Student guide

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

Online Test

It is now time to complete your online test. Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed and complete the test here.

What You Need to Bring to Ireland

Aside from the usual items for a holiday, please ensure you bring:
  • Raincoat
  • Refillable hot/cold drinks container/water bottle (plastic water bottles    are not sold or provided; there are water fountains around the school)
  • Paper and pen

SCHOOL LOCATION

Our classes are held at the beautiful Parnell Square building near O’Connell Street, about a 10-minute walk from our Meetinghouse Lane location. Address: 39 Parnell Square W, Rotunda, Dublin, D01 W7P9

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

You’ll have 15 hours of English classes per week, combining lessons with English in Action activities, allowing you to engage with local culture and practice language skills in real-world settings. Activities include tasks like street surveys and visits to local sites.

ARRIVAL AND CONTACT INFORMATION

Upon arrival, our friendly ISI representatives will meet you at Dublin Airport to ensure you have a smooth start to your programme.
In case of last-minute changes to your travel schedule or if there’s any update regarding your host family, our representative will share the latest information with you at the airport.
Important Contact Numbers:
  • Emergency Contact (non-office hours only): +353 87 786 4937
    Use this number only for urgent situations outside of regular hours to help us assist you quickly.
  • Junior Programme Hotline (office hours): +353 86 165 9832
This WhatsApp number is here for general questions and recommendations on activities or for assistance during your free time.
To dial any Irish telephone number, exclude the first “0” & replace it with + 353. The prefix for Dublin is 01 so dial a local number (ISI) + 353 1 8727888. This also applies to the mobile prefix of 085, 086, or 087 drop the 1st 0 & replace it with + 353.

YOUR HOST FAMILY EXPERIENCE

You’ll stay with a host family in the suburban areas of Dublin, giving you a real taste of Irish life. Travel time to the school may be up to 75 minutes.
Host families are friendly, working professionals who look forward to welcoming you.

Key Tip:

Always communicate openly with your host family! If you have any questions, concerns, or special needs, let them know. They’re here to help make your stay enjoyable, and good communication will ensure you have a comfortable experience.

House Rules:

Host families have individual rules, so be open to discussing these if needed. If any issues arise, communicate with your host family first, then with your  Group Leader or ISI reception staff on your first school day if necessary.

Meals and Bathroom Use:

Your host will let you know the best time for meals and bathroom access.

Curfew:

Winter curfew is 21.00, and summer curfew is 22.00. Please return to your host family’s home on time.

FIRST DAY AT SCHOOL

  • Travel Tips: Give yourself extra time on your first day.
  • Travel Pass: A travel pass, provided upon arrival, will cover your public transport needs.

Important Safety Guidelines

  • Always follow instructions from ISI staff, leaders, and host family rules.
  • Carry your mobile phone, fully charged and switched on.
  • Keep your Travel Card in a safe place.
  • Carry the ISI emergency phone and host family contact details with you.
  • Never enter public parks without adult supervision or take shortcuts.
  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or original ID/documents.
  • Never leave your bag unattended in public spaces.
  • Refrain from making noise or talking to strangers in public.

Other Guidelines:

  • Respect must be shown to all teachers, host families, staff, and students.
  • Complete all homework assigned by teachers.
  • Do not stay in the city centre after your curfew time.
  • Socialise only in the local host family area until your curfew time.
  • Keep host families informed of where you are.

DISCIPLINE & BEHAVIOUR AGREEMENT

All students must adhere to Irish law and the following ISI Dublin rules:
You must not:
  • Consume alcohol.
  • Take illegal drugs or un-prescribed medication.
  • Smoke either tobacco products or vapes.
  • Drive a car or motorbike.
  • Stay away overnight without permission.
  • Be absent from school without permission.
  • Leave school premises without permission.
  • Travel outside the residential area without permission.
  • Borrow/lend money from/to classmates.
  • Invite friends to your accommodation without prior permission.
  • Engage in any kind of bullying.
  • Use mobile phones during class unless instructed.
  • Work in any paid employment.
  • Obtain tattoos or body piercings (without prior agreement).
  • Cook in host family homes without permission.
  • Engage in sexual relationships.
  • Carry out any acts causing injury or damage to property.
  • Stay out after curfew time.
  • Disrupt class or behave inappropriately.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION

Breaches of rules may result in:

  • Stage 1: Formal Verbal Warning
  • Stage 2: First Written Warning
  • Stage 3: Final Written Warning
  • Stage 4: Expulsion (for serious breaches)

Immediate expulsion may occur for illegal activities, with no refund of fees.

We hope these guidelines help make your experience in Dublin enjoyable and memorable.

Welcome to ISI Dublin, and let’s make the most of this journey together!