Quality Standards
ELE Ireland
We believe that quality is the most important factor in your education.
Galway Cultural Institute is accredited by QQI/ ACELS, the Irish Department of Education, IALC (International Association of Language Colleges), EAQUALS (Evaluation and Accreditation of Quality Language Services), ACELS (Accreditation and Coordination of English Language Services), IELTS (The International English Language Testing System), Cambridge English and is a member of the Galway Chamber of Commerce.
Galway Cultural Institute was inspected by Eaquals in 2022 and met the high standards required for Eaquals accreditation. The teaching, the course programmes, as well as the course organisation, the learning resources, testing and evaluation were all judged to be of high quality. It was found that the institution takes great care to protect the welfare of its clients and staff, and all publicity materials produced by the institution are accurate and truthful.
Leadership at Galway Cultural Institute is outstanding and there is a strong sense of purpose, shared vision and belonging at every level of the centre. There is a strong sense of social and corporate responsibility and ethical approach to business and the environment, evidenced through their involvement in the ELE Ireland SPS scheme in particular. Innovation is part of the school’s strategy document and is well planned and effective.
Academic Resources
Teachers at Galway Cultural Institute have access to reference material on methodology, professional journals and a wide range of online resources in the staff room to promote their professional knowledge development. For learners there is a wide range of well-designed self-study resources related to content, which foster learner independence.
Student Services
The range and quality of advice and information available to students and their parents or guardians at Galway Cultural Institute is exceptional, including both paper and online documentation. Exceptional attention is paid to students’ safety and welfare to ensure they are safeguarded at all times. There is an outstandingly good range of leisure events and activities designed to stimulate interest in the target culture. There is an exceptional level of focus on providing a comfortable and positive student experience in a culture of customer care.
Learning Environment
The learning environment at Galway Cultural Institute is exceptionally attractive, comfortable and well-designed and includes many up-to-date facilities which enhance course delivery and opportunities for learning. Learning platforms are user-friendly and operate reliably on all devices the students might be expected to use.
Eaquals Inspection Endorsement, November 2022
ELE Ireland
GCI is a founding member of ELE Ireland established in 2021 to offer risk free benefits to learners and agents in relation to Protection for Enrolled Learners and protection and transparency in payments and refunds.
QQI / ACELS
GCI has been recognised since our foundation by QQI / ACELS; the Irish Department of Education and Science as a school for the teaching of English as a foreign language.
IALC
140 English Language schools and centres of excellence around the world are members of the IALC, the International Association of Language Centres. To join IALC, a school must pass the IALC accreditation scheme. Membership of IALC is the highest level of recognition, in the language-learning sector, of quality service provision.
In the event of a dispute, GCI / GBS will endeavour to resolve the issues in a fair and ethical manner. Once this process has been exhausted, GCI / GBS will follow the Dispute Resolution Procedure/Complaints Procedure of IALC/EAQUALS, and the complaint will be referred to the appropriate Ombudsman.
EAQUALS
EAQUALS is a pan-European association of language training providers. It is international association of language schools and has a formal inspection scheme to verify the quality offered by its accredited members.
Eaquals is an association whose primary aim is to promote and develop high quality in language teaching and language training services, and all Eaquals members undergo rigorous and regular inspection to ensure that they abide by the Eaquals Charters.
Eaquals Guarantee for Language Centres
DownloadEaquals Guarantee to Students
DownloadCambridge
GCI is a Cambridge English language testing centre and we run several Cambridge exams throughout the year, such as B1 Preliminary (PET), B2 First (FCE) and C1 Advanced (CAE). Our teachers have put together this guide for a better understanding of Cambridge examinations. We also run regular BULATS tests. BULATS is a flexible online tool that assesses English language skills for business, industry and commerce so it is ideal for business professionals.
IELTS
We offer several IELTS exam preparation courses throughout the year in GCI. IELTS exam can be taken in Galway as there are two IELST exam venues in the city. This blog article will offer more insights into the variety of ILES exam preparation courses available in our school.
Protection for enrolled learners
Galway Cultural Institute is part of a unique group of schools which provides protection for enrolled learners which has ILEP approval. In the unlikely event that, through the fault of ALL, you are unable to complete your programme with us, you will be able to complete your course without any additional cost at another ACELS recognised designated school.
Accreditations and Memberships
Study in the heart of Galway, Ireland
From €1480
C2 Proficiency, formerly known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE), is indeed one of the most advanced English language qualifications offered by Cambridge Assessment English.
Cambridge CPE C2 Exam Preparation Course in Ireland | GCI
From €235
General English Courses are our most popular English language courses.You can choose to study English in Ireland with this popular 20 lessons per week course.
General English 20 lessons AM
From €3575
The Study Abroad Year programme is aimed at students from outside the EEA area who need to improve their General English while taking an international English exam.
Study English Abroad 20 lessons AM
From €2340
Improve your English skills and gain an internationally recognised Cambridge Advanced Certificate on this Exam Preparation Course
C1 Advanced 12 weeks | 20 lessons
From €1325
This course has 30 lessons per week and is one of the most popular exam preparation course for IELTS, the ideal certificate for anyone planning to study at a third level institution in a speaking English country.
IELTS 6 weeks | 20 lessons
From €685
The 50+ Programme is designed for mature students who want to improve and combine their language skills with an active social programme.
English Courses for 50+ in Ireland
Galway is one of Ireland's greatest treasures. Situated on the Atlantic west coast, this vibrant city – like its people – is warm, friendly and welcoming.
Explore more English courses