Alpha College is approved by ACELS. ACELS assures the quality of English Language Teaching in Ireland on behalf of the Department of Education and Science by imposing comprehensive guidelines to ensure the provision of a quality service to students and the implementation of a rigorous inspection scheme.
Alpha is located in city centre, within a 5 minute walk of most bus and train services from the areas in which our host families live. We are also a few minutes walk away from the main shopping areas, cinemas, bars, restaurants, theatres and galleries.
Facilities
Student Information
Course Books
The use of a text book and course materials is included in tuition fees. Students wishing to purchase their own text book may do so at the time of booking their course or while in Dublin.
Testing and Examination
Examination fees are not included in the course cost and must be paid separately when registering for the examination.
Please note that non-EU students taking a course of 25 weeks or more are obliged to take an approved,external Examination during this period.
Students who take a course of 4 weeks or more have the option of taking an end-of-course test.
A test is administered to students who may be deemed ready to move to a higher level during their programme.
Social Activities
Alpha College organises Saturday excursions all year except during the Christmas holiday period.
We offer excursions or visits on 1-3 afternoons perweek depending on the time of year and on one evening perweek.
Our excursions provide a unique opportunity for students to practise their English in authentic settings. Our guides are experienced and knowledgeable and know Dublin’s most interesting places. This guide service is completely free of charge. Students may have to pay admission charges on some excursions. The average cost in such cases is €4.00.
When out-of-Dublin coach tours are organised students pay a fee to cover the cost of coach hire and any entrance charges required.
Alpha College organises a range of interactive in-house activities throughout the year. Students love these community- focused activities as they provide a multinational community environment in which to improve their English communication skills.
We also make available to students information on many more visits, excursions, non English-language courses and sporting fixtures which they may enjoy on their own or with other students.
Terms
Age Requirement
Students must be 16 years of age or over to attend a course in our adult school. 1 week. There is no maximum period.
Registration
To register for any course you should book the course online,non-refundable administration fee, if applicable, at least 4 weeks before course commencement dates.
All fees must be paid in full by the course commencement date. New students may only join classes on a Monday.
Disciplinary Action
Alpha College of English reserves the right to expel a student who has been involved in anti-social behaviour, bullying or violence towards a student or staff member, alcohol or drug abuse, misuse of internet/e-mail facilities,shop-lifting, damaging of college or host family property,non payment of fees.
No refunds are given in the case of expulsion for whatever reason.
All repatriation expenses in such instances are the responsibility of the student. If we expel a non-EU passport holder we inform the Immigration authorities accordingly.
Student Complaints
Students experiencing problems are encouraged to inform Alpha personnel about them. It is the policy of Alpha College to deal quickly and sensitively with any problems which may arise.
Cancellation Policy
The administration fee is not refunded under any circumstances. A cancellation fee of €250 applies when a course is cancelled less than 1 week before course commencement date.
Refunds
The Administration fee is not refunded under any circumstances.
No tuition refunds are given for late arrivals, early departures or absences, for whatever reason, from classes during any course.
In some cases homestay accommodation costs may be refunded but only for full weeks which have not been used up.
Accommodation costs are never refunded for a portion of a week.
