In English, answer all three questions in your submission.

• Why do I want this scholarship?
•  What difference would this scholarship make to me?
• Who else would benefit if I won this scholarship?

Types of submissions:

● Writing – Write not more than 500 words (in the online application form).
● Photo/Art – Create a piece of not more than 2 x A4 pages front-to-back, with a combination of photos (5), art, drawings, and writing.
● Video – Create a video/audio not longer than 5 minutes

If you chose the photo/art or video format, email your video/artwork answering the ‘Why choose me’ questions above to [email protected] before the deadline.

• Online application form + signed Terms and Conditions/Commitments Form + 2 reference forms (+  videos/art works if applicable) submitted all together to [email protected] by deadline
• All valid applications are read and shortlisted by a team of experienced past participants, volunteers and staff of EIL AFS Ireland and Languages Connect
• Shortlisted candidates are invited to interview on Saturday, February 10th 2024 in Dublin
• All successful/unsuccessful candidates will be contacted by March 2024

At EIL, all our programmes have education at their core. We develop and deliver our programmes based on the four pillars of our educational model :

INTERCULTURAL LEARNING… the process of developing intercultural competence. This is your ability to act and relate appropriately and effectively in various cultural contexts….

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING…. a learning process where the participant learns by ‘doing’. They take part in an experience, they observe that experience by living it, they think about how it is affecting them and finally apply this learning to their future actions…..

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSFERABLE SKILLS…..the additional skills which carry personal and professional value. E.g. self-confidence, problem-solving, team-work & leadership and interpersonal skills. They are also highly valued in the workplace, increasing employability and lifelong career advancement…..

GLOBAL CONSCIOUSNESS…. the awareness and understanding of our rapidly changing and unequal world. It encourages people to think critically, consider their rights and responsibilities as global citizens, as well as their potential to effect change for a more just and equal world….

You can be hosted anywhere in your host country.

Secondary schools, are chosen jointly by the family and the local coordinator. If the host family has children of its own, they try to place students in the same school as their children, but this cannot be guaranteed. The local coordinator will consult with school officials in order to place the students in the school and grade best suited to their backgrounds and needs. Placements will also depend upon the particular schools available in the homestay area. Students may be placed in a class lower than their Irish equivalent depending on language ability and the community.

The average school day: Typically 8am – 4pm. Actual start and finish times will vary according to each local school. A timetable will be provided by the school and should be confirmed with the school after arrival.

EIL and Language Connect reserve the right to send home any student whose health requires it or whose conduct is considered improper or offensive to the host family, community or school. Such conduct includes drug use, unacceptable sexual behaviour, excessive drinking, violation of the law or failure in schoolwork. In the event that the student is returned home, either alone or accompanied, parents or guardians are responsible for expenses. If a student chooses to end the programme early on his or her own accord, parents or guardians are responsible for expenses.

EIL and Language Connect reserve the right to cancel or curtail a programme in circumstances where “force majeure” presents (e.g.
natural disasters, civil war, global pandemics, etc.).

Further conditions of participation are included in the Winner’s Information Pack & additional paperwork.

• Flights & transport in-country
• Accommodation
• Meals
• School materials & fees
• Medical Insurance
• Orientations & preparation materials
• 24 hours support & emergency phone number
• Local Coordinator in host country
• Mentor (past participant)

What is NOT covered:

• Personal spending money
• Personal travel outside of school transport
• Entertainment or socialising costs (e.g cinema, concert, coffee)
• Medical prescriptions & medications
• Special dietary needs & preferences

It is suggested to budget approx €80/100 month for personal spending.

Participants are placed in safe and welcoming host families in local communities. Like in all countries, accommodation, food and pasttimes vary. Students should be open to a lifestyle & culture different to their own in Ireland.

No, family & friends visits are not permitted. In our experience, to allow the student the best possible opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture and their community, visits from family & friends from home are not allowed. They disrupt the adjustment process, lead to further homesickness and integration problems.

No, this is a one-way exchange and students will not have to host a student.  Some Irish students remain friends with the host family and siblings and stay in contact, but there is no obligation to invite them come to Ireland unless you make a personal arrangement amongst yourselves.

Secondary school students (15-16 years on June 1st 2024) who are permanently resident in Ireland can apply for this scholarship.

No, the school for the student are chosen according to availability, the host family, geographical and quality parameters.

No, as these types of school are very selective secondary schools, and are not necessarily open to foreign exchange students.

In most areas music, art and sports clubs are available. Some are available at school for free, some at an additional cost. Sports such as soccer, tennis and athletics, and youth groups such as Scouts, are amongst the most popular. Students are encouraged to ask their host families what types of activities are available in the area.

No, and usually not at the beginning when the level of language may be too weak and they are adjusting to their new environment.

The process involves:

• Online application form + submissions (signed terms & conditions/commitments form and if applicable videos/art work) + 2 reference forms submitted to [email protected] by deadline
• All valid applications are read and shortlisted by a team of experienced past participants, volunteers and staff of EIL AFS Ireland and Languages Connect
• Shortlisted candidates are invited to interview on Saturday, February 10th 2024
• All successful/unsuccessful candidates will be contacted by March 2024