Cost of Living in Dublin 2026

The post Cost of Living in Dublin, Ireland – Guide for International students 2026 appeared first on Everest Language School.

This year is particularly momentous for the directors of Everest, Rob and Anne-Marie and they shared their thoughts about the next decade for the school.

“The plan now is to continue to focus on quality. We have built something unique in Everest, and we don’t want to lose that. Over the next 10 years, the plan is not to grow but to refine what we have and develop quality in every aspect of the organisation.”

Rob McComish, School Director

It’s an exciting time for us! We have been been focused on developing our own academic program over the past number of years based on the best research available. Now, as we go into this next chapter, we have an incredible academic team in place to build on our strong foundations and align our progams with the incoming TrustEd quality mark.

Anne-Marie Connolly, Academic Director

Looking forward, the focus will be on developing quality, expanding our academic research, improving student experience as well as developing our network of agents and partnerships. We will also be focusing on more specialised projects such as our current Erasmus+ project focused on the development of a curriculum for teachers delivering lessons to vulnerable learners. We also hope to further our suite of teacher training and staff professional development courses.

The post Everest Language School Reaches 10-Year Milestone, Looks to the Future appeared first on Everest Language School.

About the Erasmus+ Project 

In Everest our team and students have always looked for way to have a positive impact on society. So we are very excited to tell you about a project we have been working on, one that we believe can make a meaningful impact. Since January, Everest has partnered with organisations in Greece and Czechia on an Erasmus+ funded initiative aimed at integrating therapeutic practices into language education for refugees, asylum seekers, and socially excluded adult learners. This nine-month project, running through September 2025, will culminate in the development of a pilot two-week training program for educators, which will be held in Dublin for international participants.

Classrooms across Ireland are made up of students from all backgrounds and cultures and it’s crucial that teachers are equipped with the skills and training necessary to deliver trauma-informed lessons, especially for vulnerable learners. The aim of this project is to ensure that English language classrooms will be inclusive and able to cater to students of all backgrounds and experiences. Research has shown that many refugees and asylum seekers struggle to engage with traditional English language instruction, while also facing additional challenges due to limited English proficiency. This is why Everest and our partners have launched this initiative—to develop a comprehensive and practical syllabus that integrates art therapy and other therapeutic practices into ESL teaching, ensuring all learners have an equal opportunity to enhance their English language skills.

Partner Organisations 

Everest has partnered with two incredible international organisations to undertake this international Erasmus+ project. Both Amaka and Integracni Centrum Praha (ICP) are doing crucial work with displaced and marginalised individuals across Europe in the space of art therapy, social and legal counselling, language education and much more. The representatives from both of these organisations, Maria Vlachopoulou and Eva Šenkýřová respectively, possess essential expertise and experience in providing services to refugees and asylum seekers that will be incorporated into the final creation of the trauma informed teacher training syllabus. Both of these organisations do fascinating work and we are very lucky to have them on board for this project. 

Amaka is based in Greece and runs art therapy workshops, aimed at fighting loneliness and social exclusion, with a particular focus on marginalised groups. This organisation is able to bring valuable insights into the benefits of art therapy for expression and connection to this project, providing expertise on the best ways to incorporate it into language teaching. 

ICP, based in Czechia, works to ensure that individuals who have been granted international or special protections receive fair treatment in Czech society. Their main focus in recent years has been on integrating those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, through projects such as language education, counselling, legal help, social integration courses and much more. They are taking part in this project to supply guidance on working with displaced individuals and providing language education to refugees and vulnerable groups.

Dublin Erasmus+ Study Visit

We were delighted to kick off this project earlier this year in March with a visit with representatives from our two partner organisations in Dublin. Maria Vlachopoulou from Amaka and Eva Šenkýřová from ICP both travelled to Dublin for 4 days of in person project planning. As well as focusing on the creation of the syllabus, Rob, Maria and Eva conducted two fieldwork visits which were very beneficial and informative to the project. The first was to FIT, an organisation providing internships, training and language education to discuss their work with Ukranian refugees. They spoke to Robert Ardiff and numerous people in FIT, from managers to teachers and students about their experiences of English language teaching specifically aimed at vulnerable groups. 

Our second visit was to speak to Sean McCabe, the Head of Climate Justice & Sustainability at Bohemian’s Football Club. Sean has been involved in various projects with Bohemian’s to boost inclusivity including a groundbreaking climate co-operative. This co-op provides afterschool youth programmes as well as sustainability projects for adults currently serving time in Mountjoy prison. The aim of these projects is to create and encourage community collaborations for social change and improvement. Sean spoke in depth to Maria, Rob and Eva about his current project providing training courses to people in direct provision, allowing them to upskill and engage in community apprenticeships. These conversations were so beneficial to our project as it allowed us to gain insights into how current training courses aimed at displaced individuals in Ireland are being delivered and allow for creative collaboration from both of our projects. 

