Erin College Terms & Conditions
Introduction and Overview
Welcome to Erin College! We are delighted that you have chosen Erin College in Dublin/Cork, Ireland, as your destination for learning English. These terms and conditions outline the mutual responsibilities and expectations between you, the student, and Erin College, the educational institution committed to providing a conducive and enriching learning environment.
1.1. Purpose and Significance:
- These terms and conditions are designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and clarity in our educational relationship. They encompass various aspects of your academic journey, from enrollment to graduation, covering essential policies and procedures.
1.2. Overview of Erin College’s Educational Services:
- Erin College is dedicated to delivering high-quality English language programs tailored to the needs of international students. Our courses are designed to foster language proficiency, cultural understanding, and personal development.
1.3. Erin College Mission, Vision, Values
Mission
Provide the highest quality English tuition with a modern and efficient methodology, providing fluency and security for each student through immersion in Irish culture.
Vision To provide high-quality education while preparing students for the real world and inspiring students, professionals, and collaborators to reach their maximum potential.
Values To be a respected and admired institution known for the quality of our teaching, innovation in learning methodologies, and commitment to student satisfaction.
1.4. Erin College Educational Philosophy
- Erin College exists to develop our students’ ability to communicate in English. To speak, listen, read and write, to understand in the world outside of the classroom. The desire to communicate and understand is the fundamental reason for all language study. Enabling students to do this requires English to be taught as a living, evolving subject, with meaning based on context and in the situations and for the purposes for which it is used.
Our goal as a school is not for students to have learned a set of grammar items but to be able to express their thoughts in English as they do in their own language. This means that the learning objectives for all our courses are based on real world language use and mapped from the Common European Framework.
Enrollment and Admission
At Erin College, we strive to make the enrollment and admission process as seamless as possible, ensuring that you can focus on your language learning journey. Please carefully review the following details:
2.1. Admission Process:
- To commence the admission process, you must complete a comprehensive application form, including all required documents specified by Erin College, such as your passport, local address, phone number, email address, and start date. For returning students, renewing with Erin College for a 2nd or 3rd programme, we additionally require an Irish address, copy of IRP, and attendance letter from the previous course.
2.2. Eligibility Criteria:
- Erin College warmly welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and educational experiences. The minimum age for application is 16 years old. Students aged between 16 to 17 years old must provide notarized parental permission. However, each program may have specific eligibility criteria, including age restrictions and educational background prerequisites. It is essential to ensure that you meet all eligibility criteria before applying to avoid any complications in the admission process.
2.3. Required Documents:
- As part of your application, you must furnish essential documents, including a valid passport, along with any other documentation outlined in the admission guidelines. Timely submission of all required documents is paramount for the efficient processing of your application.
English Program
At Erin College, our English language programs are thoughtfully designed to provide a dynamic and immersive learning experience. Please review the following details regarding the structure of our English language courses:
3.1. Course Descriptions:
- Our English curriculum is 14 weeks long and caters to learners of varying proficiency levels, from beginners to advanced and IELTS preparation.
- Our General English Courses are structured to enhance your skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, while putting significant focus on communicative language skills. They are mapped against ‘can-do’ statements from the Common European Framework of Languages (CEFR). There is exam preparation built into the course programme to prepare students for their end-of-course exam.
- The IELTS Preparation Course is also planned over a 14-week period, offering students sufficient time and practice to clearly understand the format of the exam, and improve their skills in listening, reading, writing and speaking. To attend an IELTS course, a student must have completed 11 weeks of General English Course and is required to have a minimum Intermediate.
- Students must select their campus (Dublin or Cork) when completing the application. Changes may not be possible after enrollment and strictly can not be made after course commencement.
3.2 After Class Activities
- Led by experienced teachers from our General English Programme, workshops cover a diverse range of topics tailored to students’ needs, including IELTS and exam preparation, job interview skills, CV writing, foreign languages such as French or Italian, vocabulary building, pronunciation, conversation practice, and even English through music and songs.
3.3. Curriculum Details:
- The curriculum is comprehensive, covering a range of topics to ensure a well-rounded language education. Emphasis is placed on real-life communication skills, cultural understanding, and practical language use.
- You will have the opportunity to participate in interactive activities, group projects, and afterclass activities to reinforce your learning.
3.4. Class Schedule and Duration:
- Classes are held at least 4 days per week, Monday to Friday, offering flexibility to accommodate different periods, class period changes may incur additional charges and are subject to availability.
