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1 STUDENT HANDBOOK PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY
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STUDENT HANDBOOK PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY
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Greetings from Galway
Dear Student,
Galway is definitely a city full of history,
yet it still has a very contemporary feel. Galway city has a very unique
and special atmosphere, which you will discover as you wander down
Shop Street; walk by the sea in Salthill; spend an evening listening to
Irish music. It is a place you will never forget!
The bridge mills galway language centre has been teaching English
here for 30 years so we have a lot of experience with students from all
over the world! This handbook will help you to prepare for and enjoy your
time with us so please take time to read it carefully!
The bridge mills galway language centre is happy to welcome you
to our beautiful city and school. We know you will have a wonderful
experience here while you improve your English. We thank you for
choosing to study with us.
Patrick Creed Alan O’Connor
School Director Academic Manager
and all at Bridge Mills Galway Language Centre
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CONTENTS
Greetings from Galway……………… 2
Student agreement…………….…. 4
Things to do in Galway……………. 5
Weekend trips…………………….… 6
Galway festivals……………….…… 7
School activities……………….…… 9
Your first day at school …….…… 10
Cultural norms ……………….…… 13
Your study …………………………. 14
Study advice ………………………. 15
Certificates ………………………… 16
Tests and exams …………………..17
The office …………………………...18
Emergency contact ……………...20
Transport to Galway ……….…….… 21
Arriving in Galway ………...……….. 23
Transport in Galway ……………….. 24
Your safety ………………………….… 27
Your safety at school ………………. 28
General course conditions ..……... 29
Study visa conditions ………………. 34
Study visa exams ……………………. 35
Study visa rules …………….………… 37
Study visa procedures…….……….. 38
Host family stays …………………..… 41
Other accommodation .…………. .. 52
Your Feedback ..…....…..……..…….. 54
Additional Support..…....……….….. 53
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STUDENT AGREEMENT
Take responsibility for…
Your learning and motivation
Your safety and security
Show respect for…
Each other
Different religions
Different cultures
Teachers, staff and hosts
Your teacher’s professional opinion
Your teacher’s lessons
The school and accommodation rules
Participate…
Actively and enthusiastically in class activities
Attend all your lessons
Arrive on time
The Student Agreement
helps us all to enjoy a
relaxed learning
environment.
Co-operate…
With each other
With school staff
With people in charge, including the police
No smoking in the school, on balconies, or
near the school entrance
Listen to others. Don’t interrupt
Communicate…
Speak to your teacher or our Welfare
Officer if you are unhappy or worried
Mobile devices must be switched to
aeroplane mode and put away during
class. You are only allowed to use your
mobile device in class when it is
supporting your learning.
Remember that you
cannot smoke anywhere
in or near our building.
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Known for its festivals, music and bars, Galway is a vibrant, fun-loving and
historic city with an enjoyable social, musical and artistic life. Here are
our top tips:
1. Walk the Prom, the seaside promenade running from the edge of thecity to Salthill. Local tradition dictates 'kicking the wall' at the end of yourwalk!
2. Try Irish food, no trip to Galway is complete without trying out its manyaward-winning restaurants dotted all over the city.
3. Take a bus tour with Galway Tour Company, here are a wide varietyof tours to the Burren, the Aran Islands and Connemara.
4. Experience the traditional Irish pubs, The Crane, Monroe’s Tavern,Taaffe’s and many more have live music most nights.
5. Visit the Galway City Museum, this small, modern museum has ex-hibits on the city's history from 1800 to 1950 — definitely worth a visit!
6. Visit Charlie Byrnes Bookstore, lots of new, second-hand, and-discounted books (many €1). Great on a rainy afternoon!
THINGS TO DO IN GALWAY CITY
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Take the opportunity to explore some of the west of
Ireland’s most scenic places during your stay! Popular places with
our students include:
1. The Aran Islands
2. Connemara National Park
3. Kylemore Abbey
4. The Cliffs of Moher and the Burren
5. Westport & Achill Island
6. The Wild Atlantic Way
You can get all the information about tickets and prices in the
office. There are many bus tours so a car is not essential , but if
you want to drive, car rental information is available in office. We
recommend Enterprise (www.enterprise.ie) and we can help you
to rent a car in the office.