Next steps in the project 

This project will continue this year with two more in person meetings this summer, first a May trip to Greece followed by a visit to Prague the month after. The Greek session will be led by Amaka and will focus on hearing from therapists and facilitators involved in art therapy sessions for refugees. Representatives from both Everest and ICP will have the opportunity to observe and engage in non-ESL focused art therapy sessions, and gain insights into how these practices and can be adapted into an language curriculum. 

The Prague session will provide an opportunity for representatives from Everest and Amaka to observe teachers providing lessons to recently arrived refugees, specifically those from Ukraine. Observation sessions will help to facilitate opportunities for understanding of how teachers provide trauma-informed lessons to these groups. Feedback and collaborative sessions will follow, allowing participants to develop lesson plans and syllabi with the guidance and input from facilitators from ICP. 

The project will culminate in the development of a syllabus focused on therapeutic teaching methods for English language teaching for refugees, asylum-seeking and socially- excluded adult learners. This syllabus will be delivered as a training course for teachers held in Ireland, and will have been informed and guided by the collaboration and actions undertaken by Everest, Amaka and ICP representatives. It is the hope of Everest that this syllabus will not only be beneficial to language teachers, but will inform and inspire future research into this area to ensure that language learning is accessible and inclusive to all. We are very excited for what the rest of this year has in store and we look forward to sharing it with you in the coming months!

The post Introducing our Erasmus+ project (Dublin) appeared first on Everest Language School.

Answering all your questions about studying English in Ireland

Hello! If you’ve found your way to this blog, you’re probably considering a work-study visa or gap year abroad. There are so many different options available – choosing which one can be a difficult decision!

This blog is to give you some advice and guidance, and to help you decide whether an English language work-study visa in Dublin could be the right choice for you. 

We will go through everything from picking the right school, finding a job, securing accommodation as well as all the great benefits of embarking on a work-study visa. 

First things first, what is a work-study visa?

Simply put, it’s a visa that allows you to work in Ireland while you study English. The visa lasts 8 months in total – 25 weeks of which is studying and 8 weeks are holidays where you can explore Ireland and other European countries!

 

Most English language schools will offer study options in both the morning and afternoon – either 15 hours per week or 20 hours per week. At Everest Language School, we offer a 20-hour per week program in the morning that runs from 9 AM to 1:10 PM, Monday to Friday, or the afternoon option that runs from 1:50 PM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday, which totals 15 hours per week.

Whilst you study you will be entitled to work for 20 hours per week. If you are here from June to September or the Christmas break you will be able to work for 40 hours during this period. 

 

You will learn lots of English in your classroom, and with the added benefit of being able to work you will be able to apply your new language skills to a real world environment. 

 

Although the work-study visa is just 8 months, you can renew it 2 more times and stay in Ireland for 2 years in total. Many students even stay longer if they get job sponsorship or go to university. 

How do I get a work-study visa?

The good news is that, for most students, it is really easy! How easy it is depends on what country you will be travelling from.  Students from countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Japan and Korea do not even need a visa to enter Ireland!  All you need to do is book your course, make the payment and we will send you your acceptance letter and any other documents you will need to show at immigration on arrival.  When you are in Dublin, you will need to book an appointment with Immigration services to get your visa card. Again, this is really easy to do, and our friendly student support team will assist you with everything you need for it. 

What if I’m from a visa-required country?

For some countries, getting a work-study visa is a little bit more complicated! Don’t let this deter you though – lots of students from visa-required countries are still able to come to Ireland, it’s just a bit more paperwork! Students coming from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Russia, China & Mongolia will need to apply for a visa before coming to Ireland. Again, once you have booked your course and made the payment, we will send you all the documents you will need for your application. There can be a wait of anywhere between 4 to 16 weeks for your visa to be approved, so do keep this in mind when choosing a start date! If you’re coming from a country that’s not mentioned above and you’re unsure of whether you need a visa or not – you can check via the link below. Just type in your country and it will tell you! Check if I need a VISA

Why choose Everest Language School?

Dublin has lots and lots of English Language Schools, so deciding which one can be a bit overwhelming!

Each school in Dublin has their own unique offerings for students, and you should always do your research and choose a school that is the best fit for you.

We’d love for you to consider choosing Everest Language and here’s what we can offer you!