- Two daily periods are available for your convenience: ○
- Morning Session: 9:00 AM to 12:15 PM (Monday to Friday)
- Afternoon Session: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM (Monday to Thursday)
- Any student who arrives after the exact starting time will be considered late, and any student who leaves before the exact finish time will be considered to be leaving early. Students who are more than 15 minutes late or who leave more than 5 minutes early will not receive attendance for that day. In emergency situations only, students may be permitted to arrive up to 14 minutes and 59 seconds late or leave up to 5 minutes early; however, reasons such as work commitments, public transport delays, or commuting issues do not qualify as emergencies. Students who are consistently late, leave early, or extend the designated 15-minute break may receive a warning from their teacher. If such behavior persists, attendance may be removed.
Your Level and Assessment
Ensuring the right placement is crucial for your success at Erin College. Please be aware of the following procedures related to your English language level assessment:
4.1. Online Placement Test:
- All students are required to complete an online placement test, lasting 30 to 40 minutes, covering grammar and vocabulary. Exemptions from the placement test are granted only to students who have completed their most recent course at Erin College.
- This test provides an initial estimate of your English proficiency. It helps us determine your English level for your chosen course before the arrival deadline, and must be completed by students 15 days in advance of their scheduled start date.
- Failure to complete the level test may result in a one-week or more delay in the start of your classes and, consequently, attendance loss.
4.2. Speaking Test on Induction Day:
- Your induction day will be scheduled on Fridays or Mondays and might happen at a time that differs from your course shift.
- On the same day of your induction, you will participate in a short speaking test with an Academic director. This conversation ensures the accuracy of your placement test result.
4.3. Progress Assessment:
- Throughout your course, your teachers will regularly assess your progress through various tests. Upon your teacher’s assessment, they may request your move to a higher or lower level. Only your teacher can submit such a request, however you are welcome to discuss your progress with your teacher at any time.
- You may change classes as you progress to ensure you are always in the most suitable class for your English language level.
- All level changes are subject to space availability and you will be informed as soon as your change of level is processed. The processing will be done on a first-come, first-served basis.
Accommodation
Choosing the right accommodation is a crucial aspect of your stay in Dublin/Cork. Erin College is committed to providing a comfortable and supportive living environment for our students. Please review the following enhanced details regarding accommodation:
5.1. Accommodation Terms and Conditions:
- Erin College offers various accommodation options, including on-campus residences and partnerships with local housing providers.
- The accommodation dates stipulated at the time of booking must align with the student’s arrival and departure dates in the city. If these dates do not coincide, it is the student’s responsibility to secure additional accommodation, which is not included in the cost and depends on availability.
- An extra accommodation fee will be applied if the student arrives 12 months after the contract signed date.
- Please note that the availability of additional accommodation outside of the stipulated dates is subject to availability, and Erin College does not assume responsibility for securing such accommodation.
5.2. Accommodation Changes and Cancellations:
- Accommodation cancellation applications must be provided in writing at least forty-five (45) days in advance of the agreed starting date. No refund will be granted if this deadline is not met.
- Please note that administration fees will not be refunded.
- If accommodation cancellations are made after the student’s starting date, the College will not be held responsible, and the student is not entitled to claim a refund.
- The same policy applies if the student needs to shorten their stay – payment is non-refundable.
- No-shows, failure to arrive, or postponement incur charges in full from the booking date.
- The accommodation may ask the student to pay a refundable security deposit when they arrive.
Airport Pick-Up
Arriving in a new country can be exciting and challenging. Erin College offers airport pick-up services to ensure a smooth transition to Dublin. Please carefully review the following details regarding airport pick-up:
6.1. Details on Airport Pick-Up Services:
- Airport pick-up must be ordered when the student selects their course options before arriving in Ireland.
- To facilitate a timely and efficient service, the student must notify Erin College if their flight is delayed at least three hours before the scheduled arrival. This notification should be made via email or telephone (contact numbers are provided upon making a booking).
6.2. Delayed/Missed Flights:
- In the event that the student does not provide information about delayed or missed flights on time, Erin College will not be held responsible, and the student is not entitled to claim a refund.
6.3. Non-Transferable Services:
- Accommodation, airport pick-up, or any additional services are non-transferable if cancelled or postponed.
