FAQ...

What is the difference between m.l.a. and an ordinary language school?
m.l.a. offer you top quality in all aspects!
m.l.a. will not only give you the chance to greatly improve your English while you are staying with us in Ireland, we will also show you the finest selection of places and sights in Ireland. All together we offer you the an excellent package and your stay with m.l.a. will be an unforgettable experience.
m.l.a. is not an agency - we organise and take care of everything ourselves. NO mass eduaction.

Who are the students in m.l.a. language courses?
Students at m.l.a. come from all over the world. They all want to improve their knowledge of the English language and also have fun whilst learning.

Who are the teachers?
Teachers at m.l.a. are all young, motivated and energetic. They are all highly qualified to teach English as a foreign language.

How old do I have to be? What is the maximum age? What is the average age?
All students should be at least 13 years of age. Students should not be older than 23. The average age of students at m.l.a. is 17.

How much money do I need to bring with me? What do I need to pay for in addition?
Once you have signed up for a course at m.l.a. most of the extras have already been paid for. If you decide to go on any of the additional trips and tours you should bring the appropriate amount of money with you. There are no hidden extras!
Besides that, you don´t really need any more money, unless you want to buy some souvenirs or go shopping.

Can I always get in touch with an m.l.a. representative during my stay?
Yes, all students will have the mobile number of the teacher on duty. Students can call this number 24 hours a day.

I have signed up for a course with m.l.a. What happens next?
Once m.l.a. has received your complete 'sign up' form, we will then send you the payment details. You can either transfer the money into m.l.a.'s account directly or pay via paypal (Visa, Mastercard, EC) into m.l.a.'s paypal account ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).
You will have to pay a deposit of € 300,- Euro within the first ten days of confirmation of your 'sign up'. This will guarantee you your place at m.l.a. You will then gradually receive all necessary information concerning your host family and your course details.

If I book the flights by myself, when should I arrive at Dublin Airport?
All courses begin and end on a Sunday. Lessons begin the following Monday.
Make sure that you arrive between the hours of 10.00 and 17.00. An m.l.a. representative will be there to collect you and bring you and the other students to Kilkenny (2 hour drive).
If you arrive outside these hours, an extra charge of € 50,- Euro for the out-of-hours transfer applies.

Who is my host family?
Once m.l.a. has received your payment, we will send you all important details about your host family.
m.l.a. has been working with a number of host families for the past number of years - they are all very friendly and they enjoy you staying with them. For the duration of your language course, you are a part of their family.
If you don't get on with your host family you will have the possibility to change it. But that luckily does not happen very often.

When do I have to return to my host family?
Each student must be back in their host family's house by 22.00 unless they are involved in an arranged activitiy with m.l.a..

Do I have to take part in all the included activities?
m.l.a. will make sure that you enjoy every single trip you go on!
But you do not have to take part in them if you do not want to.

Do I always have to stay in a group or am I allowed to go somewhere by myself?
Only those students who are over 18 and have written permission from their parents are allowed to go places by themselves.

What happens after the activities? How do I get home?
After we have come back from an activity, every student is normally dropped off at his/her host family or at one of the drop off points near the host family. If necessary m.l.a. will order a taxi for you.

Can my friend and I stay at the same host family?
Yes, you can. Although we suggest that each students has his/her own host family.

Is my host family close to the school?
Most of m.l.a.'s host families are within walking distance of the school. If not, we will provide transportation.

What do I need to bring with me?
Your host family will provide you with everything concerning your accomodation. You will have access to a washing machine to wash your clothes.
Something typical from your home country as a little present for your host family would be nice...

What is the weather like in Kilkenny / Ireland?
The weather in Ireland is generally mild but it can change rather quickly so make sure to bring clothes for warm, sunny days. One or two jumpers and a rain coat should be included in your luggage as well.

What do people eat in Ireland? Will I like it?
Your host family will try to show you a selection of traditional Irish dishes. They are all very tasty... It is not all about Fish & Chips! The Irish also eat Italian, Chinese, Spanish and American foods.

What about smoking and other drugs?
It is forbidden to smoke in Ireland if you are under 17 years of age. There is strictly no smoking in restaurants, pubs and bars.
If you are caught with any drugs other than cigarettes, you will be sent home instantly, at your own expense.

What about alcohol?
It is forbidden to drink alcohol if you are under 18 years of age.