Ireland Language, Equestrian & Teens Surf Camp - Donegal, Bundoran. Ireland
INTRODUCTION
Bundoran, popularly known as Ireland’s Premiere Seaside Resort and Surf capital, is located on the shores of the board Atlantic Ocean. It’s an ideal place to visit or simply to relax combining the stay of your son with an intensive and useful english language course.
The surrounding areas offers a wealth of activities and facilities to suit all tastes (surfing & horseback riding) and Ireland is the perfect place to improve your language skills with a: general english course, PET and First certificate course, business english course, EILTS certification course, and more… not only for children and teenagers but for adults too.
Here, with more than 25 years of experience, the school provides the highest quality courses. Ensuring to your son individual attention,as per each student.
We guarantee you different type of courses for each level, providing:
- Course books and materials
- Surf and or Horseback riding course
- Evening activities
- Full day excursions
- Transfer from/to local and national airport
- Medical and travel insurance
- Certificate at the end of the course
Language learning is an individual matter and the school takes this into account from the first contact. Giving a personal touch and monitoring his progress closely… looking after his practical needs and questions. Particular attention is given to issues of interest to teenagers and everyday English speaking situations.
All the members of our teaching team have a full qualification to teach English and language teaching experience with youngsters and adults
A unique opportunity to meet students from all over the world enjoying the surf and the horseback riding, in a safe, vibrant and fun environment… Why spend only a week?
THE ACCOMMODATION
The School’s residence in Donegal is situated just close to the Atlantic coast in a quiet suburb and ten minutes from the town centre ( there is a pedestrian walkway from the houses along the seafront to the town center).
This experience ensures that we provide to your kid a world-class service, assuring :
- A safe and secure environment for all students
- Fully qualified and highly motivated staff
- Additional support and assistance to students at all times
- A relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere for students to learn and have fun
- Where possible our coordinator ensures student of nationality mix in each house which aids English language learning and cultural awareness
Residence Accommodation
- 8 houses ( 4 bedrooms per house)
- 1 coordinator monitoring 24h a day/ per house
- 8 – 10 male or female student per house
- Triple and quadruple bedrooms
- 3 – 4 bathrooms per house
- Spacious kitchen
- All meals ( vegetarian, celiac and lactose intolerance available)
- Laundry facilities
- WIFI *Bed linen and towel provided
The students stay in this residential accommodation which is situated less than one minute walk from the Atlantic coast. The English school of the centre has a wealth of experience working with various students from a diverse range of cultures and nationalities.
Host Families
All host families are personally known to us and ensure a warm Irish welcome to all guests. Generally there are1/2/3 junior students per family.
Students have either a room to themselves or shared with other students.
Each host family will provide breakfast and dinner for the students staying with them. (They will have lunch in the canteen).
Students will be dropped off by their host in the mornings and our host family bus will bring them home in the evenings.
The Canteen
Fresh warm lunch and dinner daily
2 week rotating Menu
Healthy balanced and nutritious diet
Locally sourced and freshly prepared food
specific dietary requirements catered for
THE ACTIVITIES
Surfing and English School
“Our aim is to ensure your surfing skills progress in a fun and safe environment”.
A very good surf school to learn how to surf in safety and fun environment, with high quality coaching from experienced local teachers. You will be able to achieve your surfing goals by keeping groups small and providing personal attention to each student.
Regular feedback is given to students to ensure progression at all times. We have a range of different boards for you to try, so you can progress your skills. As a part of the methodology, Instructional Surf Videos will be used in the course, photo and filming analysis for students of intermediate level upwards.
Courses include:
- ISA certified teachers(International Surf Association)
- Soft top surfboards (hardboards are not provided)
- All Equipment provided (wetsuit and boots)
- 4 surf spots within in short driving distance
- Male and female surf shop with 10% discount exclusive to our clients
- Fully insured lessons
- Safe beach break (everyday our instructors choose the beach with best conditions)
- Constant monitoring
- Instructors feedback during and after lessons
Beginner
“At this level our goal is to get you surfing the white water on your own, with a basic knowledge of currents, etiquette and technique”.
Introduction to surfing working on:
- Safety rules
- Knowledge of currents, etiquette and technique
- Warm up before every session
- Position on the board
- Paddle, getting through the waves and take off.
