General English + Conversation Class

Castleforbes College

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Course description

The General English course is the most popular and in demand course at Castleforbes College. Structured to provide the fundamental basis for the learning of written and spoken language, it offers the knowledge to improve the fluency of English in any situation you are involved in.

The General English course will also teach you the idioms and colloquial terms used in everyday Irish culture, improving your communication skills to make you more fluent. This process will be realised through fun and exciting lessons combined with the use of varied textbooks, audio and video recordings and group activities amongst students.

Course topics

Listening, Speaking, Pronunciation, Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, Grammar and Activities

Class schedule

Course duration
1-16 weeks
Start dates
Every Monday
Classes per week
20 lessons per week (each lesson lasts 60 min)
Class days
Monday - Friday

Class times

Morning session
09:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Lesson
12:30 PM - 01:30 PM

Class schedule may change depending on availability and season.

Class level

Elementary
Pre-intermediate
Intermediate
High intermediate
Advanced
You will take a placement test on your first day to determine your class level. You may also take this test before your arrival in Dublin.

Class size

Average 15 students
Maximum 15 students

Student age

Age range 18 years old and older

Certificate

A certificate of completion will be issued at the end of the course.
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school
photos

Photos

  • Entrance to Castleforbes College 1/32
  • Classroom at Castleforbes College 2/32
  • Entrance to Castleforbes College 3/32
  • Computer room at Castleforbes College 4/32
  • Classes at Castleforbes College 5/32
  • Classes at Castleforbes College 6/32
  • Classes at Castleforbes College 7/32
  • Other 8/32
  • Homestay housing offered by Castleforbes College 9/32
  • Homestay housing offered by Castleforbes College 10/32
  • Homestay housing offered by Castleforbes College 11/32
  • Homestay housing offered by Castleforbes College 12/32
  • Homestay housing offered by Castleforbes College 13/32
  • Homestay housing offered by Castleforbes College 14/32
  • Homestay housing offered by Castleforbes College 15/32
  • Homestay housing offered by Castleforbes College 16/32
  • Activities offered at Castleforbes College 17/32
  • Activities offered at Castleforbes College 18/32
  • Activities offered at Castleforbes College 19/32
  • Activities offered at Castleforbes College 20/32
  • Activities offered at Castleforbes College 21/32
  • Students of Castleforbes College 22/32
  • Apartments offered by Castleforbes College 23/32
  • Apartments offered by Castleforbes College 24/32
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  • Apartments offered by Castleforbes College 29/32
  • Corridor inside Castleforbes College 30/32
  • Castleforbes College 31/32
  • Castleforbes College 32/32
reviews

Reviews

100% recommend

based on 24 reviews
5 stars
21
4 stars
3
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing

"Unforgettable Experience"

Athanasios Katsaneas, student from Greece

It was really an increadible experience to study at Castleforbes College. Everyone in College was friendly and professional and I felt comfortable in class from the first moment. Valentina in reception was very helpful!! Andrew is an excellent teacher!!!

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Date of study
2 Sep 2024 - 6 Sep 2024
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"A very good experience, a week that made me evolve."

fernanda BELTRAN, student from France

I was very well received the first day the person at the reception was a great help to me. The school is well located not too far from the city center and transport is nearby. The teacher Paul put me at ease despite my difficulties
I did not do any activity, because I was only there for a week and my accommodation was not in the school. Nothing to complain about

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Date of study
19 Aug 2024 - 23 Aug 2024
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Great reception"

Gerles Malanquini Sandrini, student from Brazil

Excellent teachers, very receptive and very dynamic.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Date of study
2 Oct 2023 - 6 Oct 2023
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Awesome environment."

Marco Pagnozzi, student from France

The people are there too help you every time. Teachers are awesome and the classmates too. Maybe the next time I'll go with an allocation to be closer to the center because where i lived was a little far away from the school and to do activities is better to be next to the others people of the school.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
10 Jul 2023 - 21 Jul 2023
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Love everything about this language school!"