- Changes to these services will be subject to the policies outlined in the respective sections, and the student is encouraged to review the terms and conditions before making any adjustments.
Health Insurance
Your well-being is of utmost importance to us, and Erin College includes health insurance as part of the course fees to ensure that you have comprehensive coverage during your study period. Please review the following details regarding health insurance:
7.1. Inclusion in Course Fees:
- The student acknowledges and accepts that health insurance is included in the course fees as part of their programme package and agrees to pay this amount as part of their enrollment.
- This health insurance coverage is designed to protect you throughout the entire study period.
7.2. Deduction from Refund:
- In the event of any applicable refund, the student accepts that the amount of the insurance fee will be deducted from the refund. Insurance fees are refundable only if the policy has not yet been issued. Once issued, they are strictly non-refundable, including in cases of visa refusal.
- This policy ensures that the student maintains continuous health insurance coverage for the duration of their study at Erin College.
Learner Protection
Ensuring the security and protection of our students is a top priority at Erin College. Please take note of the following information regarding Learner Protection:
8.1. Compulsory Nature:
- Learner Protection Insurance is mandatory for all students studying in Ireland.
- This requirement is in accordance with legislation governing English language schools that admit non-EU students in Ireland.
8.2. Legal Compliance:
- Erin College strictly adheres to the legal provisions that necessitate the purchase of Learner Protection Insurance by every student. This insurance is designed to safeguard the financial interests of students and ensures that appropriate measures are in place to protect their investment in education.
8.3. Deduction from Refund:
- In the event of any applicable refund, the student accepts that the amount of the insurance fee will be deducted from the refund. Learner Protection fees are refundable only if the policy has not yet been issued. Once issued, they are strictly non-refundable, including in cases of visa refusal.
Liability
At Erin College, we prioritize transparency and want to ensure that you are aware of our policies regarding liability. Please carefully review the following information:
9.1. Force Majeure:
- Erin College accepts no liability in the event that any service contracted by the student becomes impossible to supply due to reasons beyond our control, including but not limited to industrial disputes or other causes classified as force majeure.
9.2. Statutory Liability:
- Erin College will not be held liable for any loss, damage, or injury to persons or property, except where liability is expressly imposed beyond exclusion by statute.
- This policy applies to situations where the liability is not otherwise expressly required by law and falls within the scope of permissible exclusions.
Payment
Understanding the payment terms is essential for a seamless experience during your studies at Erin College. Please carefully review the following details regarding payment:
10.1. Reservation of Courses:
- Courses will only be reserved after the full payment for your course is received, which must be paid a minimum of 30 days in advance of your start date.
10.2. Instalment Payment Method:
- Flexible instalment arrangements may be agreed; however, full payment must be received at least 30 days prior to the course start date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the service.
10.3. Contractual Agreement:
- By accepting an offer and making the relevant payment, the student enters into a contract with Erin College for the period stated on the enrolment letter, covering the “Course Commencement date” through the “Course Completion date.”
10.4. Agreement with Terms and Conditions:
- The student is responsible for fully reading the course quotation and confirming approval.
- Upon signing the registration form, it is understood that the student fully agrees with Erin College’s terms and conditions, as well as the terms and conditions of third-party services.
10.5. Course Start within 12 Months:
- The student must start their class within 12 months after making the full payment. If a student requests a change of start date or will start 12 months after the contract signature date, the student should pay the price adjustment. Change of start date with less than 30 days notice will incur a rescheduling fee.
10.6. Timetable Changes:
- Student timetables may change throughout the year due to unforeseen circumstances. While every effort will be made to avoid such changes, Erin College cannot be held liable, and no compensation or refund will be provided.
10.7. Class Period Changes:
- To enrol to a morning class, students must pay the morning fee at the time of their course booking as part of their programme package. Class period changes may incur extra fees and are subject to availability. Students changing from afternoon to morning will have to pay the morning fee pro rata to the number of weeks remaining in the course. May the student change their mind and request to move back to the afternoon class period, no refund will be made. Students changing from morning to afternoon period are not entitled to any refund of morning fee.
10.8. Suspension or Expulsion:
- Erin College reserves the right to suspend or expel any student for non-compliance with requirements or disruptive behaviour. No refund of fees will be given in such instances.
Attendance Policy
Attendance at Erin College is crucial. For students holding a student visa, regular attendance is mandatory, aiming for a record of at least 85%. Attendance records are final and cannot be changed after the course ends.
