EIL/AFS Ireland is a not-for-profit educational charity based in Cork with more than 55 years of experience in international learning.
We work to create opportunities for young people to explore the world, learn about different cultures, and gain new perspectives. Our mission is clear: to help people become active global citizens through meaningful intercultural experiences.
In 2018, EIL joined with AFS Intercultural Programs, a long-established global exchange organisation.
Together, we offer trusted, well-supported learning journeys for Irish students who want to see more of the world.
Our Outbound Study Abroad Programme
One of our most exciting opportunities is the Secondary School Abroad programme. This programme allows young people, usually aged 15–18, to live with a host family and attend school in another country. It is especially popular with Transition Year students, who often use the year to grow their independence, build confidence, and try something new. However, we do offer some programmes to over 18 year olds.
Students can choose from destinations such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, the USA, and many more. Programmes are flexible, you can travel for two weeks, several months, or even a full academic year. We offer two main departure times: August and January, giving students and families the time to plan what works best for them.
While abroad, every student receives strong support. Host families are carefully selected, local coordinators stay in touch, and our international network helps students adapt to their new home and school. These experiences don’t just improve language skills, they help young people grow in confidence, maturity, and understanding of the world.
“This picture captures my whole exchange. It was taken at the AFS introductory weekend, where I met the other exchange students for the first time. I felt such a strong connection with the other students because we were all essentially in the same boat!
I’ll never forget the friends I made during my time in Switzerland. Looking back on this photo I am filled with pride. While I was away, I grew to appreciate my own culture a lot more. None of this could have been made possible without EIL Ireland and AFS.” – Sarah Jones (Study Abroad Student)
