Why should I study in Ireland?
Ireland, like its neighbour the UK, is one of the world’s most popular Study Abroad destinations – and is just as popular among Indian students as well.Why do we think it would make the best option for you? The reasons are many, and these are only a few! The Hurray Overseas Education team has compiled some information to help you reach a decision.
1. Academic quality
Ireland is home to institutions ranging from old universities with long, rich traditions like Trinity College, to younger universities like Dublin City University that have quickly grown to rival the rest – you will have a wide choice, and with any of them, you are guaranteed the best start to your career. Irish universities are known for their high-quality teaching, innovative research, and excellent infrastructure. Its most cutting edge programmes are available in the fields of Financ, Computer Science, Digital Marketing, Biotechnology and Business and Management.
2. Work opportunities
Both during and after your studies, Ireland makes it possible for you to work and gain all the benefits that come with it. Students with Stamp 2 permission on the visas are allowed to work part-time; while non-EEA international students are eligible for the Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme which permits you to remain for 2 years post-study for work. This is turn acts like a gateway to remain in the country beyond expiry of the scheme. Whichever route you avail of, your CV is guaranteed to benefit!
3. Global exposure
Ireland is geographically, culturally, and economically positioned in the most opportune of locations – neighbouring the UK, and remaining a member of the European Union. This means that you would have opportunities to tap into opportunities offered across Europe, in some of the biggest business and industrial hubs, from London to Berlin – such as student exchanges, study tours, internships and so on. You will also be able to build a network that will hold you in good stead throughout your career!
4. Experiences beyond curriculum
Any fulfilling university experience must involve more than academics alone – Ireland makes this possible in every way. From exploring its beautiful, rugged landscapes, to its interesting old cities, rich historically and culturally – there’s something here for every type of student! Furthermore, you will enjoy ease of travel throughout Europe. By the time you graduate, you will have enriched yourself with experiences and life skills you will cherish all your life!
How do I Study in Ireland without IELTS? – Duolingo English Test
If you’re looking to study in Ireland in 2020, or even 2021, chances are your plans have been or are being affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Issues related to the cancelation and suspension of testing for major English proficiency tests, including IELTS and several others are among the biggest problems, as without these tests, your application cannot be processed.
However, you’ll be happy to hear – with the Duolingo English Test, you can stay on track toward your overseas education goals!
Duolingo, best known for its app that teaches a range of foreign languages, recently launched an English proficiency test – like all other major language tests, it tests your major language skills or LSRW i.e. Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.
How does this help me?
While at the start, universities were accepting the Duolingo test only as a supplement to the major tests – several universities are now accepting the Duolingo English Test as fulfilling English language requirements for international applicants.
Take the English Test at Home during Lockdown
The biggest advantage of the Duolingo English Test is that it can be taken at home.
Testing centres for IELTS and other exams are now closed – but with the Duolingo English Test, you do not need to attend a testing centre.
How do I take the test at home?
The process is as easy as it can get!
Step One: Register
Make a free account on the Duolingo site – https://englishtest.duolingo.com/
You will have access to a 15-minute practice test, which you can take as many times as you like.
When you’re ready, pay the fee and unlock the test.
Step Two: Make sure you have all the requirements
You will need:
- Identity documentation, such as your passport, driver's license or government ID
- A quiet, well-lit room
- A computer with a reliable internet connection, a supported browser, a front facing camera, speakers and a microphone
- To be seated alone – there can be no other person in the room. Your test will be recorded and checked by proctors to ensure that there is no malpractice.
Step Three: Take the test, anytime!
Once you pay the fee, you can then take the test any time that you want – no fixed appointment required!
How do I prepare for the Duolingo English Test?
If you have decided that the Duolingo test works for you, you’ll now be wondering how to prep for it. It’s true – the strategies you require would differ slightly from other more traditional tests.
The good news in however that prepping is completely doable while under lockdown.
Here’s what you can do:
1. Practice!
You can take the official practice test an unlimited number of times. Each time you do the test you’ll have a different set of questions – which means you will be able to get plenty of useful practice in.
Practising this way is highly recommended. It is the best way to help you get used to the structure of the exam, including the nature of the question types, the time limit given for each question, the shifts between different skill categories (e.g. a listening task may be followed by a reading task), and so on.
2. Hone your vocabulary and grammar skills
Vocabulary and grammar skills are the building blocks of effective communication. Vocabulary involves knowing a large repertoire of words, their meaning and appropriate usage. Grammar skills involves the correct usage of the various functional elements of language, including punctuation, sentence construction rules, tense formation and so on. You will require these skills for tasks across the major skill sets you will be tested on.
- Read: We recommend selecting good publications, well-known for their quality and with a wide variety of content – Time, The New Yorker, and National Geographic are a few examples.
- Listen: to audio-based programmes, including television programmes, radio programmes, recorded lectures and podcasts. Ensure that you select good quality programmes – preferably of American/British origin, so that you can get used to the accents and pronunciation as well. BBC news and programmes, the National Geographic and Discovery channels, as well as a few movies, would be excellent starting points.
3. Get Feedback
For the speaking and writing tests, getting feedback is an extremely valuable tool – something that, unfortunately, you will not get from the practice test.
Here’s what you can do: take a note of some of the topics given for both speaking and writing, and practice on your own. Submit your work to someone you trust, preferably a teacher or a trainer, for feedback regarding the quality of your language use as well as areas where you require improvement. The more feedback you get, the better – it helps you to remember your problem areas and to watch out for them during the test.
Where will my Duolingo scores be accepted?
In the following list you will find some of the most prestigious universities in Ireland, including:
1.Trinity College
Consistently ranked among Ireland’s – and the world’s – best universities, Trinity College is accepting Duolingo for now. Your test must be dated from January 2020 onwards, and you need a minimum score of 110.
2. University College Cork
Nearly all postgraduate programmes at this elite Irish institution are currently accepting Duolingo scores. You would typically require a minimum score of 110-115 to be considered following a verification of your skills. Preferably, a score of 120-125 at minimum will ensure that you are considered for a full offer.
3. University College Dublin
If you have been affected by testing centre closures, you can supply your Duolingo test result for 2020 intake. You will require a minimum score of 110, and an additional interview may also be required.
P.S. Duolingo permits you to send your scores to an unlimited number of universities – at no added cost!
Find your University in Ireland with Hurray
Our Overseas Education counselling team has all the experience and expertise required to help you find the right university in Ireland – based on your interests and strengths, your background and your goals. Our services cover everything from the English proficiency test, to your application and SOP, and finally to settling you into your new home abroad. With Hurray, your dream of studying in Ireland can come true!
Reach out to us to book your FREE one-on-one session, at: info@hurrayedutech.com or 8971357938 / 9900426501.
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