Alena Palacka, student from Czech Republic

The classes were great! I enjoyed them and learned a lot of useful phrases and vocabulary. My teacher Seamus is the best teacher I have ever had! Recommend their courses! I have only one regret that I couldn´t stay longer than for 1 week as planned.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Date of study
26 Jun 2023 - 30 Jun 2023
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Very good experience"

Mélanie CLUSMAN, student from France

the teachers are good and helpful. We work and learn in a good atmosphere. we recommend this school.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Date of study
12 Dec 2022 - 16 Dec 2022
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"An incredible experience"

Milena Goranova, student from Bulgaria

I liked the classes very much, my teacher Andrew was very good! He explained the material in an interesting way that helped me to understand the essence and to remember what I learned. The host family also was great and I would recommend Castleforbes College to everyone who want to study English in Ireland.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Date of study
5 Sep 2022 - 9 Sep 2022
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Incredible experience"

Sofiya Gospodinova, student from Bulgaria

I was in Elementary class and the teacher and classmates helped me feel comfortable regardless of my elementary English. Games and teamwork in class enabled me learn and be a part of the team. The College is located on walking distance to the city center and is easy accessible. My host was Teresa, an excellent hostess, clean and cozy place. Teresa took care of us with a heart.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Date of study
5 Sep 2022 - 9 Sep 2022
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"An adventure :)"

Mariana Atanasova, student from Bulgaria

My opinion of Castleforbes College is that it is great. Our teacher was amazing, trying to explain in understandable language, including gestures and other methods, how to properly communicate. The course had students of different nationalities and ages. Training came in all forms, even with games. The location of the College is very good, close to the center. The equipment is good, with a place for relaxation and lunch, coffee breaks.

Unfortunately, the time is not enough for me to improve my English level enough.

Thank you for everything Castleforbes College :)

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Date of study
5 Sep 2022 - 9 Sep 2022
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"My pleasant stay in Dublin"

Gianluca Cardinale, student from Italy

I really enjoyed my time in Dublin! Both the school and the shared flat were easy to reach and not that far from the centre of the town. In fact, I used to walk everywhere. My flat mates have been super nice to welcome me and the house in general was good, even though some parts of it could have been cleaned before my arrival, as such the toilet and kitchen.

The school is modern and people working in it are joyful and great! My teacher is a wonderful person and we had a lot of fun during classes that never turned boring! I didn't take part to visits or any other activity planned by the school since I only spent 2 weeks and would go on my own instead, but as far as I know there's plenty of stuff they do and people going for those. I just joined one meeting at night in a pub that was more like hanging out all together.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
8 Aug 2022 - 19 Aug 2022
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Very interesting way to learn english"

djamel zergoug, student from France

Andrew is a very interesting and good professor for his enthusiasm, his professionalism, his jolly and psychologic skills. The classes and the students were very nice, the course is well structured and we felt the progression with the experience of Andrew.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
22 Feb 2021 - 19 Mar 2021
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Great week"

Jan Mn, student from France

It's a small, very pleasant college with an excellent atmosphere.
One week is too short, but I've made a lot of progress.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
22 Jun 2020 - 3 Jul 2020
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"It was an amazing experience"

Sarah Lindwehr, student from Germany

My arrival in Dublin was a little bit tricky. At the airport I took the bus to my host family. Then I noticed that I got the wrong address, so I had to phone the family.

But the host family was very friendly and took care of my very well. I felt very comfortable.

My class was nice, the teacher knew what he was talking about and after one week I was upgraded to a higher level.

The school is located very central, so it is easy to find it.

Every Wednesday there is a communication class, which you can join in. Every Friday the school have an activity, but I didn't joined in.

All in all, everything was very good, I had a great time and I won't miss it.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
17 Feb 2020 - 28 Feb 2020
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"The experience was grate!"

Anderson Jara Ferreira, student from Brazil

I stayed only two weeks, so my experience was short, but I can say that I especially liked the didactics of the teacher. I really noticed the professionalism and dedication to teaching. I didn't stay at Castleforbes' house, so I can't say about it. The school is small and has a lot of students, but nothing to hinder learning. I believe it would be more productive if the classes were smaller.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
2 weeks
Date of study
10 Feb 2020 - 28 Feb 2020
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Great teacher, friendly staff, nice fellow students"

Javier Rodríguez, student from Afghanistan

I booked a conversational class for a week in Castleforbes Dublin. The experience was great, the teacher Sean is the best English teacher I’ve ever met. The staff at Castleforbes was also so helpful and kind that made me feel comfortable during all the time I was there.

