Academic Year Programmes

Overview

An academic Term or year abroad provides students with an invaluable opportunity for personal development, increasing cultural knowledge and awareness, and gaining confidence in using another language. Ireland has a long and prestigious tradition in providing first class secondary school education and one of the highest levels of university enrolment in Europe.
We offer full support for students on this program . The academic year program is open to students between 12-18 years and is available at a wide variety of private and public schools.

Application Process

Decide The Best School For You!

Academic Year/Term At Irish High School

Program Highlights

  • Large range of schools to choose from
  • A large variety of locations
  • Public and Private schools
  • Single sex or Co- Educational
  • Full Support Service available for students under 18
  • 4 Months to full academic year
  • Fully Trained Staff
  • Homestay or Boarding available

What’s Included…

  • Full Board Accommodation in Vetted Host Family or Boarding School ( Excluding Christmas and Easter Holidays)
  • School Tuition Fees
  • School Books
  • Full Guardianship Service (See Below)
  • School Uniform
  • Airport Transfer
  • Monthly Progress Reports
  • Attending school meetings on behalf of parents
  • Christmas and Easter airport Transfers

Full Guardianship Service

Please rest assured that Equinox Education Services provide full Guardianship service for your son/daughter for the duration of their stay in Ireland. Our comprehensive service includes:
  • IRP Immigration Assistance ( For Non EU Students )
  • School Arrangements
  • Attend School meetings on behalf of parents
  • Assistance with travel arrangements
  • Liaison between school and Parent/Agent
  • Send School Reports to Agent/Parent
  • Available to assist student
  • Monthly Progress reports
  • 24 Hour Assistance if required
  • Arrange Airport Transfers

Irish Educational System

Junior Cycle ( Age 12-14 Aprox)

In the first 3 years of secondary school students prepare for the Junior Certificate. Students study 7-10 subjects.Maths, English, History, Geography and CSPE (politics) are compulsory. Students also study a modern language and usually business studies, art and science. However, there is a wide variety of subjects and these vary from school to school.
Students may take exams at higher or lower level.

Students sit the Junior Certificate at the end of 3rd year but this is not mandatory The results of the Junior Certificate are issued in September

Transition Year ( Age 15-16 Aprox )

This year is intended for personal development of the student. In most schools students study a large variety of topics. Students also do at least two weeks work experience. Usually schools also organise at least one trip away during this year. Very often this is to an adventure centre where students do canoeing, abseiling, horse-riding etc. If a school organises such a trip students are expected to participate. The cost is usually in the region of €150- €400. There may be several other day trips.

Most schools charge extra for Transition Year (TY) – This depends on each individual school. TY is very popular with international students only in Ireland for a year.

Senior Cycle ( Age 16 – 18 Aprox )

The final two years in school are spent preparing for a state exam called the Leaving Certificate.

Students will study Maths and English plus 4-5 other subjects. They may choose lower or higher level.

The subjects available during Senior Cycle are Maths, Applied Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, German, French, Spanish, Russian, Hebrew, Italian, Classical Studies, Economics, Business Organisation, Accounting, Home Economics, Art , Building Construction, Technical Drawing, Music , Agricultural Studies, Engineering, Physics & Chemistry

Types Of Schools

(1) Voluntary secondary school – Pubic School

The most common type of secondary school is called a voluntary secondary school. Community and comprehensive schools are wholly state run. They tend to offer a wider variety of practical subject choices. They are usually also coeducational. There are also Vocational schools. They are very similar to the community schools. Students attending theses type of schools live with a local family.

(2) Private secondary schools

Private secondary schools are fee-paying. All non-EU students must go to private schools.

(3) Boarding schools

Boarding schools are mainly private with some exceptions. They offer 5 day or 7 day boarding.

(4) Semi-private secondary

Semi-private secondary schools were once private but are not public. They charge extra fees but offer extra facilities.

Download Our Brochure For Academic Year Programme Here

Covid-19 Information

  1. Due to the prevailing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, class-based* lessons are strictly restricted to 7 students in total, who will be socially-distanced and be required observe health and safety protocols in compliance with both the building’s and Equinox’s own Fáilte Ireland accredited COVID-19 Safety Charter. 
  2. On-Line group lessons are also available on request*.  

*In the event of additional Level 5 restrictions at this time ALL classes will be taught online for the duration of the lockdown.

Our Award Winning Approach

At Equinox Education Services we select the most suitable programs that are located in great places, offering you lots of things to see and plenty of things to do. All of our programs are tailor-made to enrich your journey towards learning culture and learning your language ability, while at the same time broadening your horizons and opening your mind and gaining fluency. You will get to do this with people who enjoy and appreciate the experience as much as you do.

Meet The Team

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to make new friends and have a trip of a lifetime? Would you like to explore new cultures, learn new languages and experience life through a different point of view?

We pride ourselves in finding the right programs for you, whether it is learning Japanese and Calligraphy in Kyoto, to going to High school in the Hawaii. Equinox Education Services is here for YOU!

Our school has always wanted to study in beautiful Ireland. I contacted Equinox and told them a little about our school and our plan. Equinox arranged a great program for our school in association with a local Irish school. We spent a wonderful 2 weeks in Athy College and stayed with local host families. It was an amazing program and we loved Ireland and the Irish people. Thank you, Equinox. We look forward to returning again next year.
Sakae

Teacher from Japan

“It is a pleasure to recognise Equinox Education Services Ireland as an organisation of excellent repute. In our dealings with Equinox Education Services, over many years, we have always found them to be extremely professional, an organisation who provide consistent high-quality service/support to their students. We look forward to a long friendly and mutually beneficial relationship with them and wish them every success in the future.”
Clare Ryan

Former Principal, St. Leo’s College, Carlow

“We at Midleton College have been working with Noel Doyle and Equinox Education Services for a number of years. It was been an extremely successful partnership. It is a pleasure to work with Noel and the staff, who are incredibly supportive and are always on hand to help us ensure their students have a wonderful educational experience.”
Nicola Nagle

Administration Department, Midleton College, Cork

“St. Brigid’s College has worked with Mr. Noel Doyle of Equinox Education Services for more than 5 years. We have hosted many students from Europe and Japan for varying periods of time up to and including one year. Our experience is of a most professional and efficient service. Noel Doyle is highly organised, extremely flexible and attentive to the needs of the students, their host families and the school community. There is excellent communication from Noel and his team – nothing is a problem for them. They provide a marvellous service to their clients and I am very happy, on behalf of St. Brigid’s College, Callan to recommend the company.”
Mary O’Keeffe

Former Principal, St. Brigid’s College, Kilkenny

“Kilkenny College has enjoyed a long and fruitful association with Equinox Education Services Limited. We have found them to be a good company to deal with. They are exceptionally well organised and very good at what they do. Mr. Doyle leads and manages the company in a most professional way and I am very happy to recommend Equinox Education Services to new customers and clients.”
Peter Dukelow

Former Administrator, Kilkenny College, Kilkenny

“Rockwell College has partnered with Equinox for a number of years. We have found Noel and his staff to be highly professional, fully supportive of the pupils in their care and very responsive to any issues that might arise. We have regularly accommodated boys and girls via Equinox and we look forward to continuing the partnership into the future.”
Audrey O’Byrne

Principal, Rockwell College, Tipperary

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