• We are 100% teacher owned. This is very unique in Dublin and it means all of our classes are created by highly experienced teachers which makes the classes dynamic, interactive and you won’t be sitting in class following the same book for 6 months!
• We’re centrally located – we are based in the very centre of Dublin, right beside Temple Bar, Dublin’s cultural hub. The school is very easy to get to and served by all of Dublin’s public transport options.
• We are a relatively small school. There is a real family vibe in our school, and being small allows us to give all of our students the attention they need from both our administrative staff and teacher.  As we are a small school we also have the benefit of having a very diverse nationality mix, we have students from France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Korea, Russia, Mexico, Chile, Brazil etc….
• We have great feedback from students and a 4.9 rating on Google.
• We have competitive pricing. Some schools are less expensive than ours and some are much more expensive.We know it’s a big expense and we try to keep our pricing as affordable as possible, whilst maintaining the highest quality of service and teaching.
• We have wonderful social activities. Our social program manager is always making sure that there are plenty of events outside of the classroom that you can meet other students and explore what Dublin has to offer! This includes party nights to Dublin’s pubs and clubs, cultural trips such as the Guinness Store House and museums, in house events such as movie nights, CV & Interview workshops, conversational classes, day trips to other cities in Ireland such as Galway, Belfast and Wicklow and much much more.
• Last but not least, we really care! We know that moving abroad can be a daunting experience, and things don’t always go perfectly to plan. Our dedicated staff are always available to support you in whatever challenges you might face and our job is to ensure you have the best experience possible and that you thrive academically, professionally and socially whilst you are here.

Why Choose Dublin & Ireland?

• If you Google top 10 friendliest cities in the world, you’ll be sure to find Dublin up near the top spot on nearly every list. 
• Dublin is really multicultural – even though you might be far from home, if you’re ever feeling homesick, you’re sure to find many other students from your native country here too!  So much so we even have shops that are solely dedicated to selling Brazilian products. 
• Jobs are easy to find! Ireland is at its all time high record of employment at the moment (2024). There are loads of hospitality jobs in the city for students, and you don’t need perfect English skills to apply. 
• You’re close to everything else – because Ireland is a small country, whatever city you choose to study in, if you want to go explore the rest of Ireland, the trips don’t take long and can often be done over a weekend. There are beach towns all down the coast of Dublin, if you’re brave enough to swim in the cold sea here!
• We’re part of the European Union. Understandably, many students first thought when thinking about going to learn English is to go to the UK. However since Brexit and the UK exiting the EU, obtaining a visa to go to the UK has become increasingly difficult. Getting a work-study visa to Ireland is much easier – and you’ll be able to visit freely to other European countries if you choose Ireland. 
• We’ve got some of the best pubs in the world – so if you want to go and try your first taste of Guiness, you’ve literally got 100’s of options to choose from!

 

Things to be cautious about

Of course, no city is perfect, and we prefer to be honest with students about things they should consider when choosing to study abroad.

• Cost of living: Like many cities across Europe and the world, the cost of living has increased. As part of your study visa you will need to be able to show that you have €4200 to support yourself.
• Accommodation can take a little while to find in Dublin. Everest Language School provides a range of accommodation options for our students. Most students who come on the work-study program book a few weeks or months in the school’s accommodation to allow time to search for their own place! Many agencies we work with can provide accommodation for you too.
• The weather: weather is very unpredictable in Ireland – you can go through four different seasons in just one day. Just because it’s sunny in the morning, it’s no guarantee it won’t be lashing rain by lunchtime!

What are the benefits of doing a work-study visa?

• English is the number one spoken language in the world. Learning English will open up so many opportunities for you – whether it be professionally, socially or if you wish to travel or go to university.
• You will learn invaluable skills in both the classroom and outside of the classroom.

• You will get to experience an entirely different culture, make lasting friendships with people from all over the world and learn to the view the world from different perspectives
• You will create inner confidence and learn to overcome challenges independently. 
• You’ll gain experience working in English speaking environments, making you much more employable 

 

Still have questions?

If you have any questions about our work-study visa program please contact us at info@everestlanguageschool.com or you can call us on 00353-1-559-4919

You can visit our website at everestlanguageschool.com and check our work-study visa options.

A member of our team would be more than happy to answer any questions you have and support you through every step of the process.

The post Work-Study English Course in Ireland appeared first on Everest Language School.

I recently attended a two-week language course at Everest Language School in Dublin as part of the Erasmus+ mobility program for educational staff. From the very beginning, the school's staff maintained constant contact with us, promptly addressing all our questions and concerns [...] they helped us complete the necessary documentation for the EU program.
The teaching staff was exceptional—always prepared, and delivering lessons in an engaging and inspiring manner. [...] The classes were interesting and often included information about Ireland's socio-cultural and political issues, which undoubtedly helped us understand the country better. The teachers were approachable, always checking our homework and providing detailed feedback. I highly recommend Everest Language School to anyone considering a language course. The dedication and professionalism of the staff, combined with a personalized and comprehensive curriculum, make it an excellent choice for language learning.

Anna S. Erasmus+ Student In Everest Language School, Dublin

What is the Erasmus+ courses for teachers?

The Erasmus+ Mobility Programmes provide educational professionals with funding to participate in teacher training courses abroad. These programmes offer a unique opportunity for individuals to enhance their professional skills, gain enriching international study experiences, and immerse themselves in Irish life and culture. Educators can choose from a variety of Erasmus+ projects tailored to their specific areas of interest and professional development needs. Our courses not only improve language skills but also expand educational knowledge and develop your own professional methods. 

