Total immersion
Total immersion is an excellent way to progress in English by naturally developing fluency and fluency. As well as simply practising your language skills, it also allows you to discover, from the inside, the culture of the country, the way of life and customs of its inhabitants, and to share authentic moments with your host family. You will be the only young French speaker in the family.
Communication and exchange are key to the success of this stay, as are open-mindedness and the desire to adapt to another way of life. This option is therefore recommended for young people who are sufficiently independent, sociable and open-minded. To facilitate integration, it is also recommended that you have studied English for at least 2 or 3 years.
Level of English: young people who do not have a sufficient level of English to communicate easily, or participants under the age of 14, are advised to take private English lessons to facilitate integration. These lessons will be given by a teacher who will come to the family’s home.
In addition to total immersion, we offer various packages combining immersion in a family with specific activities that allow students to share a passion or interest with their host family, such as horse-riding, or to meet other young people at a sports or leisure camp (Immersion & Day camps).
Private English lessons: private lessons are available for young people who need them or who do not have a sufficient level of English, regardless of the type of stay chosen. The teacher generally comes to the family’s home. The course timetable is agreed between the teacher, the student and the family. Option to be specified on enrolment.
The student takes part in the family’s daily activities. Families are not obliged to organise specific activities, but generally plan special outings with their student to show him or her around. If the family goes out for a day, the student is invited. On a day-to-day basis, family life continues as usual.
Host families always have children, who may be younger or older than the student they are welcoming. Some families also choose to host another foreign student of a different nationality.
Students are accommodated in single or shared rooms, depending on the family. In the latter case, the student shares the room with the family’s child or another foreign student of the same sex and around the same age (give or take a few years).
Host families generally have children, who may be younger or older than the student they are welcoming. Some families also choose to host another foreign student of a different nationality.
Immersion & Excursions (10-18 years)
You share the daily life of your family, living at their pace and taking part in their usual activities. The family also organises 2 half-day and 1 full-day excursions per week. The type of excursions on offer varies from family to family. They may include visits to historical or cultural sites, or outings to leisure or sporting activities, depending on each family’s interests.
Duration: 1 to 4 weeks
Immersion & Horse-riding (10-18 years)
Ireland is the land of the horse and it’s not unusual for a family to own one or more horses. If you’re passionate about horses and riding, this holiday is ideal. You live with a family that owns horses (or double ponies). You’ll ride for at least 8 hours a week in a friendly, family atmosphere. You take care of the horse assigned to you and help with the upkeep of its stall and stable.
This programme is aimed at accomplished riders. To enable us to assess your level of riding ability, a short video should be attached to the application form.
Duration: 1 to 4 weeks
Level of riding to be specified on enrolment (you will be asked to attach a short video of yourself on horseback to assess your level).
Immersion on a farm (10-18 years)
If you love the countryside or want to experience life on a typical Irish farm, you’ll love this holiday. You live with a family who own a farm. You take part, at your own pace, in the farm’s activities and take part in the odd jobs you want to get involved in (milking, feeding, herding, haymaking, harvesting, gardening, etc.). Activities vary according to the size of the farm and the season. During your stay, life on the farm will continue as usual; the family will integrate you into their way of life and rhythm.
Farms are generally small: most are livestock farms (cattle, sheep, etc.), dairy farms, or multi-purpose farms.
Duration: 1 to 4 weeks
Immersion in a teacher’s home & Excursions (10-18 years)
For people who prefer to have English lessons, we offer a home-stay option.
You live with your teacher and have 10* private English lessons per week, i.e. 2 lessons per day from Monday to Friday. Each lesson lasts 50 minutes, followed by a 10-minute break. Lessons are given in the morning to encourage concentration. The family also organises 2 half-day and 1 full-day excursions per week. The type of excursions offered varies from family to family. They may be visits to historical or cultural sites, or outings to leisure or sporting activities, depending on each family’s interests.
Duration: 1 to 4 weeks
For the formulas described below, the family accompanies the young person to the camp and collects him or her after the course. Host families do not always have children living at home, but they welcome another foreign student of a different nationality.
Contact us to receive a video giving you an overview of the camps!
Immersion & Basketball camp (10-16 years )
You will share the daily life of your host family and, from Monday to Friday from 1pm to 4pm, you will take part in the basketball camp.
You will learn the real techniques of the game and improve your skills while playing in a fun and competitive environment.
This course welcomes around 60-70 young people per week (in 2023: 80% Irish, 20% international students). Students are divided into groups of 10 to 15 players, depending on their abilities. Students of the same nationality are separated as far as possible.
This camp is suitable for all levels of players. This is a fun summer camp and not an advanced technical training academy.
