FAQ’s
Coláiste Chamuis have two centre’s for the A1 and A2 course and three centre’s for the B and C course. The course curriculum, method of teaching, and standard of housing is the same in all centres – the main difference is the campus locations. Our students stay with local Irish speaking families in the vicinity of An Coláiste in all campus locations (normally 12-16 students in each house).
Aras Pobail Chois Cuain
Teálta na hÓige
An Tulach
The choice of centre location on the application form is for the benefit of those returning students who may wish to be in same centre, that they are familiar with from their previous courses. This also applies to those whose brothers or sisters might have attended the Coláiste in the past and who wish to return to the same centre that their siblings would have been familiar with in the past.
- Coláiste Chamuis (An Tulach) 32km from Galway city, is based at the An Tulach Primary School, the adjacent community hall and football pitch (190 – 210 students).
- Coláiste Chamuis (Aras Pobail Chois Cuain) 39km from Galway city, is based at the Ros a’ Mhíl local community centre and nearby football grounds (140-160 students).
- Coláiste Chamuis (Teálta na hÓige) 40.5km from Galway city, is the largest centre based at purpose-built facilities provided by the Coláiste (240-260 students).
Coláiste Chamuis caters for all age groups, in secondary school, on all our courses. Cúrsa A1 and A2 are two-week courses, Cúrsa B & C are three-week courses and Cúrsa D is a week-long course tailored to 5th and 6th class Primary school pupils.
Parents are welcome to visit their children twice during the course – on the second and third Sunday. The student can be collected at the college only from 11.00a.m. on the visiting day. The student must return to the college again by 6p.m.
Students will not be allowed to leave for periods during the course except in exceptional circumstances. This is in everybody’s interest and ensures that all students gain maximum benefit and enjoyment from the course.
Riail na Gaeilge
At Coláiste Chamuis, total immersion in Irish is the foundation of everything we do. The only way to learn a language quickly, effectively, and confidently is to live it fully — and that’s what we offer.
Students must speak Irish at all times while on the course.
This rule applies from the moment students arrive until the day they leave. It ensures a respectful, inclusive, and rewarding learning environment for everyone.
Student Expectations
We expect every student to make a sincere and consistent effort to speak Irish at all times while on the course. Active participation in Irish is a condition of being part of Coláiste Chamuis. Speaking English or another language undermines the experience for others and goes against the shared commitment of the group. Students must arrive ready to fully embrace this rule with a positive attitude and a clear understanding of what is expected.
How the Rule is Enforced
It is expected that students always communicate through the medium of Irish during any course or activity organised by Coláiste Chamuis.
Where a student is clearly engaging in Irish and demonstrating effort, our staff will support and encourage them as needed. However, where a student speaks a full sentence in a language other than Irish, Coláiste Chamuis reserves the right to take disciplinary action.
Disciplinary decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the context, the student’s intention and attitude, and the impact on others. Appropriate action may include a verbal warning, parental contact, or, where necessary, the student being required to leave the course.
In cases where a student deliberately and knowingly disregards Riail na Gaeilge, they may be required to leave the course immediately, without prior warning.
No refund will be issued in any case where a student is required to leave due to breaching Riail na Gaeilge.
A Note to Parents
We ask all parents and guardians to ensure that their child fully understands this rule — and is genuinely prepared to follow it — before attending the course. If you have any questions or concerns about what Riail na Gaeilge means in practice, or your child’s readiness to meet this expectation, please contact us before enrolling. This rule is essential to the success of the course and is not optional.
Students are supervised at all times. For safety reasons students do not go anywhere alone. Students are not permitted to leave the college, the premises or the host families’ premises without permission. Leaving any of the above premises is a serious breach of our code of conduct. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a student being asked to leave the course.
Pre-Course Meeting Requirement
Attendance at a pre-course meeting is an essential part of preparing for the course. All students are required to attend, accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. These meetings are designed to introduce students and guardians to the aims and methods of Coláiste Chamuis, and to provide an opportunity to address any questions about our courses.
New students will also complete a short language assessment as part of the meeting. This allows us to gauge each applicant’s level of Irish and is essential for placing them in the class best suited to their ability.
Meeting slots are typically held during March and April. Families will receive an email invitation in advance with a range of times to choose from. Once a slot has been selected, both student and parent/guardian must be available and remain present for the full duration of the meeting.
All new students must attend a meeting, irrespective of whether siblings or other family members have previously taken part in a Coláiste Chamuis course. Each child is different, and it is important that they hear the information for themselves and have the opportunity to engage directly.
Please note that attendance at a pre-course meeting with a parent or legal guardian is a condition of enrolment. We regret that we cannot accept students onto a course unless this requirement is fulfilled.
It is Coláiste Chamuis policy not to house friends or family members together due to the total immersion nature of the course. Habits of a lifetime cannot be changed overnight in terms of language. Nearly 50 years of experience has shown us that students are under less pressure in a full immersion language environment where there is separate housing for students who are used to speaking English to each other. There is a much less likely chance that they will speak English to each other and as a result they benefit much more from the language course. Our policy of limiting the numbers of students from the same year in the same school on each course is also a pivotal factor in delivering a full immersion language environment.
