IBC at a Glance
Infinity Business College is an independent institution for further education. Established to provide quality education at affordable fees, we offer a wide range of academic, professional and vocational qualifications in Business Management, Information Technology, Accountancy and languages.
IBC endeavours to provide support for our overseas students and make their stay in Ireland a happy and fulfilling experience. We assist in familiarization, local accommodation and home-stay.
Students work in an informal, friendly and self-disciplined environment, without the distractions and inflexibility associated with a traditional college. Friendly staff attend to individuals needs. There is also an extra-curricular programme of cultural activities, with national trips organised on demand.
Computer labs have up-to-date computers, with appropriate software to support the practical activities of the students, including continuous broadband Internet access.
IBC prizes itself with a highly-qualified, enthusiastic and committed administrative and academic staff. IBC's aim is to offer exceptional opportunities to achieve high exam performance and this is achieved through the efforts of the lecturers and management. The academic team bring to their courses a professional and supportive approach that engenders a heightened learning environment.
Location
Infinity Business College is centrally located in Dawson Street, Dublin 2, with easy accessibility by Dart (the Irish rail service), Luas (the Irish Tram service) and bus link. It is adjacent to Grafton Street which is the heart of Dublin city centre. The college also has a building on Pearse Street, just off O’Connell Street which is the main thoroughfare in Dublin. Being so close to Dublin city centre it offers a wide variety of restaurants, parks, banks, libraries, supermarkets, shopping malls and cinemas.
It is easy for students to find accommodation in this area. Easy transportation links offer an extended choice. At Infinity Business College all of your requirements can be met within a stone’s throw of where you study.
Ireland
Ireland is located next to the United Kingdom in Northern Europe and is home to over 5 million people. Ireland was traditionally an agricultural country but developed over the last 30 years of the 20th Century as an advanced technological and business powerhouse of Europe.
Dublin City
Dublin is the capital city of Ireland. It remains at the forefront of the financial services sector in the country and some of the world’s leading multinational companies are located here. Traditionally, Dublin is a European capital for culture that proudly supports 200 art groups, 6 festivals, 37 libraries, 14 theatres, 29 museums and much, much more. English is the principal language of Ireland.
Diversity
Dublin has become a vibrant melting pot for many different cultures in recent times. You only have to walk down Grafton Street to know that Dublin is a unique learning environment that fosters dignity and respect and empowers individuals to make a meaningful contribution to society. Dublin is a multi-cultured city that hosts an exotic selection of music, dance, cuisine and fashion.
Entertainment
"The most wasted day of all is that during which we have not laughed." Sebastian R.N. Chamfort. Dublin offers a wide spectrum of entertainment to people of all ages that are guaranteed to provide joyful memories. The city is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, which consequently attracts a lot of celebrities. Dublin is renowned for its pub culture offering great music and good 'craic' while the Saint Patrick annual parade is an excuse to party.
Museums and art galleries can be visited in Dublin, some of them free of charge. Go to Merrion Square to visit the National Museum and the National History Museum, to Parnell Square for the Hugh Lane Municipal Gallery of Modern Art. Kilmainham for the Irish Museum of Modern Art.
There are many outstanding music venues around the city for example; The Point, The Ambassador, The Gaeity Theatre, and The Olympia, which cater for all kinds of music and other cultural events. Other entertainment includes a selection of international dining, world-class theatre and festivals, concerts, jazz and comedy clubs and of course, traditional Irish music.
Learning
Ireland has an international reputation for it’s’ level of education. A high standard of education is a top priority for Ireland with adult literacy rates amongst the highest in Europe.
Cost of Living
In addition to tuition fees students may expect to incur living expenses ranging from Euro800 to Euro900 per month for such items as accommodation, food, travel, books, etc. The average cost of accommodation ranges from €500 per month depending on living arrangements.
