Arrival

Student Info

Airport Transfer On arrival in Ireland, a member of Language Xchange Ireland staff will meet you at the airport and accompany you to your accommodation. You will be greeted with a sign displaying your group name, so there is no need to worry about finding us.

Arrival in Ireland – Internship Experience Ireland

Airport Transfer On arrival in Ireland, a dedicated Internship Experience Ireland team member will meet your group at the airport and accompany you directly to your accommodation. A clear sign displaying your group name ensures a smooth and stress‑free welcome.

Accommodation Accommodation preferences are carefully considered to make your stay both comfortable and enjoyable, reflecting our commitment to student welfare and cultural immersion.

Orientation Meeting Shortly after arrival, an orientation meeting is organised for all students. This induction provides essential information about your stay, programme details, and local guidance, ensuring you feel prepared and supported.

Practical Information – Internship Experience Ireland

Insurance Students are advised to arrange private insurance for their stay. A copy of your insurance policy and a European Health Insurance Card should be carried, granting access to doctors, hospitals, and essential services.

Luggage Airlines typically allow one carry‑on and one checked bag (15–20 kg). Confirm allowances with your agency, as excess weight may incur charges. Keep valuables such as passports in your carry‑on, and pack spare clothing in case of delays.

Clothing Professional attire is required for placements: black trousers or skirt, white shirt, and smart black shoes. Dressing appropriately reflects professionalism and respect in your host company.

Curriculum Vitae Bring several copies of your CV, ideally saved on a memory stick for convenience.

Important Documents Make photocopies of essential documents (passport, driving licence, insurance policy). Keep one set at home and another with you. Upload a copy of your school insurance policy to your Internship Experience Ireland database account before arrival.

Mobile Phone A mobile phone is essential for communication. While roaming charges may apply, purchasing an Irish SIM card is often more cost‑effective. Guidance will be provided on the best options.

Emergency Money Carry emergency funds, as Erasmus+ grants may occasionally be delayed. A credit card is advisable for unforeseen expenses.

Practice English Before departure, practise speaking English regularly. Immersion in daily life will quickly improve fluency and confidence.

Voluntary Work Placement Preparation Where possible, host company details are confirmed before arrival. Researching the company in advance helps familiarise yourself with its activities. Specific requirements should be communicated to Internship Experience Ireland prior to departure.

Weather Ireland’s climate is mild but often rainy. Pack warm clothing and an umbrella to stay comfortable during your stay.

References

Teachers / Testimonials – Internship Experience Ireland

Supporting Teachers and Coordinators Teachers carry a great responsibility during Erasmus+ mobility projects, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of their students while abroad. At Internship Experience Ireland, this responsibility is fully recognised. Our team provides continuous support so teachers can remain available for their students while also enjoying the opportunity to experience Ireland for themselves.

Exploring the South East of Ireland The South East of Ireland offers countless opportunities for exploration — from hiring a car or bicycle to taking day trips and discovering cultural landmarks at your own pace. Teachers are encouraged to immerse themselves in Ireland’s rich heritage, balancing professional duties with personal discovery.

English Language Teacher Placements – Internship Experience Ireland

A Memorable Experience for Teachers Internship Experience Ireland ensures that Erasmus+ mobility projects are not only rewarding for students but also enriching for teachers. While teachers carry responsibility for their students’ wellbeing, our team provides full support so they can also enjoy Ireland’s culture and heritage. The South East of Ireland offers countless opportunities to explore — from hiring a car or bicycle to taking day trips and discovering local attractions at your own pace.

24/7 Support Our staff remain on‑call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ready to provide advice, guidance, or assistance whenever needed. This constant availability ensures peace of mind for teachers and coordinators.

Your Questions Answered

Where do teachers stay while in Ireland with students? Teachers may choose from hotels, bed and breakfasts, or guesthouses. Internship Experience Ireland provides local information to help select the most suitable accommodation.

Why choose Ireland? Ireland is an English‑speaking country with clear, easy‑to‑understand accents. Renowned for its friendly people and welcoming hospitality, Ireland offers a safe and culturally rich environment for Erasmus+ programmes.

