Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why study in Waterford?

Waterford is the fifth largest city in Ireland but has the atmosphere of a medium-sized town. Located in an area famous for its natural beauty, mild climate and outdoor activities, Waterford is the ideal place to experience the rugged beauty, ancient heritage, lively culture and renowned hospitality of Irish people while enjoying all the amenities (including theatres, restaurants, shopping centres, bowling alleys, sports centres, cafes, bars, museums, venues and clubs) a modern European city has to offer. Waterford offers a safe, friendly, and compact home away from home.

2. Why study with us at Waterford English Language Centres?

We are the ONLY year-round Language School in the Waterford area that is recognised by the Irish Government (ASCELS). All our teaching staff have a primary degree, an internationally recognised TEFL qualification, years of experience and a gift for bringing out the best in their students. We always endeavour to tailor our classes to our students abilities and needs. We also offer an unrivalled social programme and support service to our students outside the classroom. Our students really do feel like part of our family and indeed many students come back to study with us again and again.

3. Do I need a student visa to study in Ireland?

European Union citizens and people from the European Economic Area do not need visas to study in Ireland. Some other countries are also exempt from visa requirements.

Students from the following countries do NOT need visas to study in Ireland (for periods of less than 90 days*);
Andorra, Guatemala, Poland, Antigua & Barbuda, Guyana, Portugal, Argentina, Honduras, Romania, Australia, Hong Kong (Special Admin. Region), Austria, Hungary, Saint Lucia, Bahamas, Iceland, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Belgium, Italy, San Marino, Belize, Japan Seychelles, Bolivia, Kiribati, Singapore, Botswana, Latvia, Slovak Republic, Brazil, Lesotho, Slovenia, Brunei, Liechtenstein, Solomon Islands, Bulgaria, Lithuania, South Africa, Canada, Luxembourg, South Korea, Chile, Macau (Special Admin. Region), Spain, Costa Rica, Malawi, Swaziland, Croatia, Malaysia, Sweden, Cyprus, Maldives, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Malta, Tonga, Denmark, Mauritius, Trinidad & Tobago, Dominica, Mexico, Tuvalu, El Salvador, Monaco, United Kingdom & Colonies, Estonia, Nauru, United States of America, Fiji,  Netherlands, Uruguay, Finland, New Zealand, Vanuatu, France, Nicaragua, Vatican City, Germany, Norway, Venezuela, Greece, Panama,Grenada, Paraguay .

*For visits of longer than three months please contact us for details or look at       http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/WP07000018

4. How do I get a visa?

You need to choose and pay for your course in advance. We will provide you with a letter of acceptance with which you can apply for your visa. For your visa application you need a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months after your course in Ireland finishes) and three copies of your visa application form. A list of the full requirements, costs and further information about student visas can be found at http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/WP07000018 or contact us for details. You can apply at your nearest Irish Embassy, but if your country is supported by the online service you must apply at https://www.visas.inis.gov.ie  . You can also download an application from this address and send it to the Visa Office, Department of Foreign Affairs, 69-71 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.

5. When can I start classes?

It is possible to join any of the General English courses on any Monday throughout the year except for holidays.

6. How do I get placed in a class?

We give you a placement test and you are then placed in a class with students of a similar level and ability. It is possible to take our online test and we will inform you of your scores as soon as you book your course and we have received a booking deposit. You may also take the test at one of our centres. Please note that at certain times of the year, we may only be able to provide courses of particular levels dependent on student numbers, please contact us for further details.

7. What qualifications do WELC teachers have?

All our academic staff have a primary degree from an Irish University, a TEFL teaching qualification recognised by the Irish Department of Education, plus years of classroom experience.

8. How can I book a course?

a) If you are in Waterford please drop in and see us at 31 John’s Hill.

b) If you would like to book by phone, or would like any further information, please call us on +353-51-877288

c) To book online please go to the "Book Online" page.

d) You can also download an application form, fill it in and send it with your booking deposit to:

Waterford English Language Centres

31 John’s Hill

Waterford

Ireland

Courses are only confirmed upon receipt of a booking deposit of €250 which is then discounted from your course fee. Once this has been received, we will send you a booking confirmation, accommodation details and an invoice for the balance of fees due. Course fees must be paid in full four weeks before your course starts. Please note that for students who need visas, the full course fees must be paid on initial application.

Booking deposits can be paid by:

a) Bank Transfer to our bank (see details below)

b) Bank Draft in euro sent to our office

Bank Details;   National Irish Bank, 27 Barronstrand St., Waterford, Ireland.

Account Number 31054503

Sort Code 95-17-41

BAN   IE39NIBK95174131054503

BIC:NIBKIE2D

Some courses have special booking requirements, please see the "Course Fees" page for details.

9. What if I cancel my course? Will I get a refund?

Once you have paid your deposit fee of €250, it is non-refundable. If having paid your fees in full, you cancel your course less than four weeks before you are due to start, one week accommodation and tuition fees will be deducted from the fees you have paid and the balance will be refunded to you. No refunds will be made for cancellations made on, or after, the start date of the course.