Mini Stay – Tailor-Made Programmes
Sister-School Programmes
Equinox Education Services Ltd has many years of experience and an excellent track record in facilitating tailor-made school programmes here in Ireland. Some recent customised programmes include:
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Art & Cultural Programme for Primary School Children
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Mukogawa Girls’ High School Choir visit to Ireland
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Sapporo Nishi High School Programme at Athy College, Kildare
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Girls’ Junior and Senior High School from Tokyo attending a programme at St. Brigid’s College, Kilkenny
Mapping SDGs: Sustainable Development Goals Programme 2024
We had the pleasure of hosting a group from Japan that took part in a Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) programme. The programme involved developing a project that addressed one of the SDGs set out by the United Nations in a specific geographical location.
The programme was held in Carlow and Athy and provided an excellent opportunity for students to develop their communication, environmental, presentation, leadership, goal-setting, cultural awareness, survey research, and problem-solving skills.
Art & Culture Programme For Primary School Children
We had the pleasure of arranging a special programme for 15 Japanese children aged between 7 and 14 to come to Ireland and join a local primary school for a one-week programme. The children stayed with local host families and participated in school activities.
A special art programme was designed for the Irish and Japanese children to learn about, and create, arts and crafts from each culture.
Japanese Girls Junior High Schools Choir Programme
EES arranged this Japanese High School Choirs performance tour to Ireland, which culminated in their winning of The Lady Dorothy Mayer Memorial Trophy at the Cork International Choral Festival.
High School Programme At Athy College
Equinox Education Services Ltd established and facilitated the first Sister-School programme between a Japanese high school in Hokkaido and an Irish secondary school. Students from Sapporo Nishi High School travelled to Athy College in Kildare for a tailor-made, two-week programme.
Students attended English and cultural lessons in the mornings and joined regular classes with their Irish peers each afternoon. The Japanese visitors stayed with local host families and participated in many cultural excursions. The programme was a huge success and was repeated for three consecutive years.
Japanese High School With Irish High School Cultural Exchange Programme
St. Brigid’s College, Kilkenny, hosted a unique cultural exchange programme with a Girls’ High School from Tokyo, Japan. Transition Year students from St. Brigid’s College, Callan, had the pleasure of welcoming 58 students of equivalent ages from the Junior and Senior Girls’ High School for a carefully planned, one-week cultural exchange programme. The programme centred around sharing studies, activities, and values from their respective cultures.
Despite the unfortunate timing of Storm Ophelia coinciding with the exchange, the groups remained committed to a very full schedule, which included excursions to Dublin and Kilkenny, where they were received by the Lord Mayor, Cllr. Michael Doyle. At the school, the Japanese students were fully immersed in the curriculum, taking part in classes and activities to gain a greater understanding of studying and conversing in English. In return, the Japanese students shared many aspects of their culture, including calligraphy, origami, choral recitals, and traditional games.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Principal (Kōchō sensei) of the Junior and Senior Girls’ High School from Tokyo expressed his sincere gratitude to Ms. Mary O’Keefe, Principal of St. Brigid’s College, her colleagues, and the wonderful local host families for the “unforgettable experience that the school had afforded his students.” As a testament to the success of the programme, Mr Yamamoto confirmed that it would be repeated at St. Brigid’s College in consecutive years.
Malaysia – Ireland (Academic Experience Programme)
Equinox Education Services was delighted to collaborate with MyStudy from Malaysia to facilitate a tailor-made, four-week high school immersion programme for 12 Malaysian students. The programme was hosted by St. Leo’s College and Knockbeg College, both located in Carlow.
The students spent four wonderful weeks with local host families while experiencing school life alongside their Irish peers. Each Saturday, they went on full-day excursions to various cultural destinations in Ireland, enjoying and exploring all aspects of life in the country.
Our Award Winning Approach
At Equinox, our award-winning approach is built on delivering high-quality, personalised learning experiences in a safe and supportive environment. We combine innovative teaching, cultural immersion, and genuine care for student welfare to ensure every learner thrives academically and personally. With small class sizes, tailor-made programmes, and a strong focus on real communication over memorisation, our experienced team goes beyond the classroom, creating meaningful international experiences that inspire confidence, independence, and global awareness.
Meet The Team
At Equinox Education Services Ltd, our dedicated team brings together decades of experience in international education, student welfare, and programme management. From school placements and host family coordination to guardianship and academic support, every member of Team Equinox is committed to delivering safe, personalised, and high-quality experiences for our students and trusted global partners. Friendly, responsive, and always professional, we are proud to represent you and your students in Ireland.
