Dated 7th March 2022
Covid-19 and Irish College of English Programmes
Great News
All COVID-19 restrictions have been removed for travelling to Ireland. You no longer need to complete a passenger locator form. You also no longer need proof of vaccination or recovery, or a COVID-19 test.
There are no restrictions regarding mask wearing or social distancing in Ireland.
The only remaining restrictions are around the the need to self-isolate if you have symptoms and some limited close contact guidance. The government are planning to phase out these remaining restrictions.
Ireland has been very successful with its vaccination programme, uptake of our primary vaccination programme is over 95 % and uptake of the booster vaccine programme is currently at 70 %. Therefore, the vast majority of our staff and host families are fully vaccinated.
Ireland is now entering a new phase with the easing of most restrictions concerning Covid-19. Life has gone back to normal and people no longer have to wear masks or social distance. The only remaining restrictions are regarding International Travel and Self Isolation. We hope that in time these remaining restrictions will also be lifted.
At the Irish College of English, the health and safety of all our staff, students, host families and the communities in which we operate is our priority. We are keeping up to date with all government recommendations in relation to Covid-19 and will follow best practice in this regard to ensure the well-being of all of our staff and clients now and in the future.
For all our programmes we have enhanced safety and cleaning protocols to ensure we follow all guidelines surrounding Covid-19. All our classrooms are fitted with CO2 monitors. Hand sanitising stations are available throughout the school. We will continue to update our policies and ensure a safe and enjoyable educational experience for everyone.
Ireland has also been very successful with its vaccination programme, uptake of our primary vaccination programme is over 95 % and uptake of the booster vaccine programme is currently at 65 %. Therefore, the vast majority of our staff and host families are fully vaccinated. The current Omicron wave has now passed its peak.
Yes, all our adult and junior classes and programmes are operating as normal.
How will the Irish College of English ensure the safety of students and staff at the school?
By strictly following guidelines from the Irish Government and by keeping up to date with the latest advice from the Health Service Executive (HSE), we have put measures in place that will make it possible for a safe return to school. A key measure is CO2 monitors in each classroom to ensure adequate ventilation at all times. Cleaning plans have been implemented to enable better protection against COVID-19 including thorough daily cleaning with disinfection of potentially contaminated surfaces regularly throughout the day.
How will I contact the school if I have a concern?
You can call or email the office on 01 8453744 or info@iceireland.com.
What should I do if I develop symptoms of COVID-19?
If a student develops COVID-19 symptoms: new continuous cough, high temperature or loss/change in a student’s sense of taste or smell (anosmia), fatigue, while in Ireland or during travel, a student should call their a health provider and/or insurance company to discuss what to do and follow public health advice in Ireland at the time.
Currently the below applies:
- Self-isolate (stay indoors and avoid contact with other people)
- Take a self-administered antigen test, if you are under 39 years of age a PCR test is not necessary. The school will provide antigen tests for free to any student with symptoms or who is a close contact.
Positive Result
The student needs to self-isolate for 7 days in a single room.
Negative Result
The student needs to self-isolate in a single room until they have had no symptoms for 48 hours.
For up to date information on traveling to Ireland please see:
For ease of travel we would advise all students to have been vaccinated with an EMA approved vaccine. In addition, in Ireland if you have been fully vaccinated with booster, you do not need to self-isolate if you are a close contact and not showing any symptoms.
Should you enter Ireland using a PCR test and require another test 72 hours pre-departure, we can help arrange this, please contact us for more information.
Where can I get some advice on COVID-19 as an international student?
The Irish Council for International Students (ICOS), has put together information about the health, travel, educational and well-being matters, that international students may need to be aware of. If you have a COVID-19 related travel query, you can call the Department of Foreign Affairs advice centre on 01 613 1733.
What are the accommodation options?
We offer a full range of host family and residential options.
What happens if I get Covid-19 during my course?
In this situation you will asked by the HSE to self isolate. Students should all have adequate insurance or personal funds to cover any additional costs they may have including accommodation, living expenses, change of flights etc.
What is the cancellation policy if I book a course now and then I am unable to attend?
Our ‘Book with Confidence Guarantee’ allows individuals and groups travelling to Ireland, to cancel free of charge until 7 days before arrival. If you need to cancel within 7 days of arrival we will offer a free postponement of course which will be valid until the end of 2023. No refunds will be given for stays cancelled within 7 days of arrival.
