High School Programme 'Irish Experience'
The Irish Experience gives international students aged 13–18 the opportunity to attend an Irish high school, live with a welcoming host family and experience everyday life in Ireland. The programme is available for stays of one month, one school term or a full academic year.
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Accreditations & Memberships
Included services of our High School Programme
We take the time to understand each student’s needs, preferences and academic background before recommending the most suitable programme and school placement. From the first enquiry and application to arrival and ongoing support in Ireland, our experienced team provides personal guidance every step of the way.
- Consultation and advice
- Selection of a suitable high school
- Annual tuition fees
- Books and uniform contribution
- Student academic reports for parents
- Host family single room, or boarding school
- Full board: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
- Short holiday breaks with host family
- Local orientation on arrival
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Coordinator assistance and support
- Certified guardianship holder
- Emergency telephone contact, 24/7
- Safety app for students
- A safe, welcoming and friendly environment
- A successful and memorable time in Ireland
High School Programme 'Irish Experience'
School placements for international teenagers aged 13-18 years in private and public Irish high schools with 7-day host family accommodation
Trial
4 weeks
5 weeks
6 weeks
Trimester
1st term (Sept - Christmas)
2nd term (Jan - Easter)
3rd term (Easter - Jun)
Full Academic Year
Full high school year
1st + 2nd + 3rd terms (Sept - Jun)
See How the Application Process Works
From your first enquiry to your first day of school - a clear, step-by-step guide to applying for a place on the Irish Experience programme.
General Information on the Irish High School System
The Irish High School system is divided into two cycles:
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Junior Cycle lasts for 3 years for students from age 12
Junior Cycle (aged 12-15 years) leading to'Junior Certificate'
- English, French, German, Spanish, Italian
- Classical Studies, Music
- Mathematics
- History, Geography
- Business Studies Science, Technology, Home Economics
- Technical Graphics, Metalwork, Materials Technology(Wood)
- Typewriting
- Art, Craft & Design
- Environment & Social Studies, Social Personal & Health Education
- Civic, Social & Political Education
- Religious Education
- Physical Education
Senior Cycle & Transition Year
Senior Cycle (aged 15-18 years) leading to 'Leaving Certificate'
- English, French, German, Spanish, Italian
- Classical Studies
- History, Geography
- Mathematics, Applied Mathematics
- Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Physics & Chemistry
- Agricultural Economics, Engineering
- Design & Communication, Graphics, Construction Studies
- Accounting, Economics, Business Home Economics
- Art, Music
- Religious Education
- Physical Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the 'Irish Experience' programme for?
The programme is designed for international students aged 13 to 18 years who have at least an Intermediate level of English.
How long can I attend the programme?
Always depending on our partner school's availability, students can attend for varying durations: month, term or full academic year.
What services are included in the High School Programme?
Included services are free consultation and advice, selection of a suitable high school, school tuition fees, local orientation on arrival, support from a local coordinator, full board accommodation with a host family and/or boarding school, airport transfers on selected dates and times, 24/7 emergency contact, student mobile app and regular progress reports More information can be found here.
What accommodation is provided?
Students stay either with a carefully selected local host family in a single room or else, in boarding-school accommodation. Full board is provided throughout the programme and includes breakfast, a packed / hot lunch, and dinner every day.
Short school holidays and mid-term breaks of up to one week are normally spent with the host family.
How is the Irish High School system structured?
The Irish secondary school system is divided into two main stages: the Junior Cycle and the Senior Cycle.
The Junior Cycle covers Years 1 to 3 and generally begins at around age 12. During these three years, students study a broad range of subjects before completing the Junior Cycle examinations.
The Senior Cycle covers Years 4 to 6 and usually begins at around age 15. Year 4, known as Transition Year, offers a combination of academic learning, practical experience and personal development. Students then complete Years 5 and 6, working towards the Leaving Certificate - the qualification typically used for entry to universities and other higher-education institutions in Ireland.
What is Transition Year?
Transition Year (TY) is the first year of the Senior Cycle, usually for students aged 15-16 years.
TY combines academic, vocational, and personal/social development to help students make informed choices about their future study and university options. It is very popular among exchange students attending an Irish high school.
What are the Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate?
The Junior Certificate is the State Examination taken at the end of the Junior Cycle (Years 1-3)
The Leaving Certificate is taken at the end of the Senior Cycle (Years 4-6) and serves as both an exit exam from secondary school and entrance exam for a third level institution.
How many subjects will I study?
In the Junior Cycle, students usually take between 9 and 13 subjects. No school offers the complete range of subjects, so most high schools offer approximately 16 subjects to choose from.
Can attending an Irish high school help with university admission?
Yes. Attending an Irish secondary school allows you to further your education at undergraduate level in an Institute of Technology, University, or other third level institution in Ireland and abroad.
High School Programme 'Irish Experience'
Placement in an Irish secondary school - month, term or full year
Start Your Journey With Us
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