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General Terms and Conditions for the COVID 19 Period:

Individual students currently attending DELS

  • Students can attend our online courses or put their course on hold and take the tuition by the end of 2021.You will receive a credit note for the number of lessons remaining plus two weeks..

Individual students due to arrive at DELS

  • Courses can  attend our online courses to the value of what you have paid or the course can be postponed and needs to be completed by December 31, 2021. Any deposits or fees paid can be used for the postponed courses.

Individual summer bookings to DELS

  • Students cancelling their course will receive a full credit note on amount paid to be used before December 31, 2021.  Alternatively, students can avail of our online classes.

For all group bookings, deposits are non-refundable.  Remaining amounts can be used as a credit amount for future groups, individual bookings our online classes.

There is no refund if a student fails to complete the programme.

The credit notes are non transferrable

DELS reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions as the current situation develops.

DELS Virtual Terms and Conditions:

Course delivery

Courses are accessible online via Zoom platform. Students need a  computer, laptop or tablet with broadband connection of 10mbs or more. Headphones, microphone and a webcam.

After course registration and payment, clients will receive a confirmation email. This will contain a link to the DELS Placement Test and a scheduled time for a one to one oral test with one of our teachers.

Once we have checked your level, we will place you in an appropriate class and will send you an invitation link for the course.

The course times are local times to Ireland.

If the date you have chosen does not fill, we will move you to alternative date that suits you.

 

Missed lessons

Customers are expected to attend all classes. DELS does not accept any liability for any lessons missed and no refunds or extra materials will be given where lessons are missed for any reason.

You may not allow anyone else to avail of the course

Technical Issues

DELS cannot be held responsible for part or all of a course being missed due to technical failures on the client’s side. Where courses are missed due to technical issues on the teachers side, the missing part will be rescheduled at the client’s convenience.

DELS is not responsible for the running of the Zoom website, and do not guarantee that the website will provide continuous, prompt, secure or error-free service, and assume no responsibility, and shall not be liable for, any damages to or viruses that may affect users’ computer equipment or other property arising from use of the courses, including but not limited to the reproduction of the content.

 

 

General Terms and Conditions

The minimum age for a student’s enrolment in the Adult School programme is 18 years. The student must reach this age before the course commences.

The minimum age for a student on the Junior Programme is 11 years of age. We accept students of 8 – 10 years of age on the weeks that the family programme are running.

Notes

ELE for learners (10 years old or less) is not included in the ACELS scheme

Course Prices

• Course prices include English level test, end-of-course Certificate, and photocopied materials.

• Text books on all Junior courses are inclusive of price apart from the Exam Preparation Courses.

• Exam Registration fees and textbooks are not included in the tuition price.

• Course prices are non-refundable.

Accommodation

• Accommodation prices include board and other facilities as described in the brochure.

• Accommodation Changes: Should a student wish to change family, we will do so after giving due consideration and in discussion with both student and family.

• Accommodation is offered subject to availability, and should be booked well in advance, especially at high season.

• We have two junior accommodation facilities- main residential @ Portbeg and Bundrowes House. Students will be informed after booking which accommodation they will be allocated to

• We have two adult residential accommodation facilities. Zephyr Lodge and Casa Del Mar. Students will be informed after booking which accommodation they will be allocated to

• Accommodation fees are non-refundable.

Class Size and Levels

• Class Size: max 15; average 12 for juniors and 9 for adults.  If class sizes are smaller than 3 persons, a shorter more intensive English Language programme will be put in place.

Starting Dates

• General English, Combination and Private Courses start each Monday all year round

• Arrivals and Departures are Sundays unless otherwise agreed.

• Group classes are subject to a minimum booking of 1 week.

Beginners

We offer beginners on the adult programme one to one tuition only.  If  a student tests at beginner level we will offer the the same value in one-to-one tuition  based on a teacher being available.  Group tuition for all levels is available on the junior programme.

Postponement of Courses

If you cannot attend your course you may postpone it. All postponements must be made in writing at least four weeks prior to the course start date. You have three months in which to inform DELS of your new dates and pay the re-arrangement fee of €65. DELS will hold all fees already received for the three-month period.

Holidays for long-term students

With the exception of weekends, holidays/breaks as in compliance with the Department of Justice, no unscheduled breaks are permitted except in documented cases of illness or close family bereavement.  All requests for unscheduled leave must be submitted to the DOS. These are then kept on record.

Students are entitled to take 8 weeks’ holiday during or at the end of their 25-week course. Students are allowed to take one weeks holiday for every three weeks studied.  Students are given a holiday allocation sheet along with an information pack on their first day of school. They then have two weeks to complete and return the form.

Copies of class notes/materials will be provided on their return. If students require one- to-one sessions to cover what they have missed, these can be arranged at their expense as these sessions will not be included in the overall fees.

Booking and payment conditions for long-term students

All students who choose the English Work Study Visa Programme must sit an official examination at the end of their studies.  We prepare our students for the internationally recognised IELTS exam.

