For an immigration guide for our full-time language students from non-EEA countries, including examination requirements, registering for a second course of study with Emerald and visa immigration registration, please go to our sections on Student Visa Information and Immigration Guidelines for full-time non-EEA Language Students.

Click here to download our guide on Services for Long-term students.

All our long-term language students (booked for 12 weeks or more) can avail of the following services:

• Choice of programmes including general English, Academic Year Programmes, Business English, Speaking Skills and examination preparation courses.
• Emerald Mentoring Service with dedicated academic tutor.
• Free supervised afternoon study sessions.
• Programme of free seminars on Living & Working in Ireland.
• Practical Career Guidance Workshops including CV Preparation, Interview Techniques and Where to find work in Ireland.
• Emerald Accommodation Service.
• Student Welfare Services including assistance with all immigration and banking procedures.
• Social & Cultural Programme.
• Study groups supervised by an Emerald teacher.
• Access to all campus facilities including free Wifi access.
• Assistance in registering for a range of internationally-recognised English language exams such as IELTS or the Cambridge FCE and CAE.

Protection for Enrolled Learners

Non-EEA students who register for a course which is on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) will be covered by protection for enrolled learners (PEL). This is an insurance policy which covers the cost of alternative tuition as a direct result of the insolvency or winding up of the Emerald Cultural Institute. PEL is provided by the insurance company “Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC”.

The Emerald Mentoring Service 

We closely monitor all our students to ensure they receive the support they need. Class teachers, the Director of Studies, and Assistants play a role in this process. We offer a mentoring system for long-term students (12 weeks or more). Each student is assigned a tutor for the duration of their programme. In their first week at Emerald, the tutor meets with them to explain the academic structure and discuss any specific goals, such as exams. After that, they have monthly check-ins to track progress and address any concerns. Attendance is recorded weekly, and if any issues arise, the tutor will speak with the student to offer support. Students can also reach out to their mentors and teachers at any time outside of scheduled meetings for extra guidance.

Student Welfare 

Our goal is to make you feel welcome and at home during your time at Emerald. The Student Welfare Team is always available to support students by offering valuable advice and information on accommodation, finding work in Ireland, and addressing any other welfare needs. Additionally, they organise a diverse and engaging Social and Cultural Programme that all students are encouraged to join.

University Pathway Programmes Services 

We offer a number of services for students planning to join any foundation or university programme. Our academic team is available to help you with the following:

1. Advice and assistance from our academic team with an individual mentoring service for each student.
2. Identifying the specific requirements and English-language level needed.
3. Assistance in completing college applications.
4. Submission of documents and application forms.

Welcome Orientation

At the time of booking, students receive pre-arrival information, including emergency numbers, a list of what to bring, and what to expect on the first day. Students are required to complete an online test before their arrival, and they are placed in a class that is appropriate for their level of English.

On the first day, students will attend an orientation session about life in Emerald and Dublin. They will also receive a welcome pack, which includes their student card, the Activity Programme for the week, and all the necessary information.

Additionally, students can participate in a free city centre orientation on their first Monday.

Seminars on Living & Working in Ireland 

In order to help our students settle into life in Ireland we run a series of informative, career guidance workshops and seminars including Living & Working in Ireland, CV Preparation & Interview Techniques and Immigration Information for your first weeks in Ireland.

Topics covered include: 

• Practical information on living in Ireland.
• Banking & Immigration Seminar, with a step-by-step guide to the immigration registration process.
• Opening a bank account and the documents required.
• How to get a PPS / Social Security Number (necessary in order to work in Ireland).
• CV Writing and Job Application Seminars.
• Job-seeking and Interview Techniques Seminar.
• Advice on finding a place to live.