English Courses - General Terms and Conditions

Key Facts

• Covid-19 protocols apply to all students and classes and are informed by government directives and advice, and are being updated on a continuous basis on our website and internal VLE.

• All courses start any Monday except Exam Prep, Foundation, Pre-Masters, 50+, Teacher Training and Group Programmes.
• All courses are Monday to Friday (except bank holidays when courses start on Tuesday).
• Levels are from A1-C2, Beginner to Proficiency. Beginner level students will need to take One-to-One lessons for a minimum of two weeks.
• Some courses require a minimum English language level e.g., Exam Preparation, SAY Business, Teacher Training, 50+, Summer Certificates.
• Classes start at 9.00 for AM schedule and at 13.30 for PM schedule. Class starting times may change at the discretion of management and in high season can commence at 8.30.
• GCI operates a double schedule and you will be allocated your schedule on the first day depending on your course booking and on availability – i.e. certain courses are automatically timetabled in the afternoon sessions.
• All lessons are 45 minutes long.
• The maximum class size is 14 all year around except for tailored group programmes and mini stays.
• Minimum numbers, minimum English language level and minimum age are required for some courses.
• Minimum age is 17 during low season and 16 in high season
• Books and materials are charged separately. There is an additional charge for a new book of when you change level.
• Exam fees and exam books are charged separately, and late exam fees apply. Exams are often scheduled on Saturdays.
• Insurance is obligatory for non-EEA and must be issued by a body regulated by the Irish authorities.
• A Placement Test is obligatory for all students. Please complete our grammar and vocabulary test online at https://www.gci.ie/english-tes... a minimum of two weeks before your course start date.
• All prices are per week except for Foundation, SAY and Exam Preparation
  programmes.
• On your first day, you will have orientation, an oral interview and then be placed in your class. Your ID card will be processed, and this gives you access to GCI / GBS facilities, discounts on excursions and in shops and restaurants. There is a café on site which is run independently by Chef Laura Rosso and serves hot lunches and delicious coffees and teas.
• GCI is a Cambridge exam testing centre. Many exams take place on Saturday and exam dates are correct at the time of printing but may change.
• GCI offers exam preparation for IELTS. GCI assists all students to register for their IELTS exam which takes place in an IELTS exam venue in the city centre.
• Students may not change from group to private tuition or opt for less intensive courses or shorten their course regardless of the reason.
• Classes missed due to Public Holidays will not be made up except for individual / One-to-One components.
• Public Holidays 2023: 2nd January 6th February, 17th March, 10th April, 1st May, 5th June, 7st August, 30st October
• Christmas Holidays 2023: 18th December 2023 – 2nd January 2024. Classes recommence 2nd January 2024.
• GCI / GBS has a no-smoking policy.
• Respect for property, people, other nationalities and customs must be shown at all times.
• Students under 18 years of age:
  a) Are required to provide a Signed Parental Guarantee and to carry this with them at all times whilst travelling to Ireland.
  b) A Meet & Greet Service is obligatory for all under 18-year-olds on arrival and it will be charged separately.
  c) Under 18-year-old students must abide by the rules and regulations and behave as adults.
• We have an Emergency Number 24/7 - +353 87 2478128
  

English Only & Attendance Policies 

• GCI and GBS operate an English ONLY policy both in class and in the school building and grounds.
• Attendance is obligatory and is monitored (minimum 85% required), as is participation in class.
• These policies ensure that all students gain the maximum benefit from their course and from their ability to communicate and interact with other students and personnel within the school.
  
• Failure to adhere to these policies will result in students being asked to leave the class or the school.
• Persistently speaking a language other than English or persistent absence or late arrivals will result in a student being asked to leave their course permanently. There will be no exceptions.

How to Book

• Complete all sections of the GCI school registration form or book online at www.gci.ie and send it with a non-refundable deposit of €150.00 by Transfermate, Bank Transfer or Credit Card six to eight weeks prior to course commencement.
• For visa requiring students, you must use TRANSFERMATE escrow account.
• Upon receipt of your registration form we will confirm your place and send you a full invoice.
• Full settlement of the account should be made 28 days in advance of your arrival (21 days in winter). Should you register late, full fees must be sent on receipt of invoice.
• Proof of payment of fees must be sent to us and please email a scanned copy of your bank transfer, and quote your STUDENT REFERENCE NUMBER on all correspondence.
• Full fees must be received before accommodation details are sent. These are usually sent two weeks prior to your arrival.
• Transfer details should be sent as soon as they are available and at least seven days prior to the course.

Payment Options

You have a number of payment options. 

• Complete all sections of the GCI school registration form or book online at www.gci.ie.
• Upon receipt of your registration form we will confirm your place and send you a full invoice.
• Full settlement of the account should be made 28 days in advance of your arrival. Should you register late, full fees must be sent on receipt of invoice.
• Proof of payment of fees must be sent to us and please email a scanned copy of your bank transfer and quote your STUDENT REFERENCE NUMBER on all correspondence.
  
