High School Programme

• School Placement: Placement in an Irish school among our partner schools in Waterford is included, with guidance on understanding the educational system.
• School Fees: Includes tuition and other mandatory fees (voluntary contributions not included).
• Accommodation: Full board with a host family or in a boarding school.
• Excursion: 1 full day excursion per term is included
• Personal Support: 24/7 assistance from The Learning Abroad Co. team throughout the stay.
• Reports: Regular updates from the host family, academic progress reports from the school.
• Transfers: Airport transfers at the start and end of the programme.
• Visa Advice: Guidance on visa requirements for non-European students.
• Academic Supplies: Assistance with purchasing necessary academic materials and uniforms is provided. However, the cost of these supplies is not included in the programme fees and will be the responsibility of the student.
• Validation Assistance: Support for validating the school year in the student’s home country.
• Cambridge English Exams: Support for registering for Cambridge English exams (fees not included).

Not Included

• Flights: Not covered by the programme.
• Local Transport Costs: Transportation during the stay (except airport transfers at the start and end of the programme).
• Additional Fees: Transition Year supplements, school contributions, uniforms, textbooks, extracurricular activities, private lessons, etc.
• Special Dietary Needs: Additional costs for special diets (e.g., celiac , vegan etc).
• Holiday Accommodation: Accommodation during Christmas and Easter holidays (additional cost if required).
• Exam Fees: Official exam fees (Junior Certificate/Leaving Certificate and Cambridge English exams).
• Personal Expenses

• Age: Recommended for students aged 12-17 years for secondary school programmes.
• Deposit: Non-refundable deposit of €1,500 required within 30 days of acceptance.
• Payment: Remaining balance due 2 months before departure. Flexible payment options available.
• Medical Insurance: Private medical insurance is mandatory. The cost of insurance is not included in the programme fees and will be the responsibility of the student.

• Application Period: Schools typically allocate places between early April and late June.
• Confirmation: 99% of placements confirmed by end of June; may extend to July.
• School Year Start: Late August.
• Programme Duration: Full year (August-May) or Term (August-January).
• Holiday Periods: Schools closed for Christmas and Easter (additional accommodation may be needed). Midterm breaks are included.

• Holiday Arrangements: Students need to return home during Christmas and Easter holidays unless alternative arrangements are made. Extra fees will apply to stay over for Christmas and Easter.
• Host Family Assignment: Families are assigned between June and early August.
• Contingency Funds:\xA0Parents should ensure students have access to adequate funds during their stay to cover any unexpected expenses that may arise.

Starting Dates 2025-2026

August Arrival Date -(1st Term/1st Semester) Friday, 22nd- of August 2025

January Arrival Date – (2nd Term/2nd Semester) Thursday, 8th of January 2026

Step 1: Application & Deposit

• The student completes the online application form here
• Upon approval of your application, a €1,500 deposit will be required to confirm your booking.
• Once we receive the application and deposit, we begin processing the school placement immediately.
• The placement process typically takes up to 6 weeks.

*The €1,500 deposit is non-refundable. The only exception to this policy is if we are unable to place the student in any of their preferred schools or a suitable alternative institution.

Step 2: School & Host Family Matching

• The student receives a school acceptance letter (6 weeks) of deposit payment.
• Once the school placement is confirmed, we begin matching the student with a host family.
• Host family details are provided 6 weeks before arrival.

Step 3: Final Confirmation & Payment

The remaining program balance is due no later than 8 weeks before arrival.

Prior to the balance due date, students will need to make the following arrangements:

• Book the flights
• Secure medical insurance if needed
• Consider enrolling in our optional Cambridge Exam Prep Course

Step 4: Pre-Departure Preparation

The student attends an online pre-departure orientation organised by The Learning Abroad Co. (2-3 weeks before arrival).

Step 5: Arrival & Onboarding

• Airport pickup is arranged and the student meets their host family and school team.
• The student attends an onsite orientation with The Learning Abroad Co. to go over key details.
• Family Day in Waterford:
  • Explore the city and settle in.
  • Purchase school uniforms and materials.
  • Presentation Day at school – introduction to the academic environment.
  • The student is now fully set up for their experience in Ireland!

Please note that during this process, our team may need to request additional information from the student, such as academic records from previous years or other relevant documents.

Key Processing Timeline for Agencies

• Immediately after receiving the application and deposit – We start the placement process.
• 6 weeks – School placement is confirmed.
• 6 weeks before arrival – Host family details are provided.