IELTS Preparation Courses

What is IELTS?

IELTS is the world's most popular English language test for higher education and global migration. An IELTS qualification represents a reliable indication of your English language competencies and of your ability to pursue higher education in English. 

Our IELTS exam preparation courses include specialist lessons for exam preparation and exam skills. Our IELTS courses are built around a strong course structure that supports learning and guides your personal progress. 

Who is the IELTS preparation course for?

Our IELTS preparation courses are perfect for anyone who is looking to:

• improve language fluency with excellent IELTS training and practice
• develop their academic reading and writing skills using IELTS preparation materials
• learn all about the IELTS test structure and necessary IELTS exam techniques
• increase your chances of obtaining a high IELTS test score on the day of the exam
• gain an internationally recognised IELTS certificate
• move closer to achieving your next academic  or career goal 

At GCI you are able to choose between a:

• 9 week IELTS Combo G20 + EP10 exam preparation course with 30 lessons per week
• 9 week IELTS exam preparation course with 30 lessons per week
• 6 week IELTS Combo G20 + EP10 exam preparation course with 30 lessons per week
• 6 week IELTS exam preparation course with 20 lessons per week

If you wish to study at college or university level or you have big career ambitions for the future, the IELTS preparation course could be for you. The Cambridge IELTS test is the world's most popular English language test and it is the most common way to verify your English level and skills. Some excellent reasons to take the IELTS test are:

• The IELTS test has an excellent international reputation 
• IELTS study will help you improve all areas of you English preparing you for both academic and professional life.
• The IELTS test is accepted all over Ireland and IELTS is recognised by over 10,000 organisations worldwide, including schools, universities, employers, immigration authorities and professional bodies.

Our IELTS courses are also perfect for those who want to explore and enjoy the wonderful city of Galway. This vibrant city offers endless possibilities for the 6 weeks you will spend here – situated on the Wild Atlantic Way, Galway city is always full of life with so many thing to do! Find out more in our GCI Galway Guides. If you are interested in more details around student life in GCI, you can take a look at our Student Guides offering a whole host of useful information!

How do you know if you are ready for IELTS preparation? If you use every day written and spoken English at a B1 level or higher, then an IELTS preparation course is an excellent option for you. The IELTS preparation course will help you develop all of your English and IELTS study skills in the areas of academic reading, academic writing, listening and speaking. Our 6 week IELTS preparation with 20 lessons every week has been specifically designed to guide and support IELTS test takers. 

The IELTS test has been developed by some of the world’s leading experts in language assessment. The exam is unique as there are no pass or fail grades. The IELTS scale goes from 1 to 9 on each part of the exam – see more on how IELTS is scored here. Some educational organisations might require your overall average score, while other institutions might require a specific score in one paper - they may require a higher writing score, for example. 

Course objectives

Galway Cultural Institute's IELTS preparation courses are structured in order to support IELTS test takers in all possible aspects of the examination: academic reading, academic writing, listening, comprehension and speaking.

Regardless of the length you opt for, over the exam preparation weeks of IELTS study, our teachers will give you a high-level of support and individual guidance, which will ensure each student has a deep understanding of the IELTS test and the best techniques to achieve a high IELTS score.

During our IELTS preparation courses, you will:

1. Develop the necessary communication skills for a variety of real-life situations.
2. Become familiar with in the IELTS exam format, exam papers, focusing on grammar, syntax, key vocabulary, pronunciation and IELTS study skills development.
3. Undertake regular IELTS training through practice tests to prepare you for the IELTS test to ensure your optimal exam performance using only the latest IELTS preparation material.

Course content

Our 20-lesson course gives you a little more free time to enjoy the bustling city vibes of Galway – the European Capital of Culture 2020! The 30-lesson programme will really push your learning to the maximum, and leave you with a little less free time!

The 9 week IELTS course will take you through a comprehensive programme of class work, IELTS training and home study tasks. Your progress will be reviewed by your teachers on a regular basis and we will provide you with a high level of individual support. Our teaching staff are highly-experienced with the IELTS exam and are native English speakers.

Our intensive 6-week IELTS preparation course is one of a few different IELTS study options we offer here in GCI. This course is perfect for you if you are a busy student or a working professional you want to dedicate yourself to improving your English over a short period while enjoying what the lovely city of Galway has to offer. If your written and spoken English is currently at B1 level or higher, and you want to concentrate your IELTS study over a short course, then this could be right for you.

You will work on developing all of your IELTS study skills: academic reading, academic writing, listening and speaking. Over your exam preparation course in Ireland, you will have plenty of time to complete home study tasks and plenty of self-study options.

When you arrive you will receive:

• An IELTS exam preparation book - you will use this for all lessons and IELTS study tasks.
• A grammar and vocabulary IELTS study & practice book

The entire IELTS programmes are exam-focused. Your teachers will use a range of IELTS preparation material & tasks which are designed to be similar to the IELTS exam structure. You receive all the best IELTS tips and techniques about how to prepare for the IELTS test.  As well as improving your knowledge of useful grammar, extensive vocabulary and practical exam skills, you will also learn all about the IELTS test itself and the exam day. 

You will do sample mock papers, that will familiarise you with each of the four IELTS exam papers : Academic Reading, Speaking, Listening and Academic Writing. You will notice your skills improving and will see how relevant the IELTS preparation materials will be to both the exam and your future university or professional life.

What else does Galway Cultural Institute offer to help me improve my English quickly?

During your stay, you will be living with a host family who will be happy to talk with you and help you develop your understanding of English.  Our English only speaking policy means that you have to use English as much as possible, don’t worry – everyone is ‘in the same boat’ and you can find fun ways to explore the language together.  We also arrange trips to the surrounding area and have an extensive social programme. 

Despite these special times with the pandemic, and even with my course being entirely online, I was able to notice a drastic improvement in my English generally throughout the course. And most importantly, I have achieved my desired and required IELTS score, which was definitely such a fulfilling and satisfying accomplishment, thanks to this great IELTS preparation course that has provided me with all the needed skills. So, I highly recommend it for others who may have unachieved goals, whether improving your English, getting your aimed IELTS score, or even just enjoying this informative educational journey. - GCI Student, Maryam Saleh

Sample timetable (20 lessons)