WEEKEND TRIPS
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Galway is very famous for its festivals ~ below is a calendar
of events with just a small selection of what you can do during your stay:
GALWAY FESTIVALS
JANUARY: Midwinter Festival www.musicforgalway.ie
FEBRUARY: Ted Fest www.tedfest.org
MARCH: St. Patricks Festival www.galwaytourism.ie
APRIL: Galway Food Festival www.galwayfoodfestival.com
MAY: Seabirds Festival www.cliffsofmoher.ie
JUNE: Galway Sessions www.galwaysessions.com
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GALWAY FESTIVALS
JULY/AUGUST: Galway Film Festival Galway Arts Festival Galway Races
www.galwayfilmfleadh.com
www.giaf.ie
www.galwayraces.com
SEPTEMBER: Galway Culture Night Galway Oyster Festival
www.galwayculturenight.com
www.galwayoysterfest.com
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER: Galway Jazz Festival Galway Halloween Festival
www.galwayjazzfest.com
www.thelatinquarter.ie
DECEMBER: Galway Christmas Markets Galway City on Ice
www.galwaychristmasmarket.ie
www.galwaycityonice.ie
For information see: http://www.galwaytourism.ie
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Concert & theatre trips
City walks
Bowling
River boat trips
Book club
Seasonal parties
Learn Irish Language
CV workshops
Pronunciation
workshops
Learn the Tin Whistle
Movie night
Social nights
Sports matches
…… and more !!
(You’ll find the Activities
on all our noticeboards
or just ask us)
SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
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YOUR FIRST DAY AT SCHOOL
WHERE ARE WE?
If you are having any problem finding us, please see the map below
that shows the way from Eyre Square to Bridge Mills Galway Language
Centre
Find below the link from google maps: https://goo.gl/maps/Quq5oRcCkGS2
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YOUR FIRST DAY AT SCHOOL For morning class students: Monday to Friday 09.00 to 12.30
Please come to the office (on Monday) at 08.30, we will wel-
come you and issue you with a welcome pack and your stu-
dent card.
After you will take your entry level test. It consists of two
parts: a multiple choice test and an informal chat.
Then we will give you your book and timetable with your class
number and teacher name. And we will direct you to your new
class!
At 12.35 (Mondays), usually in
Room 1, we have a meeting
for new students, giving some
advice and information about
the school
At 14.00 (Mondays), we will
take all new students for a
walking tour of Galway City
Centre
MORNING LESSONS:
09.00 – 10.30
Break time
11.00 – 12.30
Lunch time
AFTERNOON LESSONS:
13.45 – 15.15
Break time
15.30 – 16.30
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YOUR FIRST DAY AT SCHOOL For EWP afternoon students: Monday to Thursday
13.00 to 17.00
Please come to the office (on Monday) at 11.00, we will
welcome you and issue you with a welcome pack and
your student card.
First, you will do your entry level test. It consists of two
parts: a multiple choice test and an informal chat.
Second, we will give you your book and timetable with
your class number and teacher name. You will start
class on Monday at 15.00.
After, we will explain to you the different steps involved
in getting your visa (make sure you have your passport
with you).
EWP AFTERNOON
LESSONS:
13.00 – 15.00
Break
15.15 – 17.00
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ARRIVAL & ATTENDANCE:
Please arrive before the start time of your lesson, bringing your
course book, paper, pens and all the things you need. Avoid be-
ing late as this can disturb other learners.
You can leave your lesson any time to use the toilets, get a tis-
sue ~ this is normal in Ireland.
You can call your teacher by their first name e.g. John.
Please switch your phone to airplane mode during lessons. If
you receive a very important call or text please leave the room
for a minute to talk / send an sms.
For students on study visas it is very important to attend
every lesson and punctuality can affect your attendance rate.
Remember you need at least 85% attendance.
Please remember to attend the class you have been assigned to.
CULTURAL NORMS
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TEACHERS
There will be times when you may have a change of teacher during
your course because you are changing level; your teacher is ill or
absent; rotation of teachers.
STUDY ROOMS
Study Rooms are available (Monday - Friday) from 12.30 – 17.00
Ask in the office on the day for the study room number .
SELF STUDY
You should study regularly at home and outside class-time and always do homework tasks. If you need
extra work speak to your teacher or the academic manager. Check your learning aims and progress
from our website using the QR code ;
LIBRARY We have a library service where you can borrow novels and stories to read at
home. Books are available for all levels - we suggest reading one a week.
YOUR STUDY
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♥ Speak English as much as possible.
