Language-Plus courses, which combine English lessons with leisure activities are gaining popularity in Ireland. Some language centres provide English lessons in the mornings and a specialised activity programme in the afternoons. Other providers start the programme with intensive language courses of one to four weeks duration. Following the course the students will then take part in an intensive programme of a specialised activity. The combination of English lessons with pastime activities gives the student the opportunity to improve his or her language skills by practising a favourite hobby. Examples for activities are horseriding, surfing, golf, fishing, rugby, drama, music, Irish culture and more. The Slaney Language Centre has designed a course called ‘English and Culture’ around the renowned Wexford Festival Opera. Participants of the English and Culture course will combine their English lessons with music, art and theatre events. The course starts on 19 October and runs for two weeks. It targets the more mature students - 50 plus - but is open to anybody over 18. A combination of English and Fly Fishing is planned for spring and summer 2010. The Language Travel Magazine provides a list of Language-Plus courses offered by language schools in Ireland.

Lisa