They also planned collective activities apart from the class, totally free, like a visit to the National Gallery or an extra conversational gathering out of the college.

In summary: an amazing experience, totally recommendable.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Date of study
13 Jan 2020 - 17 Jan 2020
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Exellent"

Jagoda Ablass., student from Ireland

I had a great time at the college. Even though I was there only for two weeks. I would come back next if I am going to spend my summer in Ireland.

Thank you!

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
29 Jul 2019 - 23 Aug 2019
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"The most cozy College ever"

Laura Aguirre, student from Spain

The college and its staff try to make you feel special.

Cozy, professional and very funny,... they make you feel at home!

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
1 Jul 2019 - 26 Jul 2019
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Above exprectations"

kseniia prakhova, student from Russia

Level: for some reason I was put in the (pre)intermediate class. But the head teacher was so attentive, flexible and undertanting (and I had only 4 days because of st.patrick's) that in the evening of the first day I joined the advanced class, so I had a chance to be present in 5 classes of different teachers. It was fun.afterall In the mornings I had an upper-intermediate class, in the afternoon I was in the advanced class. (No worth saying that I found evening classes more useful than my experience in Manchester in sum).

Activities: I had no chance to join excursions (because of intensive timetable) but I joined students and teachers in the pub. This really helped to get acquainted with teachers and international students, so next two days I felt very comfortable at the school.

Timetable: I was busy from 9 am to 5 pm (with 15 min breaks) , so I felt I wasn't wasting time (especially in comparison with the timetable in Manchester), I had only 2 teachers most of time (this was comfortable as well). On the other hand I didn't see much in Dublin, I'd better had weekends there to go sightseeing.

At the very first moment when I didn't know I needed cash for books deposit I was confused.(In Manchester they had a bank terminal.) But the head teacher was lenient so I brought cash the next day.
Classrooms are ok, location is good.

The host: was fantastic. I couldn't dream of anybody more friendly and loyal. I hope that we became friends. Her house was clean and well-equipped. She was ok to allow me to cook breakfast (the lady in Manchester was insane about letting anybody cook). She spent the last evening with me, I highly appreciate her attention and her attempts to make my stay comfortable.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Date of study
18 Mar 2019 - 22 Mar 2019
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.
Castleforbes College, Sales Team at Castleforbes College responded to this review.
09 April 2019

Many thanks for your words, we really appreciate them :)
It was a pleasure to have you studying with us. It was short but intensive and we really hope to see you very soon!

Best of luck in your next adventure!!

"Great learning experiences and sharing community"

Aline Thais Kafer

The school offers a great environment since the beginning. Arriving there, we're greeted by Andrea, the receptionist, and then we can go to one of the 12 classrooms, where the teacher is waiting for us ready for the class to start. My teacher most of the time was Brendan, an energetic young teacher always concerned in making the classes interesting. We were always motivated to participate, talking about important subjects, writing and evolving in nowadays discussions. The book is challenging and current, teaching the language while bringing up all sorts of subjects, from politics, geography and history to sciences, sports and news. The school still has a cafeteria, where are offered free coffee and tea, and also a lounge where students can hang out.
Every week there are several activities all students can attend to, like conversation classes, language exchanges, parties and visits to parks and museums, besides the weekend trips to other gorgeous spots of Ireland. Those activities allow us to socialize and make friends from all over the world, to practice our conversation skills and to get to know better Ireland and the Irish people.
What I liked the most was the friendly environment, because the school is not so big, it is easy to become a small and united family. The only thing I disliked was the small number of female toilets, but it is totally manageable.

I really appreciated the 25 weeks spent in the school and I recommend it to anyone intending to go to Ireland.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
25 weeks
Date of study
21 Mar 2018 - 14 Sep 2018
Would you recommend this school?
Yes

"Amazing experience in an awesome language school...a unique word : THANKS !"

Floriane Crane

Classes are very good because it is only about 10 people per each level, so very nice to learn. Teachers are very funny, we are not bored at all and they teach us with fun (Andrew best teacher ever !!). The social activities are amazing with our International Andrea, stay as you are !!! After many searches about different schools, I could notice that Castleforbes was very cheap compare to some other schools in Dublin. The location is perfect because it is very close to city centre so pretty handly !! Without forgetting Adrian, that amazing director very friendly and cool !