Being late or leaving early results in no attendance for the day. Any student who arrives after the exact starting time will be considered late, and any student who leaves before the exact finish time will be considered to be leaving early. Students who are more than 15 minutes late or who leave more than 5 minutes early will not receive attendance for that day. In emergency situations only, students may be permitted to arrive up to 14 minutes and 59 seconds late or leave up to 5 minutes early; however, reasons such as work commitments, public transport delays, or commuting issues do not qualify as emergencies. Students who are consistently late, leave early, or extend the designated 15-minute break may receive a warning from their teacher. If such behavior persists, attendance may be removed.
All students, including Europeans and those not on student visas, must regularly attend the full class, as lateness, leaving early and non-attendance disrupts learning.
It is expected that you will participate in class activities, speak English and respect both teachers and classmates. Failure to comply may result in attendance being removed for the day as well as expulsion. Tampering with attendance lists or accepting bribes for falsifying attendance is strictly prohibited.
Any student not on the attendance list must report to Reception immediately. Adding names by hand to attendance lists is not allowed. More detailed information is available in the Student Disciplinary Policy on our website.
Warnings Policy and Sick Leave
Maintaining consistent attendance is vital for a successful academic experience at Erin College. Please familiarise yourself with our Warnings Policy and Sick Leave procedures. Dropping the projected attendance results in a warning letter and reporting to Immigration service. After three warnings, expulsion and immigration reporting follow, with an opportunity for appeal within five days.
12.1. Attendance Monitoring:
- Students’ attendance is constantly monitored and made available for students through our Student App. We have 48 hours to process your attendance in the app. Our machines are updated only at the end of the day, so your attendance for a given day will be processed on the following day. Our General English programme lasts for 25 weeks and includes 375 hours of lessons. Non-EU students who have a Stamp 2 permission to stay in Ireland are required to complete the course within 7 months. Students must attend at least 85% of their classes. This means they cannot miss more than 56 hours during the course.
12.2. Warning System:
- First Warning: An email will be sent when the maximum attendance rate (projected attendance) reaches 93%. This email serves as a first warning about visa obligations and the importance of maintaining a minimum attendance of 85%.
- Second Warning: Another email will be issued at 90% maximum attendance rate (projected attendance). At this stage, the student may request a meeting with Student Support to discuss the consequences of non-attendance and review their visa obligations. To arrange a meeting, students can contact: Erin Cork Student Support ([email protected]) or Erin Dublin Student Support ([email protected]) .
- Third Warning: A third warning email will be sent at 87% maximum attendance rate (projected attendance). At this stage, we encourage students to request a meeting with Student Support to discuss the consequences of non-attendance and review their visa obligations. To arrange a meeting, students can contact: Erin Cork Student Support ([email protected]) or Erin Dublin Student Support ([email protected]) .
12.3. Expulsion Letter:
- If maximum attendance rate (projected attendance) drops below 85%, an Expulsion Letter will be issued.
12.4. Appeal and Review:
- The student will have five (5) working days to appeal and request a meeting with the Director, provided they can present a valid reason for their low attendance, supported by appropriate documented evidence forwarded in advance of the meeting. Please note that reasons such as work commitments, public transport delays, commuting issues, or sickness that cannot be substantiated by a valid medical certificate, as outlined in item 12.5 of this document, are not considered valid grounds for reconsideration of expulsion.
12.5. Sick leave and Medical Certificate Submission Requirements :
- Certificates must be uploaded to the school’s student app within 10 working days of the date of issue.
- Medical certificates must be issued by a medical practitioner registered with the Irish Medical Council.
12.6 Verification of Medical Certificate
- Erin College is committed to student well being and care while maintaining fairness and compliance with Immigration regulations. The school regularly reviews and verifies the authenticity of submitted medical certificates.
- Valid medical certificates uploaded through the school’s student app will be reviewed. Approved certificates will ensure that the student’s attendance record is not negatively affected for the days covered.
- If a student submits a medical certificate from a practitioner or clinic that is not approved or has been blacklisted by the College, the days covered by that certificate will not be counted towards attendance. Students are responsible for ensuring that any medical documentation is obtained from approved practitioners and submitted in accordance with Erin College requirements. The College reserves the right to verify the authenticity of all medical certificates and take appropriate action in cases of non-compliance or fraudulent submissions.
- All submissions and decisions will be documented in the school’s system.
