1. General
These terms and conditions are applicable whether students book courses directly with a school or where students have booked courses with an Educational Tour Operator (“ETO”). Where a student has booked a course with an ETO, these terms and conditions should be read accordingly, including that in instances where any interaction or notification is referenced, this interaction or notification should be made via the ETO unless explicitly stated otherwise.
2. Admission
2.1 Minimum age
The minimum age at our adult school is 18. In certain circumstances we may accept under 18-year- olds on our adult programmes. Such students will only be enrolled on a course if their parents/legal guardians have completed and signed a Parental Consent form. By signing this form parents acknowledge that their child will be studying in an adult centre and that
Babel Academy of English is not legally responsible for the child.
2.2 Course level
We offer classes from Elementary to Advanced level. Please note that we do not accept absolute
beginners. We do not have suitable courses for beginner students and Babel Academy of English reserves the right to refuse or cancel an enrolment if a student is at a beginner level of English.
2.3 Course
A course consists of 15, 20 or 30 tuition lessons, 60 minutes each. Courses always start on a Monday or on Tuesday in the case of Monday being a Public Holiday. It is not possible to start a course during the week. During busy times, classes will run in both morning and afternoon.
2.4 Course Fees
Adult course fees include tuition, placement test, student welcome pack, Wi-Fi, and end of course certificate. A course registration fee and course materials fee, as stated in course price list, are applicable to all courses. All fees must be paid in full prior to the student’s arrival.
3. Accommodation and Transfers
3.1 Every attempt will be made by Babel Academy of English to find accommodation to the student’s preference, but the student’s first choice of Accommodation may not always be available.
3.2 Babel Academy of English reserves the right to adjust the price of homestay, residential or hotel accommodation due to external factors beyond Babel Academy of English’s authority.
3.3 Arrival and departure dates may only be changed by special arrangement and changes may be subject to a surcharge.
3.4 Any request to change Accommodation after arrival will be dealt with at Babel Academy of English’s discretion and subject to availability.
3.5 Babel Academy of English has the right, where reasonable to remove the student from the Accommodation for unacceptable behaviour. For the avoidance of doubt Babel Academy of English views unacceptable behaviour as including but not limited to, causing damage to property, causing disturbance or nuisance, abusive or disrespectful conduct, failing to observe house rules.
3.6 In relation to airport collections, the student is responsible for supplying full and correct information of travel requirements and for updating this information as and when necessary.
3.7 The fee charged to the student for collection from the airport will include waiting time of 1 hour and 30 minutes from the time of arrival that the student has specified to Babel Academy of English.
4. Health Insurance
All non-EEA students are required to have private health insurance when coming to and residing in Ireland for the purpose of study. The private health insurance should provide cover for accident and/or disease and should cover the student for any period of hospitalisation.
At registration with the immigration authorities a student is required to have proof of private health insurance.
Health insurance can be added to your course booking with Babel Academy of English. Please confirm on your application form if you wish to add health insurance to your booking.
5. Learner Protection Insurance
In accordance with INIS, we provide Learner Protection for students enrolled on our Academic Year Programmes.
Babel Academy of English has approval to offer students learner protection insurance, Learner Protection insurance is only in place when each student receives their certificate. Learner Protection insurance is provided by Arachas and underwritten by Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC. Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC trading as Aviva, is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
6. Visa
Non-EEA students should contact their local Irish Embassy for visa requirements. Babel Academy of English cannot give any guarantees for successful visa applications.
Required documents to apply for a student visa will only be sent once full payment has been received.
Non-EEA students enrolled in the Academic Year Programme, who need to register with the GNIB (Garda National Immigration Bureau) once in Ireland, must be aware of the following:
6.1 It is the responsibility of the student, or where the student has purchased the course from an ETO it is the responsibility of the student/ETO, to book an appointment with the GNIB to process the visa accordingly before the expiry of the entry visa. Babel Academy of English provides guidance and support with any visa-related questions but Babel Academy of English does not book appointments for students.
6.2 It is the responsibility of the student, or where the student has purchased the course from an ETO it is the responsibility of the student/ETO to provide Babel Academy of English with all necessary and updated personal student information for a timely and correct provision of student and visa documents. It is the student’s responsibility to keep these documents in a safe place.