The only two negative things would be maybe the price of the houses : very expensive (BUT amazing experience anyway for a first housemate in my case) and the fact that Castleforbes does not propose yet a part time, it might be practical I think.

I came 2 times in 4 months to that school so things are said : best school ever !

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
13 weeks
Date of study
18 Feb 2018 - 25 May 2018
Would you recommend this school?
Yes

"Excellent place to learn and make friends"

Fábio Ricardo Xavier do Nascimento

Castleforbes College is the best English School that I've ever studied at, the teachers are incredible, the staff is kind and thoughtful... The extra activities are perfect to make friends and practice speaking English... Definitely, I recommend it!

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
85 weeks
Date of study
3 Jan 2017 - 28 Aug 2018
Would you recommend this school?
Yes

"I highly recommend it!"

Eleonora

I've spent 1 month in Castleforbes College and I felt at home since I've been welcome in the apartment they offered to me.
The school is situated only 10 minutes from the city center and the apartment was only 15 minutes far from it.
The teachers are highly qualified and they keep the class enjoyable all the times.
The staff is friendly and they create activities that gave us the opportunity to meet students from other classes or courses.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
11 Jun 2018 - 6 Jul 2018
Would you recommend this school?
Yes

"My experience"

Maria Fernandez

I was in Castleforbes College last month and I spent 4 weeks
It was an amazing experience and I met a lot of people from other countries. My teacher (Andrew) is the bestttttt in the school!!
Funny classes and my English improved a lot. They also organize activities and night outs where I met other students from other classrooms.
I really recommend this school. I will repeat for sure!!

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
4 weeks
Date of study
1 Jul 2018 - 29 Jul 2018
Would you recommend this school?
Yes

"Normal"

Simas Peralta osle

Everything was Good but not excellent, except maybe the teacher who was really Good at his job.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
5 Aug 2018 - 18 Aug 2018
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
housing

Housing

Castleforbes College offers the following housing types:
homestay

Homestay - 2-person shared room - HALF BOARD - 2 students must book together

NZ$ 468
weekly
Age range: 18 years old and older
Location: Outside the city center of Dublin
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, wireless internet, free internet, and heating
Distance to school: 20 - 50 minutes by bus
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Saturday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
NZ$ 468
The homestay accommodation in Dublin is the perfect solution for all students interested in improving their language skills outside of the English course and experiencing the culture.

All families are 100% Irish, carefully selected to ensure the highest comfort of the students. Usually they are young couples with or without children, single mothers, or retired couples with children who no longer live at home.

Located in quite residential areas just outside of Dublin city centre, the families are all well connected to school by public transport.

The homestay solution is designed with half-board accommodation, that is breakfast and dinner included.

If a student has particular needs due to a special diet or any allergies, it is necessary to provide these details in advance and we will do our best to find a family that suits your requirements.

Homestay - Single room - HALF BOARD (over 18)

NZ$ 516
weekly
Age range: 18 - 70 years old
Location: Outside the city center of Dublin
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, wireless internet, free internet, and heating
Distance to school: 15 - 40 minutes by bus
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Saturday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
NZ$ 516
The homestay accommodation in Dublin is the perfect solution for all students interested in improving their language skills outside of the English course and experiencing the culture.

All families are 100% Irish, carefully selected to ensure the highest comfort of the students. Usually they are young couples with or without children, single mothers, or retired couples with children who no longer live at home.

Located in quite residential areas just outside of Dublin city centre, the families are all well connected to school by public transport.

The homestay solution is designed with half-board accommodation, that is breakfast and dinner included.

If a student has particular needs due to a special diet or any allergies, it is necessary to provide these details in advance and we will do our best to find a family that suits your requirements.
visa

Visa support

We cannot apply for visas on behalf of students. However, the school can supply you with all the documentation you need to support your visa application.

Your letter of acceptance will be sent to your home address by regular mail at no charge to you.

Flights and airport transfer

Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to Dublin based on your budget, schedule and preferences.

Travel insurance

Study abroad worry-free with Language International's health and personal effects insurance coverage. When you book a course with us, you can opt to purchase an international insurance plan that covers not only your health care cost but also loss of your personal belongings. You must book your insurance in advance when you register.

Learn more about our insurance plan »

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questions

Questions and answers

Have questions? Get answers from Castleforbes College staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.

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