Language lessons in Cork

One of Ireland’s most cosmopolitan cities, Cork will captivate you like no other. Known for its friendly locals and rich history, Cork is the country’s second-biggest city, with an estimated population of 221,452 people. According to the 2016 census, more than 10% of the city residents are foreign-born, with the biggest immigrant communities coming from countries like Poland, Lithuania, France, Spain and Romania. What’s more, 14.3% of the population of Cork City speak a foreign language at home, with Polish being the most dominant, followed by French and Lithuanian. 

As you can imagine, being able to communicate in a language other than English is a smart move for anyone living in such a diverse multicultural city. This is especially true if you wish to connect to the part of the community that doesn’t speak English well, which accounts for 4.4% of the total foreign population. What’s more, learning a second or third language will bring many opportunities for your professional life and expand your knowledge of the world as you learn about other cultures.
 

Where to study foreign languages in Cork

One of the most entertaining way to expand your vocabulary and improve your grammar is by reading. If you’re looking for a quiet place where you can read all kinds of language books, you should visit Cork City Library, located at 61 Grand Parade. In addition to finding dictionaries, magazines and newspapers in many languages, you’ll find poem books, novels and encyclopedias that will boost your skills.

However, if you’re looking to get a certification, you might consider enrolling on one of the language courses offered by University College Cork. The university offers courses at all levels in seven languages, which include Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish, German, French and Italian. These courses are taught at the university campus by experienced teachers who will help you along your journey to becoming multilingual.

Language exchange groups in Cork

As enjoyable as studying a language on your own can be, every language learner knows there’s nothing more thrilling than getting together with other language enthusiasts to test your newly acquired skills. Language Exchange Cork, one of the biggest language groups in the area, meet every Thursday from 7 to 9 pm at An Spailpín Fánach bar, located at 29 S Main St. This event offers the opportunity to practise your target language in a relaxed and easy-going environment where learners of all levels are welcomed. No registration is needed to attend this event, just show up, pay the €5 admission fee at the door, and get ready to boost your skills with people from all over the globe. Even though learners of all languages are welcomed, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Italian are the most common exchanges. 

Cultural institutions and events in Cork

There are many events in Cork that celebrate the best international artists, musicians and performers. One of them is Cork International Choral Festival, one of Europe's most prestigious choral events that attract thousands of singers from all over the world who come to participate in gala performances, international trophy competitions, fringe concerts, workshops, and free public performances in more than 90 venues throughout Cork city and county. In addition to listening to some of the best voices in the world, you’ll get the unique chance to be part of the biggest choir of the event! In this fun, a public event called Big Sing, which will take place in April, professional and amateur singers of all ages and levels are invited to sing together at the city’s Concert Hall, one of the most attractive venues in the country. No preparation is necessary, as music and lyrics will be handed out on the day, so don’t miss it!

Another event that attracts some of the most talented people in the world is the Cork International Film Festival. This wonderful festival offers the perfect opportunity for film lovers in Cork to experience one of the very best selections of national and international films in the country. You’ll be transported across the globe as you enjoy some of the most renowned films of the year but also exciting work from the most promising young directors. The festival’s compelling programme includes feature fiction films, documentaries, shorts, and hybrid approaches that blur the distinctions between documentary and fiction and push against the constraints of genre. This year, don’t miss the festival’s 67th edition, which will take place in November in cinemas across the city and online.

Language jobs in Cork

If you want to become more employable in Cork, the best thing you can do is learn a new language. With more than 140 multinationals operating from the city, like Apple, Amazon, EMC, SolarWinds and Siemens, there are many excellent job positions in the area exclusive for bilinguals, like German-speaking Localisation QA tester, Italian-speaking Customer Service and Data Technician, and French-speaking People Specialist.

Even if working for a multinational is not in your plans, learning a language can still be beneficial for your career. Due to the growing immigration levels in Ireland, being able to communicate in Polish, Lithuanian or French will allow you to build business relationships with the biggest foreign communities in the area, which can make a difference in whatever job you have. 

Get started now!!!

If you want to take your communication skills to the next level, there’s no better place in Cork to do so than Listen & Learn. You won’t have to endure any more boring lessons, as we’ll pair you up with a teacher that will tailor a class according to your interests, your language level and your goals! Just take one of our free level tests so we can find out exactly where you are at the moment and then just send us a quick enquiry so someone from our team can contact you as fast as possible.