12.7 Medical Certificate Usage and Limitations
During a 25-week course, a student is allowed to have a maximum of 10 absences due to illness, supported by a valid medical certificate or certificates.
- For absences exceeding 10 class days due to illness, Erin College recognizes that some medical conditions require longer treatment and recovery. In such cases, students may request an unscheduled emergency break, which will be considered on an individual basis. Approval will be granted upon submission of valid, verifiable, and appropriate medical documentation, and Erin College will make every effort to accommodate genuine medical needs in compliance with Immigration regulations for international students.
12.8 Consequences of Misuse
- Erin College maintains a list of approved medical providers and will verify certificates submitted. Submission of fraudulent documentation may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion. Students are responsible for ensuring certificates are submitted promptly and comply with Erin College requirements.
- Submission of a false or altered medical certificate will result in immediate and permanent expulsion from Erin College.
- Students are encouraged to refer to the school’s student app for full details in the blacklisted clinics.
Biometric Data Consent
At Erin College, we prioritize the security and integrity of our student identity verification processes. Please review the following information regarding the collection and use of your biometric data:
13.1. Consent to Collection:
- Erin College collects and processes biometric data solely for specified and legitimate purposes, including identity verification and attendance monitoring, in accordance with applicable data protection legislation. This data is securely stored and will not be disclosed to any third party except where required by law or regulatory authorities.
- By signing this Terms and Conditions document, you acknowledge and consent to the collection and processing of your biometric data in line with Erin College’s Data Protection & Data Management Policy available to consult on https://erincollege.com/data-protection-data-management-policy/.
13.2. What is Biometric Data?
- Biometric data includes information related to your unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints, voiceprints, hand scans, facial geometry, and iris or retina recognition.
13.3. Types of Biometric Data Collected:
- Facial Biometrics: You are required to register with an image of your face for identity verification purposes.
- Fingerprint: You must register with an image of your fingerprint for identity verification.
13.4. Use of Biometric Data:
- Your biometric data is collected and processed by Erin College solely for defined and lawful purposes, including identity verification and attendance monitoring. This supports compliance with Irish immigration requirements and ensures accurate recording of student attendance.
- Biometric data is used exclusively for these purposes and forms part of the student record required for regulatory compliance.
13.5. Security Measures:
- Biometric data is securely stored using industry-standard encryption and protected against unauthorised access.
- Access is strictly limited to authorised personnel on a need-to-know basis. Such data will not be shared or transferred to third parties except where required by law or by competent regulatory authorities.
13.6. Data Retention:
- Biometric data is retained for the duration of the student’s enrollment.
- Following course completion, data may be retained for up to 12 months to meet legal, regulatory, and compliance obligations, after which it will be securely deleted.
- You have the right to request the deletion of your biometric data after completing your course, and Erin College will process such requests promptly.
13.7. Access, Correction, or Deletion Requests:
- Students have the right to request access to, rectification, or deletion of their biometric data, as well as restriction of processing where applicable. Requests can be submitted via the student app or by email to [email protected] (Dublin) or [email protected] (Cork).
- All requests will be handled in accordance with GDPR within the required statutory timeframes.
Book Policy
Understanding the importance of course materials, Erin College has implemented a book policy to ensure a seamless learning experience. Please review the following guidelines:
14.1. Renting System:
- Erin College operates a book-renting system. Each student must have a copy of the coursebook for their class and must purchase this when they book their course, or on the first day of class. A fee of €50 is charged for the loan of any of the General English coursebooks. As students progress through their course and change level, they will also change their coursebook. The book must be returned at the end of the course and they must not be written on.
14.2. Physical Copy Requirement:
- Students must have a physical copy of the course book to attend class. No PDF copies or copies through any applications are allowed.
14.3. Book Change with Course Progression:
- As you progress through your course and change levels, your textbook will also change. If you need to exchange your textbook during the course, whether due to a class change or a switch in the required textbook, you may do so free of charge, provided you return your previous book in the same condition in which it was issued to you and erased. It is your responsibility to notify reception within one working day if the book you received was already damaged; in such cases, this information will be recorded in our system. Failure to return your previous book in the same condition in which it was issued to you will result in a charge of €50 for the exchanged book.
14.4. Book Return Requirement:
- Books must be returned at the end of the course.
- Returned books must not be written in and in the same condition in which it was issued to you.