The process for receiving your English Work-Study Visa is as follows

  1. Deposit paid 4 weeks from receipt of invoice (nonrefundable)
  2. Full payment made 8 weeks before start date of course.
  3. We will issue you with a letter of invitation. You must present this to the Irish immigration authorities when you enter Ireland.
  4. You must hold a valid passport for at least 6 months after your course has finished.
  5. You must have medical insurance for 1 year. We can provide this for you if you wish.
  6. You have to provide bank statements to show evidence of how you will support your stay.
  7. You must provide documentation of your work & study history.

If you are refused a study visa you will get a full refund of fees less 10% to cover administration costs.

Refunds and Cancellations for long term courses

  • Cancellation up to 28 days before course commencement.  The full amount less the deposit and €150 will be refunded.
  • Cancellation up to 14 days before course commencement.  50% off the fees will be refunded
  • Cancellation less than 14 days before course commences no refund will be issued.
  • After commencement of course: No refund will be provided.
  • There is no refund of fees for days missed during the course or for late arrival or early departure.
  • There is no refund of fees for activities missed during stay.
  • Students opting for a less intensive program after the commencement of course will not receive a refund.
  • Accommodation payments are non-refundable
  • There will be an admin fee of €25 for any requested amends to letters once they have been issued.  1 set of changes is allowed, after that there will be a €25 admin charge for any requested amends with a maximum of 3 changes.

Refusal and Cancellation of Enrolment

DELS may cancel an enrolment, refuse to enroll, or refuse to re-enroll a person/student for the following reasons:

  • The student has a Beginner level of English; we cannot accommodate absolute beginners our courses start at Elementary level only.

Booking and Payment Conditions for short term courses

Booking

• To book a course please fill the Registration Form provided by DELS  and  email it back to us.

• Courses must be booked at least 28 days before arrival.

Payment

• Upon receipt of confirmation invoice a e 20% deposit is due. The deposit is non refundable.  Full payment is due if you require a visa.

• Payment should be made in EURO and should reach the school account 6 weeks prior to student’s arrival.

• Payments should be made by Bank Transfer or by Paypal.

• All payments should be marked with your invoice number and student’s name.

• We cannot guarantee that we have received payment unless your bank transfer carries your invoice number and name.

• All bank charges are the responsibility of the student.

Cancellation Policy

Refunds and Cancellations for short term courses

  • Cancellation up to 28 days before course commencement.  The full amount less the deposit and €150 will be refunded.
  • Cancellation up to 14 days before course commencement.  50% off the fees will be refunded
  • Cancellation less than 14 days before course commences no refund will be issued.
  • After commencement of course: No refund will be provided.
  • There is no refund of fees for days missed during the course or for late arrival or early departure.
  • There is no refund of fees for activities missed during stay.
  • Students opting for a less intensive program after the commencement of course will not receive a refund.
  • Accommodation payments are non-refundable

Insurance & Health

• Students are strongly recommended to take out full travel and health insurance in advance.

• EU Nationals must bring E111 Forms or an EHIC.

• Students are responsible for their own personal effects during courses.

• We will not cover costs that may arise as a result of the need for repatriation of a student.

• Students are advised to insure against loss of fees/expenses that may be incurred due to cancellation or sudden early departure from a course.

Publicity Materials

Permission is given for the use of student comments or testimonials and photographs/images of students in the official promotional material for DELS by the student or their parents or legal guardian with acceptance of these terms and conditions.

General Conditions

• We do not assume responsibility for loss, delay or accident of any kind whatsoever that may occur due to fault or negligence of any company.

• The School reserves the right to cancel any arrangements or bookings without prior notice if payment conditions are not met.

• The student is responsible for any damage he or she may cause to buildings, furniture, fittings, individuals, host family property etc. while registered with Donegal English Language School. Should a student behave in an unseemly/inappropriate manner that may bring the school or its agent into disrepute or cause damage to its reputation or standing in any way, either real or imagined, he/she will be asked to leave the school immediately and no refund will be offered for their stay.

• We reserve the right to change without notice the contents, dates, times or any other details of the course/s brought about by political events, natural disasters, weather or any other events considered by the organisers to be pertinent.

 

Good Conduct

Students must not be disrespectful or act in a threatening manner to fellow students or staff of Donegal English Language School or any members of the community. This includes raising their voices, using foul words or foul gestures, broadcasting music with explicit lyrics, being argumentative towards others or being disruptive in class. Discrimination based on sexual preference, race, physical or mental ability, religion, age or ethnicity is not tolerated. Items which promote or encourage discrimination or illegal activity will be confiscated. Smoking and chewing gum is not permitted in the school buildings. Food and drinks are not permitted in classrooms.

The student is responsible for any damage he or she may cause to buildings, furniture, fittings, individuals, host family property etc. while registered with DELS. Should a student behave in an unseemly and/or inappropriate manner that may bring the school or its agent into disrepute or cause damage to its reputation or standing in any way, either real or imagined, he or she will be asked to leave.