It is also of huge social benefit in the overall course experience for students. It can be off-putting for students attending on their own (as many do to Coláiste Chamuis) to see groups of friends attending together. Students grow more socially in an environment where they are all on a level playing field. We strive to create an positive social environment (with many practices and techniques fine-tuned over the years) whereby all students get to know each other within the first 2-3 days thereby eliminating the risk of cliques and social exclusion.
No mixing of males and females is permitted within our accommodation system.
A vital part of the running of the college, cinnirí are older students who are typically past pupils of the Coláiste. Students are invited to become Cinnire’s in recognition of their efforts and leadership abilities. Cinnirí are both students and leaders at the same time. The Cinnire is a link between either students and teachers or between students and the Bean an Tí.
Students are allowed their mobile phone for 30 minutes each Friday. Mobile phones are not allowed during the course, except for the allocated time on Fridays. Possession of a mobile phone is considered a serious breach of discipline. Parents are asked to ensure that students comply. Cooperation is expected from everyone in Coláiste Chamuis at all times. Contact with your child can be facilitated through the college phone should it be necessary.
Musical instruments or sports equipment are welcome. All parents, guardians and students need to be advised that the college will not be responsible to any damage made to any equipment’s named above.
Yes, you can speak to your child during the week if needed. The course telephone number will be available for all parents. If you need to speak to the student the college will make every effort to arrange this, within a reasonable timeframe.
We host Céilí’s as part of the afternoon activities, and these include themed céilí’s such as a Céilí Dubh & Bán, Céilí Gléasta, Oíche na gContaetha, Céilí na Nollag and many more.
There is no need for much pocket money at Coláiste Chamuis, as students will not be going to the shops each day. There might be days out, or tours, where they might have access to a shop for some treats.
Arrival (to the course):
Coláiste Chamuis does not organise transport to the course. Families are responsible for bringing students on the first day. It is hugely beneficial for parents/guardians to accompany their child for arrival, as this helps them settle into the course and get off to a good start by meeting their Bean an Tí and the staff who will be taking care of them.
Departure (from the course):
On the final day, Coláiste Chamuis organises return buses (subject to availability) at an additional fee. These buses bring students to the following drop-off locations: Galway, Athlone, Sligo, and Dublin.
All transport during the course itself is provided for and included in the course fee.
Public and private healthcare is accessed as required and as per availability. Students’ medical needs are always given utmost priority. Medical costs are borne by parents/ guardians.
Coláiste Chamuis carries out a health and safety “health risk assessment” for students with certain medical conditions. This is done on a case-by-case basis and is carried out in the best interest of the health and safety of the student. Cases do arise where Coláiste Chamuis may be unable to safely meet the medical needs of a student in our course environment. In these incidences, details are discussed with the parent and a full refund of all course fees is immediately issued. Coláiste Chamuis reserves the right to deny registration to applicants suffering from serious illness or underlying health conditions (including after a booking is confirmed). Further information can be obtained by contacting the office.
Coláiste Chamuis reserves the right to discipline or expel a student in the event of behaviour deemed inappropriate and/or non-compliance with the code of conduct.
Good conduct is expected of each student and the code of conduct will be strictly implemented. Students will be liable for any damage caused to Coláiste Chamuis property, school property or any other property belonging to Coláiste Chamuis employees, during the duration of a course.
Any activity deemed to be illegal or criminal will result in a full investigation and immediate dismissal, where deemed necessary. Such activities include: criminal damage, smoking, cigarette possession, drug/alcohol possession or consumption. Vaping is also strictly prohibited. This is not an exhaustive list. Coláiste Chamuis reserves its right to contact an Garda Síochána to report any criminal or illegal act.
Coláiste Chamuis do not provide insurance for students’ personal belongings. Coláiste Chamuis cannot be responsible for the child’s personal property and it is not possible to obtain insurance cover for items such as clothing, make-up/toiletries, jewellery, musical instruments, sports equipment, etc. All children will be responsible for their own personal belongings and we suggest that they do not lend them to other children. Coláiste Chamuis advises students to place their names (as declared on their application form) on all property, including all medicines. We do not accept responsibility for lost or stolen property at any stage of the course and are not obliged to retain lost property in any location
Coláiste Chamuis has public liability insurance but it is in the best interests of all students to also have personal accident insurance cover. ‘Pupil Personal Accident Insurance’ may be available through your school. Students with the 24 Hour option are covered for accidents that might occur in Coláiste Chamuis, that may not, otherwise, be covered.
Should any student require a Coeliac, Dairy Free or Vegan Diet, a supplement fee will apply for the course. This dietary supplement fee will be passed directly to the Bean an Tí to cover the additional cost of the accommodating these specific dietary requirements. A dietary supplement fee of €50 will apply for a 2-week course. A dietary supplement fee of €80 will apply for a 3-week course.
In line with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, “Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge”, Coláiste Chamuis has an appeals procedure in place which can be availed of.
Arrival (to the course):
Coláiste Chamuis does not organise transport to the course. Families are responsible for bringing students on the first day. It is hugely beneficial for parents/guardians to accompany their child for arrival, as this helps them settle into the course and get off to a good start by meeting their Bean an Tí and the staff who will be taking care of them.
Departure (from the course):
On the final day, Coláiste Chamuis organises return buses (subject to availability) at an additional fee. These buses bring students to the following drop-off locations: Galway, Athlone, Sligo, and Dublin.
All transport during the course itself is provided for and included in the course fee.
