrate effective communication skills in Academic English
- Students will be able to progress onto a Master’s program in Ireland
- Students will be prepared to successfully study at post graduate level and complete the dissertation of his or choice
- Students will receive an IELTS certificate
- Students will receive a GCI and GBS Program Certificate with subject certificates for the subject-specific modules
TAILORED PROGRAMS
50+ Program
Students on this course will relearn or refresh their English with a social and cultural experience, combined with an activity program tailored to the interests of persons this age. It is a mixed ability class with students from Pre-Intermediate (A2) to Upper Intermediate (B2).
- Minimum age: 50+
- Course length: 2 weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 20
- Start date: June and September (see Dates and Fees)
- Class size: Maximum 16
ERASMUS + PROGRAMS
General English + Technology (Primary & Secondary)
This Teacher Training programme is for non-native teachers who teach subjects through English or plan to teach in English. This course has been designed to up-skill participants in using many different aspects of technology in the classroom including Interactive Screens, website resources and apps. This will enable them to make a greater contribution in their home school both inside and outside the classroom as the programme focuses on giving participants knowledge and skills that they can share in their staff room, so increasing the teacher skill profile of the staff general.
- Minimum Course Length: 1 or 2 weeks
- Minimum English Level: Upper-Intermediate B2
- Minimum Age: 18
- Lessons a Week: 30 (45 minutes per lesson)
- Maximum Class Size: 14
General English + Using Drama, Music and Culture in the Classroom (Primary)
The Teacher Training Programme Erasmus+ [Drama, English & Music] is a highly practical course for teachers of English; CLIL teachers who also teach other subjects and even future teachers of English who are currently engaging in English teacher training.
This English teacher training course is a specialist programme aimed at those teaching at primary or secondary level who wish to have an Erasmus+ experience in Ireland with a focus on utilising music, drama and culture in the classroom. You will focus on many practical classroom ideas; tried and tested teaching materials; Eng;lish teaching methodologies all while developing your own language awareness.
- Minimum Course Length: 2 weeks
- Minimum English Level: Upper Intermediate B2 – Advanced C1
- Minimum Age: 18+
- Lessons a Week: 30 (45 minutes per lesson)
- Maximum Class Size: 12 in Winter, 15 in Summer
General English + CLIL
(Primary & Secondary)
Our CLIL Teacher Training programme is designed for non-native English speakers who teach subjects through English and need a refresher course in teaching methodology.
- Minimum Course Length: 1 or 2 weeks
- Minimum English Level: Upper-Intermediate B2
- Minimum Age: 18
- Lessons a Week: 30 (45 minutes per lesson)
- Maximum Class Size: 14
General English + Academic Writing & Presentation Skills
If you’re looking to grow as an English teacher and develop specific skills so you can prepare your students for language exams and higher education, this course could be perfect for you.
Studying here in Galway, one of the friendliest and most beautiful cities in the whole of Ireland, you’ll focus on learning and practising the best methods and approaches for improving students’ academic writing and speaking abilities.
Our Teacher Training + Academic Writing and Presentation Skills programme is specially designed to be practical, engaging and based on excellent teaching practices. You’ll leave more confident and prepared to take on the toughest teaching challenges.
Not only that, but you’ll also be able to explore the stunning countryside of nearby Connemara and the Wild Atlantic Way – not to mention meet locals and enjoy the lively Irish nightlife in Galway’s many pubs.
- Minimum Course Length: 2 weeks
- Minimum English Level: Upper-Intermediate B2
- Minimum Age: 18
- Lessons a Week: 30 (45 minutes per lesson)
- Maximum Class Size: 14
HOST FAMILY
One of the best ways to learn more about the people of Ireland is to choose homestay accommodation. All homestays are carefully selected and visited regularly to ensure consistently high standards. In nearly 30 years of operation, the school has amassed a large selection of host families in Galway, and homestays are in fact the accommodation of choice for the majority of GCI 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 practice 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:
- Breakfast and dinner is included from Monday to Friday, all meals on Saturday and Sundays.
- Homestay families provide all bed linens and towels.
- All homestays are located in the Galway with an average travel time to the school of 10-25 minutes by bus. The school is located near a residential neighborhood and some families are in walking distance of the school. A family within a 20-minute walk of the school can be specifically requested by paying a supplement.
- Students are placed in single rooms. Twin or double rooms are available only for students traveling together.
- One week of accommodation is from Saturday or Sunday to Saturday or Sunday (7 nights). It is possible to book extra nights at an additional cost.
- A private bathroom in a host family is available by booking an executive host family.
- Adults aged 18+ do not have curfews.
STUDENT RESIDENCES
Galway Cultural Institute offers three self-catering student residences, available all year, and a fourth one in the summer. The residences are both located between 5-15 minutes on foot from the school. They have between 2 and 6 bedrooms (single, double or twin, some with private bath) and a fully-fitted kitchen/dining area.
Each residence offers:
- A TV with cable channels
- A washing machine and bed linen (no towels)
- Weekly professional cleaning
Additional information:
- Saturday to Saturday booking only, minimum 2 weeks
- A refundable security deposit of 150 Euros is payable in cash or by credit card
- No smoking is permitted
- Minimum age for booking is 18
- Free WIFI is available at the school
- Students in standard rooms share a bathroom with a maximum of 3 people
- Apartment details will be confirmed two weeks before arrival
NO ACCOMMODATION
It is possible to book only the course at Galway Cultural Institute. For short stay students who do not wish to stay with a host family, there are many beautiful guest houses and hotels in Galway. All are in walking distance of the school, and the Accommodation Officer can help with inquiries and reservations.
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.
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