14.5. Return Fee:
- A €20 fee will be returned to students whose coursebooks are in good condition. If the book was written on and/or returned in bad condition, the €20 fee will not be refunded. No exchange and no return fee will be made for externally purchased books (out of the renting system) .
Holiday Policy
To ensure a balanced learning experience, Erin College, in line with immigration policies, has established the following guidelines regarding holiday policies:
15.1. Eligibility:
- Visa students are eligible to take holidays after completing the first 8 weeks of their course.
- Students must have an 80% attendance record to be eligible for holidays.
15.2. Holiday Duration:
- After meeting the eligibility criteria, students can take up to 1/3 of the time they have already studied.
- Example: After 9 weeks, students may have 3 weeks of vacation, and after 12 weeks, they may have 4 weeks.
15.3. Holiday Request:
- Holiday requests must be requested via the “Erin student App” at least 5 working days in advance but not earlier than 3 weeks in advance.
- Holidays cannot be scheduled to start in the middle of the week; they must be scheduled from Monday to Friday.
- Holidays can only be taken for a minimum of 1 week, starting on a Monday.
15.4. Class/Campus Placement After Holidays:
- Students returning from holidays may be placed in a different class upon return, although every effort will be made to avoid it.
15.5. Appeal Process:
- If a holiday request is rejected, the student may appeal by emailing [email protected] in Dublin, or [email protected] in Cork, and if the request is urgent, they must attach evidence as to why it is urgent.
15.6. Christmas Holidays:
- The holiday policy does not include the Christmas break, during which the College is closed for three weeks. This period is automatically deducted from each student’s total holiday allowance for the course period.
15.7. Full-Time Work Periods for Non-EU/EEA Students:
- Non-EU/EEA international students can work full-time (up to 40 hours per week) during two periods of the year:
- Summer Break: 1st June – 30th September (4 months)
- Winter Break: 15th December – 15th January (1 month)
Public Holidays
Ensuring clarity on our academic calendar, Erin College observes the following policy regarding public holidays:
16.1. College Closure:
- The College is closed for all Irish Bank Holidays and Good Friday.
16.2. Impact on Courses:
- If your course coincides with a national holiday, you will not be entitled to any refunds or additional lessons.
Live Online Classes in the Event of Temporary College Closure
Erin College is committed to supporting students in all aspects of their course.
To ensure continuous support and uninterrupted learning, Erin College has established the following guidelines in the event of a temporary college closure due to unforeseen circumstances or acts of nature such as disasters, conflicts, wars, epidemics, etc.:
17.1. Live Online Classes:
- Classes will be delivered through live online sessions during a temporary closure (for closures exceeding 5 days).
- Students must follow the teacher’s instructions for a seamless learning experience.
- Erin College’s online classes facilitate dynamic interaction between teachers and students.
- Teachers may ask students to: ○ Turn on their microphones or cameras for interaction.
- Answer questions displayed on the screen.
- Follow a digital board for examples, etc.
17.2. Prohibited Actions:
- Sharing personal data/log-ins with individuals not enrolled is strictly prohibited.
- Violating this policy may result in expulsion, and no refund of fees will be given.
17.3. No Refund Policy:
- In the event of a temporary college closure affecting partially or totally any service offered, no refund will apply.
Exams and Certificates
To ensure a comprehensive evaluation of your language proficiency, Erin College follows these guidelines for exams and certificates:
18.1. Exam Requirement for Non-EU Students:
- Non-EU students enrolled in a 25-week English language program in Ireland are required to sit a recognized external English exam, such as the TIE (Test of Interactive English), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), or a Cambridge English exam, by the end of their student visa permit.
- Students pay for the TIE exam fee at the time of course booking as part of their package and this is non-refundable. If you wish to change your exam from TIE to IELTS or Cambridge you should make a request by emailing [email protected] and complete the payment of the difference in fee at the reception desk.
18.2. Visa Letters and Exam Payments:
- Visa letters for student visas will be issued only to non-EU students who have paid for their exams in full.
- Your teacher or the Director of Studies can guide you on the most suitable exam for your proficiency level.
- Erin College has a clear procedure for exam booking and students are responsible for following the procedure and completing the exam form in order to have their end of course exam booked prior to the end of their student visa permit.
18.3. Exam Preparation:
- Your classes are designed to prepare you for the exams.
- The College will assist you with exam bookings upon request, and attending the exam is your responsibility.