At Everest, we have been committed to providing top-quality, engaging English courses for nearly a decade. All of our teachers are CELTA-trained and have extensive experience in English language education. We provide a range of Erasmus+ courses, focusing on language training, innovative classroom methods, student wellbeing, and the effective use of technology in teaching and learning.

What Erasmus+ programs are there for admin staff?

In administration, proficiency in a second language is a valuable skill that enhances professional competency and boosts employability. We offer four Erasmus+ courses specifically designed for administrative professionals seeking to upskill and develop their language abilities. These courses cover all aspects of the English language, with a particular emphasis on communication and speaking—essential skills for administration work. Participants will also learn to write and correspond effectively in English, using both formal and informal language, which is crucial for constructing emails, reports, and other professional documents.

Erasmus+ Courses for Admin Professionals

• Intensive General English (26hrs)
• Intensive IELTS Preparation (26hrs)
• Intensive Cambridge Preparation (26hrs)
• General English (20hrs)

What countries are eligible for Erasmus+ funding?

All citizens from EU member who are working in the education, sport or youth sectorsare eligible to apply for an Erasmus+ Mobility Project grant. Participation is also open to selve non-Eu states.
Individuals from Iceland, Lichtenstein, North Macedona, Norway, Serbia or Türkiye are eligible to apply for Erasmus+, despite their non-EU member status. 

These countries are associated with the Erasmus+ scheme, allowing opportunities for their citizens to engage in the program.

INTENSIVE GENERAL ENGLISH (26HRS)

This course is made for those who have a real drive to quickly improve their English level. This course provides 26 class contact hours during the week, covering English grammar, reading comprehension...

INTENSIVE CAMBRIDGE PREPARATION (26hrs)

Earning certifications such as FCE (First Certificate in English) and CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) helps open doors to great opportunities in both higher level education and the professional landscape...

INNOVATIVE LANGUAGE TEACHING METHODS

Stay ahead with 26 hours of training in innovative language teaching methods. This course explores the latest approaches, including technology integration, interactive learning...

GENERAL ENGLISH (20HRS)

This course is for students who wish to comprehensively improve their overall level of English. It covers all facets of the language, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking...

CLIL: INTEGRATING CONTENT AND LANGUAGE LEARNING

Transform your teaching with 26 hours of training in CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning). This course provides practical strategies for combining subject matter and language instruction...

INTENSIVE IELTS PREPARATION (26HRS)

Having an official English qualification presents a significant advantage on your resume and that is why countless individuals opt to undertake the IELTS exam. The IELTS exam is accepted in over 140 countries across the world...

TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION IN LANGUAGE TEACHING

This course is perfect for those aiming to integrate modern technology into their language teaching. With 26 class contact hours, it covers the use of interactive games...

MINDFULNESS AND WELL-BEING IN TH CLASSROOM

Promote a healthy classroom environment with 26 hours of training in mindfulness and well-being. This course equips you with techniques to integrate mindfulness and yoga into your teaching...

PROJECT-BASED LEARNING FOR LANGUAGE EDUCATION

Embrace the power of project-based learning (PBL) with 26 hours of immersive training. This course guides you through designing and facilitating PBL activities that foster...

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Student Welfare Supports Dublin

Student Welfare Supports Dublin: Support agency contacts for students who encounter emergency situations or hardships.
This list is not complete, and if you see a support missing, please let us know.
With any issue that arrises, please feel free to talk to anyone from the students support team and we will do everything we can to help and support you.

Mental Health Support

Samaritans

Samaritans services are available 24 hours a day, for confidential, non-judgmental support.

☎️Freephone 116 123 any time.

✉️jo@samaritans.ie

Samaritans.ie

Aware

Information, support and peer groups for people experiencing anxiety, mild to moderate depression, bipolar disorder and mood-related conditions. Support also for friends and family members.

☎️Freephone 1800 80 48 48, 10am to 10pm every day

✉️supportmail@aware.ie

Aware.ie

Pieta

Free individual counselling, therapy and support for people who self-harm or are thinking about suicide and people who have been bereaved by suicide.

☎️Freephone 1800 247 247, any time

☎️Text HELP to 51444 – standard message rates apply

pieta.ie

Bodywhys

Services for adults and young people with eating disorders, and their families. Services include email and helpline support, online chat support groups for various groups, virtual video support groups and family programmes

☎️Phone 01 2107906 – Monday, Wednesday and Sunday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, and Saturday from 10.30am to 12.30pm

✉️alex@bodywhys.ie

bodywhys.ie

LGBT Ireland

Phone or online support for the LGBTI+ community – by phone, instant messaging or at peer support groups.

☎️Freephone 1800 929 539 – Monday to Thursday 6.30pm to 10pm, Friday 4pm to 10pm, Saturday and Sunday 4pm to 6pm

☎️Transgender Family Support Line 01 907 3707

✉️info@lgbt.ie

lgbt.ie

Housing Welfare Supports Dublin

Threshold 

Give free advice and guidance to those experiencing rental problems in Ireland.

