Ireland is a thoroughly modern nation, with well-developed manufacturing and international services sectors. The quality of our education system is often highlighted as a major contributing factor to the rapid rate of economic growth in recent years. Irish people enjoy a standard of living on a par with our European neighbours. Although we have our own distinctive Celtic language and culture, English is the predominant language spoken in Ireland today. Every year over 150,000 students of all ages and from all over the world come to Ireland to benefit from the highest quality English language training in schools throughout the country.
Irish people have a great love of conversation, with a genuine interest in other people.
This renowned friendliness and hospitality contribute to the ease with which overseas students adapt to student life in Ireland. In addition to offering degrees at Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate level over a full range of disciplines, universities and colleges also undertake research in many areas. Institutes of Technology There are currently fifteen Institutes of Technology located throughout the Republic, offering programmes at degree, national diploma and national certificate levels in a wide variety of subjects. Their qualifications are externally validated by Ireland's national certification authority, which ensures that their qualifications reach the highest international standards. Many of the Institutes of Technology also run postgraduate diploma and degree programmes, both taught and by research.