Gealtacht Summer 2009

J

Jack2008

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I have a 12year old who went to an Irish speaking Primary School. He is now in 1st year in Secondary and is looking to go to the Gaeltacht next summer.

What do people think of this? He will be 13, will he be too young?
Are there specific ones which cater for his age?

Any recommendations?
 
13 is a perfect age to go. I went at that age and had to be dragged home after the 3 weeks - didn't learn a word of Irish by the way it was just girls girls girls!
 
my daughter went last year and she was just 13 and in first year. she wasnt home sick at all as she made so many new friends. she was in the kerry one. we went down two weekends to her to break it for her. it was well worth it as she learned so much. i highly recommend it. i have already sent in her forms for next year!
 
I think 13 is a perfect age to go to the Gaeltacht. I started going when I was 7! However, I did go to one which catered for younger children. I loved it and returned for many years to ones catering for older ages and eventually became a teacher on the courses for a number of years. There are definitely ones in which your child could learn loads of Gaeilge and others in which he could learn nothing. Another thing to consider is the level of supervision on the course as this can vary depending on the college.
 
pavlov said:
I think 13 is a perfect age to go to the Gaeltacht. I started going when I was 7! However, I did go to one which catered for younger children. I loved it and returned for many years to ones catering for older ages and eventually became a teacher on the courses for a number of years. There are definitely ones in which your child could learn loads of Gaeilge and others in which he could learn nothing. Another thing to consider is the level of supervision on the course as this can vary depending on the college.
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can i ask you which one you recommend? didnt know that some were better then others?
 
The ones which I'd have some knowledge of are Coláiste na bhFiann and Spleodar. In my opinion both are very reputable- your child would be very well supervised and would definitely learn an enormous amount of Gaeilge, and have great fun. Both of these colleges are very strict with regard to speaking as Gaeilge so it would be very important to make yourself aware of the rules which the respective colleges apply. I've heard that Coláiste Chamus is good but I don't have any personal experience of them. I'm sure there are others but I can't really offer an opinion on them. Ádh mór!
 
pavlov said:
I've heard that Coláiste Chamus is good but I don't have any personal experience of them. Ádh mór!
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I was there from 1989-1992 for the summer course. Would highly recommend it. Well organised and most importantly English speaking is not tolerated. If you want your kids to learn the language and make some new friends then this is the place for them.

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I have no affiliation with them.
 
this is the best idea ever... i went at the age of 13,14,15,16. these were the best years of my life. id give anything to be back there again. i went to ballingeary in cork. this is extremley well ran, dead safe, and would highly recommend it to ur child. im actully very jealous. the boys generally stay in the dorms and the girls stay in the houses. school starts and 10.00 til 13.00, then dinner time, then sports from 3 til 5. dinner at 6 and cheili around 21.00 til 22.30. usually its a run for the chip van and then back to the dorms. school divides up into 3 schools regarding age groups so no worries there. this is a fantastic way of getting to no people and making the best friends of your life. im till in contact with some of my friends now and im 25. i would highly recommend this for your child. if u have anymore questions dont hesitate to ask me. im very jealous.
 
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