Thinking about going to Cork to learn English
Because of today’s economy it has never been more beneficial for teenagers to learn English. It will undoubtedly give them an advantage in the shrinking job market not only in business and commerce but also in tourism and service industries.
The real question is how to choose where to send them to make sure they get the best teaching and have a good time, and you get value for money.
There are many courses for children available, particularly in the summer. I’m sure you’ll find one close to you or at least in your own country so why consider the additional costs of sending them abroad? Quite simply because they will benefit from “total immersion teaching”. They will probably be in groups of children from all over which means they will have to communicate in English. Add to this the cultural benefits of being in a different country and it’s a win-win situation.
So, if you accept these arguments, the next question is where?
May I suggest Cork in Ireland? The reason for this may not seem obvious so I’ll explain in more detail. Going to London or Dublin may sound like fun, and I’m sure it would be but there are so many courses that it is very likely that they will meet up with lots of other students who speak the same native language. This takes away from the benefits of being abroad. They won’t speak English all the time. Also, due to the large numbers of children who want to attend these courses, it is not always possible for the organizers to keep the ratio of teachers to students small, and many are quite happy to stick the legal requirements of supervisors to students. Courses in Cork can offer smaller groups, making sure your child gets more attention.
Won’t they miss out on the historic and cultural benefits though? Definitely not!
The city of Cork is the second most populous in the Republic of Ireland. Its architecture is mainly Georgian. It has played a significant role in the history of the country and this can be seen in many parts of the city.
Within travelling distance of Cork there are many other things which a good course would take your children to.
For example, there is the mediaeval Blarney Castle with the famous Stone of Eloquence, better known as the Blarney Stone. Apparently if a visitor kisses the stone they will never again be lost for words! In the grounds of the castle there is also Blarney House, a Scottish Baronial style house, built in 1874.
Then there is the town of Cobh (known as Queenstown from 1849 – 1920) which was the last port of call for the doomed Titanic, and the port where the survivors of the Lusitania were taken when she was sunk by a U-boat in 1915 leading to the USA joining the First World War.
Elizabeth Fort was built in 1603 and was important both in the Irish War of Independence and the Civil War which followed.
As if this were not enough, there are also many areas of extreme natural beauty which are well worth a visit.
All in all, a trip to Cork in the summer will give your children a wonderful learning experience and an interesting vacation at the same time.
What more could you ask for?
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