English Classes

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.

Cork Migrant Centre English classes (facilitated by Cork ETB).

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 FETCH – this can be difficult to navigate so please email brijcork@gmail.com or ask a volunteer if you need help. Contact Mary Ryder of Cork ETB on 086 048 7404.

UCC Language Centre are offering 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
• Listen to audiobooks (BorrowBox is free with Cork City Library)
• Read books (Charity shops such as the Down Syndrome Cork bookshop in Merchant’s Quay Shopping Centre have very cheap books for sale)
• Watch videos with subtitles
• Listen to music
• Use apps like Hello English and Duolingo