♥ Make friends with students from other countries.
♥ Read English in your free-time - Join the Book Club!
♥ Listen to English everyday - Listen to podcasts at home.
♥ Participate in school social activities
♥ Use an English-English dictionary
♥ Watch movies, TV in English
♥ Repeat new words and grammar in the evening
♥ Complete any homework tasks your teacher gives you.
If you have any study problems, talk to us. We are all happy to help.
STUDY ADVICE
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CERTIFICATES
All students receive a certificate of course attendance in
the last week of their course. The certificate will outline
your name, level, and the number of weeks you
attended our school.
Visa requiring students must register for an externally as-
sessed exam before certification is issued.
If you need a special certificate for work or tax purposes,
please tell the office in advance.
CERTIFICATES
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General English classes will take a progress test every
second week. This helps our students to study and review the
language they have been studying.
General Exam Classes such as FCE, CAE, CPE and
IELTS will take regular practice tests as part of their
homework & preparation for examinations.
Visa-requiring Students are obliged to sign an
agreement at the beginning of the programme stating that
Bridge Mills Galway Language Centre will enter the student
for the appropriate end of programme exams. These exams
are mandatory. The student must sign the agreement stating
that they understand the exam is mandatory and agree that
they will sit the exam. (See section on “Visa-requiring
Students” for detailed information.)
TESTS & EXAMS
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Our school is located in the Bridge Mills building on the ground
floor. The office is on the left when you come in the main door.
OPENING TIMES: September - June
MONDAY – THURSDAY 08.30 - 21.00
FRIDAY 08.30 - 17.00
July & August
MONDAY – FRIDAY 08.30 - 17.00
THE OFFICE
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Please give the office a passport photo / copy of a passport
photo. You must also give the office your address & your
phone numbers (from home & in Ireland).
If you have a student visa & you change address you must
inform the school immediately and the immigration office.
THIS IS MANDATORY.
If necessary, we can accept telephone messages for you and
pass them to you during the school day.
You may also get larger parcels mailed to our office and
collect them.
YOU + THE OFFICE
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If you have an emergency outside of school;
General Emergency:
Patrick Creed 00353 (0)86 167 8503
Medical Emergency:
CALL 999 or 112 FOR Ambulance, Police, Fire.
Doctor: Crescent Medical Centre
1 The Crescent, Galway
Phone: 00353 (0)91 587 213
EMERGENCY CONTACT
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TRANSPORT TO GALWAY
DUBLIN TO GALWAY by BUS
You can travel by bus directly from Dublin Airport to Galway City
Centre. Buses are quick and reasonably priced and are, in our opinion,
the easiest option. The buses are regular, have WiFi and a toilet.
There are two bus companies we recommend you to use:
GoBus or Citylink.
You can buy the bus ticket online or on the bus.
www.citylink.ie www.gobus.ie
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TRANSPORT TO GALWAY DUBLIN CITY TO GALWAY by TRAIN
You can also travel by train from Dublin to Galway. You will first need to
get from the Airport to Heuston Station as the train leaves from the
other side of the city. (Bus 747 will take you there.)
Book your train ticket online in advance.
http://www.irishrail.ie/
SHANNON AIRPORT TO GALWAY by BUS
If you are travelling from Shannon Airport take bus 51:
http://www.buseireann.ie/
CORK AIRPORT TO GALWAY by BUS
If you are travelling from Cork airport take the CityLink bus:
http://www.citylink.ie/
KNOCK AIRPORT TO GALWAY by BUS
If you are travelling from Knock airport the options are limited, below is
the only bus that offers transfers to Galway:
http://www.buseireann.ie/
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ARRIVING IN GALWAY
If you are arriving at the Coach Station you can avail of the taxis
just at the exit of the station. Here are the contact numbers for
the most trustworthy and accessible companies:
1. Galway Taxis
They have their own app, please check their website
T: (00353) (0)91 561 111
2. Big O Taxis
They also have their own app, please check their website
T: (00353) (0)91 58 58 58
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Galway is small and it’s possible to walk throughout the city
centre but if you need to go further there are two city bus
services:
♥ CITY DIRECT: http://www.citydirect.ie/ (Private company)
♥ BUS EIREANN: http://www.buseireann.ie/ (Public company)
You can buy weekly or monthly tickets.
Buy City Direct tickets on the bus. Buy Bus Eireann tickets at the train station.
