Cork English College - DEMI PAIR PRGRAMME

Cork English College

30 – 32 St. Patrick’s Quay, Cork, Ireland.
Tel : +353-21-4551522
Fax : +353-21-4551508
Email : info@lah.ie
Web : www.corkenglishcollege.ie

Recognised by the Department of Education as an English Language School for the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language.


DEMI PAIR PRGRAMME



A Demi Pair student will stay with a host family free of charge for a minimum of 3 months (non-EU students 6 months)and will attend a General English course of 20 hours per week each morning Monday to Friday.


THE FAMILY

The host family will provide full board accommodation for the student. In addition the family will give the student a monthly bus and rail ticket or €100 pocketmoney per month, whichever the student prefers. It is expected that the student will live as part of the family and be treated as a full familymember. The family will collect the student on their arrival to Cork Airport. The family will have regular contact with Cork English College in relation to the progressof the Demi Pair student. It is important to remember that this student is not a cleaner for the household but is intended as a help regarding the children and general house care.


THE STUDENT

The student will make their own arrangements with Cork English College in relation to the payment of course fees. The student will also book and pay for travel to and from Ireland and will inform both Cork English College and the family of the flight number and arrival time. The student will complete up to 18 hours of light house work and/or babysitting each week, this work rota is to be agreed each weekend between the host family and the student. On the nights when the student is free theymay babysit for other families to earn extra pocket money, again this can be discussed and agreed with the family. The Demi Pair student should adapt to living in an Irish family and do their best to fit in with the normal family routines. The student should liaise with Cork English College on a regular basis and discuss their progress and life with their Irish family.


CORK ENGLISH COLLEGE

The school will take an active role in ensuring the students well being during his/her stay. Our Host Family Officer, Denise, is responsible for the day to day running of our Demi Pair Programme. She knows all of our host families personally and regularly meets with the Demi Pair students to ensure that the programme meets with their expectations.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a Demi Pair?
A. This is a young adult who typically comes from outside of Europe and has different visa requirements. A Demi Pair lives with the family, receives full board accommodation. The Demi Pair helps with housework and child minding up to 18 hours per week and attends English language classes fro 20 hours per week.

Q. What kind of work do I have to do?
A. This depends on the family and their needs. Typical Demi Pair duties include: dropping the children off to school, picking them up from school and after school activities, helping with homework, assisting in keeping the children’s rooms clean and cooking light meals for them.

Q. When do I start my General English Language Classes?
A. Your English Classes will begin on the Monday after you arrive to Cork. You will be given a level test at school to establish which class is most appropriate for you.

Q. Do I need to have a good level of spoken English to participate in this programme?
A. Demi Pairs should have a basic knowledge of English. The more English you can speak, the easier it will be for you to understand the needs of the host family and to adapt to life in Ireland.

Q. What documents do I need to send you in order to participate in the Demi Pair Programme?
A. You will need to send a completed registration form.

Q. Why should I choose to be a Demi Pair whilst I study?
A. To save the expense of accommodation and living costs
To live with an English speaking family to learn the language quickly
To experience the Irish culture and lifestyle
Working with a family provides a comfortable and safe working environment

Q. Who is eligible?
A. This programme is open to all applicants. Employment is subject to availability of the family and suitability of the candidate.

Q. Which visa must I obtain to be a Demi Pair?
A. A valid Student Visa or a Working Holiday Visa

Q. Do I choose the family?
A. No. Our Host Family Officer will match students with families.

Q. How long do I have to stay with a family?
A. All EU students should be prepared to accept a Demi Pair Placement for a minimum of 3 months. All Non EU students should be prepared to accept a Demi Pair Placement for a minimum of 6 months in order to meet their Visa requirements.

Q. Can I change families? Or leave the family?
A. Yes, provided it is discussed and agreed with the Host Family Officer.