Intermediate
“For students who aims to improve their level and ocean awareness”.
Focusing on surfing etiquette and working on:
- Paddle out to the line up
- Catch an unbroken wave on a hard board
- Wave knowledge and selection
- Take off and bottom-turn
- Duck dive
A typical day
Your typical day will start with a copious breakfast to prepare you for English classes from 9:15 – 12:30. Followed up with delicious lunch to charge you up for an afternoon surf session. You will be back to the campus around 5pm to relax and have some snacks. Dinner is served at 18:30 and followed up with some evening activities.
Riding and English School
The Equestrian Centre is BHS and AIRE approved.
The facilities include:
- Some of the best riding terrain in the whole of Ireland including, a 10 km beach and 1000 sq acres of rolling sand dunes on our doorstep, mountain, lake and forest trails all within a short distance of the yard.
- Indoor and outdoor arenas
- Cross country schooling course
- Over 45 horses and ponies to suit everyone’s needs
- Friendly and professional staff
A typical day
Your typical day will start with a copious breakfast to prepare you for English classes from 9:15 – 12:30. Followed up with delicious lunch to charge you up for an afternoon surf session. You will be back to the campus around 5pm to relax and have some snacks. Dinner is served at 18:30 and followed up with some evening activities.
The English Course
Each student is individually tested and placed in a class level appropriate to their abilities. The progress of each student is frequently monitored so that there is always an academic challenge throughout their stay.
The english classes will be taught 3 hours in the morning or afternoon according to each student level. The school is recognized by the Department of Education and Science for the teaching of English as a Foreign Language and also a recognised member of MEI/RELSA and ACELS.
More than 25 years of experience working with various students from a diverse range of cultures and nationalities ensures that we provide a world class service:
• 3 hours of intensive classes in the morning
• A fully qualified teacher each 15 students
• Course book and materials provided
• Reading, Writing and listening, stimulating discussion
• Feedback questionnaire
• Certificate and Post Teachers Report on completion of course
Evening Activities and Cultural Excursions
Evening Activities
Our evening activities include water sports, onsite discos, bowling, treasure hunts, cinema, art and music workshops, talent shows, silly Olympics, outdoor sports, DVD’s etc. During the evenings is easy to join and enjoy the Irish culture with live music concert, clubs, shows, restaurants and more.
Cultural Excursion
Cultural Excursion are also provided for the students, some of the destinations include:
- Slieve League and Donegal Town
- Eagle Sanctuary and Sligo Town
- Lough Key National Park and Boda Borg
- The wall of Derry and Derry City
- Glenveagh National Park and Letterkenny
LOCATION & GETTING HERE
Location
The Language, Equestrian & Surf Centre is located in Bundoran, Donegal Co. on Irelands scenic North Western coast.
Considered by many as the Surf Capital of Ireland, Bundoran is situated on the South shore of Donegal Bay against the backdrop of the majestic Ben Bulben mountain range. It has become famous the world over for the excellence of it’s waves and many International Surfing Competitions have been held here. Bundoran is also popularly known as Ireland’s Premier Seaside Resort.
County Donegal presents an ever-changing spectacle of landscapes and seascapes set against a backdrop of mountains and moors, with evidence everywhere of traditional Irish culture. Donegal boasts a vast rugged coastline softened regularly by a succession of beautiful beaches with golden sand and clear fresh waters.
A flagship and natural attraction, the Slieve League cliffs are the second highest sea cliffs in Europe, while Donegal’s Malin Head is the most northerly point on the island of Ireland. Besides being the cradle of traditional music, including leading singer Enya, Donegal boasts several national parks, such as the Glenveagh National Park, and is home to the famous O’Donnel Clan.
The Climate
The climate is temperate and dominated by the Gulf Stream, with cool damp summers and mild wet winters. Mean temperatures range between 10ºC and 20ºC .
Getting Here
Airport Pick-up transfers
From Dublin Airport
“The 90% of our students fly directly to Dublin!”
Your hosts organize supervised transfers to/from Dublin airport every Sunday between 10am – 6.00pm. Other days of the week, available upon request. Collections are between 10am – 5.30 pm and drop offs are between 11am – 6 pm (these times may vary slightly off season).