6.3 If the date and time of the GNIB appointment overlaps with class time, the student must inform Babel Academy of English to be excused from class.
6.4 The student commits to meeting all immigration requirements, such as keeping good attendance rates and sitting the end-of-course exit exam. The end-of-course exit exam fee is non-refundable.
IMPORTANT: Students who need to apply for a visa before entering Ireland should not start their course in the first week (January) or final two weeks (December) of our academic year. Please contact Babel Academy of English for the academic calendar and more information on the dates.
7. Enrolment
7.1 Enrolment Dates
New students should refer to their enrolment confirmation for course and accommodation dates. Please note that the invoice issued to the student may not reflect the course dates but the date of enrolment. This information, as well as the name of the course and the corresponding number of lessons per week, is included in the enrolment confirmation letter. Students can only start on Mondays (or Tuesday in case of a bank holiday Monday).
7.2 Continuity of Enrolment
Enrolment of a current student will be terminated if:
• The student notifies Babel Academy of English of his/her wish to terminate their enrolment;
• The student withdraws from their nominated course;
• Babel Academy of English terminates the student’s enrolment or suspends or excludes the student in accordance with the provisions of our Policies and Procedures; Or
• The student has completed all course requirements.
7.3 Refusal and Cancellation of Enrolment
Babel Academy of English may cancel an enrolment, refuse to enrol, or refuse to re-enrol a person/ student for the following reasons:
• Beginner level of English
• Misconduct (refer to the section on Code of Behaviour);
• Failure to satisfy the minimum academic requirements for courses chosen;
• Failure to arrive on the commencement date;
• The student has gained admission by misrepresentation, falsification of documents or other fraudulent means;
• Failure to fulfil the normal admission or enrolment requirements;
• Non-payment of tuition fees and/or accommodation fees ;
• Cancellation of a student’s visa;
• Non-attendance or consistently low attendance;
• Other reasons as deemed by Babel Academy of English management.
7.4 Medical & Special Educational Needs
It is the student’s responsibility to notify Babel Academy of English of any sickness, disability, allergy, mental health condition, special educational needs, or any other relevant medical information that
might affect the student’s stay at Babel Academy of English. Students must provide an up-to-date medical form at the time of booking and inform Babel Academy of English of any subsequent changes.
8. Payment
All course fees should be paid in full at least 30 days prior to the student commencing their course. Babel Academy of English has partnered with TransferMate to make international payments safe and easy.
8.1 For non-EEA students who require a visa before entering Ireland
For visa-required students, payment must be made at least 8 weeks before the course commences so we can prepare the student visa documents. Please note that some visa applications need to be made several months in advance, and the payment must be made accordingly. Students or their ETOs are responsible for applying for a student visa well in advance to make sure the visa will be granted and received before the student’s departure. Failure to comply may result in postponement or cancellation charges.
Acceptance letters are only issued after full payment is received by Babel Academy of English.
Please note in accordance with Irish immigration law the payment will be held in an escrow-type account until the student’s visa application has been approved.
We have partnered with TransferMate to provide this service. Please follow the payment options listed on invoice.
9. Cancellation Policy
9.1 Cancellation of course due to visa refusal
If a student cannot obtain a visa they may cancel their course.
Cancellation due to inability to obtain a visa = Refund minus €100 cancellation fee and any non-refundable fees (Registration Fee and Accommodation Booking Fee).
Note: Students must provide evidence of visa refusal
9.2 Cancellation of course for other reasons
Refunds will be given at the discretion of Babel Academy of English management. Each case is dealt with on an individual basis. The following conditions apply:
• Over 4 weeks prior to commencement date = Refund minus any non-refundable fees (Registration Fee and Accommodation Booking Fee).
• Within 4 weeks of commencement date = 50% refund minus any non-refundable fees (Registration Fee and Accommodation Booking Fee).
Cancellations are only permitted prior to the date on which services are due to commence. For cancellations made less than 24 hours before the commencement date, no refund is possible. Please note that the term “services” refers to all parts of the booking and not just to the course booking. Where a student does not commence services, and no prior notification is received by Babel Academy of English no refund can be made and the full amount as invoiced is due.
