What I love about ATC is, firstly, all the teachers are very professional and the lessons are delivered in various ways. Speaking practice is the main focus, and the most important thing to me is that my classmates are from all over the world. Since there are lots of opportunities to speak, it is easy to make friends!
ATC Language Schools are always delighted to welcome students from around the world, and work with international associations to promote learning English in Ireland and studying abroad.
In October 2023, ATC Managing Director Colm O’Byrne, travelled with Marketing English in Ireland (MEI) to Korea as part of an Irish government trade mission, to launch a scholarship programme for 9 Korean students to study in Ireland this March.
The scholarship is more than about learning a language; it is an opportunity to learn about, and share in other cultures. As a part of the programme, the cultural ambassadors enjoyed social and cultural activities with the other ambassadors and fellow students.
ATC Director Colm O'Byrne with Simon Harris and other MEI Members on the trade mission to South Korea.
Louise Hunter from ATC, Lorcan O'Connor Lloyd and Rachel Murphy from MEI with Ambassador Kim Yong-kil at the welcome event at the Korean Embassy in Dublin.
Sunim on her 1st day at ATC Dublin with ATC Staff.
We were delighted to welcome Sunim Choi to ATC Dublin in March 2024, as one of the student ambassadors from South Korea, to study English and experience Ireland during one of the most exciting festivals celebrated globally, St Patrick’s Day.
Sunim stayed in the ATC Self-Catering Residence on Cork Street about a 20 minute walk from the school, where she was able to meet other students from around the world, and attended the General English course which was 20 hours per week, from 09:00-13:30 Monday to Friday.
Sunim started in the B1 level class and she progressed to B2 in the 4 weeks she was studying with ATC Language Schools. She took part in many social programme activities, including the St. Patrick’s Day Raffle and the Easter Games Day.
We were happy to see that Sunim settled in quickly, making friends with the other students, and taking part in many social activities, both organised by ATC and by the students themselves.
Sunim first visited Ireland over 7 years ago and this was the perfect programme for her to return and rediscover why Ireland captivated her. She shared many pictures and videos of her adventures exploring Dublin and Ireland on her Instagram account @koreancraic. We are delighted that Sunim was able to travel so freely around the country and see so many of the amazing places that Ireland has to offer.
Sunim visiting a ruin in Dalkey on an ATC Social Programme Activity.
Sunim enjoying an independent trip to the beautiful Kilkenny city in the midlands.
Sunim with her certificate on her last day at ATC Dublin.
We were sad that Sunim’s time at ATC had to end, but we were happy that she had progressed in her classes, improved her English skills and enjoyed her experience in Ireland. She received an end of course certificate on her last day of classes that showed the level of English she finished with, as well as how many hours per week she studied. She was presented with her certificate in our weekly graduation ceremony along with other students that were finishing their studies with ATC.
Sunim was a pleasure to have in the school and if she chooses to come back to study in Ireland, there will be a place for her at ATC Dublin!
You can see a video of Sunim sharing her thoughts on her ATC experience at the bottom of this post.
Of course, none of this would have been possible with the help of MEI’s help. MEI have been representing English language schools all across Ireland since the 1960s. Quality and assurance are central to their mission, ensuring that Ireland remains one of the best places to learn English in the world. As a founding member of MEI, ATC Language Schools believe in providing high quality education to students from across the globe, and we were delighted to take part in this Scholarship Scheme.
Further information about the MEI Scholarship Scheme can be found here – MEI Korean Student Ambassador Scheme