Your introduction to life at Academic Bridge

Before you start your English classes, you will attend a Student Induction, usually held on the Friday before your first day of classes.

The induction is led by our Welfare Officers and is your opportunity to meet the Academic Bridge team and learn everything you need to know about life at the school and in Ireland.

The induction includes:

• Welcome to Academic Bridge: Meet our team and Welfare Officers and learn about the school.
• School Buildings & Facilities: Discover the school’s campus locations across Dublin city centre and the facilities available to students, such as study/game areas, printers, and coffee machines.
  
• Student Portal & Document Requests: Learn how to access the student portal to manage your profile and request official letters (visa, bank, PPSN, attendance, and end-of-course certificates).
• Team & Contact Directory: Meet the academic, welfare, and admissions staff, and find the appropriate email addresses to contact for different types of support.
• Activities & Workshops: Explore the monthly calendar of free workshops (CV/recruitment, conversation classes, exam prep), clubs, and organized weekend trips.
• Class Rules, Punctuality & Illness: Review classroom conduct standards, daily class schedules/breaks, and the required procedures for submitting medical certificates when absent.
• Attendance Policy & Warnings: Understand the mandatory 85% attendance requirement for Stamp 2 visa holders and the school’s warning/expulsion procedures for unexcused absences.
• Holiday & Working Holiday Regulations: Find out how and when you can take study breaks, the rules for requesting time off, and permitted working holiday periods.
• External Exams: Learn about the required exit exams for 25-week courses (such as TIE, IELTS, and Trinity ISE), their preparation, format, and international recognition.
• First Steps in Ireland (IRP, Leap Card, Bank & PPSN): Get step-by-step guidance on essential administrative tasks, including registering your visa/IRP, getting a discounted Student Leap Card, opening a bank account, and applying for a PPS number.
• Further Education Pathways: Discover the entry requirements and opportunities to progress to higher education degree programmes in Ireland after completing your language course.
• Certificates & CEFR Levels: Understand the criteria to receive your end-of-course certificate and how English language proficiency levels (A1–C2) are assessed.
• Dublin Tour: Join a guided tour around central Dublin and become familiar with the area, useful facilities and key places you may visit during your stay.

The induction usually takes place on Friday afternoon, before your classes begin on Monday.