The camp includes: learning game techniques (shooting, passing, dribbling, rebounding, attacking, defending), fun games, matches.
Duration: 1 to 4 weeks, see Prices and dates tab.
Destination: Longford, County Longford
Immersion & Pony camp (10-17 years )
You will share the daily life of your host family and take part in a horse-riding course 4 days a week. Timetables vary from one course to another, depending on the destination.
The riding centre welcomes around 30 young people a week (in 2023: 80% Irish, 11% Spanish, 9% French). Pupils are divided into groups of 8 or 9, depending on their level. Students of the same nationality are separated as far as possible.
The centre is aimed at riders of all levels. This is a fun summer camp and not an advanced technical training academy.
The course includes: riding lessons, jumping, riding school, cross country, games in the forest, horse grooming, mounted games.
Duration: 1 to 4 weeks, see Prices and dates tab.
Destination: Athlone, Roscommon & Westmeath
Riding level to be specified on enrolment, as well as student’s weight and height.
Immersion & Tennis camp (12-17 years)
You will share the daily life of your host family and from Monday to Friday from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm, you will take part in the tennis camp. Lunch break from 13:00 to 14:00.
The tennis camp welcomes between 30 and 35 young people per week (in 2023: 55% Irish, 20% Spanish, 20% French, 5% Italian). The youngsters are divided into several groups, mainly according to their level, but also according to their age and gender.
The course includes: playing techniques and tactics, physical and mental training, fun games, matches and doubles.
Duration: 1 to 3 weeks, see Prices and dates tab.
Destination: Mullingar, County Westmeath
Tennis level to be specified on registration
Immersion & Rugby camp (12-18 years )
You will share the daily life of your host family and from Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm, you will take part in a rugby camp organised by a well-known Dublin club. Lunch break from 13:00 to 14:00.
The rugby camp welcomes 110 young people per week (in 2023: 55% Irish, 25% young people from other English-speaking countries (Australians, New Zealanders, Americans), 10% Spanish and 10% French).
This course is aimed at players with a minimum knowledge of rugby. Complete beginners are not accepted.
The course includes:
- Training with renowned coaches from the Irish Rugby Institute and Europe: improving playing techniques (strategy, speed, agility, power), fitness, nutrition, psychological preparation.
- Full provision of high quality IRI training gear
- A visit to the famous Aviva Stadium on Lansdowne Road.
- Participation in the famous IRI Rugby Sevens Tournament.
- Interaction with young Irish players taking part in the camp.
Duration: 1 to 3 weeks, see Prices and dates tab.
Destination: Dublin
Rugby level to be specified on registration.
Immersion & Soccer camp (10-14 years)
Option 1 – Sligo Rovers FC
You will share the daily life of your host family and from Monday to Friday from 10.30am to 3pm, you will take part in the football camp organised by Sligo Rovers FC.
The football camp welcomes around 110 youngsters a week (in 2023: 75% Irish, 15% Spanish, 9% French and 1% Italian).
The camp is aimed at players of all levels. It is a fun summer camp and not an advanced technical training academy.
The course includes: warm-up sessions, development of technical skills, dribbling, goal shooting, defence, headers, small-group matches, development of team spirit.
Duration: 1 to 4 weeks, see Prices and dates tab.
Destination: Sligo, County Sligo
Football level to be specified on registration.
Option 2 – Peace Link Clones
You share the daily life of your host family and from Monday to Friday from 10.30am to 3pm, you take part in the football camp.
The football camp welcomes around 60 young people a week (in 2023: 75% Irish, 20% Spanish, 5% other nationalities).
There will be 3 Atlético de Madrid coaches and 3 FAI coaches.
The course includes: warm-up sessions, developing technical skills, dribbling, shooting at goal, defence, heading, small-group matches, developing team spirit.
Dates: 01/07, 08/07, 15/07 and 22/07
Duration: 1 to 4 weeks, see Prices and dates tab.
Destination: Clones, Co Monaghan
Football level to be specified on registration.
Immersion & Surf camp (10-17 years )
You will share the daily life of your host family and, from Monday to Friday, you will take part in the Surf Camp for 2 to 3 hours a day.
The camps are located in the best surf spots on the Irish west coast and welcome between 10 and 15 participants per week (in 2023: 44% Irish, 28% Spanish, 27% French, 1% other nationalities).
Participants are divided into small groups according to their age and level. The instructors are all graduates of theIrish Surfing Association. All levels are accepted, including beginners. All equipment is provided.
Course duration: 1 to 4 weeks, see Prices and dates tab.
Destinations: Clare, Sligo & Mayo
Immersion & Multi Activity Outdoor camp (10-14 years)
You will share the daily life of your host family and from Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm, you will take part in the Multi Activity Outdoor Camp.