☎️ Freephone 1800 454 454

threshold.ie

Residential Tenancies Board 

An independent public body that works to resolve housing and tenancy disputes. 

☎️0818 30 30 37 

☎️01 702 8100

rtb.ie

Rape crisis

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre

Provides support to those who have experienced rape or sexual violence. 

☎️ Helpline: 1800 77 8888

☎️ Office: +35316614911

✉️info@rcc.ie

drcc.ie

Rape Crisis Network Ireland 

Provides counselling and other support services to those who have experienced sexual violence 

rapecrisishelp.ie

Garda (police) info

Emergency Numbers 

Please call either of these numbers if you have an emergency that needs to be dealt with immediately. These numbers are for police and ambulance services.

☎️999

☎️112

Garda (police) Student Welfare Supports Dublin

Specifically provides welfare supports for international students and tourists. Provides assistance to those who have been a victim of a crime in Dublin. Staff members speak several languages.

☎️+353(0)1 666 93 54

✉️ info@itas.ie

Irish Tourist Assistance Service,

Pearse Street Garda Station,

Pearse Street,

Dublin 2, D02 W289 

Irish Tourist Assistance Service,

Head Office ,

 6-7 Hanover Street East,

Dublin 2, D02 W320 

Garda National Immigration Bureau

13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, D02 XK70 

☎️ +353 1 666 9100/1 

✉️gnib_dv@garda.ie

Everest’s Local Garda Station 

1-6 Pearse Street

Dublin 2

☎️(01) 6669000

Work Issues

Workplace Relations Commission

Provides a place to lodge complaints about employers, workplace issues etc. 

☎️059 9178990

workplacerelations.ie

Domestic Violence

Women’s aid

Women’s Aid is a national, feminist organisation working to prevent and address the impact of domestic violence and abuse.

☎️ 1800 341 900

https://www.womensaid.ie/

This list of Student Welfare Supports Dublin, is not exhaustive. We have tried to include the most important wel

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Parlez-vous Anglais? Oui? Fantastique! But when it comes to mastering English, even the most fluent French speakers encounter their fair share of challenges. From tricky pronunciation to grammatical head-scratchers, the journey from “Bonjour” to fluent English can be a confusing rollercoaster ride. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, let’s dive into the 10 most common English challenges for our French-speaking friends.

1. “Th” Trouble

French speakers often stumble over the “th” sound, which doesn’t exist in French. This sound requires placing the tongue between the teeth to begin. The tendency among French speakers is to replace it with a “z” or “s” sound, making “think” sound more like “sink.”

To overcome this, practice repeating words like “thin” and “that” in the mirror, checking your tongue placement, until you get the hang of it (you can even try recording yourself and listening back). Listen to native English speakers to mimic the sound accurately. With patience and practice, “th” will no longer be the thorn in your English pronunciation.

2. Pronunciation Predicaments

English pronunciation can be tricky, with words like “wrist” and “beach” defying phonetic expectations. For instance, “wrist” doesn’t have a ‘w’ sound at the beginning and “island” is pronounced with no ‘s’ sound! To tackle pronunciation hurdles, focus on common mispronunciations for French speakers and practice them regularly.

Take a note of words that are difficult for you to pronounce or that sound very different to how they are spelled. Try to use one of them in a sentence today. Listening to native speakers and mimicking their pronunciation can help a lot with this issue. If this seems difficult, don’t worry! With time, practice, and feedback from your teacher, your pronunciation will become clearer and more confident.

3. Article Agonies

Understanding English articles (“a,” “an,” and “the”) can be tricky for French learners because French nouns have gender, while English ones don’t. This difference leads to confusion when deciding which article to use in English sentences.

Let’s look at an example: In French, you might say, “C’est l’anniversaire de mon frère aujourd’hui,” which translates directly to “This is the birthday of my brother today.” However, this is not correct English. The correct sentence would be: “It’s my brother’s birthday today.”

To conquer this challenge, think of the articles as a set of keys we use to unlock meaning. “A” and “an” are like generic keys you use when you’re talking about any object. “The” is like a specific key that unlocks one unique thing or gives special meaning to a word. You can learn lots more about article use in English here.

4. Tense Tangles

English verb tenses, like the present perfect and continuous, might seem confusing at first. For instance, in French, it’s common to say “Je suis allé.” However, if you translate this exactly into English it means “I have gone.” Unless this used in a present perfect sentence, is not completely correct English.

Verb tenses are time markers. The present simple is often used to describe habitual actions, e.g. “I go to school,” while the present continuous is used for an action that is in progress at the current moment, e.g. “I am going to school (now).” The past simple is used to refer to actions that occurred at a specific time in the past, e.g. “I went to school yesterday.” The present perfect is used to connect past actions to the present and don’t relate to a specific time period, e.g. “I have finished my homework.”

