The best English language schools in Galway

Selection of the best schools to learn English in Galway and why this decision

09/Jun/2023

Schools



There are several reasons why Galway is the best city to learn and study English in Ireland

Galway is the fourth city in Ireland with 80,000 inhabitants, of which 23,000 are university students from the two universities in Galway so you can imagine the atmosphere in Galway.

Galway is considered the cultural capital of Ireland, a city with an immense variety of festivals throughout the year, including two in July and August. One is the Festival of the Arts, or "The Galway Arts Festival", which lasts for two weeks in July and is the most important horse racing week, or "Galway Races", in all of Ireland.

There are two icons in Galway. One is the promenade of several kilometres with views of Galway Bay, and the other is the shopping street, or -Shop Street-, a pedestrian street with an enviable atmosphere full of music, pubs, shops, and restaurants.

Galway is considered by many to be an excellent city to study English in Ireland for several reasons

Language Immersion Environment: Galway is a predominantly English-speaking city, providing international students an ideal environment to practice and improve their language skills. By interacting with the locals and participating in the daily life of the city, students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in English in an authentic way.

Vibrant student life: Galway is known as a university town with a large student population. This creates a dynamic and energetic environment, with numerous opportunities to socialize and meet other students, both local and international. The city hosts cultural events, festivals and a lively nightlife, providing students with an enriching experience during their study time.

Culture and heritage: Galway is famous for its rich cultural heritage and arts scene. The city hosts renowned cultural festivals such as the Galway International Arts Festival and the Galway Film Fleadh. Students can immerse themselves in traditional Irish music, theatre and other artistic expression, enriching their English language learning experience.

Natural Beauty: Galway is located on the west coast of Ireland and offers stunning scenery. Students can enjoy beautiful beaches, such as Salthill Beach, and explore the unspoiled landscapes of Connemara and the Aran Islands. This connection to nature provides a unique experience and an opportunity to practice English while enjoying the scenic beauty of Ireland.

Size and accessibility: Galway is compact and easy to get around the city, making it convenient for students. Major educational institutions such as the National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) are located in the city centre, making it easy to access academic facilities and other necessary amenities.

Welcoming Community: Galway is known for its warm and welcoming community. The locals are friendly and open, creating a conducive environment for international students to feel welcome and easily integrate into the city's life.

Affordability: Although Galway is a popular city, living and accommodation costs can be more affordable compared to Dublin or other larger cities in Ireland. This makes it more affordable for international students to live and study in Galway.

The best English language school in Galway is Galway Cultural Institute - Premium English school and possibly the best English Language School in Galway and all of Ireland

Galway Cultural Institute is known by its acronym GCI and was founded in 1989.

Galway Cultural Institute has the highest quality accreditations a language school can achieve, including ACELS, Eaquals, IALC, and QQI. Education in Ireland, Linguaskill, Cambridge Official School, IELTS Official School, Erasmus+, ELE Ireland, Alto and Bildungsurlaub.

Galway Cultural Institute stands out as the best English school in Galway due to its pedagogical approach, highly qualified teaching team, multicultural environment, and quality facilities. All of this contributes to an enriching and successful learning experience for students.

The facilities have 30 bright and spacious classrooms with state-of-the-art interactive whiteboards, a library, a multipurpose room, a cafeteria with typical Irish menus, a terrace facing the Atlantic sea, and a terrace on the school's roof.

GCI has free WIFI for students throughout the building.

Galway Cultural Institute offers

  • General English courses.
  • Business English courses.
  • Cambridge Preparation courses.
  • IELTS preparation courses.
  • Tailor-made individual classes.
  • Combined General English courses with private classes.
  • Courses for Erasmus+ English teachers.
  • English courses for people over 50 years old.
  • Management and Leadership courses,
  • Marketing and Social Networks courses.
  • Business and Entrepreneurship courses.
  • Study & Work courses for 25 weeks.

The GCI academy is located on Salthill, Galway's seafront, with stunning sea views and just a 15-minute walk from the centre. Salthill was chosen in a national vote as the best neighbourhood in Ireland.

The are two options for accommodation through the school, an apartment with other students of the school or with an Irish family.

The treatment between students, teachers, and management is excellent, familiar, and very close.

Galway Cultural Institute (GCI) is a language school and a Galway Business School (GBS).

Before coming, you will take an online test to find out your vocabulary and grammar level, which is complemented by an oral test on your first day of class to find out your Listening and speaking level and put you in a class at your level so that progression is correct.

The best English language school in Galway is Atlantic Language School – a premium school located in a modern wave-shaped glass building in the centre of Galway

Atlantic Language was founded in 1993 and is located in the centre of Galway, a few minutes walk from Eyre Square.

Atlantic Language School needed to expand its facilities and acquired several classrooms in a building just opposite.

ACELS, MEI, Eaquals, Erasmus+, Select Ireland, QQI, and ALTO accredit Atlantic Language School.

The facilities have 34 classrooms with high-quality audiovisual equipment, a library, a computer room, a cafeteria with hot menus and desserts, and a rooftop terrace.

The academy has free WIFI throughout the building for student use.

Atlantic Language School offers

  • General English courses.
  • Cambridge preparation courses.
  • IELTS preparation courses
  • Combined General English courses with private classes.
  • Courses for Erasmus+ English teachers.
  • Study & Work courses for 25 weeks.

The accommodation with Atlantic Language School is in an apartment with other students from the school or with an Irish family.

The treatment between students, teachers, and management is close and of quality.

On the first day at school, you will do a written test to know the vocabulary and grammar level. Then you will do an oral test to know the level of Listening and speaking to put you in a suitable class with people of your level for a correct progression.

English school Bridge Mills Galway Language Centre – Located in a renovated 18th-century mill

Bridge Mills Galway Language was founded in 1987 and is situated in the heart of Galway, next to the River Corrib.

The Bridge Mills English School has 14 classrooms; the treatment is close and familiar.

Bridge Mills is accredited by ACELS, QQI, ALTO MEI, and EAQUALS and is a Cambridge and TIE examination centre.

Bridge Mills Academy offers

  • General English courses.
  • Cambridge preparation courses.
  • IELTS preparation courses.
  • Courses for Erasmus+ English teachers.
  • Study & Work courses for 25 weeks.

The only accommodation available through Bridge Mills is Homestay.

If you want to do an English course in Galway, we will help you choose the best English language school in Galway since we are an agency that has offices in Galway. There is nobody better than us to help you with all the procedures and keep us in touch in the same city for anything you might need, such as:

  • Open a bank account.
  • Apply for the Irish social security number or "PPS Number".
  • Help you find alternative accommodation near the school.
  • Anything else you need?

Upon your arrival in Galway, we will be waiting for you at the Galway bus station to welcome you, show you around the city and the English school, and take you to the accommodation you have chosen, either with an Irish family or in an apartment with other students in Galway.