Ireland: “real danger” for future of ELT sector
MEI has warned that there is "real danger" of the country's ELT industry with an estimated value of around €880m for the economy being wiped out.
MEI has warned that there is "real danger" of the country's ELT industry with an estimated value of around €880m for the economy being wiped out.
Visa restrictions in Ireland have been eased for English language students, meaning that they will be able to stay in the country for the remainder of the year provided they meet certain conditions.
After 2017 marked the third year of strong growth for English language student numbers in Ireland, last year saw total enrolment in Irish ELT programs reach 121,462, a decline of 4.8%. However, total student weeks reached a record high.
The Irish government has appointed a mediator to work with stakeholders in the ELT sector and address some of the employment-related issues that have arisen in recent times.
This growth comes on the back of similar increases in previous years – numbers have risen by 30,000 students in the last 5 years according to MEI.
Students from the United Arab Emirates are able to travel to Ireland without a visa following the easing of travel restrictions to boost trade, tourism and business relationships between the two countries.
English language schools in Ireland have reported 11% growth for the 2016 calendar year, driven mostly by junior language programs catering to EU students and a strong pound throughout most of last year.
ICEF is launching an Irish Education Agent Course to provide agents with the latest information and updates about the Irish education market.