• Within 24 hours of commencement or after commencement date = no refund
Where a student has commenced services and then leaves for any reason, no refund can be made.
Credits will only be allowed at the discretion of the management of Babel Academy.
Notification of cancellation must be received in writing by email to info@babelacademy.ie during normal office hours in local time in Ireland (08:30 to 17:00 Monday to Friday excluding public holidays and when Babel Academy of English is closed for Christmas break). Approved refunds will be sent within 20 days of notice of cancellation. Sending bank charges will be deducted from the balance being refunded.
9.3 Putting a course on hold
In exceptional cases, a course can be put on hold for up to 6 months after the date the student was registered. There will be no extra charge or increase in fees if Babel Academy of English is notified at least 30 days in advance of the course start.
If a course is postponed less than 30 days in advance of the course start date 50% of tuition will be charged. Please contact Babel Academy of English for further details.
If a course is postponed for more than 6 months from the date the student was registered, the regular cancellation fees apply and the booking will be treated as a new booking, i.e. new fees will apply, if applicable.
Postponed courses are not eligible for promotions running at the time of postponement, but the original fees apply.
If a course with a past promotion is postponed in line with the postponement periods, and part(s) of the promotion are not available anymore, where a student has purchased a course directly from Babel Academy of English any promotion that may currently be on offer can be utilized or a refund can be requested.
10. Holiday Policy
Holidays can only be taken in 1 to 4-week blocks (Monday-Friday only). Students must notify academic@babelacademy.ie by email in advance of their intended holiday. Please note that holiday requests must always be submitted at least 1 full week in advance, i.e. holidays will not be granted after the week has already begun.
Holiday Policy for short-term (less than 25 weeks) students on courses of 24 weeks or less:
Generally, no holidays are allowed for students who are studying on courses that are less than 25 weeks.
Holiday Policy for long-term (25 weeks) students:
An Academic Year course lasts for a minimum of 25 weeks. Normally, Academic Year holidays are taken after a student finishes their course.
If a student’s course runs over December and January they will have 2 weeks of winter holidays during their course. These 2 weeks of holidays are included in the total maximum of 4 weeks of mid-course holidays that students are allowed. These 2 weeks of winter holidays do not need to be booked but are booked by default since Babel Academy of English will remain closed during this period.
In the exceptional case where a long-term non-EEA student wishes to take holidays during their course, this holiday period should be requested before starting their programme and/or registering with GNIB.
In addition to winter holidays students can request a maximum of 2 other weeks holidays mid-course. Any other non-course weeks before their visa expiry date can only be taken after the student has completed 25 weeks of their course.
Holiday periods cannot at any point exceed 1/3 of the total weeks elapsed. This means that students need to have completed 6 weeks of their course before they can take holidays for the first time.
Students can take a maximum of 2 holiday blocks mid-course, i.e. the winter holidays plus an additional chosen mid-course holiday.
For Academic reasons students need to have 4 consecutive course weeks before their tuition end date and end of course exam, i.e. cannot take holidays in the final 4 weeks of their course.
Early return from holidays is subject to availability and is not guaranteed.
10.1 Requesting a mid-course holiday
Email academic@babelacademy.ie at the beginning of your course with your requested holiday dates
10.2 School Holidays
Babel Academy of English is closed during public holidays and for 2 weeks over the Christmas period.
Public Holidays: New Year’s Day (1 January); St. Brigid’s Day (1 Feb); St. Patrick’s Day (17 March); Easter Monday; First Monday in May, June, August; and Last Monday in October.
See here for our latest Academic Calendar.
10.3 Sick Leave
If you cannot attend class because you are ill, notify the academic department in Babel Academy of English by email to academic@babelacademy.ieTo record certified sick leave: You must submit a valid medical certificate within 7 days of the first day you are absent due to illness. This medical certificate must (i) be in English, and (ii) include specific dates and specified period during which you are unable to attend classes. Once this certificate is produced on time, your attendance will be amended and certified leave will be recorded. For sick leave periods longer than 2 weeks, additional supporting medical documentation may be required. Certified sick leave granted cannot exceed 4 weeks.