• Full fees must be received before accommodation details are sent. These are usually sent two weeks prior to your arrival.
  
• Flights and airport transfer details should be sent at the time of booking or/and as soon as they are available (28 days in advance prior to the course commencement).
  

CLASS TIMETABLES

(SAMPLE – these are subject to change – other timetables will be given on arrival)

Insurance & Health

• All students should be in a fit state of health to reasonably carry out the course and accommodation type they have booked.
• All participants should provide their own health and travel insurance. Participants from EEA countries should obtain a EHIC Card from their local Social Welfare Office before departure. See http://ec.europa.eu This only entitles you to free emergency hospital care and attendance at certain doctors. It does not cover elective medical or dental treatment.
• We strongly advise you to insure against loss of fees, personal effects, flights etc. that you may incur due to cancellation or early arrival or late departure.
• Any person undergoing medical treatment should bring a medical certificate and should bring sufficient medicine to cover their stay in Ireland.
• Important health or psychological problems must be brought to the attention of GCI/GBS before enrolling so that the school can approve the booking and facilitate the specific condition, where possible.
• Failure to do so may result in the booking being cancelled even after the course has commenced and the student being sent home.
• These include illnesses or conditions that may manifest themselves during the stay that may be deemed to be in any way contagious, whether real or imagined, and include, but are not limited to skin, bronchial, stomach or other conditions that might infect others or are such that you cannot be in a school situation.
• You will need a doctor’s letter to confirm that you are now fit to return to the school. In serious situations, you may be asked to return home.
• All costs associated with such conditions, including medicines, fumigations, laundry etc. either of you, the school or the accommodation, are the sole responsibility of the student.
• We have a duty of care to you and to all other students and staff members in our care and have to take the necessary steps to ensure the best out- come for everyone.

Accommodation

• Accommodation is reserved on a weekly basis – i.e. 7 nights either for host family or residential accommodation. The minimum stay is one week.
• Distance from accommodation to school is between 5 minutes’ walk to 30 minutes by bus depending on traffic.
• Accommodation is only organised for students attending a course at GCI or GBS.
• Half board is provided in host families from Monday to Friday and full board at the weekends. The majority of families are non-smoking.
• Special requests with regard to pets, children, allergies, location of accommodation, diet (vegetarian, vegan, halal, coeliac, etc.), incur an additional supplement per week. These requests must be made at the time of the initial booking. Please note that these requests cannot be guaranteed.
• If the preferred option is unavailable, the next best option will be allocated.
• Extra nights are possible in a host family at a fee per night subject to availability. Staying over Christmas in a host family incurs a supplement per week and is subject to availability.
• Residences are reserved from Saturday to Saturday.
• Accommodation assigned at booking may be subject to change.
• Residential apartments are self-catering and are for students of 18+. All residential accommodation is non-smoking.
• Extra nights are not available in residence and alternatives (B&B or Host Family) are subject to availability.
• Students are required to fill in and sign a Residential Deposit Form agreeing to abide by the rules and regulations of GCI / GBS residential accommodation.
• €150.00 security deposit for residential accommodation is payable in advance or on your first day at school. This can be paid on arrival.
• Credit cards can also be used (and a 2.5% fee applies). Cash is not accept- ed for residential deposits.
• Accommodation fees are non-refundable. For more than one change to accommodation an additional registration fee will apply to each change.
• Extensions to accommodation must be done through the school and not through the host family or through the landlord.

Transfers

It is easy to travel to Galway from all airports in Ireland - Dublin, Shannon, Knock & Cork airports. You can either take a bus or the train. We can book your preferred transfer option for you once you send us your flight arrival times.

You can travel by bus directly from Dublin Airport to Galway city centre. Buses are quick, cheap and are the best option, in our view. We can book it for you. Two bus companies that you can use are www.gobus.ie; www.citylink.ie; www.eireagle.ie. If you choose to travel by train from Dublin to Galway you will need to transfer to the Heuston Train Station first.

Buses from Shannon, Cork and Knock airports are with www.citylink.ie or with www.buseireann.ie. 

We can also organise a Private Taxi Transfer from Dublin, Cork or Shannon airports directly to your accommodation in Galway.

A Meet & Greet Service is an additional service we provide for students on arrival at the airport. A GCI / GBS representative meets you at Arrivals in the airport (with a sign with your name) and brings you to the bus to Galway. The representative does not travel with you. On arrival at Galway Coach Station you are met by another school representative and brought to your accommodation. Included in the price of the Meet & Greet is the Bus Ticket to Galway and the Taxi Transfer to your accommodation. You can choose to have this service on Arrival only, or on Arrival and Departure.

