Studying
English in Northern Ireland
So
what makes Northern Ireland an ideal destination for EFL learners? Firstly,
as a new destination the local people are very interested in meeting
foreign visitors, and always have time to stop and chat. The warmth
of the people is also reflected in the quality of the homestay families
that are offered. Secondly, it is a beautiful unspoiled country, which
boasts many famous such as the Giant's Causeway, the breathtaking Carrick-a-rede
rope bridge, the rugged North Antrim Coast and the splendid Mountains
of Mourne 'which sweep down to the sea'. Tradition Irish music and dance
are very strong, and there isn't a town or village where a good 'session'
can't be found. It also had strong traditions of both Irish and British
culture, making it quite a unique destination.
Belfast, the capital
city, is a vibrant, lively city with a rich architectural and cultural
heritage, whose docklands and cathedral quarter are currently undergoing
regeneration for the Millennium. Like any major city, Belfast has wide
choice of theatres, cinemas, restaurants, museums and art galleries.
Londonderry or Derry, Northern Ireland's secondary city, is famous amongst
other things for its walls, a symbol of the city's rich legacy of history
and tradition. Derry is situated close to County Donegal, which is famous
for its wild and open beauty. Northern Ireland is a country of contrasts
- it has many areas of splendid isolation, but also towns and cities
that boasts a young and lively atmosphere.
Northern Ireland
has a well-educated population in which its two major universities play
a leading part. The University of Ulster is a large modern university
with a total student population of around 20,000. It is located on four
campuses: Coleraine, on the north coast, Jordanstown to the north of
Belfast, Belfast fast city centre and Magee College on Londonderry.
CELT (the Centre for English Language Training) at the University offer
international students the opportunity to learn English as one of the
most attractive university settings in the United Kingdom CELT's main
administrative centre is at the Coleraine campus, close to the scenic
north coast and Giant's Causeway. CELT has excellent facilities, a fully
equipped sports centre and 24-hour computer access. All students are
also given their own email address. The cities of Belfast and Londonderry
are within easy travelling distance by bus, car or train. Students are
encourages to experience the culture and explore unspoilt countryside
and beautiful beaches of the surrounding area. The courses on offer
include: general and business english courses, english language activity
programmes for teenagers, foundation/access courses, pre-sessionaal
courses, teacher training and refresher courses. There is even an 'English
in the Environment' course, which offers a unique opportunity to study
the English language while experiencing the rich environment of coastal
sand dunes, beaches, rocky shores, forests and mountains of Northern
Ireland
When Queen's was
established in 1845 on open land at the edge of Belfast, its founders
could not have foreseen that, 150 years, the surrounding area would
have become one of liveliest parts of Belfast, with excellent shops,
cinemas, theatres, pubs and restaurants - all within easy walking distance.
Those who visit Belfast and Queen's are always impressed by the friendliness
of their welcome, the attractive, easygoing lifestyle with its distinctive
culture, and the natural beauty of the Irish landscape which has survived
virtually unspoiled and unpolluted in this modern age.
The TEFL centre
at Queen's give students from all over the world the opportunity to
attend courses designed to improve their English, while at the same
time learning about Irish culture and enjoying the lively social life.
All classes are based on the 'communicative approach' to language learning,
which involves the active participation of all members of the class,
and places strong emphasis on the development of fluent oral skills.
The TEFL centre offers courses in General English and Pre-sessional
English all year round. In the summer, these are supplemented by a wide
variety of interesting courses including Irish Studies, an introduction
to aspects of contemporary culture and politics, Business English, international
marketing, English with golf (which gives access to some of the best
golf courses in the world!), and language and methodology refresher
courses for non-native teachers of English. The centre also gives students
the opportunity to take the Cambridge IELTS examinations.
Students who take
part in our courses have full access to the University's excellent sports
centre, library and computer facilities, which include a new CAN 8 multi-media
language laboratory. Excursions are organised to all of Northern Ireland's
beauty spots as well as Dublin, which is only two hours away. Students
also have the opportunity to learn Irish set dancing, which is one of
the most popular social activities. The one thing that surprised visitors
to Belfast is how normal life really is.
Both TEFL at Queen's
University and CELT at the University of Ulster are accredited by the
British Council.
