Our Intermediate students have compiled their top 10 tips for improving your English. All budding English students take note!
LEARNING ENGLISH IN IRELAND - TOP 10 TIPS
1. Avoid coming to Ireland with friends or students from the same country as you.
2. You should have an English dictionary with you/
3. Speak English at all time
4. Avoid speaking in your own language
5. It’s a good idea to have a knowledge of English grammar before you come here.
6. Don’t miss any opportunity to meet natives and speak with them
7. Watching English TV and films may prepare you to listen to Irish people speak.
8. Read newspapers and books
9. Live in a host family and talk with them in English.
10. Build a relationship with native people.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Google Street View comes to Bray
Now everyone can see what a gorgeous sunny day in Bray is like. Google Street View is a new feature in Google Maps that provides panoramic views along many streets in the world. Click on this link to get the Street View of Dunluice House: Street View
Turn the camera around with your mouse to see the spectacular view of the Irish Sea we all enjoy from here at Dunluice House!
Turn the camera around with your mouse to see the spectacular view of the Irish Sea we all enjoy from here at Dunluice House!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Irish pubs - a great way to meet people and practise your English!
Everyone knows Irish pubs are a great night out. They are also a great way to meet people and to practise your English. The Upper-Intermediate class decided to write about their experiences of the Irish social scene.....
Pubs in Ireland
Irish pubs (because every foreign student calls them Irish because they are very singular for us and they look very different to our typical pubs in our countries) are gorgeous.
You can find typical live Irish music and many kinds of beers. Guinness is one of the most drunk beers here, but one pint is a little bit expensive for students. Therefore, we prefer to drink other kinds of beers like Fosters, Carlsberg, etc.
You can find a lot of lonely men in the pub drinking a beer and listening to music or watching horse races. They could seem unfriendly, but they are really nice. You can practise your English for free with native speakers, if you sit down near these people. It could be a good experience, you are going to improve your English significantly.
In our opinion, we recommend The Hibernian, near the Dart station, because it’s very relaxing and quiet. The waiters are very friendly and prices aren’t very high.
You’re always welcome there. Visit it! It will be an unforgettable experience!
Personal experience in the pub
I am Tomas and I am studying in Bray. I’ve been here a week and I have visited some of the local pubs. Ireland is famous for being the country where most beer is drunk. That’s why there is a pub in every street. The most popular beer is “Guinness”. It has a special taste with less gas. The best place to have a Guinness is Temple Bar. It’s one of the best districts in the world, with people from every where walking and enjoying the night life of Dublin. In every pub and every corner of Temple Bar there are musicians playing different instruments and different kinds of music.
Music in Ireland
In Ireland, it’s very common to see on the streets different groups of people playing different kinds of music. For example rock music, pop music….it’s really nice! In general, these people are only doing that in their free time, but others are professional.
Especially, the people who play Irish music. In these cases, sometimes you can also see Irish dance at the same time. It’s incredible! The steps are very fast and the movements very rhythmic.
Friday, August 13, 2010
10 necessary things to bring to Ireland
Our Pre-Intermediate class compiled a list of 10 things that you need when visiting Ireland. So if you're planning on coming here - read on to hear what they came up with!
If you come to Ireland you mustn't forget your camera because you will see a lot of landscapes and this is the best way that you can remember this beautiful country.
Josep
I think an MP3 player is a necessary thing to bring to Ireland because in Ireland there is a lot of nature and for example on a mountain you can listen to Irish music and relax alone enjoying the wonderful views while you listen to the music.
Virginia
You must bring clothes for all seasons because you'll stay in Ireland a lot of time and also because the weather changes very quickly, the best way to dress is is like an onion (with different layers)!
Giuseppe
You need a dictionary because if you want to know how to pronounce some words you can look for their phonetics or if you don't remember or if you don't know other words you can find them in the dictionary. Also you can use it to solve your questions and talk with English people.
Alvaro
It is important to have aspirin for a hangover when you go to parties and drink a lot of beer and if you have a headache. You can go to lots of parties in Ireland!
Mirella
You should bring an ID Card because if you don't bring it, you won't be able to buy some beers and you can't enter in a disco or pub. Maybe the doorman will ask for your ID Card.
Daniel
I think the bags are very necesary to bring your notebook and pencils to the school. You can save your lunch from your house every day and put your camera and wallet and more important things into your bag. The necessary things to take inside are books, food, etc... You’ll want to go on many trips and the bags are necessary to bring all you need to another place.
Valeria and Adrian
You can use trekking shoes for going to the mountain and running on the beach. They are very useful for visiting all places and walking all day or doing a large journey. You can use them in all types of weather.