This camp is an opportunity for you to develop new skills, achieve personal goals and improve your cooperation with others, while enjoying the great outdoors.
The camp welcomes between 100 and 120 young people per week (in 2023: 85% Irish, 15% international students).
Participants are divided into small activity groups, according to age and nationality, to ensure the best possible balance.
Activities on offer: archery, canoeing, kayaking, laser tag, obstacle courses and challenges, communication games, team games.
Duration: 1 to 4 weeks, see Prices and dates tab.
Destination: County Westmeath (several destinations possible)
Immersion & Outdoor Adventure camp (12-16 years)
You will share the daily life of your host family and from Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 5pm, you will take part in theOutdoor Adventure Camp. Lunch break from 13:00 to 14:00.
This camp, reputed to be one of the best adventure sports centres in Ireland, welcomes between 100 and 150 participants per week (in 2023: 50% Irish, 35% Spanish, 8% French, 5% Italian and 2% other nationalities).
Participants are divided into small activity groups, according to age and nationality, to ensure the best possible balance.
Activities on offer: zip-lining, abseiling, climbing, accrobranche, archery, zorbing, canoeing, water trampoline, sailing, windsurfing, laser game, diving, obstacle course, communication games…
Duration: 1 to 4 weeks, see Prices and dates tab.
Destination: Carlingford, County Louth
Immersion & MAD Camp – Music, Acting, Dance – (10 -17 years)
You share the daily life of your host family and from Monday to Friday from 10am to 2pm, you take part in the MAD Camp. There is a 45-minute lunch break. At the end of the camp, you will take part in the show (12/07 in Athlone and 13/07 in Dundalk).
The camp welcomes between 50 and 70 participants per week (in 2023: 70% Irish, 14% Spanish, 14% French and 2% Italian). Participants are divided into small groups by age group.
Activities offered by theme: all activities are taught in a fun and playful way.
- Music: breathing techniques, diction, harmonies, singing, dynamics, etc.
- Theatre: improvisation, mime, scene writing, etc.
- Dance: hip hop, musical comedy, contemporary dance, etc.
Duration: 2 weeks on specific dates, see Prices and dates tab.
Destination: Athlone, Dundalk
Immersion & Tech & Activity camp (12 -17 years)
You will share the daily life of your host family and, from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, you will take part in the Tech & Activity Camp.
The camp welcomes around 50 participants per week (in 2023: 80% Irish, 20% other nationalities). Participants are divided into small working groups. Learning is based on real-life situations that participants must try to solve as a team. The 13 modules are covered over a period of 2 weeks.
The course includes :
- 13 modules: robotics, coding, story mapping, Google Earth pro, Sticky Notes, Trellis, Mind Tool, STEM, Leadership & Team Building, Social Media Literacy, Design Thinking & Human Centered Design, Data Analytics & Visualisation.
- 2 half-day excursions per week in small groups.
Duration: 1 to 3 weeks, see Prices and dates tab.
Destination: Carlow, County Carlow
The host families are carefully selected by our Irish partner, who has over 40 years’ experience in organising total immersion holidays for young people from all over the world. In Ireland, the majority of people live in small towns or rural areas. Placements take place all over the country, but mainly in small towns in the Midlands or in the countryside, depending on the option chosen.
The Irish are very attached to family values and are known for their hospitality and friendliness.
Note: 99% of families have WIFI, but depending on where they live this is not always available.
Features:
- Single or shared room depending on the family, full board. Only one French-speaking participant welcomed in the family.
- Location: anywhere in Ireland, in small towns or rural areas.
Travel
Day of arrival: Saturday or Sunday
Day of departure: Saturday or Sunday
For Immersion & Excursions, Immersion & Horse-riding, Immersion on a farm, Immersion with a teacher: some flexibility is possible in the dates of the stays. Please contact us for any specific requests.
Arrival airport: Dublin
Accompanied return transfer from Dublin airport to your destination is compulsory. Please allow for arrival between 9.00 am and 6.00 pm and departure between 11.00 am and 8.00 pm.
A supplement will be charged for arrivals outside these times (see Fares and dates tab).
For early departures, the participant will be taken to Dublin the day before and will spend the night with a host family selected by our partner, before being taken to the airport the next morning to catch his/her flight. Supplement: see Fares and dates tab
Note: do not book your ticket until we have confirmed your stay.
For young people under 16: some airlines, such as Ryanair, do not allow under-16s to travel unaccompanied by an adult and do not offer UM (Unaccompanied Minor) service. It is therefore important to check with your chosen airline before booking.