A Meet & Greet Service is obligitory for ALL under-18 year olds (this is required by Irish Law).

If we organise your transfer for you, we need your flight details and mobile number in case of any delay or change.

Visa Students

• We can assist you in your application for a VISA should you require one.
• Please allow a minimum of 10+ weeks to process your VISA application. We recommend that long stay students apply for a D-VISA.
• All fees must be paid in advance and are refundable (except for the deposit of €150.00) in the case of a visa being refused unless false documentation has been submitted. This includes a minimum of four weeks accommodation and medical insurance.
• For Visa Requiring Students: You must pay through TRANSFERMATE Escrow Account where your fees will be held on behalf of the student and GCI/GBS pending the VISA Decision.
• Delays in issuing visas will mean that a course is postponed to the next course starting date and additional charges may apply.
• Fees will not be refunded if a visa is denied due to submission of false or inaccurate information.
• Visa applications are available from http://www.inis.gov.ie/ There is a fee of €300 each time a visa is issued or extended by GNIB (Irish Immigration).
• Visa requiring and all non EEA students must have adequate health insurance to cover their stay in Ireland and is available for purchase from the school.
• Students, particularly long stay non-EEA students, are required to sit an inter- national examination course while they are in GCI as part of their visa conditions.
• When you arrive at the airport, Immigration usually stamps your passport with a visa for one month.

Visa Process in Galway

To land in Ireland as a non-EU citizen, you will need the following to present to Immigration:

• your passport
• confirmation from GCI / GBS of your course booking
• confirmation of your accommodation address in Galway
• proof of purchased medical insurance
• confirmation of payment to GCI / GBS

You can, in certain circumstances, use a bank statement from your home coun- try but it must be an original document from the bank with the €4,200 amount shown. You can also use alternative insurance to the GCI product but it must be regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and it must have your Irish address on it

Once you arrive in Galway you will need to:

• Open a bank account and deposit €4,200 in that bank account 
• Get letters from the bank, the school, proof of address and proof of medical insurance (we help you with this process)
• Go to Immigration (GNIB, Galway) with your passport and all the necessary documents (we help you with all the documentation and the process).
• You will need €300.00 to pay for your IRP card.
• All this must be done in the first four weeks of your stay.

  The GNIB Immigration Officer has the final authority to decide whether these documents are acceptable.

PPS Number

A PPS number is a Personal Public Social Number and is required if you wish to work in Galway.

It is also required if you are undertaking a Department of Education (QQI) degree or certificate. To apply for a PPS number you must go to the Social Welfare Office in Victoria Place, Galway.

You will need your passport, proof of address (i.e. bank letter) and a letter from the school. Students who require a visa to stay in Ireland cannot get a PPS number if they are staying here for less than 25 weeks. You should have an offer of a job before applying for a PPS number.

General Conditions 

• GCI / GBS cannot accept responsibility for flight delays or changes in timetables by other third parties outside of our control.
• We reserve the right to change without notice the contents, dates, times or any other detail of a course brought on by strikes, political events, natural disasters or any other event considered by Management to be pertinent.
• GCI & GBS reserve the right to change any of the details given in any course brochure or website or the composition of the lecturing team.
• In the event of a dispute, GCI / GBS will endeavor to resolve the issues in a fair and ethical manner. Once this process has been exhausted, GCI / GBS will follow the Dispute Resolution Procedure of IALC. In the event of legal action, the court case must be taken where the bulk of the service provided by GCI / GBS has taken place, i.e. Ireland.
• The student is responsible for any damage or injury he/she may cause to buildings, furniture, fittings, individuals, families, other students, agents etc., while registered with GCI/ GBS.
• Should a student behave in an unseemly and/or inappropriate manner that may bring the school or its agents into disrepute or to cause damage to its reputation or standing in any way, either real or imagined, he/she will be asked to leave the school immediately.
• The Management / Directors will be the only arbitrators in any such event. A serious misdemeanour or any infringement of the laws of the land will result in instant dismissal from the school.
• The contract between GCI / GBS or related companies and any of its students or agents shall be terminated in the following instances or any such instances as defined by the Management / Directors at any given time:

a) Cause damage of any kind to the Institute / School, its good name either real or imagined, members of staff, host families, residences, other students or any other agent of GCI / GBS or their good name, either real or imagined.

b) If the student behaves in such manner that leads to a disturbance or nuisance.

c) If the student is suspected of or charged with any misdemeanor or crime against the laws of the land. Any costs incurred in any such events will be the responsibility of the student or his/her parents or guardians.

• No liability of any kind shall be attached to GCI / GBS for any losses of any kind incurred by the student as a result of GCI / GBS terminating the Contract. It will be a matter entirely for the student to make arrangements for his / her return to their country of origin and to make good any loss suffered by GCI / GBS or its agents.