JOELLE COADE, MANAGING DIRECTOR, ACET CORK
Why would a student choose your school?
We are a family owned business and we like to think this represents a key selling point as there is consistent long-term leadership. We have a reputation of quality and professionalism. This comes from our belief in serving our students and our partners (who send us students), with friendliness, flexibility, efficiency, reliability, excellent teaching standards.
While our core activity is English Language Training, we offer a range of services including a choice of accommodation, a social programme and students social welfare. Our students and partners have 24 hours experience from the time they arrive to the time they return home. ACET aims to deliver quality courses in a learner-centred for international students in a positive and inclusive environment. We offer a full range of student support services and aim to enable our students to enjoy their experience in Cork.
In your opinion, what are the main benefits for a student to study abroad?
There are many benefits of studying abroad. Students improve their language skills. Experience a different style of teaching. Impress employers. It always looks good on your CV that you have experienced living abroad. Enhance your network. Learn about new cultures and perspectives. Develop your confidence. And best of all, see the world.
How do you see the future of language tourism?
I feel positive for the future of language tourism. The main reason for this kind of travel and experience is to improve language skills and to be able to grow professionally in the future. However, those who embark on this type of experience often have a second reason: to grow at a personal level. The idea is simple: facing unknown situations allows you to get to know yourself better and learn how to handle difficult situations. There will always be the interest in learning, becoming familiar with the destination, and being able to thrive in a new social and cultural environment.
What types of courses do you think will be most in demand in the future?
While examination preparation courses are always very popular. I have seen a significant rise in family programme bookings. More and more, parents want their children exposed to different languages and cultures from an early age.
With our language courses for all members of the family, children can have fun with other kids from around the world while parents benefit from an active holiday immersed in a new culture. And everyone in the family can share what they’ve learned in the evenings!
THE SCHOOL
Name of School
Country/City
Cork/Ireland
The most significant things the school can offer
ACET is a family run school with more than 45 years’ experience, located in an elegant & stylish building in the heart of Cork city centre. Our boutique school boasts a Georgian chic interior with excellent facilities & technology to enhance learning. A Study room with an extensive library of books, supplementary materials at all levels and listening stations. We have a cinema room with a collection of DVDs, Coffee room and an attractive garden. Our School Syllabus focuses on communication and learning skills with 7 levels available from A1 to C2 (Beginner to Upper Advanced).
Successful completion of each level is linked to a clear set of ‘can do’ statements. ACET provides free language counselling service and all our teachers hold a university degree and a professional EFL qualification.
A recent visit from Ireland’s Taoiseach, Mr. Micheál Martin (The Irish Prime Minister) to show support during this difficult Covid times demonstrated the value that ACET provides to clients.
Types of courses taught at school
Our courses focus on the development of communication skills and learner autonomy through:
• The setting of achievable learning objectives
• The adaptation of the syllabus to clients’ needs
• The teaching of study skills
• The decentralisation of classes
• The use of communicative activities which mirror the ‘real world’
• The use of ‘can do’ statements to establish progress and proficiency
• The use of classroom technology – laptops and online activities to encourage learner autonomy and continuous learning
ACET offers a range of courses: Standard & Intensive English, IELTS/TOEFL/TOEIC and Cambridge Examination Preparation courses, Corporate Language Training Courses, Professional Work Internship, Courses for Overseas Teachers of English, Aviation and Military English, Gold Programme (50+), Family and Junior Programmes.
Attractions around the school and in the city in general
Cork is Ireland’s second city with a population of 190,000.
Cork is a beautiful city with unique architecture.
Cork has the benefits of a larger city but its layout means that it can still be visited on foot.
Cork has a unique city shopping environment with a mixture of Irish and international shops.
Cork benefits from an excellent cultural programme of entertainment throughout the year, being a university city with a youthful population and a buzzing nightlife.
Cork is the gourmet capital of Ireland with award winning restaurants and a tradition of fine cuisine with artisan food specialties using fresh produce.
Cork has excellent facilities for sports such as golf, sailing, tennis, horse riding.
Cork is the door to the beautiful south west of Ireland & the famous Wild Atlantic Way.
Cork is currently home to multinational headquarters of Apple, Pfizer, EMC which employs many past students. Many are opening new city centre offices offering jobs to bilingual speakers.