step international dublin fact file

www.kaplaninternational.com 1

Welcome to Kaplan International Dublin. Study English on one of the many programs at our modern school in the heart of Dublin. Dublin is a large city with a village feel, recognized as one of the world’s ‘most livable’ cities.

Known affectionately by its residents as the ‘Fair City’, Dublin gives all its visitors a warm welcome. With an elegant city center rich in cultural history and small enough to walk around, as well as a multitude of stylish bars, fashionable coffee shops and designer boutiques, Dublin has something to offer everyone.

The school is housed in a magnificent Georgian building overlooking the River Liffey. Excellent facilities include a large student common room with computers for personal use, a dedicated study room and free wireless internet access.

Kaplan International

Dublin

Kaplan International Dublin The Presbytery Building 7 Exchange Street Lower Temple Bar, Dublin 8 Ireland

Kaplan International Dublin

Kaplan International College Dublin is recognised by ACELS, a service of Quality and Qualifications Ireland, for English language teaching (ELT).

Kaplan International College Dublinis a member of MEI.


Your first dayOn the first day of your course you need to report to the school reception at 8.30 am. Your first day will be a Monday unless there is a public holiday on the Monday, in which case your first day will be Tuesday. Your course will begin with an all-day introduction that will include:

• Completion of forms and collection of any outstanding payments

• A Placement Test to determine the level of the course you require

• A welcome talk by the Principal or Director of Studies• Information about your classes• Information about the school and area• An overview of school activities and excursions• An introduction to Structured Study• A tour of the school and facilities• A walking tour of DublinYou will also receive information about your classschedule, classroom number, study level, electivecourse, and the hours you are to attend class. We will putyou in the most suitable class for your level of English.Please bring your Kaplan documents, your passport, and pen and paper for note-taking purposes.

ClassroomsThere are 10 large classrooms with typical Georgian high ceilings and double windows. The rooms are bright, airy and spacious. Each room can seat a maximum of 15 students. All rooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards, which allows your teacher to access teaching aids and the Internet during class, and incorporate these into lessons.

Structured Study and Resource CenterThe study center is equipped with computers and tablets with full multimedia facilities. A teacher is available to help students with their studies. A lending service allows students to borrow tablets, books or DVDs for study or recreational purposes.

Student loungeThe common room, where students can relax and socialize between classes, is on the ground floor. There are 6 computers for internet and email access in any language and a 42” TV

Wireless Internet facilitiesThe school provides a free wireless hotspot service forstudents with their own laptops.

CafeteriaThere is no cafeteria in the school. Students can buy lunchfrom the numerous shops nearby and eat in the commonroom. There are facilities for reheating food in the commonroom.

Sports facilitiesThe activities coordinator can help with organising sportsevents.

Gym facilitiesStudents can join the local gym for indoor sports and fitnesstraining.

Activities/Social ProgramA full and varied social program is organized each week.Please see overleaf for an example timetable.

KAPlAn InteRnAtIonAl DublIn

School Facilities

School timetableClass times are subject to change and you should only use this timetable as an example of what type of structure to expect. Classes are from Monday to Friday and you could have classes either morning-only or afternoon-only classes.

Morning timetable08:30 - 10:00 Class10:00 - 10:15 Break10:15 - 11:45 Class

Afternoon timetable 14:30 - 16:00 Class16:00 - 16:15 Break16.15 - 17.45 Classelective classes:First session (A Shift):11:50 - 13:05 (Mon - Thurs)11:50 - 12:50 (Fri)Second session (B Shift):13:10 - 14:25 (Mon - Thurs)13:25 - 14:25 (Fri)


transport - buses and trainsWeekly passes can be bought for the local bus service which can save you time and money. The bus network covers the whole of the Dublin area. Students can check timetables online in the student common room. The train service operates to major cities and local destinations.

banks and post officeThere are many banks in the town center for you to choose from. Always remember to change money and cheques in banks. There is a post office within walking distance of the school. Post boxes are green and located on many street corners.

Restaurants and cafésThere are many different restaurants, cafés and pubs located nearby in Temple Bar.

Department stores and supermarketsThere are small supermarkets and shops located withinwalking distance of the school. Supermarket meals are oftenan economical choice for lunches.

telephone and Internet caféYou can get Irish SIM cards from reception to use in your mobile phone, which offer cheap international rates. The internet can be accessed in the study center or throughout the school using your own device and Kaplan’s free wi-fi.

Places of worship There are places of worship for all religions and faiths closeto the school. A list of these and their locations is posted atthe school.

Cost of living We recommend that you budget 150 Euros for every week of your course. This should be enough for person-al expenses, laundry, local travel and school activities. You will need additional money if you plan to rent a car, take weekend trips or travel.

Approximate prices in eurosSandwiches €5.00 Pizza / pasta (snack) €2.50 Tea / coffee €2.50 Pub meal €12.00 Student Bus Passes 5-day bus pass €17.20 7-day bus and LUAS pass €26.30 30-day bus pass €86.00 These tickets can only be purchased at the above prices by long term students (minimum 6 months) with a Student Travel Card which costs €15


local Information

Sample Activities Schedule Please note that this is a sample program and activities may change.

Week oneMonday Welcome new students - freeTuesday Trip to Guinness Storehouse - €13Wednesday Football match - freeThursday Trip to Kilmainham Jail - €5Friday Walk in Malahide - €15 (including castle entry)Saturday Excursion to Galway one day €40, overnight €90

Week two Monday Visit Francis Bacon's art studio - freeTuesday Pub night - Students pay for their drinksWednesday Cliff walk in Howth - €10Thursday Movie night - €10Friday Evening of Irish dancing - €15Saturday Trip to Glendalough - €25

Half-day trip prices range from €5 - €16.Full-day trip prices range from €15 - €85.

Classroom Students enjoying Irish dancing at one of the pubs in Temple Bar

Ha'penny bridge Temple Bar


Beautiful Irish countryside

Information is subject to change. Published November 2014.

Kaplan transfersYou may have booked the Kaplan Transfer Service to take you from Dublin airport to your accommodation. If so, the taxi will meet you at the Arrivals Hall and take you directly to your accommodation. Kaplan Transfer Service must be arranged in advance. The Kaplan Transfer price for 2015 from Dublin Airport is €95 (one way).

Independent transfersDublin Airport taxis Price: €25+ Journey time: 30 mins. See www.dublinairporttaxis.com

Air Coach/Airlink Journey time: 40 mins (to city centre).Prices: €8.00 one way – Air Coach€6.00 one way – AirlinkSee www.aircoach.ie


transfer Information

step international dublin fact file

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