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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 almost 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.

All at Bridge Mills Galway Language Centre

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CONTENTS

Greetings from Galway………….... 2

Things to do in Galway……………4

Weekend trips……………………….5

Galway Festivals…………………...6

School Activities…………………...8

Your first day at school …………..9

Cultural norms …………………….12

Your study …………………………. 13

Study advice ……………………….14

Certificates ………………………… 15

Tests and Exams …………………. 16

The office ………………………….. 17

Emergency contact …………….. 19

Transport to Galway …………….20

Arriving in Galway …………………...22

Transport in Galway ………………. 23

Your safety …………………………….26

Your safety at school ……………….27

General course conditions ..…….. 28

Study visa conditions ……………… 33

Study visa exams …………………… 34

Study visa rules ……………………… 36

Study visa procedures…………….. 37

Host Family Stays …………………...40

Other Accommodation .…………. .51

A final note ..…...…..……..………….52

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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 the city along Salthill. Local tradition dictates 'kicking the wall' at the end of your walk!

2. Try Irish food, no trip to Galway is complete without trying out its many award-winning restaurants dotted all over the city.

3. Take a bus tour with Galway Tour Company, here are a wide variety of tours to the Burren, the Aran Islands and Connemara.

4. Experience the traditional Irish pubs, The Crane, Monroe’s Tavern, Taafe’s and many more have live music most nights.

5. Visit the Galway City Museum, this small, modern museum has exhibits 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:

The Aran Islands

2. Connemara National Park

3. Kylemore Abbey

4. The Burren

5. The Cliffs of Moher

6. Westport & Achill Island

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.stpatricksgalway.com

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 Friday

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 9.00 to 12.30

Please come to the office (on Monday) at 8.30am, we will

welcome you and issue you with a welcome pack and your

student 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 12.35pm (Mondays), usually

in Room 1, we have a meeting

for new students, giving some

advice and information about

the school

At 2pm (Mondays), we will take

all new students for a walking

tour of Galway City Centre

Morning LESSONS:

09.00am – 10.30am

Break time

11.00 am – 12.30pm

Lunch time

AFTERNOON LESSONS:

13.45pm – 16.30pm

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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 1pm, we will

welcome you and issue you with a welcome pack and your

student card.

First, we will explain you the different steps involved in

getting your visa (make sure you have your passport

with you). Then you will do 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. You will start

class on Tuesday at 1pm.

EWP AFTERNOON

LESSONS:

13.00pm – 17.00pm

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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 being late as this can disturb other learners.

You can leave your lesson any time to use the toilet, get a

tissue ~ this is normal in Ireland.

You can call your teacher by their first name e.g. John.

Please put your phone on silent 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.

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 by the Director.

STUDY ROOMS

Study Rooms are available (Monday - Friday) from 12.30 –17.00pm

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 director.

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

assessed 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 (at 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 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 the 51 bus:

http://www.buseireann.ie/timetables/1425313107-051.pdf

CORK AIRPORT TO GALWAY by BUS

If you are travelling from Cork airport take the CityLink bus:

http://www.citylink.ie/uploads/images/timetables43/timetables26/

citylink%20galway%20cork%20timetable%20for%20web-2_2.jpg

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/timetables/1425308813-001X.pdf

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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 is the number for the most trustworthy and

accessible companies:

1. Galway Taxis (they have their own app)

https://play.google.com/store

appsdetailsid=com.taxicaller.galway.app&hl=en

57 Dominick Street Lower, Galway

T: (00353) 91 561 111

2. Big O Taxis (they also have their own app)

http://www.bigotaxis.com/app.shtml

17 Eyre Square, Galway City Centre, Co. Galway.

Also 21 Upper Dominick St, Co. Galway

T: (00353) 91 58 58 58

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Galway is small and it possible to walk all of 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

this map on the following link: http://www.galwaytransport.info/2008/12/

summary-map-galw-ay-city-services.html

TRANSPORT IN GALWAY

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BICYCLE HIRE:

♥ Coca-Cola bike share initiative has bicycle stations around the city :

www.bikeshare.ie/galway

♥ West Ireland Cycling: http://www.westirelandcycling.com/

Earls Island (opposite the Cathedral), Newcastle, Galway

Open: Monday to Friday 9.00am to 6.00pm Phone: (00353) 91 588 830

♥ On Yer Bike Cycles : http://onyourbikecycles.com/

42 Prospect Hill, Galway

Open: Monday to Friday 10.00am to 7.00pm,

Saturday 10.00am to 6.00pm and Sunday 3.00pm to 6.00pm

Phone: (00353) 91 5633 93 or (00353) 87 942 5479

Bicycles can be rented (€20/week approx.) or bought (€70 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 8.00am to 6.00pm,

Saturday 9.00am to 4.00pm and Sunday 10.00am to 4.00pm

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 must smoke outside the school (& all public

buildings). If you hear a fire alarm/bell ringing follow these steps:

1. Stop 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 in-

formed 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

uncompleted 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

(cost €160), 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 host family to contact the

school.

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GENERAL COURSE CONDITIONS

8. Protection of Learners

If required the school has arrangements in place for the protection

of students in the event that a programme ceases prematurely 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 :

the student visa rules

the status of the stamp in your passport

the location of the Immigration Office

please come to the school office IMMEDIATELY.

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 info@galwaylanguage.com

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 is 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 checked 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.

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 (info@galwaylanguage.com) 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 (info@galwaylanguage.com).

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 exclu-

sive list);

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 :

info@galwaylanguage.com. The maximum duration from

receipt of a complaint to resolution of the issue is 5 working days.

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 in 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 12 midnight. If you think this could be a problem for

you, please contact 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 staying in pairs by request.)

A packed lunch on Saturday or Sunday if you are away on an

excursion. Please give your family one days’ notice if you wanted 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

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If you have a serious complaint about your host family

accommodation,

please report this to the School Director 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 PROBLEMS

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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 direct.

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&B’s are within a 10

-minute walk of the school.

Galway Language Centre has not visited these premises and takes no

responsibility for the quality, 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

info@theheronsrest.com

Adare Guest House

9 Fr. Griffin Place,

Galway

00353 (0)91 582638

adare@iol.ie

Crookhaven 96 Fr. Griffin Rd,

Galway

00353 (0)91 589019

margaret@crookhaven.net

High Tide

9 Grattan Park

Lower Salthill Galway

00353 (0)91 584324

bb@hightidegalway.ie

Desota House

54 Newcastle Rd Cooke’s Corner

Galway

00353 (0)91 585064

bookings@galwaybandb.ie

Linderhof 25 Munster Ave.,

Galway

00353 (0)91 588518

ulrichstanke@hotmail.com

52

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 : Email: info@galwaylanguage.com

Phone: +353 (0)91 566 468

A FINAL NOTE...