| |

English Classes

The image has a bright green background. White text spells 'English Classes'. Three white icons are below the text. From left to right, a person's head speaking, a book with 'EN' on the front of it, and a person teaching a group of three people.

When you arrive in Ireland, your first priority should be to learn English. Learning the local language allows you to study, find a job, and integrate into the community.

There are English classes offered by several organisations in Cork City. The below classes are all free to attend but registration is required. Click on the organisation name to access the website link.

Please note that there is often a waiting list for classes and they often pause over the summer months.

Cork Migrant Centre offer English classes beginners, intermediate, and advanced learners.

Welcome English is a voluntary community organisation committed to meeting the English Language needs of immigrants.

Fáilte Isteach (a project by Third Age Ireland) welcomes migrants through conversational English classes.

Cork City Library Transparent Language (online). Library membership is free.

Cork ETB (Education and Training Board) offer several English classes. Search for classes on the Further Education and Training Course Hub website. Contact Mary Ryder of Cork ETB on 086 048 7404.

UCC Language Centre offers free on-campus English language classes. The courses are taught by supervised trainee teachers (CELTA). To apply, email Rita Flynn at r.flynn@ucc.ie to ask for a registration form. Please write “Free English Course” in the subject box.

The best way to learn a language is to use it as much as possible. Here are some ideas that you can try:

  • Chat with locals – attend events and volunteer to get to know people
  • Read books (Join the Cork City Library or you can purchase books for low prices from charity shops such as the Down Syndrome Cork bookshop in Merchant’s Quay Shopping Centre)
  • Listen to audiobooks (BorrowBox is free with Cork City Library)
  • Watch videos with subtitles
  • Listen to music
  • Use apps like Hello English and Duolingo 

-