Nuria and Angel
If you don't have money, you don't travel! Money is needed to visit museums, eat in the typical restaurants and to be able to stay.
Diana
You need an adapter plug because in Ireland the plug has 3 fuses. You need an adapter to recharge your mobile phone battery, computer battery and to use the hairdryer or other things that need a plug.
Sandra
If you come to Ireland you mustn't forget your camera because you will see a lot of landscapes and this is the best way that you can remember this beautiful country.
Josep
I think an MP3 player is a necessary thing to bring to Ireland because in Ireland there is a lot of nature and for example on a mountain you can listen to Irish music and relax alone enjoying the wonderful views while you listen to the music.
Virginia
You must bring clothes for all seasons because you'll stay in Ireland a lot of time and also because the weather changes very quickly, the best way to dress is is like an onion (with different layers)!
Giuseppe
You need a dictionary because if you want to know how to pronounce some words you can look for their phonetics or if you don't remember or if you don't know other words you can find them in the dictionary. Also you can use it to solve your questions and talk with English people.
Alvaro
It is important to have aspirin for a hangover when you go to parties and drink a lot of beer and if you have a headache. You can go to lots of parties in Ireland!
Mirella
You should bring an ID Card because if you don't bring it, you won't be able to buy some beers and you can't enter in a disco or pub. Maybe the doorman will ask for your ID Card.
Daniel
I think the bags are very necesary to bring your notebook and pencils to the school. You can save your lunch from your house every day and put your camera and wallet and more important things into your bag. The necessary things to take inside are books, food, etc... You’ll want to go on many trips and the bags are necessary to bring all you need to another place.
Valeria and Adrian
You can use trekking shoes for going to the mountain and running on the beach. They are very useful for visiting all places and walking all day or doing a large journey. You can use them in all types of weather.
Nuria and Angel
If you don't have money, you don't travel! Money is needed to visit museums, eat in the typical restaurants and to be able to stay.
Diana
You need an adapter plug because in Ireland the plug has 3 fuses. You need an adapter to recharge your mobile phone battery, computer battery and to use the hairdryer or other things that need a plug.
Sandra
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Emirates Day
On Friday July 30th 2010, ATC Language & Travel hosted ‘Emirates Day’ at the Global Irish Institute on the UCD’s Belfield campus. Emirates Day was organised by over 100 Emirati students who have been attending full immersion English language and cultural programmes with ATC over the past 5 weeks. The student body is comprised of 40 boys that lived with host families and attended classes and activities in Blackrock College and 60 girls on campus in residence at University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4.
The students with ATC are part of a group of 200 high achieving Emirati students between the ages of 16 and 17 that were selected by the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) to attend an English language course for five weeks and act as cultural ambassadors for the UAE during their stay.
It is the first time groups of students from UAE have travelled to Ireland for English courses; both ATC and their partner agency have received excellent assistance throughout from the Irish Ambassador and the Embassy in the UAE; Ms. Aiveen Ryan, the Tourism Ireland Marketing Manager for the region and in Ireland from Fionnan Nestor of Fáilte Ireland.
The events scheduled as part of Emirates Day included:
1- National anthem.
2- Part reading of Holy Quran.
3- Opening speech (female & male students).
4- Documentary film about UAE.
5- Traditional folklore dance (Ayalah).
6- Short movie about HH Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zaid delegation.
7- Invitation to Emirates day fair.
Exhibition sections:
1- UAE pictures section viewing the level of UAE developments in all sides.
2- HH Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zaid section (CV, Pictures & achievements).
3- Student's pictures of view in Ireland.
4- Emirate food court and traditional dishes.
5- Henna section.
6- Heritage section (photos, clothes, sculptures & Arabic incense)
The ‘Emirates Day’ was a great success and it was a wonderful opportunity for the students from both centres to demonstrate aspects of their culture to the other international students, their host families and the staff of ATC.
We are delighted that ADEC chose ATC and Ireland as a destination for learning English, and grateful to the students and leaders from the United Arab Emirates for sharing this rich cultural experience with us. It has been our pleasure to host them and we hope they will bring many wonderful memories back home, and share these with their friends and families. We look forward to having the opportunity of welcoming more students from the UAE to Ireland in the near future.
The students with ATC are part of a group of 200 high achieving Emirati students between the ages of 16 and 17 that were selected by the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) to attend an English language course for five weeks and act as cultural ambassadors for the UAE during their stay.
It is the first time groups of students from UAE have travelled to Ireland for English courses; both ATC and their partner agency have received excellent assistance throughout from the Irish Ambassador and the Embassy in the UAE; Ms. Aiveen Ryan, the Tourism Ireland Marketing Manager for the region and in Ireland from Fionnan Nestor of Fáilte Ireland.
