Alpha College of English in Dublin, Ireland

Host families make sure that students know how to get to and from Alpha College of English and many of them either bring their student to the college on his/her first morning or arrange to have him/her brought by a fellow student. If, however, students are unsure about their transport details Alpha College of English staff are always available to provide help, guidance and direction.

On the first morning in Alpha College of English students receive a short orientation briefing and are given a student handbook and a map of the city centre. Included in the handbooks are out-of-hours contact telephone numbers for key Alpha College of English personnel which they are welcome to use in an emergency.

On completion of the orientation session students are given a Use of English placement test and short interview to determine their level of English.

While these tests are being scored students may go to the bus office to purchase their bus/rail tickets or have a coffee in the students' room.

Students are placed in classes at their appropriate level at the beginning of the second class period. They are then given the appropriate course book and a folder for specific worksheets and supplementary material.