For Students

Introduction

On public health grounds, educational institutions in Ireland remain closed as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19. On this basis, DCU English Language School is not in a position to operate classes on our campuses presently and we will remain closed for on-campus activities until further notice. See further updates on this page.

The Government of Ireland has stated that educational institutions may reopen from autumn 2020, on a phased basis. It is our intention to recommence the operation of on-campus classes from autumn 2020 onwards. We will announce further details regarding our reopening plans shortly.

While Dublin City University will be closed to students for the covid-19 closure period, our staff will be available to assist students via email and telephone (contact details located at the bottom of this statement).

We understand that this is a difficult time for students, their parents and our partners. DCU Language Services will make best efforts to minimise inconvenience to students and to provide the best possible support during this period of interruption. The safety and welfare of our students is our utmost priority at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions – For Students

To assist stakeholders, we have developed a Frequently Asked Questions section, which will answer many of the questions that students, partners and Host Families may have at this time.

I am due to attend classes at DCU in the covid-19 closure period. What happens now?

No classes will take place at DCU in the covid-19 closure period. Students who are registered to attend classes for this period may: (a) take up lost tuition time later in their programme or (b) receive a prorata refund for tuition time lost.

Can I come to the DCU Campus to discuss my questions with DCU staff?

No. The DCU Campus is now closed to students, and therefore we are unable to facilitate face-toface contact. Our staff are available to assist you by telephone or by email (details outlined below).

What is the best way to make contact with DCU to discuss my situation?

We recommend that you contact us by email – please send your email to english.courses@dcu.ie and we will reply as quickly as possible. Please state your name and DCU LS Student ID number in the email so that we can access your student file quickly and reply without delay.

I would like to receive a refund for the lost tuition time. How do I do this?

Please email us at english.courses@dcu.ie with your name and DCU LS student ID and we will liaise with you about the refund.

How long will it take for the refund to reach my account?

We will seek to make the refund to you as quickly as possible. However, as this is an unprecedented situation, it may take time for the refund to reach your account. We will seek to make the refund to your account as quickly as possible.

I am staying at a DCU LS Host Family. What is my situation now?

Although classes at DCU are suspended, your host family placement is unaffected. Therefore, the decision of National Public Health Emergency Team will have no impact on your accommodation.

I am concerned about the COVID-19 situation in Ireland and wish to return to my home country. What are my refund options?

We understand your concern. While the risk of contracting COVID-19 remains low to moderate in Ireland, we understand that you may wish to return home. In such circumstances, we will refund you for your remaining tuition and unused accommodation. Please contact us by email with your full name and DCU Student ID and we will assist.

I would like a refund for lost tuition but plan to remain at my Host Family. Is this possible?

Yes, this is possible. Please email us regarding your tuition refund and state that, while you are seeking a tuition refund, you wish to remain at your Host Family.

I am due to arrive to DCU for a programme in the covid-19 closure period. Can I attend?

DCU will be closed for the covid-19 closure period, and we are unable to accept new students to our programmes in this period. Please do not travel to Ireland. Please make contact with our team (english.courses@dcu.ie) to discuss your booking. Please note – you should not travel to Ireland at this time.

I am due to arrive to DCU in the covid-19 closure period but will now not attend. May I receive a refund?

Yes, we will refund for this period. Please email us at english.courses@dcu.ie with your name and DCU LS student ID and we will liaise with you about the refund.

My question is not answered here. What should I do?

Please email english.courses@dcu.ie and we can assist you.

Contact details for the period of school closure due to coronavirus

Students can contact our school remotely using the following details. We anticipate a high number of initial enquiries so we ask that students who want to contact the school do so by email first if possible.

General Enquiries: Email: dculs.reception@dcu.ie / Telephone: +353 1 700 5678
Accommodation / Transfers: Email: acc@dcu.ie / Telephone: +353 1 700 5673
Cancellation Enquiries: Email: english.courses@dcu.ie / Telephone: +353 1 700 6772

* Our Assistance Telephone remains in operation (+353 85 185 7060) but we ask that students and partners only contact this number in cases of genuine emergency.

Remember: Please quote your DCU LS student ID number and name in all correspondence to us. This will allow
us to assist you as quickly as possible.

Issued: 12 March 2020 at 18.00 hrs
Updated: 6 May 2020 at 16.00 hrs