FAQs

Is language a difficult subject?

Language is like every other subject in that the more you put into it the more you will get out of it!   However, we have designed our courses so as to make them as accessible and enjoyable as possible, and we find that most students of French, German or Spanish perform well in assessments and examinations for three reasons:        

• Firstly, the emphasis of language study on practical competencies which  help students to communicate effectively in the language in both professional and social contexts.
• Secondly, all students wishing to take a language are placed in a group which is at the right level for them, so you get to take up where you left off.  
• Thirdly, no group has more than 25 students, so you have plenty of opportunities to speak, ask questions and interact with the lecturer.   Our multimedia language labs allow you to practice on your own as well as in a classroom environment.   Students have found this very useful as they can spend extra time on areas of difficulty and work at their own pace.
  

What languages do you offer?

We offer French and German on a large number of our courses, either as a compulsory subject or as an elective subject.   (Check the information on courses that interest you to see if language is listed on the course schedule.)   On these courses, students get an opportunity to choose one language.  

If you want to study two languages, you have two possibilities open to you:

Higher Certificate in Languages and Business
BBS (ord) Tourism and Languages.

On both of these courses, students take two languages, one at

• Advanced level (min. requirement OB3 in Leaving Certificate), and
• Ordinary level (no requirement.)  

You can take any one of the following combinations:

• Advanced French + Spanish
• Advanced French + German
• Advanced German + Spanish.

Do language graduates have other skills needed by employers, apart from being able to speak the language?

Yes indeed. A report* published recently shows that the study of ‘non-vocational’ programmes, such as modern languages naturally leads to the development of a wide range of more general ‘transferable’ skills that many employers consider essential for effective performance in their workforce today. Oral communication is considered to be one of the most important transferable skills for a graduate to possess and this skill is highly developed by language programmes. Other skills well developed include research skills, written communication and presentation skills.
The report also shows that transferable skills are given a higher importance rating for graduates seeking employment than are either a good academic record or specialist subject knowledge. This being the case then programmes such as modern languages are well positioned to meet the needs of a range of employers.

* The hidden value of higher education learning: transferable skills and their importance for graduates of modern language programmes’TCD, DCU &WIT 11/04, www.skillsproject.tcd.ie

In which EU countries can I study?

Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, UK. Check full list of ITT's EU partners at             
http://www.ittralee.ie/international/university.php

If I go abroad to study, will there be funding available?

If you qualify and are selected as a Socrates student, you will receive a mobility grant. This normally covers transport costs only. If you receive a maintenance grant while studying in Ireland this grant will be continued for your study time abroad.

If I go abroad on a work placement, will there be funding available?

Yes, the Leonardo programme will provide funding for you if you fulfil the eligibility criteria, e.g. be a registered student at ITT, have a placement duration of a minimum of 12 weeks, are undertaking your placement in a private company. Once you complete the Leonardo application our placement officer in the international office will process it. After signing & exchanging contracts you will be entitled to receive funding for the placement from the EU commission.

In which EU countries can I go on work placement?

You can go on work placement in Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Spain and Switzerland, where ITT has links to “International Offices” of third level institutions. But we also could make contact with any other EU country due to the Leonardo network, of which ITT is a partner.