The events scheduled as part of Emirates Day included:
1- National anthem.
2- Part reading of Holy Quran.
3- Opening speech (female & male students).
4- Documentary film about UAE.
5- Traditional folklore dance (Ayalah).
6- Short movie about HH Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zaid delegation.
7- Invitation to Emirates day fair.
Exhibition sections:
1- UAE pictures section viewing the level of UAE developments in all sides.
2- HH Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zaid section (CV, Pictures & achievements).
3- Student's pictures of view in Ireland.
4- Emirate food court and traditional dishes.
5- Henna section.
6- Heritage section (photos, clothes, sculptures & Arabic incense)
The ‘Emirates Day’ was a great success and it was a wonderful opportunity for the students from both centres to demonstrate aspects of their culture to the other international students, their host families and the staff of ATC.
We are delighted that ADEC chose ATC and Ireland as a destination for learning English, and grateful to the students and leaders from the United Arab Emirates for sharing this rich cultural experience with us. It has been our pleasure to host them and we hope they will bring many wonderful memories back home, and share these with their friends and families. We look forward to having the opportunity of welcoming more students from the UAE to Ireland in the near future.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Things to do when you're in Ireland
Our students wrote this wonderful piece on places you should go to when you visit Ireland. It's an interesting read!
WHAT TO DO IN IRELAND?
Ireland is a beautiful country with a mix between modern and old-style arquitecture. Everything here is history: the city of Dublin, for example, with its cathedral, museums, parks, public transports, shows, entertainment, landscape. The best thing about the country is people. They are always very friendly. In the city of Dublin you can find a lot of different things to do.
If you like art or historical buildings, you can visit the two cathedrals in the city: St. Patrick’s and Christ Church. You can visit also the City Hall and The Trinity College with its spectacular library. If you prefer to go shopping, the place to go is O’Connell Street. It is a long street close to the city centre. If you like beer, you have to visit The Guinness StoreHouse where you will learn how to make beer and the best thing about the visit is that you get to taste a pint and enjoy the sights of Dublin in the bar situated at the top of the building.
At the end of the day, you can relax in the famous Temple Bar where you will enjoy the Irish music and the Irish lifestyle.
In the north of Ireland, it is really interesting to visit the Giant’s Causeway. It lies at the foot of the basalt cliffs along the rugged Antrim coast of Northern Ireland. This intriguing rock formation is made up of some 40,000 massive black basalt columns sticking out of the sea and has been shrouded in myth and legends for centuries. As soon as you see it, you will understand why it is hard to believe how this bizarre rock structure was naturally formed. The ancient Irish was convinced that this natural formation was made from a giant called MacCool: giant among giants and leader of the Guardians of the Ireland’s king. He made the Giant’s Causeway to create a connection between Ireland and the UK.
Finally, you can’t leave Ireland without visiting Galway which is situated in the West. It is a small city with a pedestrian zone in the centre. There are a lot of shops there, mainly a lot of souvenir shops because Galway is one of the most famous cities in Ireland. You can relax walking by the Claddagh around the bay, and feed a lot of swans which are always there, waiting for some bread from tourists.
At night, there are a lot of pubs you can visit to enjoy the Irish music with your friends. The most famous are Monroe’s and King’s Head. You can’t leave Galway without trying the typical food Fish&Chips in the restaurant Mc’Donaghs.
And if you want to discover the area around Galway, it is very easy to rent a car and travel through The National Park Connemara and another different idea is to travel by bus to The Cliffs of Moher in Co. of Shannon. You will enjoy the sight of the Ocean and Aran Island which are in front of the Galway’s Bay. You can travel to the Aran Island by ferry and there, the best idea is to rent a bicycle and discover the archaeological deposits by yourself.
We hope you enjoy your time in Ireland and come back as soon as possible!!!
WHAT TO DO IN IRELAND?
Ireland is a beautiful country with a mix between modern and old-style arquitecture. Everything here is history: the city of Dublin, for example, with its cathedral, museums, parks, public transports, shows, entertainment, landscape. The best thing about the country is people. They are always very friendly. In the city of Dublin you can find a lot of different things to do.
If you like art or historical buildings, you can visit the two cathedrals in the city: St. Patrick’s and Christ Church. You can visit also the City Hall and The Trinity College with its spectacular library. If you prefer to go shopping, the place to go is O’Connell Street. It is a long street close to the city centre. If you like beer, you have to visit The Guinness StoreHouse where you will learn how to make beer and the best thing about the visit is that you get to taste a pint and enjoy the sights of Dublin in the bar situated at the top of the building.