Communications
Telephones
Eircom runs the national telephone system in Ireland. It is considerably cheaper to make phone calls between 6.00pm and 8.00am Monday to Friday and at weekends, particularly on Sundays. Pre-paid phone cards are widely available in newsagents and are usually a cost efficient method of phoning abroad. Alternatively there are dedicated phone shops in Dublin City center.
Mobile Phones
Mobile phones have a number of network providers. You can purchase a mobile phone at any phone shop though the cost of maintaining a mobile phone can be significant depending on usage. Mobile phones purchased in Ireland will work anywhere in Europe.
An Post is the state operated national post office. Letters posted to countries outside of the European Union cost between 65c to 90c. The opening hours of post offices are 9.00am -5.30pm Monday to Friday and 9.00am - 1.00pm on Saturdays
Bank Services
Students are advised to open a bank account in Dublin, as soon as possible after arrival. All that is needed to open the bank account is a passport or National Identity Card and a letter from your college confirming your registered student status, together with a valid student card.
Credit Cards
All major credit cards are accepted throughout Ireland at hotels, restaurants etc.
Currency
The common European currency - the EURO - is accepted throughout the EU except in the UK which deals in sterling. For exchange rates visit www.centralbank.ie
Accomodation
Infinity Business College does not have its own hall of residence but it can assist you in finding suitable accommodation in the vicinity of the college. Unless you have already made arrangements for permanent accommodation you should ideally plan your travel so as to arrive in Ireland one or two weeks before the starting date of your course.
Reserving Temporary / Hotel Accommodation
Depending on your visa arrangements we may have accommodation arranged for you on your arrival in Ireland. If not we can make a provisional booking on your behalf before you leave home provided we receive your request in writing two weeks in advance of your proposed arrival in Ireland. Your request must be accompanied by a non-refundable deposit of Euro160. The cost of accommodation will vary depending on the type required.
Security
Introduction
The Directors of IBC are responsible for the maintenance of security and the enforcement of regulations on the premises and grounds of the College. Disrespect to any member of the student body or staff is strictly forbidden and may result in penalties including suspension or dismissal.
Dublin city is regarded as one of Europe's safest cities, but security is a concern for everybody. Infinity Business College is centrally located in Dublin 2. Local police information and contact details can be obtained from the Admissions Office on arrival.
Your Personal Safety
In Dublin, as in major cities, you should be aware of keeping your valuables and your personal belongings safe. Do not carry large amounts of cash around with you unless absolutely necessary and even then use a bag around your waist. Don't make yourself a target by walking around with expensive cameras hanging around your neck; be careful with handbags or rucksacks especially in cafes and restaurants. Do not walk in unfamiliar, unlit areas alone at night.
Studing in Ireland
Many international students come to Ireland to study because it is an English speaking country. Some of the most famous writers and poets in the English language have come from Ireland, including James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw, Samuel Beckett, Jonathan Swift and William Butler Yeats.
When International students come to Ireland they feel welcome and safe. Irish people have a reputation for being friendly and open. Multinational companies such as Microsoft, Oracle, Dell and IBM have established their European Headquarters in Ireland. There are many opportunities in Ireland for individuals to find a rewarding career.
Health Insurance
Health Insurance for EU Nationals:
Infinity Business College organises private health insurance for the first six months of your stay as part of your visa application.
Health Insurance for Non-EU Nationals:
Non-EU students who will be resident in the country for a minimum of one year are eligible for public hospital treatment under the same conditions as an Irish citizen. Non-EU students staying for less than one year are not. Non-EU students staying for less than one year should ensure that they have private medical insurance.
Private Health Insurance in Ireland:
Due to long waiting lists for public health treatment, many Irish people pay for private health insurance. The two main private health insurance companies in Ireland are VHI and BUPA.
The Voluntary Health Insurance Board
V.H.I House
Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1
Website: www.vhi.ie
Or
Quinn Healthcare
Mill Island, Fermoy, Co.Cork
Website: www.quinn-healthcare.com