The Internship Experience Ireland Team

Experienced in delivering student and teacher programmes
Provides high‑quality Business English learning programmes, leading to repeat bookings from schools
Thoroughly checks all voluntary work placement providers and host families
Maintains a 100% health and safety record
Supports students and teachers 24/7
Operates a transparent fee structure with no hidden costs
Delivers orientation meetings for all students on arrival
Collects student feedback to improve placements and host family selection
Provides certification of work experience in English‑speaking business environments

Orientation meetings not only provide practical information but also set expectations for students and placement providers. Teachers have described these sessions as “lessons students will learn for life.”

What Makes Us Different

We come to you first: Presentations can be arranged in your country. Our team has visited schools across Austria, Poland, Sweden, Norway, and Finland.
Structured programmes: Students improve their Business English through a multi‑tiered programme including e‑learning, voluntary work placements, summer language schools, internships, host family accommodation, and cultural activities.
Cultural enrichment: Our tours include visits to landmarks such as the Guinness Storehouse and Hook Head Lighthouse, alongside activities like go‑karting, bowling, and Irish dancing.

Voluntary Work Placements Placements are available in:

Hotel and catering environments (cafés, restaurants, bars)
Factories and mechanical industries
Equestrian centres, agriculture, and garden centres
Museums, art galleries, and tourism
Legal offices, estate agents, accountants, and general office environments
Childcare and nursing homes (police clearance required)

Additional placement types can be arranged through our extensive local business network.

Important Points

Schools must ensure insurance policies cover student participation in voluntary work placements. Basic travel insurance is not sufficient.
Students are not covered by the insurance of placement companies.
Teachers must ensure students upload the correct insurance policy to their Internship Experience Ireland database account and bring a copy on the first day.
Each student must also arrange private health/travel insurance and bring a European Health Insurance Card, which provides free access to doctors, hospitals, and some dental services.

Teacher Testimonials

“After Brexit we were evaluating agencies in Ireland as an alternative. With Internship Experience Ireland we found a reliable partner for vocational work placements… The support provided during their stay was impeccable.” — Andrea Turtschi, VEC School Switzerland, 2022
“Excellent — this was the word most often used by our Slovenian students after their Erasmus+ VET mobility in Ireland… The organisation of placements and host families was outstanding.” — Jana Hafner, VEC School Slovenia, 2022
“Highly recommended! Internship Experience Ireland managed everything — placements, accommodation, outings, transport. Con Furey is a person you can rely on.” — Dominique, French Vocational School
“Work experience in Ireland is a perfect opportunity to improve language and professional skills. We will definitely come back!” — Katrin, Business High School Austria
“The Business English course combined with work placements was perfectly suited to preparing our students. Staying with Irish host families gave them invaluable cultural and language experiences.” — Marianne & Matthias, German School, 2016

Teacher References and Testimonials – Internship Experience Ireland

Trusted by Schools Across Europe Over the years, teachers and coordinators from across Europe have shared their experiences of Erasmus+ mobility projects in Ireland. Their feedback highlights the professionalism, cultural immersion, and academic value delivered by Internship Experience Ireland.

Marianne & Matthias – German School, May 2016 “As teachers in a technical college in France, we strongly recommend Internship Experience Ireland as a host organisation. Our first collaboration was part of a Leonardo Project and proved a success on business, social, and cultural levels. The e‑learning programme prepared students effectively, placements and host families were carefully matched, and logistics such as airport transfers were seamless. Professional expertise and continuing support helped us address homesickness and challenges. Social activities were well organised, enabling students to discover Ireland’s culture and landscapes. Kilkenny proved a safe, dynamic, and welcoming city. Our students built strong local connections, with some wishing to stay longer. Ireland is the place to go!”

Mrs Anna Mariniak – Poland, March 2010 “The experience of bringing my students to Ireland was excellent. In previous years we went to the UK, but the service in Ireland was far superior. From airport pick‑up to orientation, placements, and host families, everything was within 10 km, making it convenient and supportive for both students and teachers. We are already planning our next trip.”