It can be a little tricky at first, but with some time and effort, you’ll soon get the hang of it!

5. False Friend Fiascos

“Faux amis,” or false friends, are linguistic look-alikes, resembling words you know in French but which have entirely different meanings in English.

Take, for instance, the English word “actually.” In French, “actuellement” means “currently” or “at present.” However, in English, “actually” means “in reality” or “truthfully.” This is a common word in both languages, and can cause some miscommunications if you don’t know the difference!

To steer clear of these translation hiccups, compile a handy list of these deceptive words and learn their English meanings to ensure your conversations are free from any mishaps. This list will be a useful addition to your linguistic passport.

6. Word Order Wobbles

English word order differs from French, especially in questions and negations. For instance, instead of “Aimez-vous les chats?” which directly translates to “Like you do cats?” But, it should be “Do you like cats?” In English, we usually put the “to be” verb before other verbs when asking someone a question.

To tackle this, read as much English as you can and watch movies with English audio and subtitles. Podcasts can also be a great resource for listening to a wide range of grammar structures. Make a note of the construction of basic negative and interrogative sentences and highlight the patterns you observe. This can help break the habit of mimicking French sentence structure in English and will really help you sound like a native speaker.

7. Preposition Perplexity

Navigating the world of prepositions like “on,” “in,” and “at” can be akin to solving a complex puzzle for French speakers. Imagine this scenario: You might say, “I am in the plane” when you should be saying “I am on the plane.” Most English speakers will understand what you mean, but correct usage of prepositions will do wonders for your English fluency.

To master these, think of prepositions as the tiny connectors in a sentence that dictates where things are happening. “At” is used for locations, “in” is specifically where in a location you are, while “on” is more specific and can pertain more to what surface you are physically on. For example, “I’m at the airport,” signifies your location, while “I’m in the terminal” describes where within the airport you are and ‘I’m on the fourth floor’ signifies in a more specific way where you are standing.

And there’s more! Some prepositions come in pairs, like “in” and “on,” depending on whether you’re talking about the interior or the surface of something. For instance, “I’m in the car” means you’re inside, while “I’m on the car” implies you’re on the roof. But then again for public transport, we use “on the train”, “on the bus” and “on the plane” (it’s not easy!). The best way to learn prepositions is learning general rules, set phrases and using them as often as you can in daily life. Before you know it, they will be second nature and you will be on your way to English fluency!

8. Pluralization Puzzles

Overusing or forgetting plurals is a classic error among French speakers. For instance, saying “one cat, two cat” instead of “one cat, two cats.”

To fix this, practice forming plurals correctly and be mindful of pluralization rules in English. Some plurals take different endings, which is especially important when writing in English, so this can take some getting used to. Consistent practice will lead to improved accuracy. When going about your day today, try practicing the plurals to yourself based on what you see, for example, “There are three buses” or “I see five dogs.” After some conscious plurals practice, it’ll soon be second nature to you.

9. Verb Conjugation Conundrums

English verb conjugation is simpler compared to French, but irregular verb forms can still pose challenges. For example, “I sing, you sang, he has sung” can be complex and follows no obvious pattern. To overcome this, familiarise yourself with the irregular verbs in English and practise their conjugation. Regular practice will make these forms more intuitive.

Choose 3 or 4 verbs to work on each week, and try to use them correctly in your conversations. Here are the 5 most common irregular verbs to start with.

10. Literal Translation Traps

Translating idioms word-for-word can lead to comical misunderstandings. English idioms like “It’s raining cats and dogs” or “When pigs fly” have no direct French equivalent. To conquer this challenge, ask your teacher for some common English idioms and understand their figurative meanings rather than translating them literally. This will help you communicate more effectively in English. These idioms will differ slightly depending on which English-speaking country you go to, so try to make a country specific list to help you communicate with local native speakers.

Mastering English as a French speaker is a journey that requires patience and consistent effort. By addressing these common challenges, you’ll become more confident and proficient in English communication.

Conclusion

From the tongue-twisting “th” to tricky articles and confusing prepositions, the journey from “Bonjour” to fluent English is an adventure. 

Embrace the oddities, laugh at the mix-ups, and celebrate the breakthroughs. After all, language learning is a process, and a fun one if you adopt a more relaxed and playful attitude.

The post Bonjour to English: 10 Common English Challenges for French Speakers. appeared first on Everest Language School.

The following sections will look at the different types of phrasal verbs, problems learners face, and some suggestions to make learning them (slightly) easier.

Different types of phrasal verbs

Multi-word verbs can function in 4 ways, generally related to transitivity, and separability.

Type 1: Intransitive, requiring no direct object. e.g., go off (ring)

The fire alarm went off.

“Their flights taking off” (become airborne)

Type 2: Transitive, requiring a direct object., Inseparable e.g., break into (force entry into)

Burglars broke into the mansion.