Travel time: 3 hours
Price: 60,- € per student / per way
Arriving outside normal times price per way (Private Transfer): 240,- € per student / per way
From Other Airports
Knock Airport: Sunday Arrivals Only, Travel time: 1.5 hours, Price: 95 EUR per way for a private transfer or €50 per person.
Belfast: Travel time: 3 hours, Price: 240 EUR per way.
Derry: Travel time: 1.5 hours, Price: 150 EUR per way
Donegal airport: Travel time: 2.5 hours, Price: 240 EUR per way
Traveling By Bus
Everyday to Ballyshannon
From Dublin ( 4 hours )
From Belfast ( 3.5 hours )
From Knock ( 2 hours )
Collections available from Ballyshannon between 10 am – 8 pm every day.
Medical and Travel Insurance
All students are advised to get a travel insurance policy that covers medical expenses, repatriation, loss or theft of property and cancellation or curtailment of course. Students from EU countries should also bring a European Health Insurance Card which covers public medical care.
PRICES & PACKAGES
Ages
11 – 17 years old
Fixed Dates
15 June to 24th August
Arrivals must be on Sundays.
Attention
We ask you to please note that all Junior Students are requested to pay €50.00 security deposit cash on arrival. Refundable on departure with no damage.
Price per person
| 1 week | 2 weeks | 3weeks | 4weeks | |
| English & Surf | 980 € | 2000 € | 2935 € | 3985 € |
| English & Riding | 1010 € | 2110 € | 3140 € | 4145 € |
| English & Multi adventure | 935 € | 1945 € | 2880 € | 3975 € |
| English & Riding/Surfing | – | |||
| English & Surfing/Multi adv. | – |
Juniors (11-17 years)
There is a great variety of programs for juniors (11-17 years). Programs feature English classes, accommodation, full board and various types of afternoon activities like surfing, horseback riding and more.
English and Surfing
This Junior Course is available at Easter Break, and June-September. The English & Surf programme is suitable for students of beginner to intermediate level. If advanced surfers come outside of these dates, their lessons will be at intermediate level.
1 week Course Includes:
- 15 hours of General English,
- 5 surf lessons
- Shared room Accommodation (Residence or Host family)
- Full board
- Full supervision
- English language course certificate
- Post teacher report
- Evening activities
- Cultural excursions on Saturday
- Bed linen, Towel, Laundry facilities
There is a €40 extra host family placement fee per week for July and August only.
English and Riding
Dates: Easter, June-September
This Junior Course is available at Easter Break and June-September.
The English and Riding programme is suitable for students with some riding experience (competent at canter and above.it is not suitable for beginners).
1 week Course Includes:
- 15 hours of General English,
- 5 horseback riding lessons
- Accommodation (Residence or Host family)
- Full supervision
- English language course certificate
- Post teacher report
- 3 meals a day
- Evening activities
- Cultural excursions on saturday
- Bed linen, Towel, Laundry facilities
There is a €40 extra host family placement fee per week for July and August only.
English and Multi-Activity (13-16 years)
Dates: Easter, June-September
Age: 13-16 yrs only
This Junior Course is available June-September.
1 week Course Includes:
- 15 hours of General English,
- 5 activities
- Accommodation (Residence or Host family)
- Full supervision
- English language course certificate
- Post teacher report
- 3 meals a day
- Evening activities
- Cultural excursions on saturday
- Bed linen, Towel, Laundry facilities
There is a €40 extra host family placement fee per week for July and August only.
A number of longer duration program, that combine English lessons and various activities in one package. A great way to enrich the stay and to keep new experiences flowing. Minimum length of stay – 2 weeks.
English & Riding/Surfing
Dates: Easter, June-September
This Junior Course is available at Easter Break, and June-September. Minimum stay – 2 weeks.
1 week Course Includes:
- 15 hours of General English,
- 5 surf or riding lessons
- Accommodation (Residence or Host family)
- Full supervision
- English language course certificate
- Post teacher report
- 3 meals a day
- Evening activities
- Cultural excursions on saturday
- Bed linen, Towel, Laundry facilities
There is a €40 extra host family placement fee per week for July and August only.
English & Surfing/Multi-Activity
Dates: Easter, June-September
This Junior Course is available at Easter Break, and June-September. Minimum stay – 2 weeks.