There is a student discount but you MUST show your student card when you are buying the ticket.
If you are still not sure what the best way home is ASK US or check the following link: http://www.galwaytransport.info/
TRANSPORT IN GALWAY
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BICYCLE HIRE:
♥ Coca-Cola bike share initiative has bicycle stations around the city:
www.bikeshare.ie/galway.html
♥ West Ireland Cycling: http://www.westirelandcycling.com/
Unit 1 Bridgewater Court (Beside Monroes pub), Lower Fairhill Road, Galway
Open: Monday to Saturday 09.30 - 18.00
Sunday closed (September to May)
Phone: (00353) 87 205 6904
♥ On Yer Bike Cycles : http://onyourbikecycles.com/
42 Prospect Hill, Galway
Open: Monday to Saturday 10.00 - 19.00
Sunday 12.00 - 18.00 and Bank Holiday 12.00 - 19.00
Phone: (00353) 91 563 393 or (00353) 87 942 5479
Bicycles can be rented (€90/week approx.) or bought (from €80 approx.)
ALWAYS SECURE YOUR BIKE WITH A STRONG LOCK.
TRANSPORT IN GALWAY
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CAR HIRE
We can help you to rent a car at the office once you are at the school.
The company we work with most is:
Enterprise
Oldenway Business Park, Ballybrit, Galway
Open: Monday to Friday 08.00 - 18.00
Saturday 09.00 - 16.00 and Sunday 11.00 - 14.00
Phone: (00353) 91 771 200 option 3 for Ballybrit office
https://www.enterprise.ie/en/home.html
TRANSPORT IN GALWAY
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Student safety
GALWAY is not a dangerous place to live, but similar to
other cities it’s important to be careful!
ALWAYS...
be careful around people you don't know very well
stay with your friends especially at night / when it’s dark.
travel in pairs or groups.
take a taxi if you are alone.
NEVER…
walk alone at night (male or female)
leave your things in the school unattended. It only takes
one minute for someone to steal your
money, phone, laptop or wallet.
YOUR SAFETY IN GALWAY
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In Ireland , you are not allowed to smoke inside buildings or near
entrances, including the school (& all public buildings). If you
hear a fire alarm/bell ringing follow these steps:
1. Stop everything, leave everything
2. Leave classroom (with your teacher).
3. Exit the building.
4. Cross the street (and stay with your teacher).
5. Wait in your group.
YOUR SAFETY AT SCHOOL
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GENERAL COURSE CONDITIONS
1. All lessons: 45 minutes.
2. Groups: Maximum 10 (EWP max. 15) Minimum 3.
3. Minimum Enrolment
If there are not 3 students at your level, you will receive lessons as
follows:
2 students only: 8 lessons for every 10 group lessons you have
booked.
1 student only: 4 private lessons (1:1) for every 10 group
lessons you have booked.
Usually, this affects Beginner, non-exam Proficiency courses and
afternoon groups, but it applies to all levels. If you have booked
through an agency in your country, you should have been
informed of this by them before you booked your course.
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GENERAL COURSE CONDITIONS
4. Payment of fees & Refunds
All course and accommodation fees are to be paid at the time of
booking. No refunds are given for partial weeks of attendance or
for uncomplete courses after the course has begun.
5. Cancellation of Tuition
All cancellations are subject to a cancellation fee of €160.
general
Cancellation charge €160.00 applies in all cases plus the school shall
retain a portion of the course fees as follows: notice of receipt of
cancellation: 21 days before the start of a course, 10% ; 14 days before,
20%: 7 days before and up to 7 days after course commencement, 30% .
No refunds will be made for partial weeks of attendance or an uncompleted
course after the course begins.
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GENERAL COURSE CONDITIONS
5. Cancellation of Tuition (contd.)
All cancellations are subject to a cancellation fee of €160.
long term programmes (25 weeks +):
Cancellation charge €160.00 applies in all cases plus the school shall
retain a portion of the course fees as follows:
notice of receipt of cancellation: 21 days before the start of a course,
10% ; 14 days before, 20%: 7 days before and up to 7 days after course
commencement, 30% .
No refunds will be made for partial weeks of attendance or an uncom-
pleted course following 7 days after the course begins.