Should a student break other school rules or behave badly he/she may be withdrawn from activities until behaviour improves.

If gross misconduct occurs, i.e. bullying or breaking an Irish law(including drinking of alcohol, stealing or drug taking), the student will not be welcome to participate further in the course and parents must make arrangements for the students to leave the campus/host family promptly/within 2 days.

Legal Notice

DELS gives notice that all arrangements for transport, activities or for accommodation are made by DELS as an agent upon the express condition that they shall not be liable for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of any defect in any vehicle or through the acts of default of any company or persons engaged in conveying the passenger, or in carrying out the arrangements of the programmes, or otherwise in connection therewith or of any family member. No responsibility is accepted for losses or additional expenses due to delays or changes in air, sea, rail, bus or other services, sickness, weather, war, quarantine, strikes or other liability.

RULES FOR ILEP STUDENTS

Punctuality

It is essential that students taking this course are punctual when attending classes as late arrivals may miss part of the lesson in hand. Lessons cannot be delayed to cater for late arrivals. However, they may be able to arrange a time with their teacher so that they can catch up. Students who are late will not be allowed to enter the class after 5 minutes of the commencement of class, which means that they will be marked absent for that period. Leaving more than 5 minutes early also means they will be marked absent for that block. Absence is recorded by the teacher and reported to the DOS.

Absenteeism and Expulsion

Students who are feeling unwell must contact the school by email (info@donegallanguageschool.com) or by text on 087 6008205. If a student has a valid medical certificate, this must be submitted to the administration office.

Should a student be absent through illness or for any other reason, a copy of class notes/ materials will be given to them on attendance. If the student requires a one to one session to cover what they have missed, this can be arranged at the students’ expense as these sessions will not be included in the overall tuition fees.

Students on Work/Study Visa courses are required to attend a minimum of 85% of classes. If the student is absent with-out a medical certificate, any absence will be calculated re his/her attendance percentage. Attendance is calculated on a weekly basis. Any student who is near to the minimum allowed is advised of this by the school manager.

Should a student’s monthly attendance be below 85%, a warning letter is issued to them. This is a three-step process, students will receive a warning letter after their first case of low attendance, in the event of another attendance rate be-low 85%, they will be issued with a second warning letter. Should they fail to meet the attendance requirements a third time during their course, a third and final letter will be issued and INIS will be informed.

If a student is absent for 2 weeks or longer, without a valid medical or compassionate reason, s/he will be required to see both the Director and the Director of Studies and take the placement test again on return.

DELS reserves the right to suspend or expel any student who does not fulfil their visa requirements. Further details are available either from administration upon request, or directly from the GNIB website. Students’ attendance and grade records are readily available.

Apart from low attendance, other criteria related to expulsion are

– Violation of the school’s code of conduct rules

– Consistent disruptive or threatening behaviour

– Possession of drugs

– Violent physical conduct against a member of staff or another student

In the event of any of the above criteria, with the exception of physical violence, after which expulsion is immediate, the expulsion process is as follows

The student in question will receive a verbal warning from the Director, which will be documented and kept on file. At this stage they will be informed of the details of the incident and the unacceptability of their behaviour.

Should the situation persist, they will be issued with a formal written warning which will contain a further description of their conduct, as well as outlining the possible consequences of their behaviour, which could result in their being expelled from the school and they will be informed that their fees in the event of expulsion are non-refundable.

If there is no improvement in said student’s behaviour, they will be asked to attend an expulsion hearing, at which they will be informed that they will no longer be permitted to attend the school. At this hearing their conduct will again be ex-amined and the student will have the opportunity to justify their continuing behaviour. In the event that there is no ac-ceptable justification for their conduct, the consequences of expulsion will be explained again to them and they will not be allowed to continue with their course. INIS will also be informed of this decision and documented copies of all stages of the process will be forwarded to them.

Holidays/Breaks for long-term students

With the exception of weekends, holidays/breaks as in compliance with the Department of Justice, no unscheduled breaks are permitted except in documented cases of illness or close family bereavement. All requests for unscheduled leave must be submitted to the DOS. These are then kept on record.

Students are entitled to take 8 weeks’ holiday during or at the end of their 25-week course. Students are allowed to take a week’s holiday for every three weeks studied. Students are given a holiday allocation sheet along with an information pack on their first day of school. They then have two weeks to complete and return the form.

Copies of class notes/materials will be provided on their return. If students require one- to-one sessions to cover what they have missed, these can be arranged at their expense as these sessions will not be included in the overall fees.

The school closes in August for ILEP students, with the exception of students who have studied three months or less before the end of July.  These students will have to continue their studies through August 

Registering of Exam

All ILEP students need to register for their exam by the end of their first week.  The exam can only be taken at the end of the course.

NB If you attend less than 75% of your course within the first 6 weeks, we are duty bound to report  you to the local GNIB officer.

Renewal from different schools

A student renewing from a different school must produce an original certificate showing their results along with a letter from the previous school confirming their attendance. Students with an acceptable level of attendance will be accepted on a course