🇮🇪 Term & School Year

Term and school year in Ireland

Ireland offers term and full-year programmes with different types of schools and accommodation. We consider each student's age, goals and needs before suggesting an option.

Historic school and gardens in Ireland
Ages11 to 18 years old
DurationTerm, semester or full school year (Sept-June)
AccommodationHost family selected according to compatibility, availability and hosting criteria · Boarding school

Studying in Ireland: the balanced choice

If this is your family’s first experience abroad, Ireland is almost always my first recommendation. It is a safe, family-oriented country, just over two hours from Spain, and the total cost — school plus host family — is far below a boarding school in the UK or the USA.

Students can join Junior Cycle, the famous Transition Year, or Senior Cycle. Depending on age, academic record and goals, I propose the school and formula that fit best: day school with host family for full immersion, or a traditional Irish boarding school with superb facilities.

How it works

First we talk — no strings attached — and you tell us what the student needs and what you are looking for. We prepare a personalised proposal of schools and accommodation, then guide you through enrolment, paperwork, flights and arrival. We have team members and a network in Ireland, the United States, England and Malta; in Ireland, our structure in the country coordinates each case and supports you throughout the year. Host families are selected using clear criteria; some have worked with our network for years, while others join after completing the selection process.

Prefer to try a summer first? Have a look at our summer camps in Ireland, or compare with the school year in the United Kingdom.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is the Irish school year recognised in other countries?

Yes. Irish secondary education is widely recognised across Europe. For Spanish families, the course is validated through the Ministry of Education procedure, and I guide you through every step of the paperwork.

What is Transition Year (TY)?

A one-year programme unique to Ireland, focused on personal growth: projects, work experience, drama, sport and volunteering. It is ideal for improving English without final-exam pressure. More academic students can choose 5th Year instead.

How do you choose the host family?

We select each host family using compatibility, availability and hosting criteria, taking account of the student's age, needs and relevant information. Some have worked with our network in Ireland for years; others join after completing the selection process.

Will there be many Spanish students at the school?

It depends on the school and area, and it is one of the first things I check. I work with schools that limit students per nationality and I look for less saturated areas to guarantee real immersion.

Can we start with one term and extend to the full year?

Yes — many families do exactly that. We plan it from the start so the school place is guaranteed if you decide to extend.

★★★★★

What families say

Feedback on Interlingo’s personal support, not on a specific programme or destination.

Beatriz R.
A wonderful, highly recommendable experience. Esther, with you every doubt turns into calm, security and trust. Maximum professionalism.
María B.
Nothing to fault. A fantastic experience, with Esther always attentive and on top of everything.
Mercedes G.
Completely at ease in your hands. An incredible experience! A big hug.

Shall we talk about your child's case?

Tell me what you are looking for and I will personally get back to you as soon as possible. No obligation, no middlemen: you talk directly to me, Esther.