“she would run into someone” (to meet someone by chance)

Type 3: Transitive, Separable e.g., give something up (quit)

The direct object either comes between the verb and the adverb, or after the preposition. If we use a pronoun, then it must go between.

He gave smoking up.

John gave it up.

He gave up smoking.

John gave up it.

“She decided to take her jacket off” (remove)

Also, there can be multi-word verbs with 2 objects e.g. (provide someone with something)

He provided me with the directions.

Type 4: three-part e.g., (look up to someone) (admire)

He looks up to his father.

“ looking forward to their flights” (feel excited about something that is going to happen)

Issues learners have with phrasal verbs:

 

● Literal vs idiomatic meaning

“She decided to take her jacket off” vs “hoping for her career to take off”

You may know the meaning of the verb and the particle (draw on)

He drew on the board.(literal)

But not the meaning of:

She drew on her experience.(idiomatic) (make use of)

● Polysemy

“Their flights taking off” (become airborne)(intransitive)

“She decided to take her jacket off” (remove)(transitive)

“hoping for her career to take off”(become successful)(intransitive)

Some phrasal verbs have multiple meanings, including between transitive and intransitive

forms.

● Formality

Generally, phrasal verbs are informal, but that is not always the case.

We chilled out at home. (Informal)

I need to check out that new movie. (Informal)

There are a few options to mull over. (Semi-formal)

We need to carry out a thorough analysis of the data. (Formal)

Some can have a formal one-word equivalent that is used in formal contexts

I keep putting it off. (Informal)

We must postpone the meeting. (Formal)

● Collocation

You may struggle to know the collocation patterns of phrasal verbs and which lexical areas they occur in.

“The match was called off due to the rain”, also collocating strongly with engagement,”wedding”, “meeting”;.

You might understand the meaning, i.e. cancel, and then attempt to apply it to other nouns with which it in fact has no relationship.

For example,”I called off my English class”; sounds strange to L1 speakers, as generally we can only call off events which have been specifically arranged, or that are of a unique, one-off nature.

● Particle use

It can be very easy to confuse particles, or omit them entirely.

“The is growing up”

“I like listening (to) music”

Tips for Learning English Phrasal Verbs

● When reading in English, get into the habit of noticing, identifying and underlining phrasal verbs.

● Write down in a notebook the sentences they appear in.

● Look up the meaning in an English to English dictionary, and make your own sentences.

● Get a teacher or friend to check your sentences.

● Try to limit them to 2 or three per day. This will build up over time.

● Read a little (in English) everyday for a minimum of 15 minutes, read about things you are interested in.

The post Tips for Learning Phrasal Verbs appeared first on Everest Language School.

by Sean Newman

Podcasts for Learning English

Why you should learn English with podcasts:

All podcasts, but especially podcasts for learning English , are a convenient and great way to help you improve your English. They are on-demand internet radio talks that you can download to your mobile phone or tablet. It is said that just 20 minutes per day of a listening to an English speaking podcast can have a positive impact on your learning English! You can listen to them lying in bed, on the train back home or just wandering around the city, and let’s face it, sometimes the idea of sitting down with a 300 page English book after a long day of classes isn’t always what you want to be doing! 

During your English classes here at Everest Language School you will spend a lot of time speaking, reading, listening and writing which of course is a really important part of learning English. However, you will find that out in the real world in any English speaking country you will come across lots of different accents and ‘slang’ words, and especially in Ireland people speak very fast and with many different accents, even in Dublin alone!

Podcasts for Learning English: Podcasts are a great way to improve your listening and understanding skills. This is possible whether it be an English Learning podcast or even just a regular podcast of a topic you might find interesting. Podcasts often have written transcripts (basically subtitles!) that go along with the speaking, so if you don’t understand a word or phrase that’s being spoken, you might be able to understand it in writing!

Podcasts also allow you to choose the subject that’s being spoken about, so you can learn English and also listen to a topic you are genuinely interested in.

You can also pick the level of English that’s suited to you, so if you are finding one podcast to easy or another too difficult, you can simply pick one that’s more suited to you and your level. You can also slow down podcasts to ½ the speed if you feel its too fast, or speed it up to x2 speed if you really want to challenge yourself.

Podcasts are generally free as well! Some have a small subscription fee, but even when they do they usually offer a one month free-trial, so you can decide if it’s worth parting with your money for.

You might find that listening to podcasts during your spare time will greatly improve your learning of English in the classroom!

Below you will find a list of some of what we think are the best podcasts to help you learn English, there are lots more that you can find on our school’s blog.

Podcasts for Learning English: Our favourites

The English we Speak – BBC Learning English

Like any language, English has plenty of terms and phrases that you won’t find in the dictionary! You may hear them out and about and not understand what someone is talking about! This podcast has a huge selection of 3 minute tutorials explaining in simple terms what these phrases mean! For example if somebody says ‘I’ll give them a taste of their own medicine’ this means to get revenge on somebody.