18.4. Exit Letter for Non-EU Students:
- Non-EU students on a 25-week program will receive an exit letter from Erin College only upon completing their end-of-course exam.
- Failure to complete a recognized end-of-course exam indicates non-completion of the English course, and no exit letter will be issued.
18.5. Erin College Certificates:
- Erin College digital certificates are awarded to students who meet the 85% attendance requirement and take the mandatory end-of-course exam. You can request your digital certificate through the Erin student App.
Student Feedback
At Erin College, we value your input and strive for continuous improvement. Your feedback is crucial in making our college the best it can be. Here are the guidelines for providing feedback:
19.1. Importance of Feedback:
- It is essential for everyone at Erin College that we continuously enhance our services for the optimal experience of all students.
19.2. Feedback Meetings:
- You may be invited to attend feedback meetings during your time at Erin College to share your ideas on improvement.
- By signing this policy, you agree to attend any feedback meeting you are invited to.
19.3. Sharing Suggestions:
- You can also share your suggestions anonymously by completing one of the feedback forms available on our website or scanning the feedback form QR code located around the school and in classrooms.
20. Support Procedures
At Erin College, we strive to provide you with the service you deserve; however, we understand that concerns may arise. Here’s our procedure for addressing concerns:
20.1. Initial Concerns:
- If you have concerns about your class or studies, your teacher is available to advise you.
20.2. Course/College Concerns:
- If you have any particular issue with your course or the College, please feel free to make an appointment to speak with a member of student support by emailing [email protected] in Dublin or Erin Cork Student Support [email protected] in Cork. Emailing your concern is important so that we have a record of it and so we can direct the issue to the right department. We will reply to complaint emails within 72 working hours.
20.3. Additional Information:
- For more details on our complaints procedure, please refer to our Complaints policy.
- The policy is accessible on the College website, notice boards within the College, or at the reception.
Classroom Behaviour
At Erin College, we embrace diversity and respect the varied perspectives that different cultures and individuals bring to the classroom. For more details on our disciplinary procedures, please refer to our Student Disciplinary policy accessible on the College website or at the reception. To maintain a positive and inclusive learning environment, we have established the following guidelines for classroom behaviour:
21.1. Acceptance of Diverse Views:
- Recognizing the diversity of cultures and people, it is important to accept that each student may hold different views.
21.2. Zero Tolerance for Disruptive Behaviour:
- Loud and threatening behaviour will not be tolerated.
- Consistent disruptive behaviour will result in a warning, followed by a letter of warning if the behaviour does not improve.
- If the behaviour persists, Erin College reserves the right to expel the student from the College.
21.3. Compliance with Teacher Instructions:
- If a teacher requests a student to be quiet or leave the room due to disruptive behaviour, immediate compliance is expected.
- The student should then speak to the Director of Studies or Assistant Director of Studies.
21.4. Reporting Abusive Behaviour:
- Students displaying abusive behaviour will be reported to Garda.
21.5. Photography and Filming Prohibition:
- It is strictly forbidden for students to film or take pictures during class without the explicit permission of the teacher.
Photography & Video Material
By signing this form, you are acknowledging and granting Erin College the full rights to use images resulting from photography or video filming. This includes any reproductions or adaptations of the images for the following purposes:
22.1. Business Aims:
- Fundraising efforts.
- Publicity campaigns.
- Other purposes aligned with business goals.
22.2. Usage Scenarios (but not limited to):
- Printed publicity.
- Online publicity.
- Social media platforms.
- Press releases.
- Funding applications.
Privacy Statement
At Erin College, we highly value and respect your right to privacy. In accordance with our obligations under the EU General Data Protection Regulation ((EU) 2016/679) (“GDPR”), we have formulated a comprehensive Privacy Statement outlining our commitment to protecting your personal information.
23.1. Accessing our Privacy Statement:
- To review our detailed Privacy Statement, please visit our website: Erin College Privacy Statement Click Here.
Cancelation & Refund Policy
At Erin College, we understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, leading to the need for cancellation or a refund. Please review our Cancellation & Refund Policy for comprehensive details:
24.1. Grounds for Refund or Partial Refund:
A student may be eligible for a full or partial refund under the following circumstances, subject to appropriate evidence and the school’s refund policy:
Irish Study Visa Extension Refusal:
- If a student’s application for a visa extension is refused by the relevant Irish immigration authorities, the student may request a refund or partial refund. Proof of the refusal must be provided.