If you are absent for a significant portion (i.e. more than 4 weeks) of your course, you will not receive a certificate of course completion at the end of your course. If you have difficulty attending classes, please contact the academic department to discuss additional support and services which may be beneficial to you.
Uncertified sick leave will be recorded as absence and will negatively affect your attendance rate. Please note sick days will not be added to the end of your course period and attendance cannot be amended retrospectively.
10.4 Compassionate Leave
Students may have reason to take an unscheduled break from their studies due to extended personal sick leave, or an emergency visit home due to the death or ill health of a close family member. In this instance, you should contact Babel Academy of English immediately. The application for unscheduled leave must be accompanied by documentary evidence, for example, medical certificates from a registered medical practitioner. This evidence must (i) be in English, and (ii) include specific dates and specified period during which you are unable to attend classes. Contact: academic@babelacademy.ie
11. Punctuality and Attendance
We monitor the attendance of non-EEA students on Academic Year courses to ensure that they meet the requirements of their student visa as set out by the Department of Justice.
• It is a requirement for a student visa to attend a minimum of 85% of your course
• Students do not receive a end-of-course certificate if attendance is below 85%.
• It is your responsibility to attend classes and inform Babel Academy of English if you are unable to attend for some reason
• Students can request an update on their attendance rate by emailing the academic department on academic@babelacademy.ie
11.1 Procedure for Recording Attendance
During each class the teacher will record student attendance. Attendance during a class session is defined as attending the full designated tuition hours.
• Attendance is marked twice during General English classes each day:
(i) Session before the break + (ii) Session after the break
• Arriving more than 15 minutes late, leaving more than 15 minutes early, or missing more than 15 minutes during the session, means you are marked absent for that full session.
• If you arrive late or leave early consistently or on a regular basis, even if less than 15 minutes, your attendance rate will be negatively affected.
Attendance records are submitted by teachers to the academic department on a daily basis. The Assistant Director of Studies is responsible for cross-checking attendance on Babel Academy of English data system.
• Every week, and as requested by INIS, we send updated attendance records for all non-EU students to the immigration department.
If you have a query or doubt about your attendance record, contact the Assistant Director of Studies on academic@babelacademy.ie or +35315477665
12. Code of Conduct
12.1 Students must use English as their common language while in Babel Academy of English premises or while attending school activities.
12.2 Babel Academy of English prohibits discrimination towards any group or individuals in any form, inclusive of, but not limited to age, gender, sexual orientation, race or nationality, ethnic or ethos-religious background.
12.3 Disciplinary action will be taken against students for breaches of Babel Academy of English rules and directions concerning acceptable and unacceptable behaviour either on campus or where such breaches occur off-campus while on course related activities or while availing of Babel Academy of English services, such as accommodation, transfers and social programme.
12.4 Unacceptable behaviour includes but is not limited to:
• Disobeying any reasonable direction by a Babel Academy of English staff member.
• Not observing class rules set by the teachers.
• Smoking or vaping in the building (You may only leave the building to smoke or vape during scheduled breaks).
• Swearing, abusing or disrespecting other students or staff.
• Endangering the lives of others.
• Selling, using, distributing and/or being in possession (under the influence) of drugs whilst attending classes.
• Selling, consuming, distributing or being under the influence of alcohol whilst attending classes.
• Wilful damage to or theft of Babel Academy of English property, or property entrusted to Babel Academy of English’s care.
• Accessing, storing, processing or transmitting any information deemed to be threatening, obscene, pornographic or harassing in nature.
• Unauthorised use of Babel Academy of English intellectual property including School name, logo, training manuals/materials, trademarks, designs, confidential information and
copyright material.
• Behave in a manner that interferes with the learning of others.
• Failure to return library or other property loaned by Babel Academy of English by the required date.
• Viewing or distributing offensive material via the Internet, e-mail or other means.
• Discrimination, harassment and victimisation.
• Bullying and intimidation.
• Making racist or sexist comments.
• Behaving in a disruptive manner such as swearing, yelling or using offensive language.
• Assaulting or attempting to assault anyone while on Babel Academy of English premises.