1 week Course Includes:
- 15 hours of General English,
- 5 surf lessons or activities
- Accommodation (Residence or Host family)
- Full supervision
- English language course certificate
- Post teacher report
- 3 meals a day
- Evening activities
- Cultural excursions on saturday
- Bed linen, Towel, Laundry facilities
There is a €40 extra host family placement fee per week for July and August only.
English & Riding/Multi-Activity
Dates: Easter, June-September
This Junior Course is available at Easter Break and June-September. Minimum stay – 2 weeks.
1 week Course Includes:
- 15 hours of General English,
- 5 riding lessons or activities
- Accommodation (Residence or Host family)
- Full supervision
- English language course certificate
- Post teacher report
- 3 meals a day
- Evening activities
- Cultural excursions on Saturday
- Bed linen, Towel, Laundry facilities
There is a €40 extra host family placement fee per week for July and August only.
English & Golf
Dates: Easter, June 9th – 30th and August 04th – 25th only. There are no one-week programmes from June 30th – August 04th
1 week Course Includes:
- 15 hours of General English
- 5 golf sessions
- Shared room Accommodation (Residence or Host family)
- Full board
- Full supervision
- English language course certificate
- Post teacher report
- Evening activities
- Cultural excursions on Saturday
- Bed linen, Towel, Laundry facilities
There is a €40 extra host family placement fee per week for July and August only.
If you are interested is good to have a look at the section below:
More Info
Not Included
- Transfers
- Flights
- Private medical insurance
- €40 supplement per week for a host family in June, July, and August
- €45 per week for students who have special dietary requests eg nut allergy, celiac
- €15 per week for students who are lactose intolerant
NO 1-week programmes 2 July – 13 August
Accommodation
Junior residential | Next to Atlantic coast | 3 minutes’ walk to school |15 minutes’ walk to town centre | 4 bedroom houses | very spacious | sitting room | dining room |well equipped kitchen | Free WIFI in some houses | 3 – 4 students per room | 3 – 4 bathrooms per house | 8 – 11 students & 1 Coordinator per house | Breakfast is provided in the house | Lunch & dinner in the school canteen.
Host Family | home from home experience | breakfast and 4 dinners with family | lunch at the school canteen Monday to Friday | packed lunch on Saturday | Lunch on Sunday with family | 3 evenings a week dinner at the residential centre followed by an activity | Students are either picked up by the family or brought home by school bus. There is a €40 supplement for host family per week in June, July and August.
No refund will be made if a student makes alternative accommodation arrangements during their stay with us. No allowance is made for absence during stay or for late arrival or early departures.
Surfing/Riding levels
Surfing is suitable for students of beginner to intermediate level
Advanced surfing dates are 10-24 June | 12 August – 2 September. If advanced surfers come outside of these dates, their lessons will be at intermediate level.
Riding is suitable for students with some riding experience (competent at canter and above. It is NOT suitable for beginners).
Due to some changes in Irish law, our surf classes will now only operate on soft top boards. The boards for intermediate to advanced students are Torque boards.
The ratio of these classes is as normal 1 instructor per 8 students
If students want to surf on a hard board or bring their own board, we will operate and advanced surf camp August 11th – 25th. For insurance reason the ratio of these classes must be 1 instructor to 6 students, so there will be a €110 supplement per student per week for this camp.
Transfers
Airport Transfers from Dublin €100 each way
- Easter, June – 2 September | Collections times 10.30am – 6pm |Drop offs times 11 am – 6.00 pm | Sunday only |
- Private transfer €350 one way (1 – 3 persons)
- Transfers are grouped together, students will have to wait for the arrival/departure of other students.
Knock airport which has flights from Italy
- Individual transfer €210 one way
- shared transfer €80 per person
- public bus every two hours costs €16 | Free collection/drop off from local bus stop.
Medical Insurance
European citizens must bring a EHIC European Health Insurance Card (E128).
Medical Insurance can be arranged at a cost of approximately €40 for four weeks or under, €50 for six weeks or under, €55 for 12 weeks or under.
Additional notes
- April 07th – 14th is host family only and April 14th – 28th is host family/residential
- We accept students 8 – 10 years of age on our Family programme | 10 – 24 June | 12-26 August
- Class hours are reduced to 2 hours for class sizes of 3 or less
- Bank Holiday Mondays, there will be no English classes, students are offered an excursion in place.