Illness or Disability:
- If a student experiences illness or disability after enrolment, a refund or partial refund may be considered. Eligibility requires submission of valid medical documentation issued by a practitioner registered with the Irish Medical Council. The school reserves the right to reject evidence from practitioners or clinics that are blacklisted or otherwise deemed non-compliant with professional standards.
Refusal of Entry into Ireland:
- If a student is denied entry into Ireland at the point of arrival, the student may submit a refund request. Documentation from the relevant immigration authority confirming the refusal must accompany the request.
- Refunds will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and processed in accordance with the school’s refund policy.
- All claims must be submitted in writing.
24.2. Refund Application Process:
- All refund requests must be submitted in writing and include supporting documentation relevant to the grounds for the request, such as: Official rejection letters from the Immigration Bureau or other relevant immigration authorities or a stamped passport showing visa or entry decisions.
- Original documentation issued by the College (acceptance letters, enrolment letters etc) must be returned to the College before a refund can be considered.
24.3. Additional Considerations:
- Students do not have an automatic right to a refund if they change their mind about attending Erin College. Any cancellation initiated for personal reasons will be processed immediately, and no refund or reconsideration will be granted.
- Refunds, when approved, will only apply to fees paid for the most recent academic year in which the qualifying grounds for a refund occur. No refund will be issued for:
Cancellations made less than 30 days before the course start date.
Withdrawals after the course has commenced.
- The College reserves the right to verify all documentation and assess refund eligibility on a case-by-case basis
24.4. Deductions from Refunds:
- An administration fee of €300, plus €150 for health insurance (if applied) and €150 for learner protection (if applied) for long-term courses will be deducted.
- For short-term courses (1 to 12 weeks), an administration fee of 25% of the course fee, plus health insurance and learner protection fees (if applied), will be deducted.
- In cases of extension and medical requests, if the student has already started the course: the value of the book will be deducted if there is one in the package and the number of weeks studied by the student.
24.5. Additional Points:
- Refunds for visa refusal or entry denial, after the administration fee of €300, €150 for health insurance (if applied) and €150 for learner protection (if applied), will be processed within 20 working days.
- Missed or delayed flights may not be refunded if not notified within 7 days in advance.
24.6. Refund Request Submission and Timeframe:
- If applicable, your sales agent must submit refund requests and they can fill out the Refund Form.
- Except only from visa refusal requests, all other refund requests will be processed within 6 to 10 weeks, upon request approval in line with this refund policy.
24.7. Calculation is:
Total Payment – (€300 ADM Fee + €150 Health Insurance + €150 Learner Protection + (General English Course / 25 weeks – X weeks in class))
24.8. Advance Payments and Visa Escrow Account:
For students who pay programme fees in advance of making a visa application, Erin College operates an escrow/delayed payment account held with a regulated payments institution (including Flywire and Transfermate, authorised under EU Directive 2015/2366 and/or regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland). Funds paid by a student prior to a visa decision are held in accordance with the following process:
- Students pay programme fees in advance of making a visa application;
- Funds remain in the escrow/delayed payment account until the student’s visa application is determined;
- If the student confirms a successful visa application, funds are released to Erin College’s current account;
- If the visa application is refused, funds (less any pre-indicated handling charge as set out in clause 24.4) will be refunded to the student within 20 working days of the decision being communicated to the College.
24.9. Refunds — Responsible Person:
- All refund-related queries and requests are managed by Erin College. Students and agents may direct refund enquiries to:
Erin College — Admissions and Student Services
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +353 (01) 224 3439
Address: 42-43 N Great George’s St, Rotunda, Dublin, D01 N6P2
Change Policy
At Erin College, we are committed to maintaining transparency and complying with legal obligations. Our Change Policy is outlined below:
25.1. Policy Amendments:
- We reserve the right to change or modify this Policy as necessary to comply with legal obligations.
- Any changes or modifications will be communicated to students via email and/or in our student Erin app.
25.2. Student Responsibility:
- It is the responsibility of each student to regularly review and understand the Terms & Conditions outlined in this document.
- Acceptance of these terms will be confirmed by signing the document, indicating acknowledgement, acceptance, and commitment to abide by the governing conditions.
- Failure to sign this contract will result in automatic disregard of the registration.
Execution of Agreement
This agreement may be signed and executed via email, or other electronic means and in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be considered an original. All counterparts together will constitute one and the same agreement.