These podcasts are particularly suited to students with an intermediate level and you find them here at this link – The English We Speak – BBC Learning English

6 Minute Grammar

6 minute Grammar is another podcast produced by the BBC and is updated weekly. The clue is in the name, it’s a 6 minute podcast focusing on a key area of grammar! For many students grammar can often be the trickiest part of learning English. This podcast is great for giving you a short and simple explanation of a key area of grammar with examples of hows its used to!

Its suitable for all levels and you can find it at this link – 6 Minute Grammar

All Ears English

All Ears podcasts for learning English use conversational English focussing on vocabulary. Many of the topics are about the different difficulties people face when learning English and cultural challenges that can contribute to this. There are hundreds of podcasts, many of which also focus on American culture.

To check it out you can follow this link – All Ears English

VOA News Learn English

VOA Learn podcasts for learning English focus on current affairs and news around the world – from the World Cup to Politics! This podcast is great if you’re looking to listen to a news topic that interests you, they have sections on Arts and Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Music and many more. You can also choose the level of English you can listen to the newscast. You can even check your level of English as they have a free English assessment test as well as an ‘Everyday Grammar’ section to help you brush up your skills!

You probably listen to the news anyway so you might as well listen in English! – VOA News Learn English

Business English Pod

Business English Pod is a little different to the other podcasts as it purely focuses on business English. What this means is, it focuses on the English you would need if you were doing a job interview, speaking on the telephone at work, presentations and meetings at work. This podcast also gives you tips on how to write your CV. Business English Pod is great for students who have already got their General English to a good standard and are starting to look for employment in English speaking companies. Job interviews and new jobs can be a daunting experience even if you are a native speaker so why not check Business English pod out and give the native speaking candidates a run for their money at Business English Pod!

Splendid Speaking

Here at Everest Language School we do lots of IELTS Exam preparation courses. These podcasts are aimed at helping you prepare for IELTS Exam. The podcasts are conversational and the host Peter Travis interviews a different English learning student each time about how they did in different parts of the IELTS practice test. These podcasts are a great way to help prepare for your IELTS exam and get some first-hand advice from students who have already taken it!

Check it out at Splendid Speaking!

British Council – Learn English

These podcasts for learning English are great if you’re looking for a podcast that does everything! It’s a one-for-all stop for Grammar, Vocabulary, Business English, IELTS and is suitable for students from Elementary to Intermediate Level. You can also interact with other users and give each other tips about what podcasts you found helpful.

Check it out at Learn English – British Council

IELTSPodcast by Ben Worthington

Learn English with Everest – Our very own podcast

Did you know that Everest has its own podcast. Over the last few years our Academic Director and teachers have created an excellent podcast that will really help you improve your English. There are lots of coversations and chats with English speakers from around Ireland so that you can get used to the different Irish and Dublin accents, there are episodes to help you learn professional English for work, and lots of episodes to help you prepare for the IELTS and Cambridge exams. We are really proud of these podcasts and have done lots of blog posts to accompany them so that you can follow along and learn all the new vocabulary. Check it out today and let us know what you think!

These are just a few of the many podcasts for learning English. Alternating the different podcasts on maybe a weekly or monthly basis is a good idea to ensure you’re getting a diverse learning experience.

The post Podcasts for Learning English in 2023- Everest Language School appeared first on Everest Language School.

A mistake that Spanish speakers often make in English is getting confused between false cognates, also known as “false friends.” These tricky words may seem similar in both languages but actually have different meanings. It’s easy for Spanish speakers to think that these words mean the same thing in English and end up using them incorrectly.
Spanish speakers will often think that a word like Actualmente translates directly to the English word Actually, but as we can see below false friends have a slightly or completely different meaning.

Did you know that English and Spanish have some pretty unique differences when it comes to their sounds and spelling? That’s why it’s crucial to focus on how to pronounce English words properly. One helpful tip is to listen to native English speakers and try to copy the way they say words.

Spanish is a phonetic language. This means that the same combination of letters will be pronounced the same way in each word. English is not a phonetic language. This means that the same combination of letters can have a different pronunciation, depending on the word. This can be confusing a frustrating for learners, but you can use an online dictionary to hear the pronunciation of common words and learn those. A good example of this is ‘ough’, which is pronounced differently in:

Another pronunciation difference is that when groups of vowels are together, in Spanish they are each distinctly pronounced, whereas in English, we tend to ‘reduce’ vowels/groups of vowels to a weaker sound called a ‘schwa’. Click on the audio symbol on the words here to hear ‘information’ and ‘información’. Notice the difference in pronunciation of ‘ion’ in the two languages.

You might find phrasal verbs a bit confusing. One way to improve is by using phrasal verbs in the right context while speaking or writing in English. Start by learning the most common phrasal verbs, start small and keep at it, and you’ll soon be using phrasal verbs like a pro!

The post The Top 10 Common Mistakes Spanish Speakers Learning English​ appeared first on Everest Language School.