Experience Dublin Like a Local
Improve your English, discover Irish culture and experience everyday life in a local Irish home.
DCU International Academy’s Host Family Mini-Stay Programme offers high school groups the opportunity to combine English language learning with an authentic cultural experience in Dublin. Students attend English classes at DCU, take part in organised social and cultural activities, and stay with carefully selected local host families.
Living with an Irish host family gives students opportunities to practise English naturally outside the classroom, develop confidence and experience Irish culture firsthand.
Programme Highlights
Our Host Family Mini-Stay Programme combines English tuition, cultural discovery and everyday life in Ireland.
- Stay with a local Irish host family
- Practise English naturally outside the classroom
- English language classes at DCU
- Carefully selected, police-checked host families
- Full-board meals, including breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
- Social and cultural activities led by DCU staff
- Private return Dublin Airport transfers
- End-of-course certificate
- Dedicated DCU programme support
- 24-hour emergency assistance
- Flexible arrival and departure dates
- Minimum group size of 10 students
- Minimum programme duration of 7 days / 6 nights
Programme Dates & Availability
Host Family Mini-Stay Programmes are available from March 2027 to 10 May 2027, subject to availability.
Programmes offer flexible arrival and departure dates, including midweek arrivals and departures.
Please contact us to discuss your preferred dates and group requirements.
What’s Included in the Programme?
Our Host Family Mini-Stay Programme combines English tuition with accommodation, meals, organised activities and support throughout the stay.
- English language tuition at DCU, with General English, Business English or English for the Workplace options
- Pre-arrival English language assessment
- Course materials
- Host family accommodation, with students accommodated in groups of two or three per family
- Full-board meals, including breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
- Organised social and cultural activities
- Private return airport transfers
- Dedicated DCU programme support
- 24-hour assistance
- End-of-course certificate
Summary Specification Information
Tuition
- Students attend English language classes at Dublin City University, with course options including General English, Business English and English for the Workplace.
- Classes are designed to help students develop their communication skills and confidence in an engaging learning environment.
- The programme includes a pre-arrival English language assessment, course materials and an end-of-course certificate.
Host Family Accommodation
Students stay with carefully selected, police-checked local Irish host families, providing an opportunity to experience everyday life in an Irish home.
- Students are accommodated in groups of two or three per host family.
- Living with a local family provides opportunities to practise English in everyday situations.
- Students can experience Irish customs, family life and culture during their stay.
- Special dietary requirements can be accommodated, subject to advance arrangements.
Group Leader Accommodation
Group leaders may stay in DCU ensuite residential accommodation for an additional fee, subject to availability.
Meals
Students receive full-board meals provided by their host family throughout their stay.
- Breakfast
- Packed lunch
- Dinner
Special dietary requirements can be accommodated when arranged in advance.
Social & Cultural Activities
Students participate in organised social and cultural activities, providing opportunities to explore Dublin, experience Irish culture and practise English outside the classroom.
Activities are led by DCU staff and form part of the overall programme experience.
The programme does not include organised evening activities, in line with host family programme arrangements.
Please see our sample programme timetable below for examples of activities that may be included.
Airport Transfer
Private return Dublin Airport transfers are included as part of the programme.
Flexible arrival and departure arrangements are available, including midweek travel.
Why Choose DCU for Mini-Stay with Host Families Programmes?
A DCU Host Family Mini-Stay offers students the opportunity to take their English beyond the classroom.
From sharing meals and conversations with their host family to exploring Dublin and participating in organised activities, students experience Ireland from a local perspective while developing confidence, independence and communication skills.
With DCU coordinating tuition, accommodation, transfers and programme support, schools and group organisers can enjoy a well-organised and rewarding educational experience in Dublin.
Who Should Attend This Programme?
Our Host Family Mini-Stay Programme is designed for high school and student groups looking to combine English language learning with an immersive cultural experience.
The programme is particularly suitable for:
- High school groups wishing to improve their English communication skills
- Students interested in experiencing everyday life with a local Irish family
- Groups looking for a combination of English tuition and cultural activities
- Schools seeking an organised international learning experience in Dublin
COURSE FEES AND AVAILABILITY
Programme fees depend on your group size, preferred dates and programme requirements.
To request a quotation and programme proposal, please contact us with the following information:
- Preferred arrival date at DCU
- Preferred departure date from DCU
- Number of students and group leaders
- Approximate ages of students
- Any specific programme requirements
We aim to provide a quotation and proposal within one business day.
Sample Programme Timetable
For Illustrative Purposes Only
Note: Classes may be held in the morning, afternoon or a mixture of both.