Student Guide for School Groups

Practical information before and during your stay in Dublin

This guide gives general information for School Group students. Your group’s confirmed programme, accommodation details and instructions from your Group Leader or ISI Dublin always take priority where they are more specific.

Before you arrive

Online English test

If your group has been asked to complete the ISI junior English test before arrival, choose a quiet place and complete it using the link provided by your school or Group Leader.

What to bring

  • A raincoat or waterproof jacket
  • A refillable water bottle
  • Paper and a pen
  • A charged mobile phone and the contact details supplied for your group

Your School Group campus

Your teaching location is confirmed with your final programme. The current 2027 School Group campuses are:

  • 4 Meetinghouse Lane, Dublin 7 — year-round School Group base
  • Belvedere College, Dublin 1 — summer campus from 30 June to 4 August 2027

Older references to Parnell Square should not be treated as the default School Group location for 2027.

Programme overview

Standard School Groups can study either 15 hours (SCH15) or 20 hours (SCH20) of English per week. The programme can combine General English with practical learning modules, cultural activities and excursions.

Your final timetable may use morning or afternoon tuition and is confirmed for your individual group.

Arrival in Dublin

Return airport transfers are included in the standard School Group package. Your Group Leader will receive the current meeting and transfer instructions for your arrival.

If a travel pass or other local transport element has been included in your group programme, you will receive the applicable instructions on arrival. A bus pass is not automatically included in every standard School Group package.

Host Family experience

Students staying with host families live in residential areas of Dublin. Current 2027 guidance is approximately 40–70 minutes door-to-door to the school.

Full board includes breakfast, a packed lunch and dinner. Students should communicate respectfully with their host family about household routines, meals and any questions they may have.

House rules

Every household has its own routines. Ask your host family before using household appliances other than normal agreed facilities and respect rules around meals, heating, showers and evening return times.

Dietary requirements

Food allergies and dietary requirements should be disclosed before arrival whenever possible so appropriate arrangements can be reviewed.

Curfew

Legacy ISI group guidance uses a 21:00 curfew during the September-to-June period and a 22:00 summer curfew. Your group-specific instructions take priority if a different rule has been formally communicated.

First day and travel

  • Allow extra time for your first journey to school.
  • Keep any travel card issued to you safe.
  • Carry your mobile phone charged and switched on.
  • Follow instructions from your Group Leader, ISI staff and accommodation provider.

Safety and behaviour

Students must follow Irish law, ISI rules, instructions from Group Leaders and the rules of their accommodation. School Group welfare guidance includes expectations around respectful behaviour, attendance, personal safety and appropriate use of free time.

  • No alcohol, illegal drugs or vaping/smoking.
  • No unauthorised overnight stays or absence from school.
  • No bullying or disruptive behaviour.
  • Do not leave the group or agreed residential area without permission.
  • Do not stay out after the communicated curfew.
  • Keep host families and Group Leaders informed as required.

Support during your stay

If you have a concern, speak first with your Group Leader or the appropriate ISI team. The main ISI telephone number is +353 1 872 7888. Group Leaders receive the current emergency contact arrangements for the programme before or on arrival.

Enjoy the experience

School Group programmes are designed to combine English learning with Dublin culture and real-life experiences. Ask questions, take part in activities, use your English and make the most of your time in Ireland.