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GENERAL COURSE CONDITIONS
6. Insurance
All students from outside the EU must provide evidence of full
medical insurance on arrival at the school. If not, they must obtain
medical insurance coverage, either privately or through the school
(€125 for 8 months), before beginning lessons. EU students must
obtain the EHIC/EEA card before travelling to Ireland. For further
details: www.ehic.ie
7. Absence
In case of student absence the school must be notified. No refunds
are given. The school will not make up any classes missed once a
course has begun. Any student absent for an unexpected reason
should phone or email the school or get their host family to con-
tact the school.
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GENERAL COURSE CONDITIONS
8. Protection of Learners
If required, the school has arrangements in place for the protec-
tion of students in the event that a programme ceases premature-
ly i.e. arrangements for a student to complete the programme
with another provider(s) through membership of Marketing
English in Ireland (www.mei.ie).
Student protection arrangements cover the period from when a
student enrols on a programme until the time the student has
successfully completed the programme (and the
end-of-programme exams as appropriate).
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1. VALID STUDENT VISAS
All NON-EU students (not from European Union) must provide
evidence to the school office of a valid student visa covering
the original period of their booking IN THE FIRST WEEK OF
STUDY.
This is a very important rule, so if you have
questions about :
student visa rules
the status of the stamp in your passport
the location of the Immigration Office
please come to the school office IMMEDIATELY.
We will be happy to help you in any way we can.
STUDY VISA CONDITIONS
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2. MANDATORY EXAMS
Students with STUDY VISAS are obliged to sign an agreement at
the beginning of the programme stating that Bridge Mills Galway
Language Centre will enter the student for the appropriate end of
programme exams.
These exams are mandatory.
The student must sign the agreement stating that they understand
the exam is mandatory and agree that they will sit the exam.
EXAMS PROVIDED BY THE SCHOOL ARE AS FOLLOWS:
The person responsible for this is Patrick Creed [email protected]
STUDY VISA: EXAMS
Programme Title
Title of Award/ End of Programme exam
External Authentication Ex-amining / Awarding Body
EGTIE TIE ACELS
EGF General English / FCE Cambridge English Language Assessment
EGA General English / CAE Cambridge English Language Assessment
EGP General English / CPE Cambridge English Language Assessment
EGIELTS General English /IELTS British Council
EGETAPP ETAPP ACELS
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3. EXAM REGISTRATION PROCEDURE:
The school is a TIE and ETAPP examinations centre and can
register students onsite.
The school is a Cambridge examinations centre (FCE/CAE/CPE)
and can register students onsite.
The school can register students for IELTS examinations via the
local IELTS examination centre.
4. RECORD OF GRADES
A record of grades received will be available on request to:
students
INIS
and relevant internal personnel
All information is treated in accordance with the relevant data
protection permissions and are agreed with students accordingly.
STUDY VISA: EXAMS
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5. Punctuality and attendance
Students must keep an attendance rate of at least 85% for their
programme
Students must not be more than 15 minutes late to class. A
student will be recorded as absent if they are more than 15
minutes late to class or depart 15 minutes early.
Students more than 30 minutes late will not be allowed to class
and will have to return after the following class break.
Recording of attendance will be by the teacher in class and digitally recorded at the end of each week.
STUDY VISA: RULES
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6. Absenteeism and Expulsion procedure:
1. In the case of a student being absent for 2 days the school will
try to make contact with the student by phone or email to seek
clarification on the situation.
2. If unsuccessful a letter/email will be sent to the student within 10 days of absence.
If the school is unable to make contact with the student or receive good cause for
absence then the student will be expelled from the school (by the school Director)
within 4 weeks of the initial absence and reported to the local immigration office.
This final decision on expulsion for any reason is made by the Director of the
School. The school follows the decisions of INIS regarding visa requests and any de-
cision on the renewal of visas or the cancellation of visas will be at the discretion of
INIS and the school will respect any decisions INIS make
3. All standard correspondence as part of this process will be
retained and available on request to relevant internal personnel
and external authorities.
4. Absenteeism and expulsion procedures are implemented in a
timely manner - the disciplinary action follows immediately after
the absenteeism issue has been identified by management.
(Non-EEA students will not be expelled towards the end of their programmes in
relation to issues identified at an earlier point in the programme.)
STUDY VISA : PROCEDURES
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7. Sick Leave
1. Students must email ([email protected]) or text
(00353861678503) to the school on the first day of sickness and
each day subsequently.
2. Students must submit a certificate from a doctor on the first day
of return to school.