Equipment to bring
Immersion & Horseback Riding and Immersion & Pony Camp: bomb, protective waistcoat, riding boots, jodhpurs, mackintosh. Immersion & Pony Camp: in certain cases, the riding centre can provide a spray can, boots and a protective waistcoat. However, we strongly recommend that you bring your own equipment.
Immersion on the farm: warm, comfortable and practical clothing
Immersion & Tennis camp: 2 rackets, tennis shoes (all surfaces), appropriate clothing, change of clothes.
Immersion & Rugby Camp: rugby shoes, sports shoes, protective gear (shoulder pads, mouth guards, helmet), 3 training outfits (shorts, socks, polo shirt), sports kit, light rain gear
Immersion & Soccer Camp: shin protectors, spikes, sports shoes, rain gear
Immersion & Surf Camp: swimming costume and towel
Immersion & Adventure Sports: sportswear (jogging and sweatshirt, sports shoes, full change of clothes, shorts, swimming costume and tee shirts)
Immersion & MAD Camp: comfortable clothing
Dates & Prices 2025
Dates 2025
All Family Immersion holidays take place throughout the summer period from 23/06 to 20/08, during the Irish Easter holidays from 12/04 to 27/04 and the All Saints’ Day holidays from 25/10 to 2/11, from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday. Immersions with sports or leisure camps are organised on the dates indicated below.
Camp start dates
(plan to arrive on the Saturday or Sunday before)
- Pony:
23/06, 30/06,7/07, 14/07, 21/07,28/07, 4/08, 11/08 - Tennis:
30/06, 7/07, 14/07, 21/07 - Soccer:
30/06, 7/07, 14/07, 21/07, 28/07, 4/08, 11/08 - Surfing : 23/06, 30/06, 7/07, 14/07, 21/07, 28/07, 4/08, 11/08
- Outdoor Adventure : 23/06,
30/06, 7/07,14/07, 21/07, 28/07, 4/08, 11/08 - Basketball : full
- Multi Activity Outdoor : 30/06, 7/07, 14/07, 21/07, 28/07, 4/08, 11/08
- Tech & Activity: 30/06, 7/07, 14/07, 21/07
- Rugby: full
Camp dates (2-week stays)
(plan to arrive on the Saturday or Sunday before)
- MAD (Music, Acting, Dance): 30/06 to 11/07 (arrival 29/06, departure 13/07)
Prices 2025
Registration fees included
| Stay prices | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formula | 1 week | 2 weeks | 3 weeks | 4 weeks |
| Immersion & Excursions | € 1.095 | € 1.555 | € 2.015 | € 2.510 |
| Farm immersion | € 1.050 | € 1.440 | € 1.830 | € 2.155 |
| Immersion & Horseback Riding | € 1.095 | € 1.545 | € 1.975 | € 2.490 |
| Immersion with the teacher (10 private English lessons/week) & Excursions | € 1.505 | € 2.365 | € 3.225 | € 4.120 |
| Immersion & Pony camp | € 1.285 | € 2.025 | € 2.670 | € 3.330 |
| Immersion & Tennis camp | € 1.160 | € 1.755 | € 2.480 | - |
| Immersion & Rugby camp | € 1.285 | € 2.020 | € 2.630 | - |
| Immersion & Soccer camp | € 1.185 | € 1.790 | € 2.450 | € 3.080 |
| Immersion & Surf camp | € 1.215 | € 1.790 | € 2.410 | € 2.960 |
| Immersion & Outdoor adventure camp | € 1.265 | € 1.915 | € 2.600 | € 3.250 |
| Immersion & MAD camp | - | € 1.810 | - | - |
| Immerson & Tech & Activity camp | € 1.255 | € 1.895 | € 2.560 | - |
| Immersion & Basketball camp | € 1.215 | € 1.790 | € 2.410 | € 2.960 |
| Immersion & Multi activity outdoor camp | € 1.240 | € 1.855 | € 2.510 | € 3.130 |
| Supplements | ||||
| Round trip transfer (at times indicated) | € 300 | |||
| Supplement for arrival/departure outside indicated times | € 65 | |||
| Late flight supplement or early flight requiring a night in Dublin on arrival or the day before departure | € 100 | |||
| Private English lessons (per lesson) | € 40 | |||
The above prices include:
- Host family search and selection fees
- Accommodation with a host family, in a single or shared room depending on the family
- Full board
- Activities according to the chosen formula
- Entrance fees (Immersion & Excursions programme)
- Follow-up and assistance from Langues Vivantes and the local partner during the stay
- Registration fees
The above prices do not include
- Return journey to Dublin
- Return transfer from Dublin airport to the host family
- Meals taken outside the school during visits or excursions (Immersion & Excursions programmes)
- Optional insurance
- Personal expenses
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