• Inappropriate possession of guns, knives or other weapons while engaging in Babel Academy of English activities.
13. Consequences of Unacceptable Conduct
13.1 A teacher can ask a student to leave the classroom or refuse entry to a classroom if behaviour is disruptive or dangerous. The teacher issuing the suspension will advise the Academic Manager immediately and complete an incident report.
13.2 In case of suspension, The Academic Manager will hold a disciplinary meeting with the student to discuss the reason for suspension and will give the student reasonable opportunity to be heard in respect to the misconduct.
13.3 Following the disciplinary meeting the Academic Manager will take one of the following courses of action:
(i) modify or dismiss the charge.
(ii) reprimand and warn the student against repeating the behaviour.
(iii) recommend that further action be taken.
13.4 If the student wishes to appeal the decision made, they must complete a Student Complaint Form within 7 days of the decision being made. The appeal will be dealt with in accordance with Babel Academy of English’s Complaints Policy and Procedure.
14. Events Outside School Control
14.1 Babel Academy of English will not be liable or responsible for any failure to perform, or delay in performance of, any of its obligations in relation to the Student’s Course, Social Programme Activity or Accommodation that is caused by events outside Babel Academy of English’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Event).
14.2 A Force Majeure Event includes any act, event, non-occurrence, omission or accident beyond Babel Academy of English’s reasonable control and includes, in particular (without limitation), the following:
• strikes or labour disputes
• civil commotion, riot, invasion, terrorist attack or threat of terrorist attack, war (whether declared or not) or threat or preparation for war.
• fire, explosion, storm, flood, earthquake, subsidence, epidemic or other natural disaster
• impossibility of the use of railways, shipping, aircraft, motor transport or other means of public or private transport
• impossibility of the use of public or private telecommunications networks
14.3 Babel Academy of English will take reasonable steps to bring the Force Majeure Event to a close or to find a solution by which Babel Academy of English’s obligations can be performed despite the Force Majeure Event.
15. Further Conditions
15.1 Bookings are not confirmed until official enrolment confirmation is provided by Babel Academy of English.
15.2 Final registration and provision of pre-arrival information for each student are only confirmed upon receipt of full payment of fees.
15.3 Babel Academy of English does not accept responsibility for costs incurred due to flight delays or cancellations.
15.4 Babel Academy of English does not take responsibility for loss or theft of belongings.
15.5 During peak times classes may be held at additional premises and may run at different times.
15.6 If a student wishes to return to their home country or take holidays elsewhere during the term of their English Language Programme, they are free to do so, but no credit will be given for missed study time.
15.7 If students are unable to attend lessons due to illness, these sick days will not be added to the end of the course period.
15.8 Students will only be excused from class in case of illness or to attend their appointment at the immigration office. No other reasons will be taken into consideration, and the student will be marked as absent. Under no circumstances the student will obtain credit or a refund for missed study time.
15.9 Promotional Photographs and Videos: Babel Academy of English or its representatives may take photographs and videos of classes or other school activities during a student’s time with us, which may be used for promotional purposes. If students do not wish to appear in any promotional materials, we must be advised at the time of booking.
15.10 For educational purposes only, Babel Academy of English may record students in virtual classes. By booking a course students authorize and permit Babel Academy of English to make recordings that include the student in the digital classroom and to use these recordings solely for educational purposes, such as the creation of a student or teacher portfolio, or for teacher self-reflection, without further consent from or payment to the student.
15.11 Babel Academy of English is wheelchair accessible, please notify us in advance
16. Liability
16.1 Babel Academy of English shall not be liable to any Student for any loss or damage which arises out of or in connection with or as a consequence of the Student’s use of Babel Academy of English’s premises, including, but not being limited to, loss of profit, damage to or loss of property or items belonging to the Student and any personal injury to the student (but only so far as such injury is not caused by Babel Academy of English’s
negligence).
16.2 Babel Academy of English is not responsible for the safekeeping and delivery of any post, fax etc. sent to the Student at Babel Academy of English address or for the safekeeping of exam results or certificates.
16.3 These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by Irish law and Babel Academy of English and the Student agree to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of the Irish courts.