3. The procedure for Absenteeism and Expulsion is referenced in
the requirements as activated in the case of uncertified sick
leave beyond the statutory entitlement. (See: “Absenteeism
and Expulsion”)
8. holidays and breaks
No unscheduled breaks are permitted except in documented
cases of illness or close family bereavement. Any queries should
be forwarded to Patrick Creed ([email protected]).
Student holidays and breaks must comply with the Department
of Justice and Equality's requirements.
STUDY VISA : PROCEDURES
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9. Complaints and Grievances:
If students have complaints or grievances they should
report to the office immediately. This includes (not
exclusively to);
Host family / Accommodation problems
Class issues (level / teacher / other students)
Class issues (timetable / course duration / final
examinations)
The person responsible for this is Patrick Creed :
[email protected]. The maximum duration from
receipt of a complaint to resolution of the issue is 5 working days.
10. Work Rights:
Visa requiring students can work 40 hours per week in June,
July, August, September and 15th December to 15th
January and 20 hours per week at all other times.
STUDY VISA : PROCEDURES
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All our host families have been chosen and inspected with care
by us and they will do their best to make your stay comfortable
& enjoyable.
However, the relationship between you & your host family
depends on understanding and flexibility on both sides.
Please read the following pages for more detailed
information & conditions for host family stays.
HOST FAMILY STAYS
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1. host family accommodation Family accommodation is booked in units of 7 nights, beginning
and ending on Saturday or Sunday. Students wishing to arrive
earlier in the week before the beginning of their course or wishing
to remain in the family for extra days (max: 2 days) at the end of
the course must make special arrangements at the time of booking.
Ordinarily, students must leave their host family at the end of their
course.
2. Cancellation of Accommodation
All cancellations are subject to a cancellation fee of €160.
SEPTEMBER-MAY: Students leaving before completion of a
course will be given a refund only for full weeks after departure
from the family, provided notice of departure is given one full week
(weekend-to-weekend) before leaving.
JUNE, JULY & AUGUST: If a student cancels accommodation
after arrival, a refund of only 50% of the accommodation fees will
be given.
CONDITIONS: HOST FAMILY STAYS
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3. changing host family
Students cannot change host family in the first two weeks of the
stay without forfeiting the accommodation fee. If a student wishes
to change host families after that period, they must give a full
week’s notice (weekend-to-weekend) to vacate.
A cancellation fee of €160 will be applied.
4. temporary absence from the host family
A reduced fee of €100 per week is charged for retention of the
room when a student is absent for one week or more. Students
should notify the family and the school of their plans in advance.
Reductions are not given for absences of less than 7 days.
5. extra nights
If you wish to remain with your host family for extra nights
(maximum 2 nights) at the end of your course, you must make
special arrangements with the school at the time of booking.
CONDITIONS: HOST FAMILY STAYS
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ARRIVALS
You should contact your host family to let them know your time
of arrival in Galway, Dublin or Shannon as soon as you know
your travel plans.
On arrival in Galway, you should take a taxi to your host family
(or direct to the school for testing if appropriate.)
Students should plan to arrive at their host family no later than
24.00. If you think this could be a problem for you, please con-
tact the school office at once, not the host family. It is possible
that you will have to arrange to stay overnight in Dublin or
Shannon.
HOST FAMILY ARRIVALS
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WHAT TO EXPECT:
A key to the house. You may also ask for a key to your room to be
used only when you are not in your room.
Breakfast & dinner, Monday-Friday; full-board or whatever the
family is having , Saturday & Sunday. Fresh food, varied from day to
day.
No other student of your mother tongue in the home. (Unless
students ask to stay in pairs by request.)
A packed lunch on Saturday or Sunday if you are away on an
excursion. Please give your family one day’s notice if you want a
packed lunch.
A comfortable bedroom, cleaned weekly. A change of bed sheets
and towels once a week. Adequate storage for clothes.
A desk or table provided in your room. Alternatively, a quiet area to
study.
Access to a shower or bath once a day with an adequate supply of
hot water and towels. Laundry facilities (lightweight, machine-
washable clothing only), excluding ironing service.
Sufficient light and heat when necessary.
The evening meal in the company of family members.
A relaxed and sociable atmosphere, whether conversing or watching
television.