In the north of Ireland, it is really interesting to visit the Giant’s Causeway. It lies at the foot of the basalt cliffs along the rugged Antrim coast of Northern Ireland. This intriguing rock formation is made up of some 40,000 massive black basalt columns sticking out of the sea and has been shrouded in myth and legends for centuries. As soon as you see it, you will understand why it is hard to believe how this bizarre rock structure was naturally formed. The ancient Irish was convinced that this natural formation was made from a giant called MacCool: giant among giants and leader of the Guardians of the Ireland’s king. He made the Giant’s Causeway to create a connection between Ireland and the UK.
At night, there are a lot of pubs you can visit to enjoy the Irish music with your friends. The most famous are Monroe’s and King’s Head. You can’t leave Galway without trying the typical food Fish&Chips in the restaurant Mc’Donaghs.
And if you want to discover the area around Galway, it is very easy to rent a car and travel through The National Park Connemara and another different idea is to travel by bus to The Cliffs of Moher in Co. of Shannon. You will enjoy the sight of the Ocean and Aran Island which are in front of the Galway’s Bay. You can travel to the Aran Island by ferry and there, the best idea is to rent a bicycle and discover the archaeological deposits by yourself.
We hope you enjoy your time in Ireland and come back as soon as possible!!!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Tips to improve your English
We know that learning English isn't always easy. So to make it easier for you two of our students have come up with helpful tips to improve your English. Read on to hear Lorena Gracia and Maite Zorroza's top tips.
- Try to join up with Irish people, in your free-time
o Make the most of speaking with your host family
o If you share a flat do it with people from other countries
- Read every day
o Newspapers: Metro is a free newspaper that you can find every morning in the Dart Station (Bray). You also can buy others like: The Irish Independent, The Sunday Times.
o Magazines: the topic is not important, it's important to read and understand it.
o Books: In ATC`s library you`ll find different levels.
- TV & Radio
o Movies: You can borrow from ATC School a large variety of films (DVDs), at first you can choose the option with subtitles and step by step you will be able to understand pieces of the movie without reading the subtitles.
o Radio: especially for songs in English.
- Internet
o BBC learning English - http://www.bbc.co.uk/
- Grammar, vocabulary, listening, news...
o Habla mejor ingles - http://www.hablamejoringles.com/
- Every week this teacher solves the most common mistakes of Spanish people
o Método Vaughan - www.vausys.com
o Oxford University Express - www.oup.com
- Exercises
o Word reference - www.wordreference.com
- Vocabulary
- Also, you can meet Irish people and do a language conversation exchange then, you can improve your English and the next time you will speak your mother tongue. In Trinity College (Dublin) you will find posters about this, ask in the Student’s Union House 6.
- Speak English always, even if you don`t know the word try to explain it.
- Every Wednesday you have the opportunity to attend a class called “Business English”, it`s free and there you will learn how to prepare an interview, how to make a presentation or how to do your CV or cover letter.
- Sing, sing, sing! Try to understand the lyrics of songs which you hear, and after you can check on the internet.
- To learn a new word repeat it over and over again
- Be patient
*Original work edited for publication
- Try to join up with Irish people, in your free-time
o Make the most of speaking with your host family
o If you share a flat do it with people from other countries
- Read every day
o Newspapers: Metro is a free newspaper that you can find every morning in the Dart Station (Bray). You also can buy others like: The Irish Independent, The Sunday Times.
o Magazines: the topic is not important, it's important to read and understand it.
o Books: In ATC`s library you`ll find different levels.
- TV & Radio
o Movies: You can borrow from ATC School a large variety of films (DVDs), at first you can choose the option with subtitles and step by step you will be able to understand pieces of the movie without reading the subtitles.
o Radio: especially for songs in English.
- Internet
o BBC learning English - http://www.bbc.co.uk/
- Grammar, vocabulary, listening, news...
o Habla mejor ingles - http://www.hablamejoringles.com/
- Every week this teacher solves the most common mistakes of Spanish people
o Método Vaughan - www.vausys.com
o Oxford University Express - www.oup.com
- Exercises
o Word reference - www.wordreference.com
- Vocabulary
- Also, you can meet Irish people and do a language conversation exchange then, you can improve your English and the next time you will speak your mother tongue. In Trinity College (Dublin) you will find posters about this, ask in the Student’s Union House 6.
- Speak English always, even if you don`t know the word try to explain it.
- Every Wednesday you have the opportunity to attend a class called “Business English”, it`s free and there you will learn how to prepare an interview, how to make a presentation or how to do your CV or cover letter.
- Sing, sing, sing! Try to understand the lyrics of songs which you hear, and after you can check on the internet.
- To learn a new word repeat it over and over again
- Be patient
*Original work edited for publication
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