''It has been a great pleasure to work with Noel and his team at Equinox Education Services for the past five years, and we look forward to many more years of cooperation. They have been very helpful in providing comprehensive information about the primary and secondary school education system in Ireland for parents from Malaysia.
Equinox Education Services successfully arranged and hosted a group of 15 Malaysian students, allowing them to experience the Irish education system and live with local families for a month during the winter of 2015. We continue to work closely with Equinox in promoting Ireland as a destination for education from primary to secondary level.''
''It was by accident that we met Equinox a couple of years ago, but we couldn’t have been luckier. They are an amazing team, always caring about the students and willing to help, making life easier for both students and agents.
The best part is their host families: wonderful people who are always thinking about the wellbeing of the students. In conclusion, Equinox came into our lives as a surprise, but an excellent surprise that we can only wholeheartedly recommend.''
“After 2 years working as a partner with Equinox, we can highlight the professionalism of their team and the care that they have shown to our students. It´s a pleasure to collaborate with them. We feel our students are safe and in good hands”
''Equinox team distinguished itself as very professional and friendly. It was a pleasure to work with all Equinox team who are always willing to adjust to the students’ profile and clients’ requests. The Business Programme that Equinox offered to our students was both an opportunity to practice spoken English and make a public presentation as well as a thorough exercise in which students thought out all aspects of a real business.''
''Equinox are always there for you, and I value them even more when something needs their immediate attention. Their capacity as a team to solve any issue is fast and effective. I would highly recommend them as a company.''
''Equinox offers a combination of qualities that I think many parents and agents are looking for: an international atmosphere, a programme that is neither too large nor too small, and a truly genuine, welcoming environment from both the school and the host families.
Being located an hour from Dublin – in the ‘real’ Ireland, as it were – our Italian teens were able to experience life in a place very different from Rome, and it certainly did not disappoint!''
''We have been working with EQUINOX for many years, and we hope this will continue for many more. Dealing with them is both efficient and pleasant. Have a question? We receive an answer immediately, no matter the time of day or night. I sometimes think they must live, eat, chat, drive, and sleep with their earphones on to be ready at any moment.
In addition, they are always pleasant, in the best of moods, and very funny. And that’s not all: sometimes we receive an answer before we even think of asking the question. How do they do it? No idea – but that’s Equinox. It’s wonderful to know them.''
''It has been a long time since we started working with Equinox in Ireland, and we have to say we love the warm treatment and care they provide to all students and agents. They are a company run by good people, always ready to help, innovate, improve, and grow alongside their clients – all within a very pleasant working environment.
They are a fine example of Irish culture and people, and they are truly part of our team in Ireland. We look forward to a successful future together with their team.''
''Equinox provided an unforgettable experience. The cultural immersion and language improvement were beyond my expectations.''
Maria, Spain
“Our partnership with Equinox has been exceptional. Their professionalism and dedication to student success are unmatched.”
Global Education Partner
“I write this review as the Director of Speak and Go Idiomas, and I fully recommend their services. We have been working with them for several years.
Equinox is an outstanding partner when it comes to organising language immersion programmes in Ireland. Their team is extremely professional, attentive, and truly cares about each student’s well-being.
The host families are carefully selected, the schools are well-coordinated, and the communication is always clear and timely. Our students consistently return with positive experiences, improved language skills, and greater cultural awareness.''
Director of Speak and Go Idiomas
“I felt at home in Ireland thanks to Equinox. The host family and educational support made my stay enriching and enjoyable.”
Tom, Germany
“Equinox Education Services is a very professional, reliable, and trustworthy company. As a consultant for European-funded programmes, I have been working with them for several years, sending students to participate in various educational programmes.
Working with Equinox feels like working with a family-run organisation—there is great attention to detail, and the entire team is incredibly helpful and highly professional. The host families are always kind and welcoming, creating a safe and comfortable environment for our students.
As the manager of my own organisation, I truly appreciate the full support I receive from Equinox, even when unexpected issues arise. We all know that working with young students can present challenges, especially as they adapt to a new environment, different food, and a new culture. Nonetheless, Equinox has always provided the best possible support in every situation.
I strongly recommend Equinox Education Services and look forward to continuing our collaboration on many more projects and programmes in the years to come.
A heartfelt thank you to the entire Equinox team for making it all possible.''
Emanuela Marianecci