HOST FAMILY STAYS
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Always remember that your host family have their own daily
responsibilities in addition to hosting students. In many of our families
the mother and the father both work. There are times when they will be
unable to give you their full attention or may be absent from home
during the day. Keep in mind that Irish culture may be very different
from your own culture - try to be as flexible and tolerant as possible.
AT THE START OF YOUR STAY clarify your host family’s wishes
regarding:
The use of the kitchen; bathroom & shower facilities.
Helping yourself to food between meals.
Making and receiving calls on the family phone.
Having your friends in the house etc.
HOST FAMILY STAY ~ ADVICE
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Do not expect your host family to arrange your leisure time. Most
students make their own plans in the evening and at weekends.
Always notify the host family if you are going to be late or absent at
mealtime or if you are planning to stay away all night.
Remember, your host family is not responsible for getting you to
school on time. You must make your own arrangements to wake up
on time.
If you wish your host family to correct your English, you must ask
them clearly to do so, many Irish families might otherwise feel it
would not be polite.
Keep your room & family bathroom reasonably clean and tidy. Do
not always expect your host family to do this for you.
HOST FAMILY STAY ~ ADVICE
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Do not wash clothes in the bathroom and, especially, do not hang
wet items in the bathroom or bedroom to dry. Ask the host family
where you can wash your own clothes if this is what you prefer.
As the family cannot always control who comes in and out of the
house, you should keep your money in a securely locked suitcase or
give it to the host family for safe-keeping.
You should ask for a receipt when leaving cash with the host family
in order to avoid any misunderstandings.
Always pay particular attention to the security of your money,
documents and personal belongings.
HOST FAMILY STAY ~ ADVICE
49
If you have any comments or issues regarding your host
family accommodation,
please report this IMMEDIATELY
(in the office or via emergency number)
so we can help.
DO NOT wait until the end of your stay.
General Emergency: Patrick Creed 00353 (0)86 167 8503
HOST FAMILY STAY
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It is not recommended that you spend nights away from your
host family, but if you decide to do so, you must notify the host
family in advance so they know where you are and so they do
not worry.
DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES,
BRING STRANGERS INTO
YOUR HOST FAMILY’S HOME.
HOST FAMILY ~ IMPORTANT
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When a student wishes to invite an overnight guest to the host family
during the stay:
All arrangements & payments, if possible, MUST be made
through the school office at the time of booking, not with
the host family directly.
Students should not assume that a polite “Okay” on the part of the
host family means that the host family is happy about the
arrangement!
GUEST RATES:
One overnight stay including breakfast : €35
Evening meal, €5 extra.
HOST FAMILY STAY ~ GUESTS
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If you require alternative accommodation, all of these B&Bs are within a 10-
minute walk of the school.
We have not visited these premises and takes no responsibility for the qual-
ity, location, cost, or policies of these B&B’s.
OTHER ACCOMMODATION
NAME ADDRESS TELEPHONE EMAIL
The Heron’s Rest 16a The Long Walk, Galway
00353 (0)91 539574
Adare Guest House
9 Fr. Griffin Place,
Galway
00353 (0)91 582638
Crookhaven 96 Fr. Griffin Rd,
Galway
00353 (0)91 589019
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
If you are having any difficulty during your stay in Ireland and you need additional support, please check the links below for more information about the different services available to you.
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Service Provider Contact Details
HSE NATIONAL INFORMATION LINE
Monday to Saturday, 8.00am to 8.00pm Tel: 1850-24-1850 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.hse.ie/eng/hselive/
MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm Tel 01-284-1166 or 086-835-3387 Email: [email protected] Website: www.mentalhealthireland.ie
AWARE Monday to Sunday 10am to 10pm Helpline: 1890-303-302 Email: [email protected] Website: www.aware.ie
JIGSAW NATIONAL CENTRE (GALWAY)
Monday to Friday: 9.00pm to 1.00pm & 2.00pm to 5.30pm Information line: +353-1-472-7010 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.jigsaw.ie/
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All of us at The Bridge Mills Galway Language Centre want you to have a great life
and learning experience in Galway. We hope this handbook is useful in your preparation
for your stay here. We look forward to meeting you.
Of course if you have any other queries or questions about items in this handbook or about
other aspects of your stay, feel free to contact us and give us your feedback:
Policies & Procedures:
Our policies and procedures for everything we do are located on our website. Please read
these documents and give us any feedback you might have. We welcome your comments.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +353 (0)91 566 468
Revised: July 2019
Your Feedback
