Latvia is a unique blend of Baltic and Slavic cultures. Riga, the 805-year-old capital, is full of distinctive modern and historic architecture. Situated at a trading crossroads, Latvia has long served as a bridge between Western Europe and Russia. School is the center of teenage social life in Latvia, and you and your friends will participate in activities such as swimming, dancing, basketball, music, crafts, or drama.
IRELAND
IRELAND
* As Country:
The Republic of Ireland is a small independent nation situated on the West Coast of Europe, with a population of under four million people. Although they do have their own distinctive Celtic language and culture, English is the predominant language spoken in Ireland today. Irish people are renowned for their friendliness and hospitality. The Island of Ireland, including Northern Ireland which is administered by the United Kingdom, has the population of five million. Because of its size, travel within Ireland is relatively easy. The United Kingdom and other parts of Europe are also easily accessible by both air and sea. The capital of Ireland is Dublin. As the gateway of Europe, this modern nation whose vibrant Celtic origin continues to regulate the pulse of the country, offers a truly rewarding experience for the visiting student.
* Climate :
Ireland enjoys a temperature climate influenced by the relatively warm waters of the Gulf Stream in whose path the island lies. During the winter months temperatures rarely drop below freezing and snow is uncommon. The coldest and wettest months are December, January and February. July and August are the warmest months.
* Currency of Ireland :
The currency of Ireland is Euro.
* Education :
Ireland’s long and honorable tradition in educational excellence is recognized the world over. Dating back to the Middle Ages, Ireland held the position of the principal education providers to the western world. The Irish Education System was traditionally divided into three levels: primary(8 years); secondary (5 or 6 years) and third level which offers a wide range of opportunities from post-secondary courses, to vocational and technical training, to full degree and the highest postgraduate level.
* Culture :
Ireland has a rich heritage and the influence of its culture has been felt the world over, probably more than any other, from music, art, myths, language, food and literature. For a very long time, with no newspapers, radio or TV, news and events were put to music and relayed by the Bards that traveled the land. A Bard was always welcome, as his music and poetry was entertaining as well as bringing news of what was happening throughout the country side.
Documents Required-
1. Proof of fee payment to the college. However if applied for a HETAC approved course you do not have to pay your fees in advance, but you must show that funds are readily available to cover them. HETAC = Higher Education and Training Awards Council of Ireland.
2. English language proficiency The recommended band scores are –
IELTS – minimum score of 5
TOEFL – minimum score of 173
Cambridge – First Certificate in English (FCE) or higher.
3. Immediate access to at least €7,000. This is the estimated cost of living in Ireland for a student for one academic year. 6 month statement is required
4. Also demonstrate that you or your sponsor has ready access to an amount of at least €7,000 for each subsequent year of your studies, in addition to the course fees for each of those years
5. Proof of medical insurance
6. You can account for any gaps in your educational history
7. A Letter of Acceptance from the college, confirming you have been accepted and enrolled on a course of full-time education, involving a minimum of 15 hours organized daytime tuition each week.
8. This letter should specify the course you will be studying.
9. Police Clearance Certificate
10. VISA Fee- INR 7100 payable to “Embassy of Ireland, New Delhi”, VFS Service Charges INR 607 in Cash.
Processing Time
5-6 weeks
Travelling to Ireland for study
Citizens of certain countries who wish to pursue a course of study in Ireland must apply for a visa to enter Ireland before they travel here. Information on those who do not need an entry visa is available in our document: Visa requirements for entering Ireland.
Since 1 January 2011 there are changes to the immigration system for non-EEA students. If you are a non-EEA national coming to study in Ireland you must be enrolled in a full-time course under the Degree Programme (pdf) or the Language and Non-Degree Programme (pdf). There are details of transitional arrangements for students already in Ireland who are affected by these changes (pdf). You can find out more in our document on the immigration rules for non-EEA students.
Visa applicants must apply online for their visa – see ‘How to apply’. If you wish to study in Ireland for less than 3 months you should apply for a ‘C study visa’. If your course lasts longer than 3 months, you should apply for a ‘D study visa’. Generally speaking, the duration of a ‘C study visa’, is not extended once you have arrived in Ireland. Extensions will be granted in exceptional cases only. It’s very important, therefore, to make sure you know the duration of your course before you apply for a visa. Further information on how to apply to extend a student visa is under ‘How to apply’ below.
You will need to provide the following with your visa application. (Please remember, original documents are required and must be in English or accompanied by a notarised translation):
* Letter of acceptance from a recognised school/college/university in Ireland confirming that you have been accepted on a course of study. This course of study must be full-time (lasting an academic year) and have a minimum of 15 hours per week study time.
* Evidence of your academic ability to pursue the chosen course through the English language (unless it is an English language course).
* Evidence that the fees for the course have been paid in full.
* Evidence that you have enough funds (€7,000) to maintain yourself for the initial part of your stay.
* Evidence that you or a sponsor have access to at least €7,000 for each subsequent year of your studies, in addition to the course fees for each of those years.
* Evidence that you have private medical insurance
* An explanation of any gaps in your educational history
* Confirmation that you intend to return to your country of permanent residence when you leave Ireland.