Mr Michael Pfeifer – Austria, October 2011 “With Internship Experience Ireland we found the right partner for our work placement project. It was our first time participating, but certainly not the last. Excellent employers and host families were secured. The orientation meeting at the start was essential for success. The project combined fun, education, training, and cultural immersion. Students improved their English and gained unforgettable experiences. We look forward to future projects.”

Mag. Silvia Hirschler – Austria, November 2010 “Our Commercial High School in Vienna used Internship Experience Ireland services in June 2010. Nineteen students and two teachers spent two weeks in the South East of Ireland. The programme was unique, different from traditional language schools, building confidence and communication skills. Orientation, cultural trips, and social activities were well organised. We were very satisfied and have already booked further placements.”

Mag. Inge Koch‑Polagnoli – Vienna, June 2012 “I am fully satisfied with Internship Experience Ireland’s services. Placements and host families were matched to student interests and skills. The trip was customised to our needs, with professional organisation and personal support. Additional activities such as Irish dancing enriched the experience. I intend to continue working with Internship Experience Ireland and recommend them to other colleges.”

Secondary School for Catering and Tourism Celje – Slovenia “One reason for choosing Ireland was the language. Experiencing English in authentic professional and everyday contexts is invaluable. Internship Experience Ireland prepared our students through online support and arranged intercultural host family accommodation. Placements in hotels, catering, cafés, and offices were carefully chosen. Cultural tours and social activities such as bowling and bodhrán lessons were much enjoyed. The programme fulfilled our aims in terms of intercultural, professional, and language competences, aligned with Erasmus+ projects.”

Accreditation and Teacher Support Internship Experience Ireland is the first Erasmus+ Work Placement Partner in Ireland and the UK to be awarded three ISO Certificates of Excellence:

ISO 9001 Quality
ISO 45001 Health & Safety
ISO 14001 Environmental Management

Teacher Support Includes:

Reviewing student profiles and CVs online, with advice sent directly to students
Providing 24/7 online FAQs and guidance
Offering an exclusive Programme Preparation e‑learning package
Maintaining an online diary accessible to students, teachers, and host families
Delivering 24‑hour support and emergency call‑out service during the stay

Comprehensive Orientation

Parents Information – Internship Experience Ireland

Orientation Meeting At Internship Experience Ireland, every student receives a comprehensive orientation meeting upon arrival. This induction provides not only practical guidance but also sets clear expectations for both students and placement providers. It helps participants familiarise themselves with the local town, Irish culture, and professional environment, ensuring a smooth transition into their Erasmus+ mobility project.

Teachers have praised this orientation as “lessons students will learn for life”, reflecting its long‑term impact on student confidence, independence, and cultural awareness.

The Internship Experience Ireland Team

Highly experienced in delivering student and teacher programmes across Erasmus+ mobility projects.
Thoroughly vets all voluntary work placement providers and host families, ensuring safety, professionalism, and cultural immersion.
Maintains a 100% health and safety record, reinforcing trust and compliance.
Provides 24/7 support for students and teachers throughout their stay in Ireland.
Operates a transparent fee structure with no hidden costs, offering reassurance to schools and parents.
Delivers a comprehensive orientation meeting for all students on arrival. This induction sets expectations for both students and placement providers, helping participants familiarise themselves with the local town and Irish culture. Teachers have praised this orientation as “lessons students will learn for life”.
Collects student feedback at the conclusion of placements to inform future selection of host families and work placements.
Issues certification of work experience in an English‑speaking business environment, strengthening student CVs and Erasmus+ outcomes.

Why Choose Ireland as a Destination?

Host Family Experience: Students are welcomed into caring Irish host families renowned for their warmth and hospitality. Families provide accommodation, meals (including a daily packed lunch), information, support, and transport to placements, language schools, or internships.
Preparation: An extensive e‑Learning package is provided prior to the programme, preparing students for Ireland and the Irish experience.
24/7 Access to FAQs: Registered students have continuous access to a detailed Frequently Asked Questions section.
Accreditation: Internship Experience Ireland holds ISO 9001 Quality Certification, ISO 14001 Environmental Certification, and ISO 45001 Health & Safety Certification, demonstrating excellence and compliance.
Immersion in Daily Life: Students are immersed in Irish daily life, offering invaluable opportunities to practise and improve conversational English.
Beautiful Locations: All programmes are based in picturesque Irish towns, where the Internship Experience Ireland team provides local knowledge and guidance, delivering peace of mind for parents and teachers.

