| The demand for English courses is related to the | | | | as they allow students to experience, first hand, Irish |
| increasing prevalence of English as one of the main | | | | culture and family life. They create a 'home away |
| international languages. Globalisation and the | | | | from home' atmosphere. Ireland is also perceived as |
| acceleration of international trade, commerce and | | | | still being a relatively safe place to visit and this is |
| travel have greatly boosted the demand for English. | | | | probably another important factor in why students |
| Ireland has always been a very popular destination for | | | | choose Ireland. |
| tourists because of its reputation for beautiful scenery | | | | The Lonely Planet travel guide group listed Ireland as |
| and hospitality. This reputation combined with the fact | | | | the Worlds' Friendliest Country, in 2007. The Lonely |
| that English is the primary spoken language means that | | | | Planet's Blue list books are annual collections of the top |
| Ireland is also a top destination for students who want | | | | trends, destinations and experiences around the world. |
| to go abroad to study english. It is estimated that the | | | | In the latest survey, Ireland came in above Fiji, Indonesia |
| EFL sector in Ireland attracts more than 130,000 | | | | and Malawi as the friendliest travel destination. "Visitors |
| students annually. | | | | are always 'in for a treat' and with 'The Troubles' |
| Globally, the British Council has indicated, in a report on | | | | ended, 'a cautious optimism reigns supreme, infecting |
| international education, that the numbers of EFL | | | | the land once again with the sense that anything's |
| students could grow to 2 billion by 2010, which means | | | | possible" Lonely Planet, (2007). |
| there will be more and more students coming to Ireland | | | | Aspects of popular culture including the success of |
| in the future. | | | | bands like U2 and Westlife, as well as the international |
| According to a survey carried out by Dublin Institute of | | | | profile of the Riverdance ensemble and Irish film may |
| Technology in 2006, students from Italy made up the | | | | also have had an influence in advancing a positive |
| largest single nationality group, accounting for 38% of | | | | view of Ireland. Ireland's membership of the EU is also |
| all EFL students who came to Ireland between April | | | | an important factor for students from EU countries. |
| 2005 and March 2006. Spanish (15%) and French | | | | Ireland's historical heritage and literary tradition also |
| students (9%) also made up a sizeable percentage of | | | | carry interest for students. In addition, the awareness |
| students. European students make up an | | | | of the Celtic Tiger economy is relevant to the |
| overwhelming majority of all EFL students in Ireland | | | | perception that Ireland is likely to be an easier country |
| (74%). Students from Asia account for about 10% of | | | | in which to find employment. |
| the total, with the vast majority of these students | | | | There is a greater selection of English courses |
| concentrated in the senior category. | | | | available in Ireland. English programmes are now |
| An important factor, when examining the EFL sector in | | | | widespread throughout the country and not just in |
| Ireland, is the age profile of foreign students who come | | | | Dublin city. Cities like Galway, Limerick and Cork now |
| here. Research carried out by the Language Travel | | | | also have a range of English schools and programmes |
| Magazine (2006) shows that students aged between | | | | to choose from. Some examples of the courses |
| 19 and 24 years of age are the largest group. | | | | include, general English courses, intensive english |
| Interestingly, students aged 19 years and older | | | | courses, homestay english courses. There is a trend |
| represent over 70% of all students. | | | | towards combining English courses with other sports |
| It is interesting to ask the question, why do students | | | | and cultural activites such as horse riding, golf, rugby, |
| choose Ireland rather than other English speaking | | | | fishing. |
| countries? Irelands' reputation for friendliness I think | | | | Other students enjoy spending time in the Irish |
| must be among the top reasons. Ireland has always | | | | countryside by learning English through a stay on a |
| been known for its hospitality and welcome to foreign | | | | farm. |
| visitors. The host families play an important role in this, | | | | The choices are endless! |