Activities

Social and Cultural

Students in Ireland enjoy a rich mix of cultural immersion and social activities, ranging from iconic tours like the Guinness Storehouse and Hook Head Lighthouse to traditional Irish dancing, music sessions, and modern leisure activities such as karting and bowling. These experiences are designed to help Erasmus+ and internship participants practise English in authentic, relaxed settings while discovering Ireland’s heritage.

Social and Cultural Activities for IE Ireland Students

Organised by Internship Experience Ireland

Social Nights: Informal gatherings where students meet peers, practise conversational English, and enjoy Irish hospitality.
Cultural Tours: Guided trips shaped by student feedback, ensuring relevance and enjoyment.
Community Integration: Host families often introduce students to local events, festivals, and traditions.

Social and Leisure Activities

Guinness Storehouse, Dublin: Ireland’s most visited attraction, offering insights into brewing history and panoramic views from the Gravity Bar.
Hook Head Lighthouse, Wexford: One of the oldest operational lighthouses in the world, combining maritime history with stunning coastal scenery.
Kilkenny Castle & Medieval Mile: A chance to explore Ireland’s medieval heritage and vibrant arts scene.
Trinity College & The Book of Kells: Exposure to Ireland’s academic and cultural treasures.

Social and Leisure Activities

Irish Dancing & Music Sessions: Traditional céilí dances and live folk music, often combined with lessons for international students.
Karting & Bowling: Modern recreational activities popular among student groups.
Pub Culture: Experiencing Ireland’s famous pub atmosphere, often with live music and storytelling.
Sports: Gaelic football, hurling matches, and rugby games provide cultural immersion into Ireland’s sporting traditions.

Seasonal and Local Events

St Patrick’s Festival (March): Parades, music, and cultural celebrations across Ireland.
Kilkenny Arts Festival (August): Theatre, music, and visual arts in a historic city setting.
Galway International Arts Festival (July): A major European cultural event showcasing global and Irish talent.
Local Markets & Food Festivals: Opportunities to sample Irish cuisine and artisan products.

COMPLIANCE

Host Families

Internship Experience Ireland Host Families are experienced, warm, and welcoming. They provide students with the renowned Irish hospitality that makes Ireland such a special destination. In addition to offering comfortable accommodation and full board meals, host families help students settle into the local community, learn about day‑to‑day life in Ireland, and practise conversational English in authentic settings.

IE Ireland Host Families – Three Unique Advantages

Private bedroom: Each student enjoys single room occupancy, ensuring privacy and comfort.
Daily transport: Students are driven to and from their work placement or school each day.
Social and cultural transport: Students are also driven to IE’s Wednesday evening social programme and Saturday Cultural Tour.

This level of service, combined with full board (three meals per day), is unmatched by any other language or internship provider in Ireland or across Europe.

Long‑Standing Partnerships

Many IE host families have worked with us for over 15 years. Remarkably, many remain in contact with former students even a decade later, reflecting the strong bonds formed during placements.

Cultural and Language Immersion

By living with a host family, students are immersed in Irish daily life. This provides invaluable opportunities to practise and improve conversational English while experiencing Irish traditions, family routines, and community culture.

Quality Assurance

All Internship Experience host families are carefully screened before participation.
After each programme, students complete evaluations to ensure standards are maintained.
IE has proudly upheld ISO 9001 Quality Certification for 12 consecutive years, reflecting our consistent commitment to excellence.
Feedback from teachers and students consistently highlights the positive impact of host family experiences.

Become a Host Family

If you are interested in welcoming international students into your home and becoming part of IE’s trusted network of host families, please contact us at english@languageexchange.ie.